Read2Succeed Comes to Sophia!

Sophia Academy students spent the summer lost in books while making strides towards their college careers. Read2Succeed (R2S), an innovative summer reading and college scholarship program founded by Ralph and Barbara Papitto, provided each student with six books to read over the summer and a generous $1,000 college scholarship to those who completed a comprehension quiz for each book. Sixteen students earned the scholarship in this inaugural year.

R2S Founder Barbara Papitto stands with fifth grade R2S scholars Maria, Ahmari, Mariah, Herianna, and Camila.

“We know that students who participate in Read to Succeed maintain, and even improve, their reading skills over the summer. We also know how important a Read to Succeed scholarship is to making college that much more affordable for these families,” states Barbara Papitto.

Seventh grader Mia spoke at the Sophia Academy Read2Succeed awards ceremony, saying, “I have always thought that reading was fun, but this program made me appreciate different parts of reading… what I liked about the program was that it made me feel much more productive... I got to take time away from electronics, so I really liked that part of the program.

“Having this scholarship means that I’m preparing myself for college and I am helping my family with the money. I want to go to college because it will really prepare me for the real world and it will help me with my future career.”

Sophia Academy mentor Ting Barnard spoke to the students, sharing her story as a young immigrant from Laos who spent her childhood reading countless books in local libraries, which opened her mind to the wider world.

“We know it is never too early to start thinking about our future and what success means to each one of us. Read2Succeed not only supports reading and comprehension skills; it helps families who see college as part of their success story start that path early. I am so proud of the first group of Sophia students who took on the challenge and proudly shared their experience with their Sophia sisters,” said Melissa Moniz, Director of Middle School.

Congratulations to all of our R2S Scholars!

Favorite Summer Reads from Sophia Academy’s 2021 Read2Succeed Scholars

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Chocolate Fever
Dancing in the Wings
Efrén Divided
Fire Girl
New Kid
Other Words for Home
Outrun the Moon
Stella by Starlight
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
The Color of My Hands
The Giver

Student Agency on the Road to High School

“The student is at the heart of the high school process; their voice is so important,” says Sophia’s Director of Enrollment, Guidance & Graduate Support, Angie Duran. “We offer support through the transition and ideas on where they might be successful, but ultimately it is a matching process guided by the students’ values, skills and personal goals rather than a ‘placement’.”

Choosing a high school is an exciting moment in each student’s educational career. It is also the first time that most students will make a complex decision about their future. Students and families must probe what high school experience is best for them academically, socially, and culturally; they must weigh important factors such as tuition, financial aid, specialized programs, and diversity at the schools they consider. Ms. Duran engages each student and family in a months-long process that guides them in lessons on self-discovery and communicating one’s strengths; there are deep conversations about the environments in which they will be supported and feel a sense of belonging.

Starting in seventh grade, students begin the process of understanding options, attending open houses, preparing for entrance tests and interviews, and working on admissions and financial aid applications.

All students sit for the Classical High School exam, and many take the SSAT and Catholic high school placement test. Ms. Duran personalizes the process for each student, assisted by SophiaCorps member Diamond Rivera ’12 and Sara Poulard, a Providence College intern. These two young women, both first generation college graduates (as is Ms. Duran), bring their own experiences to their guidance of Sophia’s eighth graders. Head of School Maura Farrell and Director of Middle School Melissa Moniz also support the process, particularly during the decision-making phase; ultimately, the choice belongs to the family and student.

Empowered by the knowledge of their opportunities, active in the process, and closely supported in choosing their best option, Sophia students practice being discerning advocates for themselves.

Once in high school, Sophia graduates stay in regular communication with Sophia Academy faculty, sharing updates on their lives, academic journeys, and supporting younger generations of Sophia students – like Latsany Lopez, Class of 2015, and Yeisha Bautista, Class of 2008, who spend an hour each week mentoring a current student.

