ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL:  COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

            St. Patrick’s welcomes you to our yearly profile of what we are all about at our school.  In our seven short years of existence our student body has grown from 80 to 675 and  our staff from 5 to 65. The growth and successes have been rewarding, challenging, and exciting.  The small family environment of the 1st few years                                

continues to be strengthened by our supportive and involved parents and community.   Offering a challenging curriculum in a caring environment, St. Patrick’s Catholic School is committed to nurturing children’s academic, behavioral, and spiritual formation. This profile is a summary of the educational and faith-forming programs at St. Patrick’s School; it identifies the strengths of our school and provides a glimpse into what makes us unique.

“St. Patrick’s excellence lies in the way the teachers teach every student. The teachers have three R’s:  they respect us, respond to us, and require us to do the same. This helps us try our best not only in school, but also in the community.”
(Tylyn Trummer, 2007 graduate)

INTRODUCTION TO THE PARISH AND SCHOOL

In 1981, St. Patrick’s Church was built with seating for 450. In 2001, the parish completed renovations to accommodate the rapidly-growing Elkhorn area. St. Patrick’s School opened on August 23, 2000, with 80 students in Pre-K through 3rd grade. The school has now completed its seventh year with a Pre-K through 8th grade enrollment of 615 students. In the spring of 2006, St. Patrick’s School celebrated its first graduating 8th grade class. By 2010, St. Patrick’s School expects to serve 910 students.

To coincide with St. Patrick School’s success, our parish is in the midst of a multi-phase building and capital campaign plan. Phase I (nine classrooms and offices) was completed in March of 2002 and Phase II, the Pre-Kindergarten Center (eight classrooms and courtyard) was completed in July of 2004.   We are currently in a capital campaign with the expectations of raising $3.8 million.  These funds are to be used to help finance the $5,000,000 classroom addition which includes: a media center, a meeting room, twelve classrooms, a computer lab, a science lab, an art lab, storage rooms, guidance counselors, foreign language office, a computer workroom and a staff workroom. In approximately five years the parish may be looking into another campaign to finance the gym, a stage, a cafeteria, and the remodeling of Boland Hall for parish administration. All of these spaces are intended for multiple uses within St. Patrick's Parish, but they will first meet the needs of St. Patrick's School and Religious Formation Program.

“Over the past seven years, the St. Patrick's School Board, the school administration, the teachers, and Father Ron have developed a school that provides the best education possible for children. The curriculum is challenging, the environment is nurturing, and the foundation is solid in Catholic teachings. Over the next few years, we will be adding exciting programs and new building spaces to further enrich your children's educational experience.” (Michael Socha, School Board member)

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL GOALS

Our goals reflect the high standards we set for ourselves as holistic educators for our children. We pledge:

• To provide a learning atmosphere of love, respect, and Catholic faith experience with an emphasis on active living of the Gospel message.
• To provide students with opportunities to worship God and to express their everyday faith experience through liturgy, classroom prayer, celebration of the sacraments, and our Catholic heritage.
• To create a community atmosphere that is conducive to learning.
• To hire the best-qualified and passionate personnel, who will have high spiritual, behavioral, and academic expectations for themselves and all our students?
• To teach students to become self-disciplined learners (through the Discipline with Purpose program) and to be aware of their dignity and potential.
• To develop a curriculum plan through eighth grade that will prepare our students for the challenges of all high schools in academic and non-academic areas.
• To communicate about St. Patrick’s Elementary School in a positive and open fashion in our parish and in the community.
• To develop a global awareness in students that leads to understanding, acceptance, and a sense of social responsibility to all God’s people.
• To provide a facility that will readily accommodate the needs of our teachers, students, and parish.
• To employ financial strategies which lead to just teacher compensation, fair tuition, and reasonable parish support.
• To support and cooperate with the parish athletic program and to encourage students to be involved in one or more of the sports.
• To work in cooperation with the Home and School Association to encourage family involvement in the educational experience.

