C A T H O L I C
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W E E K
A message from
Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr
A
t the end of January, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week across our country. During my time as Archbishop of Cincinnati, I have been deeply impressed by the quality and vibrancy of our Catholic schools. For generations, our schools have set the standard for academic rigor. More importantly, our schools have emphasized the fostering of moral values and virtues. We are not just conveying knowledge in our schools, but preparing our students to enter the world inspired to make a difference. A Catholic school education is needed more today than ever before.
Our children today face mixed messages from the media and society, and are often forced to make difficult choices. Our schools equip young people with the moral foundation needed to make the right choice. Our schools form leaders who are empowered to transform a troubled world. As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism and anticipation for wonderful things to come. May God continue to bless our Catholic schools!
Sincerely yours in Christ, The Most Rev. Dennis M. Schnurr Archbishop of Cincinnati
Catholic Schools:
W
A culture of excellence
hat is excellence? Excellence is a school where students learn more, go deeper, and are motivated to apply their knowledge and skills to make the world a better place. Excellence is a classroom filled with the best materials and technology that support rigor and 21st century learning. Excellence is a building in which the highest academic standards are fostered. Excellence is a vibrant community where all students are welcomed, valued and validated. Excellence is a teacher who genuinely loves the students, and works hard each day to help every child reach their highest potential. Excellence is a school community built on principles of love, compassion and respect. Excellence is building the whole child, nurturing each student’s spiritual, academic, physical and social development. Excellence is an orientation on the inner-faith life of each child, and helping that child embrace and grow their God-given gifts. Excellence is a Catholic school education. As we celebrate Catholic
INSIDE John Paul II Catholic School ...................................................3 St. Teresa of Avila School ....................................................... 4 Our Lady of Grace School ...................................................... 4 St. Gabriel Consolidated School........................................... 5 McAuley and Mother of Mercy High Schools .................. 6 St. James White Oak School.................................................. 7 Our Lady of Lourdes................................................................ 8 St. Martin of Tours School ................................................... 10
Jim Rigg
St. Jude School......................................................................... 11
Schools Week, this publication will provide you with stories of our schools’ success. If you have schoolaged children in your family, I encourage you to visit one of our 113 schools and consider a Catholic school education. By doing so, you will see true excellence in action. Happy Catholic Schools Week!
St. Ignatius School.................................................................. 15
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D. Archdiocese of Cincinnati Director of Educational Services and Superintendent of Catholic Schools
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ON THE COVER
Seventh-graders serving weekly Mass at St. Martin of Tours Church in Cheviot. PROVIDED
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John Paul II Catholic School
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n the past, teachers might tell students who were daydreaming to get their heads “out of the clouds.” But now, John Paul II Catholic School is joining a growing educational trend by becoming an “in-cloud” school. The cloud is a new concept in computing, with data and programs stored on secure Internet servers, instead of inside a school building. The result is that a student doesn’t have to be inside the school to continue working, according to Leanora Roach, principal of John Paul II Catholic School in Springfield Township. No matter where the students are, they will have access to data from the school. They can access projects and continue working at home, in a library or anywhere with a computer. “Being an in-cloud school
reaches for the cloud
John Paul II Catholic School kindergartners learn in the cloud. PROVIDED
offers multiple benefits,” Mrs. Roach says. “With the cloud, students can work on projects, access documents and collab-
orate with one another – and also with their teachers.” Even when students are working together on a project, the
technology allows teachers to track each individual student’s participation. With the cloud, illness or other absenteeism doesn’t have to mean students will fall behind in their studies. “If they’re well enough to log on to the computer, they will actually have eyes in the classroom,” Mrs. Roach says. “The cloud gives them access to lectures and documents when they’re absent. Technology is not just limited to the classroom anymore.” Moreover, the technology provides a way for the school to help students who are having difficulties in a particular subject. Using the cloud is not only an instructional tool but also a way to help those who are strugSee ST. PAUL II, Page 5
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St. Teresa of Avila School
is a strong, faith-filled community
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Seventh-grader Elizabeth Brumfield holds the door for first-grader Ruby Hart at the entrance to St. Teresa of Avila School in Covedale. PROVIDED
t. Teresa of Avila School is driven to push our students to achieve academic excellence rooted in a faith-filled environment. Small class sizes allow for direct instruction for each child, which, combined with the school’s enriching curriculum, has led many St. Teresa students to earn academic scholarships for high school. The curriculum is aided by
the teachers’ use of technology in every classroom. St. Teresa has been a parish for more than 100 years, but its classrooms are modern. All classrooms have smartboards and the teachers have access to a classroom set of laptops. The staff uses the technology to push the students into developing critical-thinking skills as See ST. TERESA, Page 14
Open House Jan. 26 at 1 p.m.
