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As written in our mission statement, our primary goal is to make the example of Christ evident in the lives of our students. We strive to motivate students to work with and learn from each other. Our purpose is to develop strong Christian values and sense of self-worth in our children. We acknowledge that childrens' positive contributions extend within and beyond the academic setting.
Cooperative and flexible groupings in the integrated language arts program enable our children to learn at their own pace. The students share authentic pieces of literature while compiling working portfolios that reflect both traditional and varied assessments. The honors math program has allowed eighth grade students to take Algebra 1 and qualify for advanced placement in high school. Nativity's excellence is marketed weekly in the parish bulletin, on the school website, local newspapers, the weekly information letters and monthly calendars that are sent to each school family.
The library is equipped with the Follett Circulation Plus cataloging system for maintaining and accessing the library's collection. Twelve computers with internet access are available in the library to students and teachers for instruction and independent research. The purchase of new, developmentally appropriate books and materials for the library continues with the support of The Home and School Association, the Parish Finance Council and the annual book fair. The students benefit by having a full-time computer teacher, who connects classroom learning to computer skills.
Every classroom at Nativity of Our Lord has Internet access and at least one computer, a printer and appropriate software. We continue to update these computers and their software. In addition, all classes have access to our Tech Room, which is furnished with a Smartboard, laptop computer, projector, television, DVD player and VCR, and a Windows on Science laser disc player. This room is used for technology-enhanced instruction and internet-based activities such as virtual field trips.
Future goals include enhancements to the library's computerized cataloging system and updating and expanding resources to support the Science curriculum. This will include obtaining new Science textbooks for grades K-8 and outfitting a classroom to be used as a Science lab available to all grades. Teachers will continue to be in-serviced to keep pace with the ever growing technological advances. The continued commitment of parents, teachers and parish members will enable us to motivate students to strive for excellence as they face the challenges of the 21st century.
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