“I strive to be a model of good human relationship at St. Patrick’s by being sincere, warm, and empathetic. I believe that genuinely caring about the children and adults in the school is fundamental to our success.
I do my best to give away smiles.” (Paula Andersen, preschool teacher)

PARENT AND PARISHIONER SUPPORT

A survey conducted in the fall of 2001 indicated that ninety-eight percent of parents agreed that St. Patrick’s School had an atmosphere of love and respect, nurtured self-discipline in their children, provided a safe and friendly environment, and gave their children a positive attitude about school. In the fall of 2002, parents were surveyed on their thoughts concerning teacher competency. Ninety-eight percent of the parents confirmed that all phases (moral, emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and academic) of their children’s development were included in the instructional program at St. Patrick’s School.  Ninety-seven percent of the parents believed that a positive relationship was evident between the principal, teachers, and students, while 100% of the parents agreed that religion and values were effectively taught.  Ninety-six percent of parents acknowledged that students were academically challenged, and ninety-eight percent of parents felt that   St. Patrick’s environment is conducive to learning.  One-hundred percent the parents agreed that teachers demonstrated a strong knowledge of teaching materials.

In the fall of 2003, St. Patrick’s parishioners were given the opportunity to respond to a survey regarding the school, and the results indicated strong parish support. All of the parishioners surveyed agreed that the school staff provided an excellent educational program while modeling Christian values.

Over the next few years, input and involvement from parents and community continued to serve as a major factor in the countless successes at St. Patrick’s School.  In the fall of 2005, members of the Continuous Improvement Committee (CIP) along with support from parents and staff, created this profile and have worked together to update it yearly. 

The CIP conducted a more recent survey in the fall of 2006.  The focus and goal was to improve upon our middle school-leveled courses/programs and to obtain feedback regarding our entire school.  We were overwhelmed with the positive responses received from this survey.  The most rewarding result is the fact that vast majority of those surveyed recognize the great sense of community apparent at St. Patrick’s.  The other strength that consistently stood out is the high academic, behavioral, and spiritual expectations of our school.  The results clearly indicated that teachers, faculty, and administration are highly valued.  The survey also indicated a tremendous amount of parental support in our St. Patrick’s community.  This support has developed into a partnership between parents, teachers, administration, and students. 

Several other strengths stood out, with the major ones including: stewardship, work ethic, discipline, and spiritual formation.  The survey also showed a need to build on our science, math and Spanish programs, even though our test scores were high. 

Changes have already been addressed to improve and strengthen the courses in each of these areas.  Our goal is for every student who graduates from St. Patrick to meet and surpass all state and archdioceses standards and to excel at the high school of his/her choice behaviorally and academically.  We know that if we continue to build on the strengths of each program and the talents of each staff member we will reach that goal.

• “The school does a fabulous job of incorporating Christian and faithful living on a daily basis in all facets of education, not just in the religion program.”
•  “We couldn't’t ask for a better faculty and staff. I feel blessed to have my children at St. Patrick’s!”
•  “Mr. Ridder, the principal, is very involved; he makes students feel very special.”
• “I am so impressed with the environment at the school. We have accomplished so much in such a short time.”  (Parent and parishioner comments from our most recent survey)

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

St. Patrick’s School takes pride in its high academic standards. To motivate and challenge students, teachers weave creative, exciting learning opportunities into a rigorous curriculum. To maintain our high academic standards, St. Patrick’s School averages 9.85 school days over what’s required by state law. Daily student attendance numbers are very high. A few examples of the strength of our curriculum include:

• An innovative, challenging math program that prepares students for the rigors of high school math;
• The use of technology in all the classroom, by both students and staff
• A yearly science fair (5th thru 8th) to encourage students to become creative problem solvers;
• A Spanish program that nurtures language skills and broadens students’ cultural awareness;
• Creative projects to introduce and reinforce literacy skills, including “Reader’s Theater,” student-produced newsletters, kindergarten reading buddies, saints wax museum, and “Poetry Café”; Accelerated Reader, etc.
• The opportunity to participate and excel in vocal and instrumental music programs.