Open House Sunday
OLG Drama Club Director Nancy Robers celebrates another exciting musical production.
January 26, 2014 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Be yourself.
Now registering students in grades K-8 EdChoice & Jon Peterson Scholarships Accepted After school care available Small class sizes Smartboards in all classrooms Reading and Math Enrichment
Drama Club takes the stage
C
ue music! Lights! Curtain! 2014 marks the sixth year for the OLG Drama Club that includes over 70 students from grades five through eight. The club is moderated by sixth-grade teacher Nancy Robers, with the help of dedicated volunteers like Terri Lynch and Rick Berling. Mrs. Robers began the program while teaching
St. Teresa of Avila School 1194 Rulison Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45238
(513)471-4530
CE-0000576451
Our Lady of Grace
www.stteresa.net CE-0000577291
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See OLG, Page 13
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Relevance defines St. Gabriel’s leadership
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St. Gabriel seventh-grade students use their iPads to research, take notes and download images to create a presentation for science class. The school started a junior-high iPad program in the 2013-14 school year. PROVIDED
John Paul II Continued from Page 3
gling. The new technology levels the playing field for all students to be successful. Mrs. Roach, who has been principal at John Paul II Catholic School for the past 5 years, says the school has been embracing the value of technology for several years. For example, the school started encouraging students to bring in their e-readers. Far from being a distraction, teachers have found that the ereaders allow the students to be expressive and use the tools they need. John Paul II Catholic School has 403 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The move to using the cloud has received support from teachers and parents alike. “Because teachers are lifelong learners, this has caused them to rethink about more effective tools that will be more interactive and meet the needs
of the students,” Mrs. Roach says. Parents are likewise excited that the school is moving forward with educational technology, she says. John Paul II Catholic School’s platform for being in the cloud is Google Apps for Education, which is used by more than 14 million students and teachers worldwide, including such universities as Harvard and Notre Dame. The core applications of Gmail, drive, calendar and sites allow amazing communication and collaboration. Within months, students will have Google accounts and be able to do research papers, online spreadsheets, presentations and other projects. “Once the staff and students master the basics, Google Apps for Education offers thousands of possibilities to our learners,” says Theresa Mangold, the school’s technology director. “There is no more data lost by defective or lost flash drives or limitations posed by hardware or software compatibility.”
t. Gabriel Consolidated School is an educational gem nestled quietly in the Village of Glendale. Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U. S. Department of Education, St. Gabriel has proven to be a leader in elementary education not only locally, but on the national level. The pervasive theme that makes St. Gabriel a front runner in Catholic, elementary education is that of rigor and relevance. While rigor in an educational institution’s curriculum is the common expectation of all parents The school partnered with Netdemics to provide training to teachers to first work in the cloud, then to transform their classrooms with the new tools. “We’re at the cusp of doing this,” Mrs. Roach says. The school has updated its computer lab to make use of the cloud, and Google tablets will enhance classroom instruction. The new technology is right in line with the school’s mission. “Our mission as a Catholic school is to make sure our students are being challenged both academically and spiritually,” Mrs. Roach says. “The advances in technology allow us to provide that rigorous academic curriculum and to meet the needs of the individual student. Pope John Paul II, soon to be named a saint, was the first pope to embrace computer technology, so this is a way for John Paul II Catholic School to follow the example of our namesake.”