Last year, the Class of 2021 decided to continue their educational journeys at Blackstone Academy Charter, LaSalle Academy, Lincoln School, The MET, Providence Country Day School, Rocky Hill Country Day School, St. Mary Academy - Bay View, St. Patrick Academy, and School One. The opportunities abound for the Class of 2022!

Jayda Santana and Yarielys Lantigua, both Sophia Class of 2021 (second and third from left, respectively), recently returned to Sophia Academy as ambassadors of St. Patrick's Academy.

Voices on the R.I.S.E

Sophia eighth grader Tailee prepares to share her wisdom on the Young Women’s Panel

From Maura Farrell, Sophia Academy Head of School

On November 5, eighth grader Tailee served as the youngest panelist at the 2021 R.I.S.E Women’s Leadership Conference. Speaking to a packed hall with self-assurance and ease, Tailee shared powerful words that revealed the wisdom she has developed at Sophia Academy: “I believe that success does not depend on your age, education, or financial status. Success depends on belief in yourself, and the consistent actions you take towards your goals.”

Sophia was also well represented by alumna Ashley Ogoffa, now a senior at Lincoln School. I was honored to moderate this conversation among five dynamic young Rhode Island women. As Sophia continues to take consistent action to fulfill its goals, inspired by Ashley, Tailee, and all of their Sophia sisters, I'm proud that we continue to invite and empower the voices of young women.

“I believe that success does not depend on your age, education, or financial status. Success depends on belief in yourself, and the consistent actions you take towards your goals.”

Our goal is to encourage each student to build her curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence, and to use her innate wisdom on her journey. We want each student to be secure in her identity, skills, and right to forge any pathway she chooses as a learner and a leader. I'm grateful to a community of faculty, mentors, donors, and volunteers who work alongside our students and graduates. As we enter the third winter of a global pandemic and experience the ongoing, complex challenges around the world, there is no more important work than ensuring girls and women have the courage, wisdom, and responsibility to believe in themselves and rise to every challenge. The strong voices of the R.I.S.E. Young Women's Circle panel give us hope.

Seventh Grade Begins the Environmental Justice Academy

Written by Alyssa Wood, Science Teacher

This fall, Sophia Academy seventh graders will start the Environmental Justice Academy! The program begins a two-year partnership with Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ) as part of a United Way’s Community Impact Fund Grant. This program is led by Sophia Academy Science Teacher Alyssa Wood, Dean of Students April Samuels, and RWPZ’s School Program Specialist Meg Warburton. Weekly discussion topics will include conversations about racism, injustice, and disparity and equity as they relate to environmental justice and conservation, with BIPOC speakers who are professionals in those fields.

This unique collaboration between Sophia Academy and Roger Williams Park Zoo will provide a brave space for all participants to engage in challenging conversations. As part of Sophia Academy’s innovative science curriculum, Sophia students will have enriching engagement with the Zoo’s campus and classrooms, staff, and animal ambassadors!

Sophia Welcomes New Trustees

We are excited to announce Joy Fox has been elected President of the Sophia Academy Board of Trustees effective July 1. Joy, is a resident of Warwick and CEO of Clarendon Group. Joy succeeds Alison Eichler, of Providence, as she completes a four-year term. 

Head of School Maura Farrell said gratefully: “Alison’s relentless work to make connections for our school, shared leadership approach, and unwavering support for the mission has propelled us forward. In her time as Board Chair, Sophia Academy has leapt forward financially and programmatically. Our profile is more visible than ever. Our Board is actively engaged and humming as a team. We are completing our 20th year and just graduated our 250th student. We’re all truly grateful for her leadership.”

The Board also elected three new trustees: Lil O’Rourke of Providence, President of URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement; Nealisse Morillo, MSW, of Warwick, Sophia Academy Class of 2010; and Rebecca Webber, of Providence, General Manager at CIC Providence. Lara Couturier, of Barrington, Principal of Washington, D.C., based HCM Strategies, was elected Vice President, and Janet Hasson, of Boise, ID, a consultant, was elected Treasurer. 

