Jlo Tep
Newspaper
In 1950, Mater Dei High School first opened up for students who wanted college preparation for academics, providing a thorough academic program that includes honors, AP, and college prep courses. Being a private Catholic School that offered religious studies draws attention as well. Numerous young people have been drawn to these benefits .
With a wide variety of elective courses to choose from, Mater Dei can cater to each student’s individual interests and requirements. Offerings include high end classes, experienced teachers, a safe environment, as well as skilled coaches for athletics. Due to what Mater Dei had to offer, students often transfer from a school that hasn’t met as many of their needs. This year, there are 80 to 100 transfer students.
Students interested in attending Mater Dei High School must submit an application. Tony Perez who is a sophomore transfer student that came from Texas to enroll in this school felt like he was “prepared” for his interview.
“Although, I was very nervous because I didn’t know what questions they would be asking me, I will say that, going more into the interview, I settled down and enjoyed it,” Perez said “I was also nervous about getting accepted because I was intimidated by the standards this school holds.”
The Transfer Lunch, which brings all the transfers together for bonding, is one of the events planned to aid in the socialization of transfer students. The coordinators also conduct campus tours, which helps transfers see the environment and setting they’ll be entering. The ASB office offers a student buddy to help the new students get around campus. It’s available so people can start getting connected. The Club Fair in September is also a great opportunity to join something and meet new people.
Being a transfer student and being able to attend a top rated, private, Catholic school may sound great all around, however, it also involves a transitional step. All transfers must make an adjustment after coming from a different school. Junior transfer, Alexandra Rose Ungaro is still getting accustomed to a new school.
“[It is] rough but I know I can get through it. It’s only the beginning of the year and I am still adjusting to the workload and the studying that’s expected. I will say that this is preparing me for college,” Ungaro said. “I hope to finish the year with a strong GPA”.
Throughout this procedure, students are not on their own. Instructors and counselors are continually by their side. For transitioning, Counselor Sasha Lo has experienced everyone to be really welcoming.
“This really goes for anyone that comes to visit, especially transfers,” Lo said. “That’s what makes our school so strong, we are welcoming to visitors. People will end up finding their group. It’s helpful to join academic clubs such as Robotics, or Math Club, and sports. In general, I think people find their place here which is lovely to see. The difficult part is learning new school systems and becoming accustomed to unfamiliar tools. It takes time for a student to transfer.”
The Performing Arts Program at Mater Dei is also something many people show interest in.
“A lot of students come for the academics and arts,” Lo said.“Transfers look forward to the opportunities here for future college aspirations. Students who come here, hear great things about the teachers as well.”
Mater Dei arts courses strive to embody the art that awakens people’s creativity, encourages collaboration, and rekindles their passion and willpower, making them into more fully realized versions of themselves. Some art programs that transfer students enjoy at Mater Dei are Dance, Theatre, Instrumental Music, The Scarlet Scroll Newspaper, and Choral and Vocal Music.
Mater Dei is also known for its fabulous athletic program and therefore attracts a lot of great athletes. As a junior transfer student who just joined the Softball Program at Mater Dei, Alexandra Rose Ungaro appreciates how the other athletes and coaches form a close team.
“We’ll be together through the whole season and help each other out with anything,” Ungaro said “It is really competitive but it just prepares us for what challenges we’re going to experience next. Even though it’s competitive, we stay together throughout the whole game and support each other. Coming together as one and defeating the other teams we go against.”