St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School 2021-2022 Admissions Look Book

FAITH | COMMUNITY | ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 2021–2022 ADMISSIONS

MISSION STATEMENT

To lead each student in the formation of a strong Catholic faith through the balanced pursuit of knowledge, prayer, responsibility, and service.

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STA 2020 Admissions • staschool.org

OVEMBER

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School was established in 1947. Now one of the largest Catholic primary/middle schools in Texas, our school has received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award twice based on overall academic excellence.

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We feel so blessed to be a part of the STA community.

We are not originally from Dallas so we don’t have any family in the area. The STA

CURRENT ENROLLMENT TWO CAMPUSES: 836 Students

community has turned into our family. Through the interactions with the parish and the school, we have established life-long friends.

— JONATHAN STANLEY

LOWER SCHOOL PK–2nd Grade 314 Students

UPPER SCHOOL 3rd – 8th Grade 522 Students

2019 – 2020 SCHOOL YEAR:

90% of students are STA Parish Families

82% of graduates went on to Catholic high schools, primarily Jesuit, Ursuline, and Bishop Lynch.

NOVEMBER

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Both my husband and I grew up attending Catholic schools in the Dallas area, and we knew we wanted to provide a faith-based education for our daughter when it was time, too.

From the moment we toured STA, we felt at home. The welcoming environment paired with a rigorous curriculum was the right fit for our family.

STA has been everything we hoped and more. In the face of immeasurable challenges, the STA staff and community always rise- supporting one another and making sure our children receive love and an engaging learning environment.

The teachers, administration, and staff at STA are unparalleled in the JOY they bring each day. We feel safe, happy, and at home at STA and look forward to many more years to come! We are grateful every day to be a part of the STA community. #STAStrong — NICOLE & BRENT BOSWORTH, Parents

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STA 2020 Admissions • staschool.org

EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENT CLASS SIZES PK Sections: 5 Maximum class size: 14 Aides: 5

Kindergarten Sections: 4 Maximum class size: 22 Aides: 4

First Grade – Eighth Grade Sections: 4 Maximum class size: 24

OUR FOCUS Emotional Safety —————

Developmentally Appropriate Practices —————

Instructional Strategies Based on Current Brain Research —————

Creating a Comfortable Environment for Students, Teachers, and Families —————

Differentiated Instruction to Meet the Diverse Needs of All Learners

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“STA is not just a community, but also a true family.

Our STA family has never failed to always be there for us when we needed them, or when others are in need, and there are so many examples where we were showered with support, no matter what the situation. It really inspires us to pass it on and do the same for others. We love our STA family!”

— THE GALVIN FAMILY

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STA 2020 Admissions - staschool.org

ACADEMICS CORE SUBJECTS

SPECIALS

Language Arts

PE Art Computer Library Spanish Music/Drama

Math Science Social Studies Religion

EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENTS • Thinking Maps - A Language for Learning

• Robotics Team, Speech Team, and Book Club

• Write from the Beginning… and Beyond

• National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Student Council, Ambassadors, Scouts, Altar Servers

• Continental Math League • Accelerated Reading • Author Visits • Virtual Guest Speakers • PSIA, Geo Bee, Spelling Bee, and Religion Bowl • Computer and Science Labs

• Athletics (5th–8th Grade): Year-Round Involvement, 11 Sports Options • Fine Arts: Music, Art, and Drama • Annual Middle School Musical and Lower School Performances • Field Trips for All Grades

Diocesan curriculum standards are available on our school website: www.staschool.org/academics/curriculum.

These are the minimum standards which we expand upon at all grade levels.

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“St. Thomas provides us with an education that not only focuses on academics, but also fosters a love of God, a love of community, and a love for others. This well-rounded approach provides a strong foundation for our kids to build on as they grow into responsible young adults.”

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— DIONNE RAINEY, Parent

STA 2020 Admissions - staschool.org

WHY CATHOLIC SCHOOL?

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Catholic schools emphasize excellence and academic achievement.

The key to the academic success enjoyed by Catholic school students is the high expectations we set for every student. In specific subject areas—language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies—Catholic school students routinely score above the national average on standardized tests. Research also shows that Catholic school students have better writing skills because of a greater emphasis on study skills and classwork.

An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic schools.

— POPE FRANCIS

Partnerships between Catholic schools and families promote success.

At Catholic schools, educators and families have a shared vision that creates a community centered on nurturing the unique talents of each student.

Strong partnerships between Catholic schools and families can yield very tangible benefits.

A wide range of extracurricular programs educate the whole person.

With a deep commitment to developing the whole person, Catholic schools offer many extracurricular programs that emphasize the arts, academics, athletics, leadership, service, and much more.

Students who are involved in extracurricular activities have higher average GPAs, standardized test scores, graduation rates, and college acceptance rates than those who aren’t.

