Guest column, by Sue Amundson

At St. Theodore Catholic School, we are in the midst of a communitywide effort to strengthen and promote our school. Last year, we completed a comprehensive survey of parents, parish members, stakeholders and general community members.

One message that we heard loud and clear is that people did not know enough about our school and what we offer. Our school offers so many wonderful opportunities for our students and our community. My job as principal is to implement these programs but also tout our accomplishments and invite others to join us.

In recent months, a dedicated group of parents and community members have developed a series of reasons why every parent should consider sending their child to St. Theodore Catholic School. In the weeks to come, you will hear more about our: “Ask me why!” program. We have coordinated with alumni and parents to provide a number of shining examples of why people should support St. Theodore Catholic School.

Here are a few examples:

• Small class sizes with personalized attention.

St. Theodore Catholic School benefits students by fostering academic excellence and high achievement, educating the whole child within a values-based setting and preparing youngsters for success in life. The school provides a caring, challenging, nurturing, safe and secure environment for students of all faiths and backgrounds.

St. Theodore Catholic School students are quickly integrated into a closely knit school environment that provides first-class learning opportunities. Class sizes generally average around 10 to 15 students per class. Students who start at St. Theodore generally stay from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. This environment creates a schoolwide camaraderie between students, teachers and staff.

“The children are expected to do the best that they can and are challenged to reach their potential academically. In addition, they are expected to be respectful of their peers, teachers and volunteers. Early on, students are presented with rigorous tasks, such as oral reading during Mass, technology integration in academics and high behavior expectations inside and outside the classroom.” — Kelly Goskeson, parent

• Faith-enriched education.

Following a long tradition in Catholic education, St. Theodore School provides four R’s, rather than three — Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic and Religion. Religion plays an instrumental role in school programing. This curriculum goes beyond memorizing the saints and Bible verses. Students are encouraged to live like Jesus taught, “Enlivened by the spirit of freedom and charity.” Families and children of all faiths are welcome to learn how to be a person rooted in the community.

The parish priest visits each classroom on a weekly basis to expose students to the basic tenets of Christian faith. The school and church are closely connected in providing ample opportunities to instill Christian values into the daily classroom experience.

“As a veteran educator and a parent, I have seen and experienced what a faith-enriched education can do for a student’s success. Faith builds community, and community builds young people with a strong sense of confidence and self-worth. A faith-based foundation in education offers guideposts for young people that help them navigate the challenges that being a teen present.” — Lisa Hagen, alumni parent

We will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week Jan. 25 to Jan. 31, and there will be many opportunities for parents and community members to learn more about our school. Watch for school tour and open house opportunities. Enrollment is always open and new students are welcome.

 

Rural Glenville resident Sue Amundson is the principal of St. Theodore Catholic School.