Teachers are continually blending subject matters and teaching styles so that learning is cross-curricular. One example includes, the Rainforest project, introduced in first grade. It challenges students to research scientific information on the Internet, write reports on their findings, and then prepare creative presentations to share what they learned. Students are encouraged to use a variety of mediums to seek and share knowledge, while teachers challenge each student to his or her next highest level.

“Our instructional program is one that quickly assesses each child and seeks to challenge each student at his or her level. All students are thoroughly engaged during the learning process.” (Sonja Dreher, Parent & 5th grade teacher)

“In preschool, we bring literacy to life by acting out stories with the children. These techniques are successful because children not only hear stories, they live them.” (Gina Bruning, pre-kindergarten teacher)

“After reading my kindergartner’s journal, I knew her teacher has wonderfully encouraging ways to get the kindergartners to write! It is so fun to read my daughter’s thoughts and feelings and see her illustrations.” (Parent comment)

ST. PATRICK’S STAFF INSERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM

The teachers at St. Patrick’s are hired because of their dedication to advanced learning and their passion and desire to provide an exceptional Catholic education for each child. The in-service training program at St. Patrick’s is a major part of the entire improvement process as it relates to curriculum, staff development, and personal growth. A major focus of the staff training program is for all staff members to work together in all areas of curriculum so standards remain high and expectations remain consistent across grade levels. Our curriculum meets or surpasses the state and Archdiocesan standards. St. Patrick’s focus is to adopt the most challenging curriculum in all areas. Each fall, the entire school staff is trained in the following areas: first aide, asthma, blood-borne pathogens; Handwriting without Tears; Discipline with Purpose; VoWAC; differentiation, technology updates and new programs, and the six traits of writing.

One of the outstanding features of St. Patrick’s training program is the Discipline with Purpose (DWP) program. The intention of this program is to create an environment where everyone can learn and flourish. The program, as taught by school staff, helps children learn self-control and responsibility. In addition, parents are invited to participate in DWP training classes, in which they can learn the same behavioral skills taught at school. This creates a shared language between school and home which benefits students, their families, and their classrooms.

“There is not a single day that goes by that I do not use the skills I learned in DWP training in either my classroom or my home. The great benefit of this program is that it views self-discipline as something that must be taught like any other curricular area. We don’t just expect our students to do the right thing; we teach them how. DWP is the best behavioral program out there.” (Patti Hasty, 1st grade teacher)

CATHOLICITY AT ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL

“At St. Patrick’s, students don’t just ‘go through’ the sacraments; they have a deep understanding
of the significance of their actions.” (Parent comment)

At St. Patrick’s School, Catholicity is reflected in our mission statement, which permeates the total educational program and the lives of the faculty, students, and parents. The philosophy is to challenge students to improve the world by sharing Gospel values and living Christ's message of salvation. Students explore their faith through classes and activities in scripture, the sacraments, the church, and morality. Each classroom has daily prayer, and all K-8th grade students participate in Mass each Tuesday and Thursday morning, as well as on Holy Days. Not content to simply “attend” Mass, students take turns meeting with the pastor and preparing interactive presentations based on the readings. Furthermore, teachers and staff strive to model Catholic behavior by communicating compassionately with students, each other, and parents; by praying and attending mass with their students; and by praying together in the commons area each morning.

“In my 23 years of teaching in Catholic schools, I have never experienced the joy and love that Father Tom and Father Ron display when working with our children. They truly enjoy teaching the children about God’s word! Every school liturgy is a beautiful lesson where the priest talks with the children (not to them) to help them relate their lives to the Scripture. It is evident that the children of St. Patrick’s are important to the priests here.” (Mary Jane Smith, kindergarten teacher)

STEWARDSHIP

Student council sponsored a very successful penny war that benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Each year they have surpassed amount the raised in the previous year.  The student council also spearheaded the movement to raise money to buy chimes for the music program.  Besides raising money, student council also performs service like babysitting children during the fall parent-teacher conferences.  They also organized and ran the cake walk booth during the annual Parish Carnival.    

