East/Northeast Catholic Schools Week

2

Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals

Dear Neighbors,

East/Northeast

The National Catholic Education Association has declared Jan. 31 – Feb. 6, 2010, Catholic Schools Week.

This year the theme for the celebration is “Catholic Schools: Dividends for Life.”

Each year the National Catholic Education Association has a week dedicated to increasing the awareness of the contribution that Catholic schools make to the neighborhoods in the United States.

Catholic schools are places where the presence of God is paramount, where life in its true meaning is exemplified; where excellence in learning is the norm and where service to your neighbor and community is expected.

The young people in your neighborhood who attend Catholic schools are expected to be examples of good neighbors, to care about their community and to serve it to the best of their ability.

I invite you to visit the Catholic school(s) in your neighborhood and share the excitement that exists to see youngsters carry out their faith commitment and

Catholic Schools Week

to observe where they are taught to care for others.

Catholic schools are faith-filled environments where students are expected to attain their academic best and contribute positively to their community.

The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are proud to be listed among the top in the nation.

Again this year we have two schools that have received Blue Ribbon Awards; St. Veronica Elementary School in Mt. Carmel and St. Michael Elementary School in Sharonville.

During this week, we salute all of our Catholic schools and those who work within them. This includes the parents, teachers, administrators and staff of the Catholic schools, their pastors and most of all the students who attend them.

Join with us as we celebrate the freedom in this country that allows and encourages parents to choose faith-based education for their children.

In Christ and Mary, Brother Joseph Kamis, SM Superintendent of Catholic Schools Archdiocese of Cincinnati

January 31 - February 6, 2010 Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge DisciplineMorals

3

Character-building programs develop students, one grade at a time

By Neva Martin | Contributor

Collecting needed items for the poor, leading by example, putting virtues into practice – these actions can all lead to character building for students from prekindergarten through high school and pay dividends for life.

St. James School in White Oak has an Eighth Grade Leadership Council in which 26 students help lead the school.

Jeff Fulmer, teacher and marketing coordinator, said these eighth-graders applied or were nominated for the council for this school year. They gave up a weekend of their summer to spend a night at the school to learn about leadership.

“We talked about servant leadership… and they set goals,” said Fulmer.

They hold monthly collections, bake sales and other fundraisers. They've sent more than 300 pounds of candy to troops overseas and, during Advent, collected 2,900 toiletry items for area families and a women's shelter.

“They also held a coat drive and collected more than 1,150 coats to donate to St. Vincent de Paul,” Fulmer added.

St. Vincent Ferrer's School in Kenwood also collected canned and boxed foods for needy fami-

lies. For Advent, the school conducted a toy drive, said Principal Douglas L. Alpiger.

“This year we had the largest collection of toys the school has seen,” said Alpiger. “We delivered those toys, too.”

This year's school theme is taken from Mother Teresa: “Do small things for one another with great love.” When a student is witnessed carrying out this theme, teachers reward him or her with a cutout of a heart with that student's name, displaying it on the school's Loving Heart Wall.

“For example, this morning, a kindergartner came to school a little bit late and was crying in the parking lot because she was lost,” Alpiger said. “A fifth-grader took her hand and walked her to her class.”

Compassion can be shown on a global as well as local basis. At Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Anderson Township, students have helped a graduate of that school, Danny Burridge, now a missionary in El Salvador.

IHM Co-principal Nancy Goebel explained that Burridge came and talked to the IHM community last August, explaining the violence in the community

Contributing to the efforts of a missionary … helps to nurture the character of the giver

St. Xavier students help with the school’s annual Canned Food Drive.

and his desire to lift up the students at one of the parishes he serves. The school has sent money down to help with afterschool programs.

“We strive to make our students lifelong learners, but more importantly, we want them to be lifelong givers,” Goebel added.

“Contributing to the efforts of a missionary like Danny helps to nurture the character of the giver.”

Giving is a big part of the oldest high school in Cincinnati. St. Xavier, founded in 1831, has held an annual Canned Food Drive for more than 80 years.

This year they set a record for the drive, conducted for six weeks between November and Christmas, said Matt Kemper, Community Service director at St. X. “We delivered 147,000 pounds (of food) to about 450 families and three Appalachian communities,” said Kemper, adding, “About 20 social services agencies or food pantries come to St. X and we fill up their trucks with food.”