“We are grateful to these community leaders for their contributions to our school, and their willingness to deepen that dedication,” said Maura Farrell. “They come to us from a diverse array of careers and experience, and are united in their passion for Sophia’s mission. We are excited about the vision, strategic strength, and expertise they will bring to the school as we approach our 20th anniversary and plan for the school’s next phase.” 

From left to right: Joy Fox, Lil O’Rourke, Nealisse Morrillo ’10, and Rebecca Webber.

COVID-19 and Health Issues - 8th Grade Seminar Project

Every year, the 8th grade class at Sophia Academy participates in a Seminar where they choose a topic they are deeply passionate about. This year, our class chose the focus issue of “Racism and COVID” and how that impacts access to personal protective equipment (PPE) in Rhode Island. Like many important matters in the world, this is an issue that is particularly important and should be talked about. We found that if people did not have access to PPE, their health was put at risk. 

We decided on this project because we wanted to help raise awareness of this issue. Our purpose was to show how COVID-19 is affecting people of color, especially their health.  We created surveys, drafted emails, and put all our effort into this project because we are passionate about equality and access for all people. 

As you can see, most of the people who did our survey answered by saying that they do have trouble accessing PPE. With this information, we concluded we needed to find a way for people to receive free PPE. Thankfully, we were informed about the Rhode Island Juneteenth event which provided us a venue to give out free PPE to people.

Juneteenth is a celebration that commemorates the June 19, 1865, emancipation of enslaved people throughout the United States of America. Juneteenth RI’s mission is to “collectively celebrate African American liberations, accomplishments and contributions through education, effective communication, inner strength and endurance through observance of Juneteenth;” specifically stated in their website. For more information regarding the organization, here is their website: https://juneteenthri.com/  

As part of our action plan, we will be giving out bags filled with PPE to people at this event on June 19, 2021. We are proud to be able to give one hundred people free PPE! 

Rosalina and Jayda with the hand sanitizer that was donated by Mr. Rob for the event

About Seminar

Our Seminar teachers, Ms. April and Mr. Rob, made sure that we understand and can distinguish between individual and systemic root causes of current issues. When working on this project, we learned the basic structures and functions of the executive and legislative branches of state and local government, and utilized the “Advocacy Hourglass” and “Participatory Action Research” to identify decision-makers and influencers who have power over our issue, and invite and interview guest speakers.  

Our class split into three groups to work on various aspects of the effects of COVID and racism, and all engaged in gathering information and research to test our assumptions. We are grateful for the opportunity to do something positive for our community. 

Written by the 8th Grade Covid Handy Helpers: Rosalina, Jayda, Brianna, Jodie, and Yealea

Creating a Platform for the Future

From our Head of School, Maura Farrell:

Even as our small and mighty community has worked through the challenges of the pandemic over the past 15 months, we've kept our sights on the future. In June, we will graduate our 250th student. In September, we will celebrate our 20th anniversary. The time is right to create a platform for the next 20 years.

Throughout this academic year, a Task Force of Trustees and staff led a process to craft Sophia Academy’s first Vision Statement, reconsider our Mission Statement, and refine our Guiding Principles, seeking input from faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents along the way.

Our Vision Statement describes the world we want to see, the world in which we imagine our graduates thriving, and the world we are working to help create.

Our Mission Statement conveys our core purpose. It helps us to make decisions about how we will use resources and measure impact. It should engage all members of our community – students, faculty, families, volunteers, trustees, donors, and the larger community. It should evoke the vibrancy of the school and the agency of our students. It should be aspirational, hopeful, and inspiring.

Our Guiding Principles provide a common understanding of social justice, the idea on which our school was founded, and unify our curriculum, classrooms, professional development, and programs.

Our community engaged in deep, robust conversations about these essential statements. I’m grateful to all who participated for their passion and thoughtfulness. These dialogues have yielded a tremendous result while reconfirming our vital purpose.