Contributed by Gregory Flannery
with school-age children, it is the relevance that truly begins to define the success of a school. Best practices in education have shown that students are able to become more permanently tied to the knowledge they are learning if that information is presented in a way that is relevant to their lives. This is why the faculty at St. Gabriel Consolidated School have recently launched a 1:1 iPad Program at the junior-high level, as well as a mobile iPad lab for
grades kindergarten through six. Students today are technological natives. They have grown up from their infancy with devices their tech immigrant parents could never have imagined: smartphones; sophisticated gaming systems; computers; and tablets, such as the iPad. These devices are integral parts of the lives of these children and, as a result, are incredibly useful in the See ST. GABRIEL, Page 12
18West Sharon Avenue · Glendale, OH 45246 www.stgabeschool.org Nicole Brainard, Principal 513-771-5220
St. Gabriel Consolidated School is a Catholic Christian elementary school serving a diverse education community. We are dedicated to nurturing the WHOLE child by providing a quality learning experience. Together with the parishes of St. Gabriel, St. John (West Chester), St. Matthias and St. Maximilian Kolbe, we assist parents in the Christian formation of our students.
Open House: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. • Fully Accredited • Algebra 8 • Spanish K-8 • Daily Hot Lunch Program • All Day Kindergarten thru 8th Grade • AdvancedTechnology, including 7th/8th Grade iPad Program and a mobile iPad lab for grades K-6 • After School Latchkey
lue Ribbon School 2010 Nationally Recognized B
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McAuley and Mother of Mercy High Schools: Inspiring brilliance in young women
“N
o work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women.”
The words of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy in 19th century Ireland, come to life every day in the schools sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, McAuley and Mother of Mercy High Schools. Recently, the Sisters of Mercy announced a formal partnership between both schools, known as the Mercy Education Collaborative of Cincinnati (MECC). The goal of the collaboration is to build an educational package unlike any other in the area, while
also immediately providing the families of McAuley and Mercy greater opportunities and returns on their high school investment. Where else in Cincinnati can you benefit from the growing programs, leadership and academic offerings of two schools? Collectively, McAuley and Mother of Mercy have served students in Cincinnati for 150 years and nearly 30 percent of the total all-girl high school market is held by these MECC schools alone. Our rich history and strong Cincinnati presence, in combination with academic and programmatic excellence, enabled the Sisters of Mercy to make this bold collaborative
decision. The establishment of the MECC will maximize student learning opportunities and help move both schools ahead even more aggressively and effectively. The schools of the MECC are working harder and smarter in order to bring our families the very latest and greatest advantages in 21st-century education and college preparation for young women. Integrating all dimensions of the programs offered at both McAuley and Mercy is our Catholic faith – not only classroom instruction, but also regular opportunities for prayer together, for Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and for an overall environment that reminds each of us
daily what we are called to as women of the Gospel. The religious programs also include campus ministry, class retreats and many opportunities for service locally and abroad in places such as Appalachia and Jamaica. Building on a common set of core values, McAuley and Mercy embody the founding vision of Catherine McAuley, making it alive in the 21st century and inspiring brilliance in young women. The MECC ensures that young women receive the highest-quality Catholic, Mercy-based education, discovering their Godgiven talents and achieving their full potential.
McAuley and Mother of Mercy High Schools
McAuley High School 6000 Oakwood Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45224 513.681.1800 www.mcauleyhs.net
McAuley CE TH E BR IL LI AN
OF BA LA NC E
Commited to a quality education and personal growth within a caring, Catholic community.
... where the power of the Holy Spirit INSPIRES the power within you.
CE-0000578716
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www.motherofmercy.org
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St. James School: We are community “O
ur students are the lifeblood of our school,” says Michelle Hinton, new St. James School principal. “Their energy, laughter, inquisitiveness and quest for knowledge bring life to every classroom and every school day.” The students are one of the many reasons that St. James is an amazing community. St. James School serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade and is a community centered on excellence in education, tradition and values. In fact, St. James has been recognized four times as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The school’s success is measured by the success of thousands of alumni, many belonging to generation after generation of families who continue to choose St. James. While the school is certainly proud of its traditions, it is focused on the future. The faculty is dedicated to delivering curriculum that fully prepares students for high school and beyond. Students are taught the skills they need to succeed, such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills, and technological skills, with a strong foundation in science, math and reading.
ogy and physical education, such as guitar or piano lessons, sculpture, drama, chorus and team sports. Collaboration among grade levels is encouraged through first- and seventh-grade pen pals and pairing primary grades with junior-high students as science lab partners. Through all these things, caring and knowledgeable teachers and dynamic administrators are committed to guiding the students through their grade-school Faith-filled years.
