Spring 2024 Publication

MRS.BENDER

Astheschoolyearcomestoaclose,Iamdelightedtoshare withyouthewonderfulachievementsandvibrantspiritofour St.IsidoreSchoolcommunityinthisSpringeditionofour publication.

Welookbackwithgratitudeontheprogressandmilestones achievedbyourstudents. Fromacademicgrowthto communityserviceprojects,ourstudentscontinuetoshine thelightoffaith,hope,andlove. Additionally,withexcitement wesharesomefutureplansfor St.IsidoreSchool.

WeareBLESSEDwithadedicatedfacultyandstaffwhoarepassionateaboutguiding ourstudentsontheireducationalandspiritualjourneys.Theirunwaveringsupportand commitmenttoourMissionisadmirable.

Toourschoolfamilies, THANKYOUforyourcontinuedpartnershipandinvolvement. Our communityisextraordinary,andyoursupportandencouragementempowerour studentstothrive

Aswejourneythroughtheremainingdaysoftheschoolyear,maythejoyandrenewalof Springfillyourheart,andmayGod'sblessingsbewithyouandyourfamiliesnowand always.

Growing InFaith:5thGradeRetreat

As part of our ongoing commitment to our WCEA Accreditation goals, we have prioritized the growing of our retreat program. This year, we proudly introduced a new retreat specifically designed for our 5th-grade students.

The 5th-grade retreat provided an enriching journey centered on faith, community, and the appreciation of individual talents. Guided by the belief in God's unwavering presence, students leaned on one another, cultivating a sense of unity and interconnectedness

Through meaningful discussions and collaborative activities, students embarked on an engaging experience, discovering the strength in sharing their distinct gifts with one another. This retreat not only fostered personal growth but also reinforced the importance of community and collective support within our school environment The 5th grade team did an amazing job leading this new retreat!

EquationsofExcellence:InvestinginourMathProgram

uring the last two years our team has delved into urther development and growth of the math rogram. This work entailed adopting new urriculum, investing in professional development or teachers, and increased focus on spiral review, mall group instruction and progress monitoring

or the past two years, an impressive 17 out of 18 ccelerated Math students successfully placed in ther Algebra Honors or Geometry

a more robust math curriculum, while 7th graders explored Pre Algebra with an accelerated option. Building upon this foundation, all 8th-grade students now engage with Algebra, supplemented by an accelerated Algebra option. This expanded scope, starting from 5th grade and upward, ensures students are well-prepared for the challenges of high school math.

The results speak for themselves Since 2021, our STAR math scores have consistently risen with each administration At the close of last year, our STAR scores ranked among the top 5 schools in the Diocese for math This achievement is a testament to our teachers' dedication and our students' diligence in pursuit of mathematical excellence We will continue to focus on maintaining high standards in math now and as we move forward

Community,Compassion,Connection

Throughout the current school year, students at St Isidore, spanning grades 5 through 8, dedicated over 3,500 hours to meaningful service initiatives. Additionally, our school collectively rallied behind numerous organizations, including C.O.R.E Outreach of Contra Costa County, The Wheelchair Foundation, Kids Against Hunger, Monument Crisis Center, and FACE, to name a few. These acts of compassion and generosity serve as a cornerstone of our mission to nurture students with hearts of service.

EnrichingtheCurriculum

A highlight of our Junior High experience is the enrichment classes. These classes allow students to explore various interests and passions while broadening their horizons. Students have the chance to explore a range of subjects, including Health & Well Being, Technology & Design, and Choice Enrichment classes. From the intricacies of line dancing to the creative realms of short film production, robotics, painting, basketball, photography, and even knitting, in collaboration with our parish knitting club, students explore diverse interests, empowering them to pursue their passions and unlock their creative potential while engaging in a com

CAMPUSEVENTS

Step into the heart of our vibrant Catholic community, where faith, fellowship, and service intertwine Over the past few months, we have had many wonderful events to celebrate our students and build community and connection All of these memories were opportunities to grow in faith, love, and unity

FirstCommunion

FunRun

Each spring, St Isidore School eagerly anticipates its annual Fun Run fundraising event! This year, we kicked off the fundraiser with an energetic spirit rally, inspiring school families to unite and gather pledges for their children. The St. Isidore community collectively raised a total of $106,396. On the day of the run, families came together to cheer on the students as they ran laps around the field. A special thanks to the SIS dads for successfully planning and executing the event.