He calls the drive “a great opportunity” for St. X students to meet people in need and understand they can help them. “I think they learn a great deal by collecting food but also by enter-

ing into relationship with people in need.”

St. Gertrude School in Madeira also has a tradition of reaching out. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, and helped by parents as well as the presence of Dominican friars and sisters since 1934, St. Gertrude developed a Virtue Education program. It incorporates virtues of the saints into the children's daily lives.

This past summer, St. Gertrude revamped the program, renaming it “Virtues in Practice,” said Sister Mary Sheila Maksim, principal, based on the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. This year is the year of charity.

The principal explained it as “a Catholic version of the bullyprevention program that doesn't label students as bullies” and it has a parent guide. “It's a draft but it gives them a list of things they can do at home, by grade.”

A weekly Golden Cross is awarded to students and adults that practice a virtue.

Maksim explained that Virtues in Practice means doing a good deed, practicing it over and over until it becomes a habit. “Most of the work behind it is the role plays they're doing in class and

Programs | Continued Page 4

4

Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals

Catholic Schools Week

Come and see...

By Father Larry Tensi | Pastor, St. Columban Church In the Gospel of John, some people came up to one of Jesus' followers and made a request: “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”

As so many others, they were admitted into the presence of Jesus.

We like to think that such a meeting, such a presence, changed their lives.

Now some 2,000 years later, we, too, ask the

same question: “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”

And where do we look?

The answer to that question is quite personal.

However, I would like to think that one of the places we meet Jesus Christ is in our schools.

While it is true that all schools challenge each student to have various minds, that is, ways of thinking and being in the world, I think there has to be something more.

It is true that all schools should be teach-

ing students to have a disciplined mind that will help them, over time, to improve their skills and understanding, to have a mind capable of synthesizing information from disparate sources, to have an ethical mind where students work to purposes beyond their own selfinterest and how they can change the face of the world for the good.

But there has to be something more, something bigger than just information being

Programs From page 3 processed, synthesized, and evaluated.

The “more” I would like to believe is St. Columban School.

It is the place where faith makes a difference, where Gospel values are not only taught but hopefully caught by all who attend, a place where each person can find an answer to that all important request deep inside his or her own heart: “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”

Come and see at St. Columban School.

doing at home.”

St. Veronica School in Mount Carmel has another character-developing program, Everybody Counts.

Gina Code., St. Veronica principal, explains that the November program focuses on a particular disability at each grade level in the K-8 school.

Trained parent volunteers present information and the students participate in activities that help them understand the topic at their grade level.

A guest speaker visits most classrooms, adding additional insight. The fifth-graders then sponsor a bake sale, with all proceeds contributed to St. Joseph Children's Home.

“Our students (also) contribute to a monthly mission with our seventhgraders (as) mission leaders. The fourth-grade students adopt grandparents in the community,” said Becky Vontsolos, technology coordinator.

The Special Friends Program pairs students as buddies from first and eighth grades to build community and provide opportunities for growth.

The school also recognizes students each month who demonstrate good character traits in their actions and in writing in their Kindness Journals, which they carry with them throughout their school years.

“The students develop a variety of strong character traits that will benefit them personally and the people they come into contact with at St. Veronica and throughout their lifetime,” said Vontsolos.

January 31 - February 6, 2010 Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge DisciplineMorals

5

St. Louis & LEGO nurture lifelong learning habits and values St. Louis, celebrating more than 50 years of superior academics, also is celebrating its second year the LEGO Legend Crusaders have advanced to state competition.

This is exciting because LEGO nurtures life-long learning habits and values. LEGO mirrors the values and learning environment at St. Louis in the following values: Child-centered-The project and supporting work is driven by the students. Coaches are not involved during the presentations.

Defined learning challenges-Every year FIRST LEGO issues a problem-solving challenge, and gives students eight weeks to design, build and program a robot that can fulfill as many elements of the challenge as possible. This year is Transportation.

Students are to recognize a problem, preferably in their community, and come up with a new

and innovative solution to the problem.

Collaboration – With the addition of a second, younger team, both the team members and coaches have been willing to collaborate within the team to strengthen overall learning.

Teams are judged in the area of teamwork, which is crucial for today's workforce survival.