Environment that Nurtures Growing Hearts and Minds
We Are Community.
A community of prepared graduates
Enrolling in a Catholic school is an important investment. Graduates from St. James – even those who only attend for a year or two – receive a strong academic foundation and are well prepared to succeed in high school. In 2013, 62 percent of eighth-grade graduates were offered scholarships to attend private high schools. Scholarship offers to eighth-grade graduates over the past 2 years have exceeded $1 million.
A community ready to welcome you
St. James offers a comprehensive and affordable kindergarten program with half-day and full-day classes available. Experienced A community of believers kindergarten teachers provide a strong foundation for a child’s acaSt. James School’s strong academdemic future in a safe, caring enviic program is rooted in a Catholic ronment so that students learn not values-based education. Although only academic skills, but also learn students are primarily Catholic, to love learning. The kindergarten people of all faiths are welcome. Exemplary teachers give each child individStudents participate in a variety of Academic ualized attention to ensure success. prayer opportunities, allowing our New students are welcome at school community to grow in faith Preparation any grade level. The school’s nurtogether. Students attend all-school for High School ool turing environment helps new stuMasses weekly, with many students RECOGNIZED FOUR TIMES R participating as lectors, cantors, dents transition with ease. Many aas a NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON families have transferred their ushers and distributors. older students to St. James for imOur religious instruction prepares SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE S students for sacraments and inteproved high-school preparation. grates spirituality into their daily To accommodate the busy lives lives. Classes emphasize service to of working parents, St. James of6111 Cheviot Rd. Cincinnati 45247 | 741-5333 | www.stjameswo.org fers a convenient before- and afterothers and living out the Gospel valCE-0000576718 school childcare program. The ues. Opportunities are provided same experienced staff who greet throughout the year for students to participate in community service projects. the students in the morning are also supporting the students in the afternoon, helping the children feel safe and secure. The on-site A community of learners program provides snacks, homework support, and fun enrichment activities. St. James has a rigorous academic program that challenges To discover all St. James has to offer, join the faculty for their all students at their own level to do their best. Open House 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 to tour the school, meet the Students are grouped by ability for instruction in math and teachers, and obtain registration information. One lucky family in reading, enabling teachers to better serve students’ needs at attendance will receive a new iPad. their respective skill level. Students in all grades participate in For more information about St. James School or to schedule a weekly Spanish and technology classes. Students have access personal tour, visit www.stjameswo.org. Or contact the school at to more than 250 networked computers, laptops and iPads, and 513-741-5333 or infosjs@stjameswo.org. smartboards are in every classroom. Junior-high students choose electives in music, art, technolSt. James School
OPEN HOUSE
January 26 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
SAINT JAMES WHITE OAK
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Our Lady of Lourdes
A
nurtures minds, in a caring environment
s children enter the doors of Our Lady of Lourdes School, they have the opportunity to experience a strong educational program where every effort is made to meet their spiritual, academic, social, cultural and physical needs. “Our curriculum is designed to challenge students to develop the gifts and talents they possess in preparation for high school,” said Principal Aimee Ellmaker. Our Lady of Lourdes, located on Cincinnati’s West Side, is a K-8 school featuring a beautiful, expansive campus. It is a walking campus that houses two schools, two playgrounds, two gymnasiums, two science labs, a music room, an art room, one of the largest elementary technology labs on the West Side, a renovated library, a before- and after-care room, a large cafeteria with more than 30 new round tables, a band room, a prayer room, three kindergarten classrooms, a beautiful grotto, and so much more. The values of kindness, dignity, discipline and respect are instilled each day by the teachers, principal, pastor and students. Their school mascot is the TIGER, which stands for Terrific Individuals Giving Everyone Respect, which is something every student lives every day. The spiritual formation of the entire school community is an essential dimension and mission of a Catholic school. Academics are the centerpiece of the OLL experience. “Our teacher-to-student ratio is 1:18, with experienced, certified and dedicated faculty,” said Ellmaker. The school has 23 full-time certified teachers, two librarians, two kindergarten aides, a religious education director, a reading specialist, school psychologist, speech therapist, intervention specialist, nurse, auxiliary clerk, webmaster and computer technician. Every staff member at OLL is committed to academic excellence and supports a challenging and affirming atmosphere that allows each person to reach his or
Kindergartners study “The Legend of Johnny Appleseed.” The students made their own copy of Johnny Appleseed to use when retelling the story at home with their families. PROVIDED PHOTOS Our Lady of Lourdes sixth-graders Mia Adams, left, and Allie Hussong examine vintage electronics in a session on Electronics Engineering. Academics are the centerpiece of the OLL experience.
