February, 2012
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your amazing response to our Open House. Many of you recommended our school to neighbors and friends, and we appreciate your confidence in our programs and your willingness to share the good news about our school. Mrs. Hill, our Admissions Officer, is the person responsible for making sure that the day went off without a hitch. She was assisted by many of our parents who volunteered their time to speak with the visitors and answer their questions.
Of course, we did showcase much of our technology. Portable netbook labs, the stationary computer center, IPod lab, IPad lab, Interwrite electronic boards, wireless networking throughout the entire school, and even our very own planetarium. We have technology everywhere, but what exactly is its value in education?
Years ago, students memorized facts and looked through a set of encyclopedias to find the answers to a question; today’s student has merely to google anything! Teachers had to rely on textbooks, photographs, and filmstrips for visualization; today, a tap on a phone or a tablet brings images of just about anything into view. Writing a term paper used to involve placing a V shaped pattern under typing sheets to align paragraphs and set up footnotes; today, that entire process is automated in a word document.
Then why not rely solely on technology for all lessons? That would work, if teaching were just the presentation of information, and learning merely knowing where and how to find it. However, that is not the case. Today’s learner needs to know how to comprehend what s/he discovers, evaluate the information to judge whether or not it is valid, discern what is important, and synthesize what s/he has learned so it can be applied to life experiences and situations. Reflexive actions and repetitive drills often associated with computer games are not substitutes for increasing literacy and mastering critical thinking skills.
As educators, teachers recognize that the curriculum drives the technology, not the reverse. It is tempting to assume that just because a room is full of computers, Smart Boards, and electronic gadgets that the students are getting everything they need to learn.
In reality, effective teachers use technology to enhance their lessons, not replace them.
God bless each of you.
Mary Hedger
January 23, 2012
Dear Parents,
Catholic Schools Week will be January 30th through February 3rd. The theme this year is, Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service. Thanks in advance for your patience as the students celebrate Catholic Schools Week with unusual school wear and fun activities. Thanks also to the PTO for their help in making this celebration a good experience for our students and staff. In particular, I would like to thank Kelley Kirwan and Missy Davis for their help and support during this school year.
On Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th, our students will attend Mass in their uniforms. Students have made cards and banners to thank the parishioners for their support of our school.
Sincerely,
Nancy Goebel