Experiential – In the process, students learn problem solving, science, math, engineering design and critical thinking skills, using real world applications.

Talent development – The competition requires a variety of talents: research, written communication and presentation skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Successful teams rely on the fostering of many talents, tapping into each member's strengths.

More importantly, robotics teaches students the problemsolving skills and teamwork nec-

essary to be a part of tomorrow's technical workforce.

St. Louis teachers strive to collaborate among each other to maximize their talents and deliver exceptional academic curriculum.

Being able to individualize lesson objectives in a challenging manner, they encourage experiential learning and application of knowledge.

Providing opportunities for collaborative learning and community service projects also enhance the values that St. Louis students learn vicariously during their elementary years, guaranteed to blossom dividends in the future.

Whether a St. Louis student

participates in LEGO, piano, scouting, sports, or other schoolsponsored extracurricular activities, the St. Louis faculty works in conjunction with students and families to nurture these talents and maximize future contributions in our community.

Despite its small size, the school enjoys SmartBoards in every classroom, a fully equipped 35 terminal computer lab, plus four computers in each classroom.

The school has access to accelerated programs for math, reading and writing, online Rosetta Stone Language, EdLine for assignment and grading, and numerous new resources for students with special learning needs in any core area.

To learn more, call 732-0636 or visit www.stlparish.org.

St. Louis faculty works in conjunction with students and families …

6

Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals

Catholic Schools Week

Guardian Angels School prepares students for a lifetime of learning Guardian Angels School has been an integral part of the Mount Washington/Anderson community since 1895.

A dynamic blend of traditional curricula and methods and current educational theories and practices drives the academic excellence of one of Cincinnati's most reputable grade schools.

In October 2007, Guardian Angels School was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.

In partnership with students' parents, Guardian Angels School establishes an educational environment where students are able to maximize their spiritual, academic, social and physical potential.

Teachers employ methods and techniques that meet the learning style of each student; there is no “one size fits all� way

of teaching.

Guardian Angels School integrates technology into daily classroom instruction according to the needs of the students and educators.

The majority of classrooms plus the science lab and Spanish classroom used interactive whiteboard technology, and every grade level has one set of handheld Student Response units for instant assessment.

The state-of-the-art science lab is equipped with technology and equipment for all grade levels, and communication to classrooms comes via the new Angels on the Air broadcast studio.

Guardian Angels has a low student to teacher ratio of 15 to 1.

Since 2003, Guardian Angels has provided an after school care program in response to parents' needs.

Parents are encouraged to be a

part of their children's GA education as they participate in classroom activities or any number of PTA, music booster, and athletic booster opportunities.

The school's music program offers students the opportunity to participate in several bands and choral groups, and all students participate each spring in the art show.

Extracurricular activities include athletics, student council, Angels on the Air, drama club, and robotics and engineering club.

An education at Guardian

Angels introduces and prepares students for the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional journey they will continue to travel long after they walk the halls of this Blue Ribbon school.

Scholarships offered to last year's graduating class totaled $327,400.

Guardian Angels School will host an open house Sunday, Jan. 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 6539 Beechmont Ave. If you are unable to attend the open house and would like to arrange a tour, please call 6243143.

Guardian Angels School integrates technology into daily classroom instruction...

January 31 - February 6, 2010 Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge DisciplineMorals

7

Angels on Air program takes wing

By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor Guardian Angels school in Mount Washington is in the third year of a unique program that teaches 7th and 8th grade students how to run a short, on-air announcement broadcast to their fellow students, and it is a very popular program.

“Our school purchased a movie camera to record events in the school, and a group of us, the principal, William Kenney, Mrs. Patti Sutter, myself and a few others, decided to see if the students could do the morning announcements,” said Marianne Glassmeyer, a program coordinator, along with Michelle Cole.

“The students volunteered, and now we give them about an hour’s training at the beginning of the year, to show them how to run the camera, and all the equipment.”

Before this year, training on

“I am constantly amazed at the attitudes of the students.” the equipment was easy, but last year a family in the parish whose children and grandchildren have attended the school, donated a gift generous enough to buy a teleprompter, a new camcorder, lights and microphones, a wall backdrop and a table cover.

Now the Angels on Air, which has been the name from the beginning, is really looking professional.

“I am constantly amazed at the attitudes of the students,” said Glassmeyer. “This requires time, planning, and organization,

and they come in here eager to work and make it happen.”

All of the students are either anchors or on the production crew.

Of the 30 students in the program this year, some write the script the afternoon before, and then the anchors, who pair themselves up, come in about 15 minutes before the announcements and rehearse with the lights and mikes and teleprompter. The actual broadcast lasts no less than five minutes and no more than10 minutes.

“We always start with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance,” explained Glassmeyer.

“Then we have the lunch menu for the day, and other announcements, such as sports events, or practice for the theater group, or if there is a special event or fundraiser coming up. Then they sign off, and we have a special tag line, which is, “It’s a great

Seventh grade student Sarah Shook is behind the camera for this broadcast of the morning announcements.

day to be an Angel. Have a great day, and remember to be respectful.” At the end of our first broadcast, the student who was the anchor said that, and that’s how we always end the broadcast now.”

As an added feature at the beginning of this school year, fifteen of the students were able to

Angels on Air | Continued Page 9

8

Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals

Catholic Schools Week

Immaculate Heart of Mary offers excellent education A top strength of Immaculate Heart of Mary School is the arts in education program.

“We infuse learning styles, brain research, thinking skills and the arts into our academic classes to engage students and help them prepare for life beyond the classroom,” Principal Mary Hedger said.

Teachers are trained to use music, movement, and brain

research as connections to critical thinking skills which will be utilized by students in all grade levels Students are trained in the understanding and recognition of music, brain health and function as they relate to the individual's ability to use higher order thinking skills and creative endeavors. For example, Mel Pikar, a physical education and art teacher at IHM, teaches a formal class to junior high students

We infuse learning styles, brain research, thinking sills and the arts into our classes.

to make them aware of the connection between brain health and physical and academic success.

“Our teachers have been trained to implement best practices that include classroom exposure to higher level and creative thinking skills.,” Hedger said.

These include metacognition through a process that will include the identification and use of each thinking skill, practice in the use of each through authentic assessments, and mastery through student led conversations and presentations to peers and adults.

Excellence in education at St. Mary School Wireless laptops for an entire class, math enrichment and high school algebra, an International School to School Exchange program, and Artists in Residence are all right at home at St. Mary School in the heart of Hyde Park.

St. Mary School provides education for children in kindergarten through grade eight and has three times been awarded the National School of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education, most recently in 2006.

St. Mary School offers many academic benefits: State-of-the-art computer lab and a portable cart of wireless laptop computers that extends Internet access throughout the school, Spanish starting in kindergarten, high school algebra, math enrichment, foreign exchange program, junior high elective program, and before- and after-school child care.

They would love to share their school with you.

Please call 321-0703 for a personal tour.

St. Mary School offers many academic benefits: State-ofthe art computer lab...

Spanish...

January 31 - February 6, 2010 Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge DisciplineMorals

Stand out at Roger Bacon Roger Bacon creates a personal environment that allows young men and women to stand out by offering them the relationships, discipline and opportunities needed to succeed in a changing world.

Roger Bacon students stand out academically.

Last year more than 90 percent of our graduates continued their education at colleges and universities around the country.

Additionally, 52 percent of the class earned scholarships valued at $5.6 million. Over the last four years, 70 percent of Advanced Placement students passed the AP tests, and the College Board named 24 students as National Merit Scholars.

Roger Bacon students stand out personally.

Because of its size, Roger Bacon encourages its students to participate in multiple extra-curricular activities.

More than 95 percent of the students participate in one or more of 38 extra-curricular, co-curricular or athletic organizations or teams.

From the world-renowned band to the one-of-a-kind underwater hockey team, Roger Bacon students are encouraged to explore and expand their horizons.

Roger Bacon students stand out personally. Roger Bacon offers all students, opportunities to meet students from around the world. Exchange students from around the world regularly attend Roger Bacon.

In 2010, students from China and Italy will graduate from Roger Bacon.

Recently, groups of Roger

Bacon students spent a part of their summer holidays visiting England, France and Italy.

Finally, Roger Bacon students stand out spiritually.

Last year’s senior class devoted 4,336 hours to community service, the foundation of Roger Bacon’s Franciscan teachings.

Students enter high school as young boys and girls and graduate as young men and women with a compassionate global vision.