her potential. They offer programs to support academic achievement and personal enrichment, including an Accelerated Reading Program that incorporates parental involvement, Playhouse in the Park, Power of the Pen, student Musical performances, Math Enrichment, Student Buddy Program, Student Council, High School Entrance Exam Preparation, Quiz Bowl, Spelling Bee, Science Fair Day, Science and Engineering Day, Violin Lessons, Band, Youth Choir, After-School Tutoring Program, Camp Joy and many others. In addition, all faculty mem-
bers regularly attend seminars and workshops to increase their knowledge and stay current with the ever-changing curriculum in education. For example, all teachers in grades one through eight are equipped with an interactive smartboard and a computer workstation that is networked to the server for Internet access and accessibility to instructional software. The Computer Lab has more than 30 networked student workstations. Using an LCD projector, students can view the computer teacher’s instructions and demonstrations of software, websites, PowerPoint presenta-
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tions, etc. The students’ spiritual side is developed through a commitment to community service. “Service is an integral part of every student’s focus,” explained Ellmaker. Students’ ideas are dynamic and provide the catalyst for an allschool service project, and many individual classroom service programs, too. For physical development, OLL offers athletic programs in such sports as basketball, baseball, football, soccer, track, volleyball and cheerleading, with dedicated coaches who are well respected in their community. OLL is currently in the midst of a capital fund drive to upgrade campus security and appearance with improvements, including alarm systems, video monitoring, and enhanced signage and landscaping. “We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment to our students and the community,” said Ellmaker. Our Lady of Lourdes is located at 5835 Glenway Ave. Visit www.lourdes.org for more information. Or call 513-347-2660 to schedule an appointment with Principal Ellmaker.
Contributed by Dave Etienne
Our Lady of Lourdes School Open House All are Welcome! January 26, 2014
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The Leadership Council, composed of eighth-graders, presents a check to Tracie Metzger of the Pink Ribbon Girls. Students at St. Martin learn the importance of service in practicing their faith. PROVIDED PHOTOS
St. Martin of Tours lives the CSW theme
SCHOOL 1912
2012
Celebrating 100 Years of Catholic Education
OPEN HOUSE
January 26, 2014 • 12:30-2:00 pm
ENROLLING NOW!
New Students K-8th grade Accepting EdChoice Scholarships 3729 Harding Avenue Cheviot, Ohio 45211 • (513) 661-7609
www.saintmartin.org
CE-0000578432
murphyc@smotwildcats.org
The theme for this year’s Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” St. Martin of Tours School in Cheviot exemplifies that theme in several ways, according to Principal Carolyn Murphy. “We’re a strong faithfilled community while welcoming to everyone,” she says. “Some nonCatholic families send their children here for academic excellence in a faith-based environment.” Students at St. Martin learn the importance of service in practicing their faith. “Our eighth grade has a leadership council,” Murphy says. “Their job is to empower their peers to do service for others. We do a service project each month.” In October, a breast cancer awareness project educated students and raised money for the Pink Ribbon Girls. In November, students collected food to provide Thanks-
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Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Bookmyer reads to her class.
giving meals for needy families. In December, the school launched Operation Christmas Child. “We send things to Third World countries filled with little toys and a Gospel message,” Murphy says. St. Martin has 290 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. “Being in the city of Cheviot, St. Martin is a small community,” Murphy says. “When the children come here, it doesn’t take long before everybody knows everyone. All are greeted with a hello
and a welcoming spirit. We take the time to get to know each student and each family personally.” Catholic Schools Week is a time for St. Martin School to remember its mission. “The mission of our school is to support families by providing an environment that allows each student to develop their fullest spiritual and academic potential in a Roman Catholic environment,” Murphy says.