I am pleased to share Sophia Academy’s Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles:

OUR VISION

An equitable world where girls and women

are seeking fulfillment, realizing their dreams,

and inspiring others.

OUR MISSION 

Sophia Academy engages girls from low-income families  

on a joyful quest for self-discovery and opportunity  

through a middle school education grounded in social justice. 

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Sophia Academy was founded on the idea of social justice, which informs every aspect of the school. We define social justice as equity in education, wealth distribution, opportunity, access, and privilege.  

We teach through a social justice lens: In all disciplines, we value multiple perspectives; we discern whose voice is heard and whose voice is silent; and we address the systems that cause injustice and inequity. 

We create a safe space for girls: Through social/emotional learning, wellness, and restorative justice, we create a safe, culturally responsive community.  

We practice resilience: We understand that adversity is a part of life; we teach and model the tools and habits to name, process, and grow from challenge.  

We are student centered: It is our responsibility to help each student draw forth her inherent wisdom, entrusting her to embrace her own intellectual growth.   

We are gender responsive: As a girls’ school, we form deep relationships and affirm each student’s unique identity and voice. 

We have an intellectually engaging and holistic curriculum: We employ research-based best practices in middle school education that encourage meaningful reflection and prepare our graduates for the world. 

We cultivate leadership: We help our students advocate for themselves, for one another, and for a just society, and we provide them with opportunities to lead within the school and community. 

We engender lifelong learning: We deliver a wide array of on- and off-campus experiences which promote active learning, and inspire our community to engage as learners and teachers. 

Only Rain Down the Stormdrain!

This spring, the fifth grade science class was treated to a unique lesson that culminated in three community murals now located on Elmwood Avenue for all to see!

Science teacher Alyssa Wood worked with the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center and artist Katie Gui to teach students about water quality, runoff, and stormwater science through a series of virtual workshops, with the support of additional partners: The Audubon Society of RI, Partnership for Providence Parks, and Ximedica.

After learning about natural water filtration systems, their importance, and the animals that call Narragansett Bay home, the fifth grade flexed their artistic muscles. They discussed how they can make an individual impact on improving the local water cycle as they worked with Ms. Katie to apply their new knowledge to design three public murals. You can view these murals on Elmwood Avenue at the intersections of Adelaide Ave, Reservoir Ave, and Atlantic Ave.

Fifth grader Jo-Liyah reflected on the project, saying: “Art is one of my favorite subjects, and I really had fun with Ms. Katie and my classmates. It was pretty fun to see all of our drawings in the mural and how they came together. All the stuff we learned about water, Narragansett Bay, rain, impervious and pervious surfaces – that’s pretty cool to know...and I can share it with the community outside of Sophia!”

The mural project will be celebrated at the Rain Harvest Arts Festival in Roger Williams Park on June 12, where our students will be featured in a video highlighting their work.

Pictured left to right: 5th graders Azmyralda, Megan, Jaylyn, Tehillah, Aliana and artist Katie Gui with one of their finished murals along Elmwood Avenue.

Sophia Announces 2021 Women of Wisdom

Sophia Academy is thrilled to be celebrating Stacey Abrams, Toots Zynsky, and Latsany Lopez as our 2021 Women of Wisdom. This honor recognizes women who exemplify Sophia’s core values of courage, responsibility, respect, and peace. 

“Despite the tremendous challenges of the past year, we have so much to celebrate,” said Maura Farrell, Head of School. “Stacey, Toots and Latsany have inspired our Sophia community, and this is our way of saying thank you. Thank you for fighting for justice for all. Thank you for supporting girls’ education. And thank you for modeling true leadership for our students. We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking ways in which our Women of Wisdom have created positive change using their inherent talents and wisdom – just as we hope our students will one day.”  

The event will feature interviews from the three honorees, conducted by Sophia students and WPRI’s Kim Kalunian. Hosted by WPRI’s Ted Nesi, the event will be on May 3, 2021 at 6p.m.