Stewardship is stressed in all the grade levels at St. Patrick’s School.  The fourth and fifth graders sewed and embroidered lap quilts this year for those who were in need of extra prayers.  They were blessed by Father Ron and then the lap quilts were distributed as needed.  The whole school took part in the Jump Rope (Hoops) for Heart and enhanced their knowledge of heart disease in the process.

 “Our Student Council is outstanding. The group is service-oriented and has been a great asset to our community. The older students model the skill of leadership and service to others, which makes it easier for younger students to learn the same skills.” (Parent comment)

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL TEST SCORES

The results of the 2006 Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), a norm-referenced test that compares St. Patrick's students to other students across the nation, are astonishing. The results signify the level of a student who would respond similarly on the test our students took. For example, our 6th graders averaged a 10.1 in science. That result reflects that St. Patrick’s students averaged a score that can be expected from a student in 10th grade during his or her first month on the same test.

These numbers have improved each of the first five years and are expected to continue to improve as more students go through the rigorous academic program at St. Patrick’s School. A numeric snapshot of our students' success at grade level gives evidence to support our belief system.

       Language  Arts     Math              Social Studies            Science           Core Total

2nd grade                        2.9                      2.8                         2.4                                N/A                       2.7
3rd grade                        4.4                       4.4                         3.9                                5.2                        4.4
4th grade                         5.5                      6.0                         4.8                                 6.1                       6.2
5th grade                         6.9                      6.8                         6.7                                 7.7                       7.9
6th grade                         8.8                     10.0                        8.7                                 9.8                       10.1
7th grade                         9.3                     11.8                       10.0                                10.1                     10.3                                        

8th grade                        13                       13                          13                                   13                        13

GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATIONS

St. Patrick’s grade level expectations reflect the high standards we set for all our students.

Pre-K Expectations

• Write first and last name using upper and lower case letters and the correct pencil grip;
• Use scissors and glue appropriately;
• Walk, hop, jump, run, and use the stairs safely;
• Communicate clearly with an understanding of the topic and be able to ask appropriate questions;
• Function in a large group and independently display self-help skills, such as listening, following directions, sharing, problem-solving, and showing empathy for others;
• Count from 1-10 and know the four colors and various songs in Spanish.
• students learn to have Jesus love in their hearts through Bible stories,  prayers and service to others

 Kindergarten Expectations

• Develop an understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns, time, and money;
• Identify, know, and blend letter sounds;
• Write first and last name; write sentences with a minimum of three words;
• Identify rhyming words; read color words and high frequency words; read simple phonetic readers;
• Have broad exposure to the environment (life, physical, earth science, the human body);
• Learn Discipline with Purpose skills 1-5;
• Have a basic introduction to technology;
• Have a growing awareness of themselves as part of a diverse community;
• Love and care for God’s creation.
   

“In most schools, there are a few really good teachers, and even a few really bad teachers. The rest fall somewhere in the middle. As a parent, I always knew who I wanted my child to have as his teacher and who I did not. There is not one teacher at St. Patrick’s that doesn't’t fit in the ‘really good teacher’ category. The dedication to the profession and the desire to ‘push the bar up’ is so evident.” (Parent comment)

1st Grade Expectations

• Identify and use two-digit numbers, add and subtract using number lines, grids, or knowledge of basic math facts; tell time to the quarter hour; measure to the nearest inch; know money amounts with coins; use a thermometer;

• Identify and clover all six Vo-Wac syllables; identify and use suffixes, digraphs, blends, and long and short vowel sounds;
• Write four complete sentences with capital letters, punctuation, and correct spelling;
• Decode and comprehend reading stories at the first grade level and read with fluency;
• Learn social studies and science skills through thematic units;
• Practice daily the first five Discipline with Purpose skills;
• Use the Internet and software to supplement reading and math skills;
• Become more loving Christians by following Jesus’ example and knowing first grade prayers.
• Begin to utilize programs on the computer.

2nd Grade Expectations

• Use newly learned mathematical content and become life-long mathematical thinkers;
• Write paragraphs using proper grammar, organization, and proper word usage;
• Demonstrate comprehension, decoding strategies, reading fluency, and vocabulary understanding;
• Demonstrate knowledge of life science, physical science, earth science, and the human body;
• Demonstrate awareness of self as part of a greater world;
• Integrate the first five Discipline with Purpose skills in all daily work;
• Prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding and use of the computers through applications

3rd Grade Expectations

• Add and subtract multi-digit numbers, identify place values, count and illustrate money amounts, memorize multiplication facts, demonstrate fluency with measuring, and time-telling skills;
• Read with expression and fluency; demonstrate good oral and written comprehension;
• Use Vo-WAC to aid in decoding and spelling words;
• Recognize and write complete sentences, using nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs;
• Practice informal and formal writing by using the six traits of writing;

• Explore the disciplines of life science, physical science, earth science, and the human body;
• Read various maps, understand types of communities, and understand how government works;
• Use the 15 skills of discipline, with an emphasis on the first five;
• Be able to log on and off the St. Patrick server without  assistance; access Internet sites to accomplish learning objectives; use various educational software programs;
• Demonstrate ability to type fluently with few mistakes and 20 wpm.
• Pray daily; gain an understanding in key areas of Christian morality, the sacraments, and salvation history.

“When you walk through the doors of St. Patrick’s School, you feel the difference. It is warm, inviting, nurturing, and safe. This doesn't happen by accident. Each staff member is thoroughly trained, so we have a common language. We have high expectations, but we also know it is our job to help kids grow academically, spiritually, and behaviorally in the most loving way possible.” (Chris Nelson, 4th grade teacher)

 
4th Grade Expectations

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with multi-digit numbers; estimate and compare numbers; name, draw, and measure lines, segments, rays, and angles; display data; name, use, and convert fractions;
• Be fluent readers with good oral and written comprehension and an increased vocabulary;
• Use correct grammar and conventions/mechanics to convey written messages to formal and informal prompts;
• Know the 50 states/capitals and Nebraska history;
• Understand the weather, the earth and its changes, rocks and minerals, the solar system, ecosystems, health, and the human body;
• Use keyboarding, word documents, excel, Power Point and other tech programs as tools to enhance learning; and use mimeo to do presentations.
• Demonstrate proficient use of basic Discipline with Purpose skills and continue to develop constructive and generative skills.
• 4th graders will learn to view religion/faith as part of who they are, rather than a subject they learn.  They will learn that faith development is a life-long process which must be nurtured along the way, and that Eucharist is the source of all we are and all we do.  

 5th Grade Expectations

• Master whole numbers, money and decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions and percentages; length and measurement;
• Use language to convey two-page written responses to a variety of prompts; use mechanics to gain an understanding of how language works;
• Develop an understanding of a variety of genres and develop strong comprehension strategies; write about literature to gain an association between examples and their own work;
• Master the comparison of living things, adaptations, ecology, matter, forms of energy, changing earth, climate, astronomy, and climate studies;
• Understanding early life in the U.S. from the early explorers through WWII; master map skills with a knowledge of oceans, continents, and location of world countries;
• Master understanding of the 15 Discipline with Purpose skills; realize the importance of these skills in daily problem solving;
• Continue to develop keyboarding skills with an expectation of 30 WPM and use computer programs and mimi to enhance their presentations.
• Students will focus on their role as stewards, following Christ’s example.

    6th Grade Expectations

• Master decimals, patterns and variables, number theory, fractions, ratios and proportions, data and graphs, tools of geometry, integers, and probability;
• Have a focused understanding of writing and mechanics; be able to divert from standard responses and develop their own writing styles in essays;
• Comprehend and demonstrate mastery of grade-appropriate literature; demonstrate skills in summary and critique over a variety of literature;
• Demonstrate understanding of cells, human biology, animals, plants, bacteria, heredity, health, and environmental science;
• Develop an understanding of faith, major saints, feast days, Advent, Lent, the Holy Spirit, sacraments, and Christmas; recite prayers from the 6th grade text;
• Know the 15 skills of Discipline with Purpose and apply them as independent learners;
• Continue to develop keyboarding skills with an expectation of 35 WPM and use computer programs to enhance presentations and to further develop all aspects of learning.
• Learn and practice strong stewardship skills.

