Mission Statement
As members of the Body of Christ, we at St. Mary learn, love, and serve.
Statement of Philosophy
As Catholic educators we are committed to the whole child, body, mind, and soul through physical, academic, and spiritual development. We provide opportunities for spiritual, moral, cognitive, social, emotional, artistic, and physical growth that is truly Catholic. We strive to offer an education that is available, accessible, and affordable to all. Our fourfold purpose is to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, serve one another, and foster community.
Elementary School Philosophy: Grades K-5
We believe that students who are beginning their formal education are in need of a learning environment that is both nurturing and developmental. This environment works in cooperation with the family to prepare students with the fundamental skills and behaviors needed to be successful as they transition to middle school. The elementary school utilizes a homeroom approach to develop a learning community that challenges all students intellectually and spiritually, while meeting the students' physical, emotional, social, moral and academic needs.
- Provide a safe environment where students can grow and develop the skills needed to become faith-filled, life-long learners.
- Vary instructional procedures to meet the students’ individual needs in cooperation with the family.
- Challenge students to begin to work with others, and learn to respect others as well as themselves.
- Provide opportunities for students of all abilities, interests, and backgrounds to develop fully as learners.
- Provide opportunities to explore new areas within the curriculum and beyond.
- Provide examples that will contribute to the development of values, morals, standards, and self-esteem.
- Help students understand themselves as Christians and make good decisions.
Middle School Philosophy: Grades 6-8
We believe that students who are making the transition from childhood to adolescence need a special learning environment. This environment should emphasize experiences that foster growth from dependent learners to independent learners. The middle school bridges the gap from elementary school to the specialized subject-field approach of the high school with a program that challenges all students intellectually and spiritually, while meeting the students' physical, emotional, social, moral and academic needs.
- Provide a safe environment that combines a sense of security with the motivation to grow and become faith-filled, independent life-long learners.
- Vary instructional procedures to meet the students’ changing developmental needs.
- Challenge students to learn to appreciate and respect others as well as themselves.
- Provide varied opportunities to learn for students of all abilities, interests, and backgrounds.
- Provide opportunities to explore new areas beyond the traditional curriculum and to develop creativity.
- Provide experiences that will contribute to the development of values, morals, standards, and self-esteem.
- Help students understand themselves as Christians who make good decisions.
Goals
As a community we:
- Will set an example of good Christian values following the belief that Jesus is the primary teacher
- Will recognize each child as an individual, worthy of love, respect, and understanding
- Will create an environment for a stimulating, challenging, and enjoyable learning experience
- Will be aware of changes that take place in education and adapt them to meet the needs of our students
- Will promote a positive self-concept
- Will help each child realize a sense of satisfaction with his/her accomplishments
- Will show a sincere interest in the child and his/her family and show a willingness to communicate with them
In conclusion, we believe that our greatest contribution to Christian education is to be sure there is a teacher in every classroom who cares that every student, everyday, learns and grows and feels like a valuable human being. |