Roger Bacon affords its students outstanding opportunities to achieve success in the traditional college preparatory curriculum. However, it also offers students opportunities to experience and achieve outstanding levels of personal development throughout their high school years.

9

Angels on Air From page 3 tour WCPO’s studio, and see how the professionals do their on air broadcasts.

They were also able to meet a few of the anchors.

“They were very impressed,” said Glassmeyer. “When we were first thinking about doing this program, we visited a couple of high schools on the other side of town who have similar programs, and we picked up a few pointers for our program.”

Glassmeyer said she thinks the program is good for the students because it encourages the kids to volunteer, and it teaches self confidence.

“I know a lot of adults who wouldn’t volunteer to speak in front of 600 people,” stated

Glassmeyer. “And this is live, so if they make mistakes, it is there for everybody to see. They do make some mistakes. I think it teaches leadership, too, because all the younger students, from kindergarten on up, see these students, and look up to them.”

Shannon Kapp, Special Projects Assistant to the Principal, is very impressed with the program.

“I think the program helps with presentation skills, as well as organizational skills, and no matter what field students go into when they are older, they can always use these skills,” she said. “We are very proud of the initiative our students and teachers have taken in this program.”

10

Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals

Catholic Schools Week

Archbishop McNicholas High School embraces each student Archbishop McNicholas High School promotes a co-educational, Christ-centered, Catholic community that embraces each student – intellectually, morally, physically, and spiritually.

They provide a safe,nurturing, creative, and challenging campus where individuals will grow in knowledge and faith. They equip their students with opportunities and experiences that will enable them to achieve excellence, live out gospel values, and attain full stature in Christ.

No matter what your academic ability, McNicholas High School can help you achieve excellence. You will find 65 teachers and three guidance counselors willing to help you with individualized attention

in classes that average 20 students.

They offer 14 Advanced Placement courses and 25 fine arts electives.

The science department has received the Ohio Governor’s Award for Excellence 20 consecutive years and McNicholas has produced more than 48 National Merit Scholars in the past four years.

The theater department has been invited to perform at the Ohio Thespian Convention for twelve consecutive years and produces numerous shows throughout the year. They are also proud to offer the SAIL Program, which addresses the needs of identified students, helping them cope with learning in the high school environment.

Extracurricular activities are an important part of McNicholas life.

They strongly encourage every “Rocket” to become involved in clubs and activities that range from the exhilaration of musicals to the intensity of chess tournaments, from the activism of the ecology club to the leadership of student council.

Their students take part in a wide range of activities that make them feel “at home” at McNicholas High School.

McNicholas’ highly respected and competitive athletic program brings excitement and spirit to our campus. McNicholas fields 37 teams for young men and women.

These teams can boast of district, regional and state championships, King of the Hill trophies and other league honors.

St. Michael: Excellence begins with me!

“Excellence Begins with Me” – is the theme for the 2009-10 school year at St. Michael School.

Students, teachers, staff, parents and parish family are all very proud that the Department of Education has named St. Michael School a 2009 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

From academics, faith development, after-school programs and sports, excellence can be seen everywhere at St. Michael.

The children, under the faithful guidance of the teachers, are encouraged to achieve to their best ability.

This is seen in all the activities in which the children participate.

The pride in accomplishment can be seen in their eyes while they are participating in Mass, academics, sports, band, student council, and many other after-school activities.

The children at St. Michael's learn more than what is in a book; they learn respect for others and how to be a caring and responsible person.

The excellence demonstrated daily at St. Michael is what a Catholic education and Catholic Schools Week is all about. The elements of Faith, Knowledge, Discipline and Morals that are instilled in the students at St. Michael will carry with them and pay “Dividends for Life.”

To learn more about what St. Michael School can offer your child, visit its open house Thursday, Feb. 4, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Information is available at www.stmichael sharonville.org.

January 31 - February 6, 2010 Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge DisciplineMorals 11

St. Nicholas regional school St. Nicholas Academy in Cincinnati will soon expand so they can continue to envision the future.

The regional school is adding another covenant school, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Reading to the two covenant parishes who are already part of the original expansion.

“The first two schools to be part of our covenant were St. John the Evangelist in Deer Park, and Holy Trinity in Norwood,” said Amy Mumper, a member of the Marketing Task force for St. Nicholas. “With the addition of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, we are physically changing our location to the larger, greener campus in Reading.”