7th Grade Expectations

• Master decimals, integers, equations, inequalities, factors, fractions, ratios, properties, percents, geometry, analysis of data, probability, and measurement;
• Analyze literature and develop skills necessary to comprehend literature at and above grade-level; become familiar with literary terms, identifying and using them in their own works;
• Develop skills in writing content and mechanics that will demonstrate a growth in their understanding of language; respond confidently in essays to a variety of prompts with a minimum length of two pages double-spaced typed.
• Have proficiency in the following scientific concepts:  geology; the earth’s changing surface; earth’s water; weather and climate; astronomy; and participation in a science fair;
• Master map skills with knowledge of oceans, continents, and location of world countries; develop an understanding of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, Greece, Rome, Arabia, America, Medieval Europe, Africa, and Asia;
• Master Power Point and all tech skills needed to enhance student learning and continue to develop keyboarding skills at 40 WPM
• Practice the 15 skills of Discipline with Purpose to become independent learners;
• Continue practicing service to others; continue exploration of Jesus’ teachings and the sacraments.

 8th Grade Expectations

• Master algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, graphing real numbers, exponents and powers, integers, application of percentages, and measurement ideas;

• Demonstrate a firm grasp of literacy skills, evaluation of literature, and creating a critical analysis of high school-level material; be able to relate their comprehension in written format and through oral presentations;
• Develop an understanding of language to prepare for the expectations of high school; parse with confidence and thoroughly understand the research and writing processes; respond to a variety of prompts with a variety of writing styles; with a minimum length of two
• Understand chemical building blocks, chemical interactions, motion, forces and energy, electricity and magnetism, sound and light;
• Have in-depth understanding of American history; master map skills including knowledge of oceans, continents, location of world countries, and current events;
• Incorporate the 15 Discipline with Purpose skills for daily and future success;
• Continue to develop in all areas of technology to enhance all aspects of learning and to do presentations;
• Intensely prepare for Confirmation and a life-long relationship with God;
• Model strong stewardship skills.

Graduate Expectations

• Demonstrate excellent academic preparation with the ability to excel at any high school;
• Show strong leadership skills;
• Practice empathy and compassion for others, enhanced by the regular practice of serving others;

• Have a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith and the desire to model Christian values in all areas of life.

Pre-School through 8th grade students also have Spanish language skill expectations, including demonstrating the ability to communicate in Spanish, gaining understanding of other cultures, connecting with other disciplines, developing insight into the nature of language and culture, and participating in multilingual opportunities at home and in the community.

PARISH AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

St. Patrick’s Catholic School is enhanced by our community, which provides stewardship through countless prayers, talent, and treasure. Our supporting groups include St. Patrick’s Parish Council, School Board, Home and School Association, Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Women’s Club, and The Athletic Association. These groups help shape the character of our school.  Just two examples of their support include the Men’s Club providing our classroom furnishings and helping fund our tuition assistance program, and the Home and School Association providing a broad base of volunteers for the lunch room, safety patrol, school newsletter, fund raising, teacher assistance, and the organization of Catholic Schools Week.

Another example of the enthusiasm of the St. Patrick’s community is the high level of participation in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.  Our community shines as parents, staff, students, and parishioners share our Catholic faith through the streets of downtown Omaha.

All of these groups and many other individuals (from grandparents to neighbors) help make St. Patrick’s a welcoming environment for traditional learning and spiritual appreciation. 

“It continually astounds me that every time a need arises, our parents step up to the plate. We have parents involved in almost all aspects of our school. The amount of volunteer hours the Home and School Association commits to each year is a reflection of how passionately our families believe in the quality of St. Patrick’s School.” (Bridget Carter, Home and School Association Past President)

WE ARE BLESSED!

“St. Patrick's School has been blessed to have highly talented, passionate educators who work hard to challenge every child to perform at his or her best. We are confident that all students who graduate from St. Patrick's School will be well prepared to excel at the high school of their choice. We have indeed been richly blessed; we invite you to visit St. Patrick’s Catholic School and share in our blessings” (Don Ridder, Principal).