ElevatingLiteracy: AComprehensiveReviewofOurEnglishLanguageArtsCurriculum

In our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, we review and evaluate our academic programs We have embarked on a thorough review of our English Language Arts (ELA) program. Drawing upon the latest research in literacy education, we are infusing our curriculum with evidence-based strategies rooted in the Science of Reading.

This approach emphasizes explicit phonics instruction, systematic language development, and sequential skill-building to empower students with strong foundational literacy skills With a keen eye on student growth and achievement, we identified areas of strength and opportunities for improvement within our ELA curriculum

By pinpointing these areas, we will begin to tailor our instructional approaches and assessments to better meet the diverse needs of learners at every stage of their academic journey.

At the heart of our ELA curriculum review is a steadfast commitment to excellence in education. We are dedicated to empowering students with the literacy skills and knowledge they need to thrive academically, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world around them

PLANNINGFORTHEFUTURE

FosteringVirtue:EmbracinganEducationInVirtueProgram

We are delighted to announce the pilot of the Education in Virtue program next school year This program is rooted in the rich tradition of Catholic education and supports our Mission to nurture our students' spiritual and holistic development

The Catholic Education in Virtue program is a comprehensive approach to character formation that integrates virtues with practic real-world application. At the core of the Education in Virtue program are the cardinal and theological virtues, which can guide students in ethical decision-making and virtuous living.

The program encourages students to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith in tangible ways With great enthusiasm and anticipation, we embrace the Education in Virtue program Together, let us strive to instill in our students the virtues that will empower them to lead lives of faith, integrity, purpose, and service to others.

VisionfortheFuture:StrategicPlanning

WeareexcitedtoannouncethattheStrategic Planningprocesswillbeginnextyear This processhasnotbeencompletedinseveral yearsatSt IsidoreSchool,andassuch,weare excitedtobeworkingonaplanthatwillguide ourfuturegrowthbesttomeettheneedsofour studentsandcommunity

AssharedattheStateoftheSchool,wewillalso beengaginginacomprehensivecampus masterplan,avitalinitiativethatwillshapethe futureofoureducationalenvironment.Rooted inourcommitmenttoprovidingavibrantand innovativelearningspace,thisplanwillreflect ourdedicationtoexcellenceineducation.

Our campus Master Plan serves as a roadmap for enhancing facilities, optimizing resources, and creating dynamic spaces that support the evolving needs of our students, faculty, and community. We have selected a firm that comes highly recommended from both De la Salle and Carondelet, and has worked extensively in the Diocese of Oakland and K-12 education in the Bay Area We are kicking off our planning process over the summer, and aim to complete the process by early 2025

As we begin the process of our campus master plan development, we look forward to collaborating with our school and parish community to create a compelling shared vision for the future of educational excellence at St. Isidore School.

DIAM NDS ARE FOREVER Gala

$252,775 RAISED

Donors

Diamond Table Sponsors

Fremont Bank

Recktenwald/Eyvazzadeh family

Young & Burton, Inc.

On March 11, 2024, over 400 members of our community attended the annual Auction at the Blackhawk Museum. It was a lively evening filled with fellowship, fun, and fundraising for our school. THANK YOU!

Behring Global Educational Foundation

Platinum Sponsors

Torsap Thai Kitchen

Novin Development

Gold Sponsors

McNamara Family

YourGenerousGiftsMatter...

We are immensely grateful for the generosity and support of our community. With heartfelt appreciation, we extend our sincerest thank you to all who have contributed their time, volunteered tirelessly, donated generously, and guided our students with unwavering care and commitment.

SpiritofSt.IsidoreAward

The Spirit of St. Isidore Award honors an individual who dedicates time and talent to support our Mission Families nominate and acknowledge the efforts of one of their fellow parents by submitting their vote.

We recognized the Spirit of St. Isidore Award recipients at the Spring Concert. As announced, there was a tie this year, and we had the opportunity to honor them both before the school community. Congratulations to Mr Guy Kornblum and Mr Angel Alamo for their ongoing commitment and service to St. Isidore.

WITHGRATITUDE

ThankYou, St.IsidoreSchool Team

All of my teachers are very welcoming and willing to help with anything I need Despite teaching many students and classes, they always make time in their schedules to assist us. As an 8th grader going into high school, I feel very prepared for my future. My teachers have guided me throughout my time here and

have gone above and beyond to ensure I feel supported.

The teachers care deeply about us and push us to be the best students we can be. They prepare us for what lies ahead, especially in high school, providing a great foundation for our future. The teachers are always willing to help with assignments and are available during their office hours for additional support. I am so grateful that they help us succeed and instill morals and virtues.

Amanda B. 8th Grade

Ryan T. 8th Grade

ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL