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Innovations in Education | An Important Difference
Education is not a static field. Administrators and teachers are always researching, studying and implementing new programs in order to most effectively educate students. In our community, there are a number of innovative programs leading the way in addressing the educational needs of area students. The Fox Chapel Area School District believes that early literacy proficiency is the foundation for learning, and in November 2003 the district opened the Fox Chapel Area Family Literacy Center to make sure that their youngest learners have support in achieving the range of skills needed to become proficient readers. Located on Main Street in Sharpsburg, the center currently serves 40 families and 62 children. The bright, colorful and warm setting has been created from a former physician’s office. The child-friendly and engaging atmosphere encourages active participation and stimulates learning. There, parents, guardians or caregivers bring preschoolers to story time. But what makes this story time special is that the curriculum and each of the rooms in the center are set up to serve different purposes that connect to the theme of the day or story. Even the snack relates to the lesson. The literacy center invites adults and children to participate together using attention-grabbing books, puzzles to solve, games to play, writing stations for early composition, math manipulation areas to construct knowledge, an interactive computer corner, and an observation room for adults. Kenda Hammer is an Early Literacy Specialist and the center’s director and teacher. Supported in her work by invaluable volunteers, she knows of no other area school district with this type of program. “Parents are their child’s earliest teacher and the literacy center partners with families to support them as their children are learning and developing. The physical space has become a hub for dispersing information about early learning and emergent literacy into the community. Bringing us all together with a common understanding of research and best practices helps to shift the odds in favor of prevention of reading problems,” Hammer said. An added benefit is that the children who participate in the Family Literacy Center seem to make a smoother transition to formal school. “By supporting children very early in their education, we expect to find less need for support later in their academic career,” Hammer said. Sometimes students don’t need more stimulation, but a respite. At Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School in the Seneca Valley School District, students who need a place to decompress can take a break at the Creation Station. Steve Smith, principal of the school, noticed that children, especially those with autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often come down with what he calls a case of the “wiggles,” restlessness that can lead to a meltdown, undoing a productive day. After a visit to the D. T. Watson Institute, Smith came up with the idea of the Creation Station, a place near the stage area of the school equipped with foam mats, a rocking chair, stress balls, blocks and a sound machine. Students can take a break at the station, work out the “wiggles” and come back to the classroom, ready to be productive again. Paraprofessionals monitor the station, and parent-teacher organization fundraisers support it. Dr. Joseph Goodnack, assistant superintendent of the North Hills School District, believes the school district’s Connections Program for 10th-grade students is unusual. “This is a program more often found in a middle school,” Goodnack said. The Connections Program is an accelerated program for sophomores electing to take Honors courses in English, World Cultures and Integrated Math III and College in High School Chemistry. Teachers in the program work with the students in a block of five periods, becoming something like a school within a school. “This is a very rigorous curriculum, and it provides the students with coursework to challenge their abilities,” Dr. Goodnack said Education at The Ellis School, an independent, all girls K-12 day school, goes beyond the standard reading, writing and arithmetic. Located in Shadyside, the school strives to equip young girls with the wisdom and courage to enable them to be leaders in their local community and in the global community as well. Alana Ganz, 13, is the president of the Middle School Student Council. Ganz, a resident of Sewickley, previously served as treasurer in sixth grade and vice president in seventh and enjoys serving in leadership positions. “I especially like meeting other girls,” Ganz said. She enjoys the experience so much she definitely plans to explore other leadership opportunities as she continues at The Ellis School. Molly Morabito, 12, is a sixth grader and serves as one of three representatives from her grade on the student council. She, too, enjoys the responsibility that leadership brings. “It’s been a great opportunity. I like my classmates so much I strive to give them my best,” said Morabito, of Sewickley. Both students found the programs on leadership that the school offers to be very helpful. “I learned that there are basically three forms of leadership. The first is the leader makes the majority of decisions. In the second, the form is more mutual, with the leader and the group sharing in the decision-making process, and the third gives the group even more of a voice,” Morabito said. To build upon this great leadership foundation, The Ellis School has recently expanded its leadership program by creating The Ellis Leadership Academy. The program is a weeklong, summer program that will help girls to acquire the confidence, skills and tools of leadership. “Our all-girl environment is such a huge advantage when it comes to teaching leadership to girls. Our teachers and advisors offer a myriad of opportunities whereby every moment, asset and program is devoted to girls’ development of skills and abilities,” said Susan Kirkpatrick, director of Middle School. While these innovations in education benefit the students, they also enrich our community as well and reflect the on-going pursuit of excellence by our area educators. An Important DifferenceBy Janice Lane Palko And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2) As evidenced by the many prominent, successful figures in the area who have attended Catholic schools--among them Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Commissioner Dan Onorato, Steelers President Art Rooney—it obvious that the Pittsburgh Catholic schools must be doing something right. While many may point to the excellent education and discipline that children receive at Catholic institutions as being the major difference between that and a public school education, Sr. Ursula Kelly, S.S.N.D., Educational Consultant for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, believes the most important difference is the emphasis that is placed on the spiritual. “I believe the teaching of our faith is our most vital function,” said Sr. Ursula. “Instilling the values of Catholicism to our children makes them eager to recognize and assist with the needs of others.” Pittsburgh is known as the City of Bridges, but there is one bridge that is greater than all the others. It is a bridge of hope and love extending from Pittsburgh to Chimbote, Peru, and it is one way Catholic school children in the area express their faith. Nearly 40 years ago, Monsignor Jules Roos and several others established a mission among the impoverished inhabitants of Chimbote, Peru, and the Diocese of Pittsburgh has since made improving the lives of these people a priority. Reflecting the diocese’s commitment to the people of Chimbote, the Catholic schools in the Pittsburgh area have also made the mission their priority. One of the ways the diocesan schools support the people of Chimbote is by participating in Mission Day in October. Student and teacher representatives from each of the 109 diocesan elementary schools participate, learning about the families of Chimbote and ways to help them. Recently, students heard about how dire the circumstances are for the people of Chimbote. Fr. Robert Boyle, a missionary, related how he had witnessed a boy eating a spoiled orange that he’d taken from the garbage. After the program, each child was given an orange to remind them of the people in Chimbote. “I was so moved, when a young boy at the program, took his orange and kissed it,” said Sr. Ursula. “That’s the beauty of a Catholic education.” WTAE anchorman Mike Clark, who visited Chimbote in 2003, was so impressed by his experience there that he now visits the diocesan schools to tell the students of his time there and asks them to do their part in helping. Many of the schools and youth groups have come up with new ways to assist the mission. Some have staged musical presentations, such as St. Sebastian in Ross, while others participated in the “Kids Share a Lunch Program,” which is coordinated by the Secretariat for Education in an effort to raise awareness and funds through solidarity. The Secretariat for Education is also coordinating a diocesan wide youth celebration on Palm Sunday called “Hosanna 2007.” As part of the event, youth from grades 8-12 will be invited to participate in a benefit dance with all the proceeds going to the mission. This will be the third “Hosanna,” and this year’s goal is 2,000 participants. For anyone wishing to donate to or learn more about The Chimbote Foundation, visit the following websites: www.chimbotefoundation.org or call 41-456-3085. St. Anthony School—A History of Adapting to Students’ NeedsBy Janice Lane Palko
As times changed, St. Anthony Village became, in 1953, St. Anthony School for Exceptional Children and focused on educating children with intellectual disabilities. Since that time, St. Anthony School has gone from being a segregated school for exceptional children to mainstreaming to providing inclusive educational programs. St. Anthony School operates programs for students from kindergarten age to 21 years in seven diocesan elementary schools, three secondary schools and in two post-secondary schools—Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh. St. Anthony’s operates a Resource Room in each of the schools, which allows St. Anthony students to fully participate socially, academically, recreationally and spiritually with that student body. “I believe that we are the only inclusive, Catholic education program of this kind,” said Lisa George, education director at St. Anthony. “Our classrooms are staffed by St. Anthony teachers, assistants and service staff, who provide the appropriate education for that child, implementing the Individual Education Plan (IEP). In effect, it’s a school within a school,” George said. Class size is limited to 12 students, maintaining a three students to one educator ratio. The amount of time a student spends in the Resource Room is dependent upon that student’s needs. “There are three aspects that we focus on at St. Anthony,” George said. “They are academic excellence, vocational training and moral and spiritual formation.” St. Anthony School Programs educate Catholic and non-Catholic students. Tuition is $4,900 per year for Catholic children and $7,000 for non-Catholic students. Transportation is provided by the student’s school district. “Parents are happy that their child can attend a school that fosters the Catholic faith and at the same time allows that child to be with same-age peers,” George said. To learn more about St. Anthony School Programs or to make a donation, visit the website at: www.stanthonyschoolprograms.com or call (724) 940-9064. Area Schools Dedicated to ExcellenceThese great schools in the North Hills area are dedicated to the best education possible for your child. Vision Christian Academy Come visit our beautiful and spacious campus. We currently offer a comprehensive preschool program, which includes two-year old, three-year old and pre-kindergarten classes. Additionally, we offer a half- and full-day kindergarten program. Both programs offer many advantages including small class sizes, a focus on hands-on learning, access to technology and an art/music program. Our program also offers enrichment activities, an expansive, private playground area and academics, which include a strong emphasis on phonics, math, language and early reading skills. Each child in both programs receives an abundance of individualized attention and instruction. Transfiguration School Transfiguration School is one of West Deer Township’s best-kept secrets. We have been educating the area’s youth for 45 years. Our students come from Deer Lakes, Hampton, Fox Chapel, Highlands, Springdale, Mars and South Butler School Districts. We provide quality academics, and our students score well above average on the Terra Novas Standardized Tests. Faith and service fill our classrooms and our activities. Our class sizes are small, and each child is important. Parents are considered our partners in education. Students can participate in a number of extracurricular activities. Call and schedule a tour today! Become part of our family! St. Cyril of Alexandria School A new year means new hope, new resolutions and for some new decisions. St. Cyril of Alexandria can make the school selection decision a little easier. Serving Pittsburgh’s North Side for over 75 years, St. Cyril is a welcoming and safe environment, possessing a caring, nurturing and God-centered atmosphere with a diverse student population. With award-winning teachers, publicly recognized extra-curricular activities, in-school clubs and sports, and state-of-the-art computers, St. Cyril can offer a complete learning experience with an incredible student-to-teacher ratio. Open enrollment has begun; please contact Principal Peggy Bookser for more information at (412) 761-5043. Shady Side Academy Established in 1883, Shady Side Academy is Pittsburgh’s largest, coeducational independent school with 950 students. At our Junior School (grades Pre-K through 5), the learning experience begins by providing a stimulating and structured but flexible environment for students. The Middle School (grades 6 – 8) addresses students’ needs in a supportive, student-centered environment. At the Senior School (grades 9-12) students experience a traditional liberal arts program while learning to think critically and creatively. We offer clubs, community service, visual and performing arts, 26 athletic teams, international exchanges, and independent study. A 5-day boarding program is also available for students in grades 9 – 12. Winchester Thurston School City Campus Winchester Thurston School North Hills Campus Winchester Thurston offers a student-centered, rigorous, college-preparatory program; the school engages each student in a challenging, responsive learning process and a connected, accessible educational community. Together, these elements foster strong student-teacher relationships, motivation to pursue individual interests and talents, and participation in the larger world around its campuses. Winchester Thurston’s North Hills Campus features seven acres of rolling farmland, pond, butterfly garden, and natural woodlands. Visit www.winchesterthurston.orgor call 412-578-7518 for information. Saint Sebastian School Saint Sebastian School in the North Hills has been guiding students in the development of spirituality, scholarship and service for more than 50 years. We offer an innovative education for students in preschool, kindergarten and grades one through eight. A low student-teacher ratio allows for individual attention. The success of our curriculum can be measured by standardized test scores that are consistently above the national average and among the highest in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Our strong academics are enhanced by a wide range of athletic and extracurricular activities. A Catholic education builds strong minds as well as a strong faith. Learn more at www.saintsebastianparish.org Tender Care Learning Centers Tender Care Learning Centers has been serving children in the Pittsburgh area for over twenty years. Families may enroll their children as young as six weeks of age up through school age. We are very proud that our schools are NAEYC accredited and are at the highest level in the Keystone Stars program. Our Wexford school also has a full-day, PA licensed Kindergarten. We recently implemented a new curriculum in our schools which has truly enhanced our programs. Give us a call for more information on infant and toddler care, preschool, kindergarten or before and after school care. You can also visit our website at www.earlyeducationpros.org. Quigley Catholic High School Quigley Catholic a Top 50 Catholic High School for the Third Year For the third year in a row Quigley Catholic High School has been selected a top 50 Catholic high school by the Catholic High School Honor Roll. Quigley Catholic is on the Honor Roll for maintaining high academic standards, for providing a strong Catholic identity, and for preparing students to actively engage the world. Quigley Catholic is dedicated to the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and cultural development of its students within a disciplined learning environment. “Quigley Catholic High School: for families that value a quality, faith-based education” St. James School At St. James School, we prepare children both academically and spiritually for their journeys in school and in life. We care about every aspect of a child’s development. We teach them to love God, respect others, and strive to be their best. Since four out of five of our students take honors courses after graduation and our standardized test scores for math and reading rank in the top 10 percent in the nation, it is apparent that our academics are excellent as well. To learn more about the opportunities at St. James School, visit us at www.stjamesschool.us. Watson Institute Every day, the Watson Institute makes a difference in the lives of children and their families. It’s the core of Watson’s mission: to help children and youth with special needs to achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. The Watson Institute has been working hard to make a difference for nearly ninety years. Some would say that it’s not easy to define the Watson Institute and what it “does.” But really, it’s simple. Watson educates. Watson educates so that children with special needs can achieve by offering model programs for students as well as best practice sites where professional and pre-professional can gain the skills needed to serve children with special needs. Watson’s reach is exponential. Sewickley Academy Founded in 1838, we are Pittsburgh’s oldest co-educational, college-preparatory, independent day school. We enroll 800 students in Pre-K through grade 12, and are located approximately 12 miles northwest of the city on one campus. Curiosity, courage, and compassion are at the core of an academy education. We inspire students to reach their full potential by inviting them to share their opinions and ideas in a dynamic and engaging environment. At Sewickley Academy, we prepare students for a lifetime of success by offering them opportunities to develop their strengths and talents to the highest levels. Eden Christian Academy Founded in 1983, today Eden Christian Academy is providing premier academics with a solid biblical worldview to nearly 550 students. Although Eden is the largest independent Christian school in western Pennsylvania, small class sizes allow students to receive dedicated instruction in a nurturing environment from highly qualified and committed teachers. With three campuses, Eden attracts students from throughout the region. Families may schedule a personal tour. Aquinas Academy Aquinas Academy is an independent, college preparatory school in the Catholic tradition for boys and girls in preschool through grade twelve. Located in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, the school is committed to both academic rigor and the student’s formation in the Catholic faith. Aquinas offers both full and half day kindergarten with transportation from 13 area school districts. The high school was recently recognized as one of the top 20 Catholic High Schools in the country in academics by the Catholic High School Honor Roll. To visit the school, please call 724-444-0722 for an appointment. Stepping Stones Children’s Center Stepping Stones School Age Summer Program is located on the beautiful campus of the Family Resources/Family Retreat Center in Mars. We strive to provide a safe, camp-like setting where children ages six to twelve have time to socialize, explore, play, learn new skills, and get plenty of exercise. Activity choices are designed to reflect children’s interests and needs, developmental levels, and personalities. Campers are separated into smaller groups according to age with professional counselors who build warm relationships with the children and keep the energy levels high! Stepping Stones Children's Center, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization established in 1979 to provide childcare and education for children and families in northern Allegheny and Southern Butler counties. Studio 19 Dance Complex Studio 19 Dance Complex offers a little bit of everything! Specializing in all forms of dance and acrobatics, we offer the "BEST" in dance education, both competitive and non-competitive, in a professional atmosphere. We want your child’s dance experience to be both educational and enjoyable. Our award-winning artistic directors, Tammy Croftcheck and Katie Watts, invite you to come and visit our STATE-OF-THE-ART facility and take advantage of a FREE trial class! We take PRIDE in giving our students the most professional dance instruction in developing their self-esteem, poise, and confidence. We guide their energy into setting goals of successful accomplishments with dance that will last your child a lifetime. For more information please visit our website at: www.studio19dancecomplex.net The Glen Montessori School The Glen Montessori School is a not-for-profit, child-centered, parent-inclusive Montessori school located in the North Boroughs of Pittsburgh. It encourages self-directed learning by providing a stimulating environment where teachers respond to children’s interests using Montessori methods. The Glen respects children’s differences and encourages them to make choices, thereby becoming increasingly self-directed in their learning. Join us for our Open House on Sunday, February 11, 2007 from 1–3 pm. Mount Gallitzen Academy At Mount Gallitzin Academy, the Sisters of St. Joseph continue a rich tradition of providing children excellent academic instruction as well as spiritual development in Catholic values of social justice, personal service and respect for creation. Founded in 1869, Mount Gallitzin Academy is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools and enrolls approximately 200 girls and boys in pre-school through eighth grade. Faculty and staff nurture the talents of each child as gifts of God through programs that include drama, art, band, Spanish, intergenerational activities, sports, and community service. Mount Gallitzin attracts students from the counties of Allegheny, Beaver and Butler. Financial assistance is available. A full-day kindergarten and an extended day program are among the offerings. For more information, please visit the website at www.stjoseph-baden.org/mgaor contact our principal, Sister Christy Hill at (724) 869-2505. |
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While St. Anthony School Programs may have changed throughout the school’s
80 plus years, one thing that hasn’t changed is its mission to serve the
needs of children. What we now know as St. Anthony School Programs originally
began in 1921 as St. Anthony Village, an orphanage located in Oakmont.
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