Contributed by Gregory Flannery
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St. Jude School is driven by faith, inspired to learn
T
he designation as a Catholic school is not taken lightly at St. Jude School in Bridgetown. “It’s not just a label that we attach to ourselves,” says third-year Principal Lou Eichhold. “When we say that we are driven by faith, we mean it. We teach our students to read, write and do math really well, but if they’re not good Catholics when they leave here, we haven’t done our job,” remarks Eichhold. Students attend weekly allschool Mass and monthly Eucharistic Adoration. In addition, there is a particular line of scripture with special significance at St. Jude. “The line that I often like to use with the students is from Philippians, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ ” says Eichhold. “Whether they are preparing to tackle a difficult concept, studying for a test, or simply getting through a tough day, I
like to remind them that Christ is always at their side and is there to help them.” This scripture is posted in every classroom, and the PTO provides T-shirts for each student that convey this theme and are worn on the first Friday of every month. Music Director Greg Williams even composed an original song using this scripture that is sung at many of the school Masses. On the academic side, results from the Iowa Test of Basic Skills indicate that the students, as a group, perform at or above predicted levels on nearly every subtest. This reveals that students are achieving higher levels than what is expected for their abilities. Furthermore, the grade-level percentile scores on these subtests are almost all in the 60s and 70s. This indicates a high-performing school. Eichhold explains some of the
reasons for the academic success. “First of all,” he says, “a strong base in literacy and numeracy is required for student success throughout their educational careers. The class sizes in our primary grades are capped at just 20 students. This gives the teachers many opportunities to interact with their students at each child’s individual level.” Eichhold adds, “These classes are further divided two days a week for reading instruction into leveled groups across classrooms. Both the reading specialist and a classroom teacher work with small groups in the room that has the struggling readers, giving them extra opportunities for growth.” Eichhold said that there is a high level of collegiality and specialization among the teachers. “Primary teachers are collaborating more and more every day, and the fourththrough eighth-grade teachers
are typically only responsible for two core content areas. This allows for a team-based approach when helping students learn, but also allows teachers to focus instruction in areas in which they have the most professional competence.” Every K-8 classroom is also equipped with an interactive smartboard, which greatly enhances the quality of instruction. Teacher technology was updated a little over a year ago and the campus is a wireless environment. Sixty iPads and 60 netbooks complement a computer lab with 31 machines. The school has about 465 students, which makes it big enough that special services can be provided but small enough that kids and adults know each other. The special services include reading and math interSee ST. JUDE, Page 12
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vention, learning disabilities tutoring, enrichment, speech pathology, and school psychology. St. Jude also employs a full-time registered nurse, uncommon for schools of its size. Students attend physical education, computer, art and music classes at least once a week, taught by teachers who specialize in their areas. The music program, in particular, is fairly typical until sixth grade, where it takes a rather original turn. Sixth-grade stu-
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dents at St. Jude learn to play the guitar, seventhgrade students learn to play the keyboard, and eighth-grade students put their knowledge of the two instruments together along with drums to form rock bands. Concurrently, students continue to study musical concepts like pitch, harmony and chords. Besides what happens in the classroom, St. Jude School has a very impressive campus and facilities. A state-of-theart science lab, only a few years old and full of several living specimens, allows the teachers to provide excellent
experiences. The school has a small auditorium, and a cafeteria that serves hot, catered meals daily. The Parish Center, now 7 years old, contains a large library and computer lab; the music and art rooms; and arguably the best elementary school gym in the city. Access to this facility, along with a newly remodeled smaller gym and several athletic fields allow for a full complement of sports. In addition, several after-school enrichment activities are offered, including Spanish, theater, band, fitness, art, and mixed martial arts classes.
Celebrating Our Children OPEN HOUSE Tuesday January 28
6:00 p.m. The National Junior Honor Society’s Service Fair and The OLV Mini-Art Show in the Convocation Center 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. OLV Families: Celebrate your child’s Catholic education. New and Prospective Families: Enjoy a Meet-andGreet with teachers and tour the school.
Call 347-2072 to schedule a guided tour for the evening.
808 Neeb Rd. | Cincinnati, OH 45233 www.olv.org | Kathy Kane, Principal
Registration begins in February CE-0000577840
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“We have great academics and faith development, but I really think that our greatest asset as a school and parish is our strong sense of community,” parent Jen Long says. “I felt it the first day I stepped in the school. The support our PTO gives the school is second to none, our parents are extremely supportive, and most importantly, our kids love coming to school here.” “When we say that we’re driven by faith and inspired to learn, it’s not just words, it’s a way of life,” concludes Eichhold.