Attendance is free, but advance registration is required. Please visit the Women of Wisdom Celebration page to reserve your ticket and submit a story for the Who’s Your Woman of Wisdom Campaign. To date, our community has submitted the stories of 87 personal women of wisdom. 

Past Women of Wisdom honorees include Suzanne Murray, Joan Wernig Sorensen, Anne Szostak, Liz Chace, Suzanne Magaziner, and Sister Mary Reilly. 

Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams is a renowned voting rights activist, politician, lawyer, and a New York Times bestselling author. Sophia is honored to recognize Stacey for her tremendous commitment to social justice and for her work to promote fair elections.   

Toots Zynsky

Toots Zynsky is an internationally acclaimed artist based in Providence, who is celebrated for her use of color and innovative process of manipulating glass in distinct and unique ways. Sophia is honored to recognize Toots for her political activism, commitment to providing high-quality education to all students, and her dedication to the mission of Sophia Academy.

Latsany Lopez, Class of 2015

Latsany Lopez is sophomore biotechnology major at the University of Rhode Island. A graduate of Sophia Academy and Classical High School, Latsany is the first Sophia alumna to return as a mentor. Sophia is honored to recognize Latsany’s academic accomplishments, and selfless support of Sophia students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Many Thanks to our Sponsors!

This event is made possible by our many sponsors. Please visit our sponsor highlight page for the full list of generous sponsors: https://www.sophia-academy.org/21wowsponsors. We are grateful for their support!

If you are interested in a Women of Wisdom sponsorship, please email Tom at tkerrvanderslice@sophia-academy.org for more information.

Sophia Presents At National Coalition of Girls Schools’ Symposium

On February 2, Head of School Maura Farrell, Director of Middle School Melissa Moniz, and SophiaCorps member Diamond Rivera ’12 presented at the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ Virtual Educating Girls Symposium, Building Inclusive, Anti-Racist School Communities. 

Their presentation, entitled “Reflecting Wisdom in the Girls – Designing Around Lived Experience,” shared how Sophia Academy designs our educational approach to reflect and celebrate each student’s identity. The workshop used programs and practices built at Sophia Academy, such as SophiaCorps, to exemplify this immersive strategy.  

Ms. Farrell and Mrs. Moniz guided attendees to consider students’ contexts (racial backgrounds, neighborhoods, family life, gender, educational histories, etc.) as the initial step before designing any curricula or lessons. They guided participants through the ‘Who before What?’ framework, focusing on students’ contexts and acknowledging each girls’ inner wisdom in order to create an educational space that is relevant, engaging, and joyful for all students.  

Mrs. Moniz impressed the impact this makes on a girl’s middle school education:  

“With her at the center, she is encouraged to challenge what she reads, hears, and sees, she is given the tools to express herself in ways that fits her. And she discovers and embraces her unique gifts, alongside her Sophia sisters. She recognizes that she is valuable and worthy of relationships where she will uplift, and she will be uplifted as well. 

There is no joy like the joy one feels when one becomes aware of and finds strength in the color of her skin and the roots of her hair.” 

Ms. Rivera shared her experience at Sophia, citing the difference she experienced when she transitioned into 5th grade at Sophia Academy. She shared how the comfort and freedom of recognizing shared life experiences with both peers and teachers allowed her to find comfort in her own experience at its core: “It was because of the enrichment happening at Sophia and the relentless efforts about caring about the girl as an individual, more than as a number, that had me ready to bust out of the Sophia bubble and do so well [after 8th grade].” 

The presentation challenged participants to consider further incorporation of social justice materials that support and empower young women of color, leaning into challenging issues of racism, sexism, and poverty. 

Finally, they presented on Sophia Academy’s new SophiaCorps program to encourage attendees to consider their schools’ impact upon the wider world. Recognizing the challenges of their own communities, how can their missions be widened beyond their four walls? For Sophia, that was recognizing the need for more teachers of color in Rhode Island, providing students with the opportunity to learn from educators who understand their lived experience and connect to their cultural strengths and beliefs.