RECENT NEWS
2025 Vermont STEM Fair
Congratulations to our science teacher, Mr. Mark Pendergrass, and the 14 students in grades 6-8 who represented Mater Christi School at the 2025 Vermont Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fair at Norwich University on Sunday, March 16: Ella Botten, Adele Carta, Tara Clogan, Abigail Del Piero, Esther Gray, Rachel Hershey, Evan Keech, Anna Larkin, Eloise Moses, Cabby Ostrander Francesca Paula, Nora Schottel, Will Winters, and Clara Zhang. Mater Christi students were recognized with 16 awards: Ella Botten — U.S. Navy Science Award, Mary Hoppe Memorial Award, Thermo ... read more
First Graders Create Illustrated Narratives Inspired by Eric Carle
Mrs. Macedonia’s first-grade class recently completed an author study unit with a focus on the illustrations of Eric Carle. As they read and discussed the books, students learned a “notice and wonder” skill by looking closely at the illustrations, finding patterns and details, and asking questions such as “I wonder why Eric Carle used paper instead of drawing the face?”. The first graders also studied story elements in narratives and examined how books can change lives of people around the world. Students learned how and where children obtain books around the world: from ... read more
2025 Science Fair Awards and Recognitions
In the spirit of discovery and innovation, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our young scientists at the 2025 Mater Christi School Science Fair. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the ingenuity and passion of our students across grades 6 through 8. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and scientific thinking. This year's science fair was made possible by the dedication and expertise of our distinguished panel of judges, who had the challenging task of evaluating the projects. We ... read more
Fourth Graders Create Biome Boxes
I think that education is at its best when it’s interdisciplinary. After all, life is interdisciplinary! Rarely are we ever just working within a single subject area; regardless of vocation, most of us are required to use some combination of knowledge and skill in language, numbers, and even fine arts. If, as educators, we’re helping to form our students into people who will thrive in the world – to become courageous and compassionate leaders – we should be demonstrating how those subjects that students experience in discrete 45-minute blocks are all ultimately ... read more
Mark Pendergrass Selected as VASE Teacher of the Year
Mater Christi School science teacher Mark Pendergrass was recently selected as the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering (VASE) Teacher of the Year. VASE’s mission includes recognizing “outstanding achievement and contributions in the broadly defined areas of science and/or engineering.” VASE will honor Mr. Pendergrass at their Annual Fall Meeting at Middlebury College on Tuesday, October 29. According to Tim Loescher, Head of School, “Mark Pendergrass has been an invaluable member of Mater Christi School’s faculty, as our middle school science teacher, since 2011. He is an ... read more