St. Jude School
St. Gabriel Continued from Page 5
classroom as technological supplements to the educational process. With the installation of a 1:1 student iPad Program comes increases in student engagement with material; improvements in the ease of collaboration with peers and teachers; easy access to information necessary for the learning process; and apps that foster criticalthinking skills. The iPad Program at St. Gabriel Consolidated School is much more than online textbooks and Internet research. St. Gabriel teachers are engaging students using interactive simulations, designing projects using advanced video applications, and finding apps that present science laboratory and math activities – all of which require students to hone their creative problemsolving and criticalthinking skills to even higher levels. Learning at St. Gabriel will become even more seamless, as teachers now have a greater ability to easily change learning contexts and engage students whenever and wherever they are curious. No longer is education at St. Gabriel confined within the walls of the school building; the world is literally at the fingertips of each student. For more information about St. Gabriel Consolidated School and the innovative iPad technology program, please visit our website at stgabeschool.org. Or contact the school at 513-771-5220. St. Gabriel Consolidated School
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at Little Flower School and brought the concept to OLG when the regional school was formed. Each fall, the club presents three, short one-act plays that allow students to learn and develop their acting skills on stage. In January, the club sponsors the annual Talent Show. The Spring Finale is a big musical production chosen by club members themselves. There are many challenges to providing a program like this – from set design to costuming – so many characters in so many different sizes. “I have
Our Lady of Grace eighth-graders (from left) Sarah Lawson, Max Merk and Jake Dewald are turn-of-the-century detectives tracking down a vampire in “Raising the Stakes.” PROVIDED PHOTOS
absolutely terrific volunteers who help make the magic happen!” claims Robers. Coordinating roles for more than 70 students requires a little magic, too. Mrs. Robers choreographs dance numbers and teaches students the responsibil-
ities of stage crew. Everyone has a role. There are many benefits that come from including performing arts in schools. Club members create new friendships across grade levels. Students learn empathy for others when
they take on a new role, literally placing themselves in another’s shoes. They grow in poise and self-confidence. Student leadership opportunities are also available as elected members of the club’s board. “I love the joy on their faces as they deliver a strong performance. It makes all the hard work worthwhile. And if they can do this on a stage in front of an audience, they can do anything!” boasts Robers. The OLG Drama Club invites you to the 2014 Talent Show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at the Little Flower Parish Center. For more information visit olgcs.org.
S C H O O L S
W E E K
Contact Catholic Schools Week is an annual production of The Community Press Specialty Publications Department. Send questions and comments to: Jo Kovach Specialty Publications Editor Enquirer Media 312 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513-768-8367 jkovach@enquirer.com To advertise call: Enquirer Media Advertising Phone: 513-768-8404
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Our Lady of Grace Catholic School
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C A T H O L I C
S C H O O L S
W E E K
St. Teresa
DIRECTORY OF
ADVERTISERS
John Paul II School ......................................................................... 3 McAuley and Mother of Mercy High Schools .........................6 Our Lady of Grace ...........................................................................4 Our Lady of Lourdes.......................................................................9 Our Lady of Victory.......................................................................12 St. Aloysius Gonzaga ....................................................................13 St. Ann Catholic School................................................................14 St. Dominic School ........................................................................12 St. Gabriel Catholic School............................................................5 St. Ignatius.......................................................................................16 St. James White Oak School........................................................ 7 St. Jude School............................................................................... 11 St. Martin of Tours School...........................................................10 St. Teresa of Avila ............................................................................4
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well as mastering content. St. Teresa shares with the family the responsibility of developing faithfilled students. This is accomplished with unparalleled parental involvement that creates a strong community. In this community your child will have many opportunities to enrich learning. Daily Language Arts Enrichment and weekly Math Enrichment are offered to students who qualify. In addition, St. Teresa offers many extracurricular activities that will develop in your child the talent to serve others as well as grow academically. The Green Club, Power of the Pen, Girls in Science Club, Lego Club, School
Newspaper and History Fair are just some of the opportunities that will allow your child the opportunity to grow and help others. St. Teresa is able to meet the needs of most families. Structured afterschool care is offered Monday through Friday from 2:30-6 p.m. Also, St. Teresa offers to all families $30,000 in scholarships and $50,000 in financial aid. St. Teresa accepts the EdChoice and Jon Peterson Scholarships. Upon graduation, St. Teresa students have available the Vogel Scholarship, a program that distributes about $100,000 annually to graduates who attend designated high schools and colleges. The Vogel scholarship is evidence that St. Teresa School is a strong, faithfilled community.
