Prospective Parent Question: As I consider enrolling my child at St. Michael School, I am interested in knowing the ways that you incorporate the Catholic faith in pre-school. Can you give me some examples?

 

Response from Mrs. Owens (pre-school teacher): I ask the children to respect, trust, and cooperate with one another while visiting the learning centers throughout the day. I ask the students to use good manners at the lunchroom. I emphasize Christ-like behavior towards peers, especially during their interactions on the playground. In little things like entering and leaving classroom, I ask them to show patience and kindness towards each other until reaching the destination or event for the day. I point out that this loving and caring behavior is especially important because Jesus expects these actions from us.

 
 
 
 

Prospective Parent Question: What makes learning at St. Michael School different from other schools?

 

Response from Mrs. Wiechman (5th and 6th Grade Teacher): There are many reasons that I could offer as to what makes St. Michael School a special and unique learning environment. Here’s my top five.
1.Your child learns solid Catholic/Christian moral values.
2.Small class learning environment where students can receive more one on one aid from the teacher.
3.Allowed to pray every day and practice their faith by attending Mass weekly and performing service hours at school.
4.Being in an environment with minimal behavioral issues that interfere with learning.
5.Being in a caring and supportive environment where students, parents, and teachers all work together to help themselves and the children reach their full potential.

 
 
 
 

Prospective Parent Question: How will my child be cared for at St. Michael School?

 

Response from Mrs. Cooper (technology teacher): My experience is that our students are cared for very tenderly. When I was in college as a young adult I had many career paths in mind and wanted to do them all, but thankfully my family and advisors warned me to pare down my goals just a bit. At the time I latched onto a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” Twenty or so years later, many of my opinions about what is essential in education and religion has changed drastically. I didn’t expect that leading with my heart as a teacher would make me witness to quite so much struggle and pain. Among lots of joyful moments, I’ve also seen children fail, fall and get hurt and become quite afraid of what the world has to offer.

I still believe that education is all about working together to help children bring their greatness from the inside out. What is great about St. Michaels is that I do not need to be shy about the fact that my teaching experience is guided by the tender example of Jesus. Even though your child will be in a loving, Christian environment, he or she will be challenged to work hard and behave well. We will be watching for more than what is obvious about your son or daughter if you choose to pursue his or her education in our school.

  
   
  Prospective Parent Question: How will my child benefit academically at St. Michael School? Response from Mrs. Wheeler (kindergarten teacher): Students at St. Michael School benefit from having smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction between the teacher and student. The family type atmosphere provides the children with the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges with other students and grow together as a “school family”. All staff members are outstanding at reaching out to each student and building on their strengths and aiding them to improve their weaknesses. St. Michael places tremendous value in student achievement and success, and as a “school family” we work together to see that all children give their best and always strive to put forth their finest effort.