Catholic schools provide a values-based education you won’t find anywhere else.

A firm moral foundation guides young children navigating through the rough seas of growing up today, and provides a framework for good decision making into adulthood. In Catholic schools, students are challenged to improve the world by sharing Gospel values and living Christ’s message of salvation through love and forgiveness. Catholic schools are recognized for producing graduates who are more civically engaged, tolerant of diverse views, and have a strong commitment to service, several studies show. staschool.org • STA 2020 Admissions

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VISION STATEMENT To seek the light and hope of Christ in everything we think, say, and do.

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STA 2020 Admissions • staschool.org

OUR CATHOLIC FAITH We Are A Parish School — Catholic identity is woven into everyday life at the school. Our strong faith community fosters spiritual formation through formal faith instruction, varied worship experiences, active participation in service, community building, and moral development.

• Religion is a core curriculum class taught each day.

• Weekly Masses for 1st–2nd, 3rd–5th, 6th–8th grades • Upper School Community Mass and grade level family Masses • Weekly prayer service for PK and Kindergarten • Sacramental preparation in all grades leading to:

NOVEMBER

• First Communion

• Rite of Reconciliation

• Confirmation

staschool.org • STA 2020 Admissions

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FAITH | COMMUNITY | ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

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STA 2020 Admissions • staschool.org

HOW DO WE GET IN? It is the goal of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School to educate children of parishioners who desire to participate in a Catholic education. Applications received after January 31, 2021, will be processed on a case-by-case basis as capacity allows.

ON-TIME APPLICATIONS ARE PRIORITIZED AS FOLLOWS: • Registered, contributing parishioner at STA • Registered parishioner (non-contributing) at STA • Parishioner families at another Catholic parish • Non-parishioner/Non-Catholic families

APPLY ON TIME AT

APPLICATION CHECKLIST o Birth Certificate o Updated Immunizations Records o Baptismal Certificate, if Catholic o Most recent report card o Recent standardized test results, if applicable Financial aid is available to parish families. Apply through FACTS during the application process.

TIMELINE FOR 2021–2022 ADMISSIONS IMPORTANT DATES ON-TIME APPLICATION Sunday, January 31 due by 11:59 PM ASSESSMENTS FOR K–8TH Saturday, February 6 (No PK Assessment) ADMISSION DECISIONS Friday, March 12 emailed to you PARENT ENROLLMENT Wednesday, March 31 decisions due

INTERACTIVE Q&A with the ADMISSIONS TEAM 8:00 AM

LOWER SCHOOL Tuesday, November 17 Tuesday, December 15 Tuesday, January 19

UPPER SCHOOL

Wednesday, November 18 Wednesday, December 16 Wednesday, January 20

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“STA is not just our parish and school, it’s our home.

We are blessed with the opportunity to send our boys to a school that feels like a family. The STA community has helped us raise our boys with a strong foundation of faith and love, and for that, we are truly thankful! ” — ELIZABETH LESHER, 1st Grade Teacher and parent

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HELPFUL HINTS: 1. Complete your application on time

by Sunday, January 31, 2021.

2 Make sure to provide emails for teacher and principal recommendations.

3. Make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date 4.

If Catholic, make sure your child has been baptized in the Catholic Church. Obtain a copy of baptismal certificate from the Church office or the church where your child was baptized.

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Give to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Use Faith Direct or make sure you add your parish ID number to plate offerings, so you are receiving credit for all contributions.

(Once you are enrolled at STA, all parishioner families must contribute through Faith Direct.)

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Be involved in our parish community, and document it on your application: STAMA, Holy Name Society, Altar Guild, etc.

WHO QUALIFIES AS A REGISTERED CONTRIBUTING PARISHIONER? 1. At least one applicant parent is a practicing Catholic and registered with STA Church for a minimum of one year.

2. Applicant child is baptized Catholic or has completed a Profession of Faith if baptized in another faith.

3. Applicant family has established a giving record to the church for one calendar year prior to application.

Use FAITH DIRECT to make your gifts to STA Church The Rectory grants contributing parishioner status based on the calendar year (January 1– December 31).

In order to qualify for Parishioner Rate, those applying to grades K-8th for 2021-2022 will need to have the following contributions complete by Dec. 31, 2020: • $800 minimum giving to the parish for new families (1st child to apply).

Parishioner families with children already enrolled at STA will need to give a minimum contribution of: a church gift of $800, a School Gap Drive contribution of $200, and a Gulczynski Endowment Fund contribution of $200 per calendar year. staschool.org • STA 2020 Admissions

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PARISH FAMILIES

GRADUATES

CATHOLIC FAITH

QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS?

STAPA

Visit the staschool.org/admissions page CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE Teresa Diaz, Admissions Assistant Rachel Wright, Director of Admissions and Advancement admissions@staschool.org

staschool.org Follow us on social media: @staschooldallas