St. Teresa of Avila School
OPEN HOUSE
Come and check out our new STEM Lab, technology, and meet with our excellent staff.
Sunday, January 26 12:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.
Preschool is registering students for our 3, 4 & 5 year old program. Full and half day options are available.
Friday, January 31 8:00a.m. - 2:30p.m.
Tours can be arranged anytime throughout the school year. All are welcome.
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C A T H O L I C
S C H O O L S
W E E K
10 reasons why families choose
F
Saint Ignatius
amilies choose St. I’s for its legacy of Catholic faith and more. 1. Centrality of God and the Catholic Faith: The presence of God is a constant at Saint I’s. Together with their parents, Saint I’s introduces students to the long-standing legacy of the Catholic faith. This provides a strong foundation, instilling ethics, morals and the love for Jesus Christ. 2. A Model School: Saint Ignatius serves as a model school for Xavier University’s Center for Catholic Education’s Optim-All program. Optim-All originated at Saint Ignatius and is a service to help Catholic schools meet enrichment and speciallearning needs in our community. 3. Focusing on the Whole Child: Saint I’s excellent test scores, consistently in the top 10 percent of the country, are only one aspect of its high-quality education. The staff and faculty focus on the whole child, realizing the importance of spiritual, academic, physical, emotional, moral, intellectual and social development. This comprehensive, whole child approach provides an environment where each student’s unique abilities are both embraced and challenged. 4. Attention to Individual Gifts: Saint I’s develops every child’s unique gifts by offering math and language arts enrichment as well as instruction for students with individualized learning needs. In addition, the school offers more than 60 extracurricular activities; a fitness
Ignatius begins with I and ends with Us. PROVIDED PHOTOS
Fourth-graders learn Ohio history.
track and wellness focus; a choir and instrumental program; Spanish; and advanced technology, including iPads. 5. Exemplary Faculty: Fifty-six percent of our teachers have a master’s
degree, five are Nationally Board Certified, and two have been awarded the Distinguished Teacher Award by the National Catholic Education Association. Principal Reilly has been recognized both
regionally and nationally as a leader in his field. The school has a full-time nurse, two speech therapists, an OT, a PT, an audiologist, and 18 intervention and instructional specialists. More than 30
educators are trained in Bal-A-Vis-X and 12 are trained in Orton Gillingham. To find out more about these cutting-edge educational programs and our specific list of faculty achievements, go to www.saintischool.org. 6. Celebrating Diversity – Embracing All of God’s Children: Saint Ignatius celebrates diverse talents, abilities and backgrounds. Our commitment to diversity begins with the inclusion of all students. 7. Stewardship: Our children learn to be stewards of the Catholic church, the earth, the community and their individual gifts. 8. Continuous Improvement: Already a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a recognized leader in academics and inclusion, the faculty is constantly planning for the future and building on its current success. 9. Family-Friendly Decision Making: Saint I’s meets the needs of today’s working parents by providing before- and after-school programs. We consider the wide range of needs of our families when planning calendars and programs. In addition, our tuition rates are among the lowest in the area. 10. Ignatius Begins with I and Ends with Us. Saint Ignatius cultivates community and is a dynamic experience for students and their families. The students enter the school as an individual, but will soon become an integral part of the larger community. Come be a part of our strong community.
St. Ignatius School
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OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, January 26th 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$#*&% )'&#"(! Loyola School
e c a l p t a e r g a s i s ’ , t Saint I n e d u t s to be a teacher. d n a t n e r a p
Starts with I and ends with US
5222 North Bend Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45247 513-389-3242 www.saintischool.org Find us on facebook at Saint Ignatius Loyola School, Cincinnati
National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence • Enrichment • State of the Art Technology • Hot Lunch, Extended Care
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• Whole Child Approach • Individualized Education • Excellent Test Scores
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