Class Size |
Curriculum |
Religion | Mass
| Other Religious Preparation
Schedule |
Child Care | Bussing
| Technology | Standardized Testing
What is the maximum class size at St. Mary School?
The maximum class sizes
at St. Mary school are:
3 year old preschool -- 18
K4 through Grade 2 -- 25
Grade 2 through 8 -- 28
What is the school's curriculum?
Religion, Reading, Math, Language Arts, Literature, Social Studies, Science, Health, Spanish, Art, Music, Computers, and Physical Education are taught. In addition, opportunities exist for Forensics, Band - Public Middle School, Kinder Chor, Hand Bells, Athletics, Student Service Council, Yearbook Club, and more.
What about Religion instruction?
Religious instruction happens in a variety of ways. First, as a Catholic school, traditional Catholic-Christian values are part of each aspect of our school curriculum and activities. In addition, religion is taught as a subject at every grade level.
Mass is one aspect of how we celebrate our life experiences as a Catholic community through liturgy and prayer. St. Mary students participate in:
a. Daily classroom prayer using a variety of methods, including songs,
formal and spontaneous prayer, and Spiritual Reflection.
b. Weekly Masses are held every Wednesday at 1:00pm at Blessed Trinity
Parish.
c. All-school liturgies for special events or the season of the year.
d. School-wide prayer services held for Advent, Lent, May Crowning,
Reconciliation.
What about other religious instruction or preparation for receiving the Sacraments?
Preparation for First Conciliation and First Communion are part of classroom instruction at the appropriate age level.
What is the school's daily schedule?
3 year-old Pre School: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am to 11:00am.
Kindergarten 4-year old and 5 year old:
Kindergarten half day: 8:00 -
11:35
Kindergarten Full Day: 8:00am -
3PM Dismissal
Grades 1 - 8: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesday dismissal at 2:00pm
All students may enter the building at 7:50am when the first bell rings, the second bell rings at 8:00am when classes begin.
St. Mary Child Care is located on the first floor of St. Mary School. The hours for the child care are before and after school.
Yes, bussing is available for those who meet the requirements. The student must live two or more miles from school, or if there are hazardous road conditions. Please contact Heidenreiter Bus Service, 467-2651, for more information.
Why should I send my child to St. Mary School?
These first educational years are critical to a child's development. St. Mary's serves your child with care for their whole being - mind, body, and spirit is reflected in the timeless tradition of value-based education. St. Mary School family savors a Christ-like atmosphere where we make a commitment to your child and their academic, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. (Click here to read parent testimonials as to why they send their children to St. Mary School)
What does St. Mary School have in
the area of Technology?
St. Mary School has a
state of the art computer lab
consisting
of 16 Dell PC’s, 2 laser printers (one being color), and two scanners. All
of the school computers are networked together with a server where each student
has their own login username and password making it very secure. Every
classroom also has at least one Dell PC. Three of the classrooms also have
a SMART Board and projector. The entire school is connected to the
Internet and to cable TV. St. Mary's has a Technology Instructor who
teaches Technology one day each week.
Do the students take a form of standardized Testing?
The Iowa Basic Skills Test (ITBS) is taken by 3rd, 5th, and 7th graders every March. The test covers reading, social studies, science, and math. Based on the results of all St. Mary's students, a "grade equivalent" composite is determined. This score indicates the grade level of our average student's general knowledge.
2008 2009 3rd Grade Equivalent Composite was 4.8 4.9 5th Grade Equivalent Composite was 9.2 10.0 7th Grade Equivalent Composite was 13+ 11.2 How to read the results:
The Grade Equivalent Average Composite shows, for example, that our average 7th grader has a reading/knowledge level of an average eleventh grader in their second month (11.2) of school.