With the start of the 2010-2011 school year, St. Nicholas Academy will be bigger and better than ever, richer because they are drawing from the resources of their three covenanted schools, and offering state of the art options to the students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

“St. Nicholas Academy is such a great foundation for our kids,” said Kim Turner, who has two children at the school. “(My kids get) a great education, a great sense of spirit and religion, long lasting friendships and a great sense of community.“ Mumper agrees.

“We have an amazingly supportive community of people – almost like a family,” she said. “We are all so excited that St. Nicholas is expanding so we can invite others to be part of our family.”

St. Ursula Villa’s reputation – tradition and progress St. Ursula Villa focuses on program growth and change while celebrating its 50th anniversary as Cincinnati’s only Ursuline elementary school.

The historic 22-acre campus now boasts an attractive plaza, which visually connects the property, improves traffic flow, and provides student recreation.

Facility improvements include an updated school lobby and beautiful stained-glass window in the multi-purpose room, all serving a growing student population.

Newly expanded specialized resources for academically gifted students support the Villa’s established reputation for meeting each student’s individual needs.

Academic challenge continues with

small classes, averaging 15 students in fourth through eighth grade ability-grouped math classes.

Kindergartners are introduced to foreign language, with Spanish, French or Latin options in later grades.

The Villa’s philosophy of wholechild development is evidenced through specialty classes of art, music, computer, physical education, and library. Extra-curriculars include various sports teams, clubs ranging from science to drama, and a newly formed National Junior Honor Society.

St. Ursula Villa students develop their fullest potential through an extraordinary partnership between parents and dedicated teachers, 50 percent of whom have master’s

degrees.

Appreciation of each child’s unique talents fosters a dynamic learning atmosphere and a culture of academic success where students celebrate each others’ achievements.

Rigorous academics prepare Villa graduates for outstanding placement and successful transition into Cincinnati’s competitive high schools.

Personal growth is nurtured through leadership opportunities, community outreach, and spiritual development. The Junior High emphasis on time management, study skills, and individual attention creates independent learners who create, lead, engage, serve, and inspire.

Learn more about St. Ursula Villa at its open house Sunday, Jan. 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

12

Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals Faith Knowledge Discipline Morals

Catholic Schools Week

Tradition of academic excellence at St. Gertrude

To advertise in the 2011 Catholic Schools Week call 248-7685.

Saint Gertrude School in Madeira has enjoyed a tradition of academic excellence and faith formation in Dominican Tradition for 75 years.

Families from over 19 Tristate areas come to Saint Gertrude’s newly built school.

Their state-of-the-art facility offers our students promethium boards in each classroom, a computer lab and portable laptop cart, an art room, science lab, full-time librarian and an bright, lightfilled atmosphere with beautiful Catholic artwork throughout our building.

The Principal Sister Mary Sheila oversees a Christ-centered environment which includes our own Virtues in Practice program that incorporates

the virtues and Saint's lives into the curriculum.

Three additional Sisters teach at the school, including sacramental preparation.

In addition,16 friars interact with the students on campus. SGS is the only Catholic grade school in the U.S. with at total of 20 religious on campus each year.

Academic excellence combined with faith formation is our goal. The Pre-K 4-year-olds are introduced to letters and sounds with the “Letter People.” The Orton Gillingham method is utilized by our primary teachers and our reading specialist. Jr. High students are offered a diverse program including their choice of over 19 electives

each trimester, and participation in challenge camps and service projects. Instruction with a tutor from China via Skype in seventh grade and Spanish and Latin in sixth and eighth offers students a wide variety of ways to explore other cultures, and their own talents and gifts.

They strive to address each child's gifts and needs with an updated Math Enrichment program. They have Reading, Speech and Intervention Specialists, a Math Resource teacher, School Counselor and School

Psychologist and have ongoing training in differentiated instruction.

We want tomorrow's leaders to be ready spiritually and academically and our teachers help teach our children in ways that meet them where they are and take them where they want to go. Saint Gertrude School welcomes you to tour their facilities by appointment by calling Judy at 561-8020, ext. 1101.

Open registration begins Feb. 22 and can be done online at www.st gertudesch.org.

Academic excellence combined with faith formation is their goal.