"St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School, continuing the mission of St. Mary Magdalen and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, supports parents as the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith by providing a Christ-centered, safe and loving school environment offering an excellent academic program of learning."

The Catholic school is structured to encourage a spirit of cooperation and a state of shared responsibility. Within the school, specific roles are prescribed for the pastor, the principal, and the School Board. Each person or group functions within specific areas of expertise.

The Pastor is the spiritual leader of the Christian Parish Community and is responsible for those matters within the school that affect worship, the ministry of the Word, and the spiritual welfare of the students.

The Principal is responsible for the immediate direction of the school and its instructional program. The principal leads the school in accordance with the policies of the Archdiocesan School Board of Education and the parish school board. Problems and questions concerning the school should be directed to the principal. (Specific problems concerning a particular subject, class, or behavior should first be discussed with the teacher.)

The School Board functions as a group to advise the pastor and principal in making policy for educational programs. The Board also reviews the annual budget and recommends tuition rates.

The academic program is constructed throughout the grades in such a way as to provide a gradual, coordinated and personalized process of learning. The faculty's daily commitment is toward enabling the individual student to become an integrated Christian person.

Instruction is provided in the following basic curricular areas: Art, Computer Education, Language Arts (including Reading/Literature, English/Writing, and Spelling), Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religion (including Sacrament Preparation and Human Sexuality), Science, and Social Studies. The curriculum is designed and adapted at the local level, and is developed in accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines. A Curriculum Guide for St. Katharine Drexel School is available through the school office.

 Physical Education. Students in grades K through eight must participate in P. E. class. No one is excused without a written explanation from a parent.

 P. E. classes meet once or twice weekly either in the gym or on the school playground.

The discretion of the teacher determines the kinds and amounts of homework appropriate to the grade level and subject. Homework includes written work, study, reading and research.

Students are responsible for completing their work on time and will be held accountable for their work.

In complete homework assignments must be made up. If a child consistently states he or she has no homework, or has completed it at school, check with his or her teacher. Children often do not consider anything homework unless it is to be written, and thus important study and research assignments are often neglected.

Assignment notebooks or assignment sheets are to be used by each student. Parents are encouraged to review daily assignment and monitor homework completion.

Parents can contribute to the process of learning through homework by: 
• showing interest in the student's work
• setting up an appropriate study environment
• consistently providing time and space to complete homework
• being consistent in helping the student develop good study habits
• encouraging the student to work independently as much as possible.

It is virtually impossible to designate a given homework time for each class because individuals vary so much depending on ability and concentration. In general, the following "rule of thumb" can serve as a guideline: # of minutes homework per evening = 10 times the grade level in minutes
(ex.: Gr. 4 = 40 minutes;
Gr. 1 = 10 minutes;
Gr. 8 = 80 minutes)

Reports Cards

Report cards are given four times a year. Report cards are to be signed by the parents and returned to school as soon as possible. For those students who are unable to receive their report cards because of vacation, out of town, etc. will receive them after they return to school.

• 98 - 100% A+    •  83 - 84% C+  
• 95 - 97% A        •  80 - 82% C
• 93 - 96% A-       •  78 - 79% C-
• 90 - 92% B+      •  75 - 77% D+
• 87 - 89% B        •  72 - 74% D        
• 85 - 86% B-       •  70 - 71% D-
             below 70% - F

• Pass all core subject areas. (Note: a student may graduate if they fail only one subject but the student will be required to attend summer school).
• Have tuition paid in full.
• Have paid all fines and fees.

 Eighth grade graduation will be held in May or June. Attire for graduation should be modest and simple. Any family who is not up to date on their Tuition and any fees that associated with the school, will not be able to participate in the ceremony. The school will adhere to archdiocesan policy in regards to the completion of the Elementary School Program. Any 8th grade student who receives one failing grade for the year will be able to participate in the ceremony but will have to attend Summer School. 

Sacraments

Second graders receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for their first times. Reconciliation occurs early in Advent, and First Communion is two to three weeks after Easter.

Seventh graders are given the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Confirmation each year in the spring. Confirmation is held every other year at Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Mary Magdalen Parishes.

Receiving sacraments are significant events in a young Catholic's life. Students are not required to receive any sacrament and some may prefer to postpone based on readiness and maturity.

 Saint Katharine Drexel students who have not received the sacraments at the times designated for their classes may prepare individually. Please let the teacher know immediately if this is your choice, and contact will be made with the parish priests to make arrangements.

 Since Reconciliation is a sacrament celebrated within the community, the parish offers opportunities several times a year.

© Powered by MWestWeb. All rights reserved.