Office of Catholic Education

Students with Autism find iPads suit their special needs

suebrown@archstl.org — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:56:27 +0000

By Sue Brown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations

Students and teachers of St. Gemma Center for Autism have found high-tech help with their communication challenges thanks to the Foundation for the Special Education of Children. The board said a resounding “Yes!” to a recent grant proposal for iPads to use in their classroom.

St. Gemma Center for Autism serves a unique population of students in the Archdiocese of St. Louis with severe autism-spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Persons on the autism-spectrum typically experience serious challenges with communication which impact their academic learning and development of social skills, often resulting in emotional frustration and challenging behaviors. Oral and written expression and language development present particular difficulties for these students. However, some children who are non-verbal or have limited speaking skills communicate well in writing. Many are visual thinkers with strong technological and/or artistic skills. When engaged in a task and highly motivated, these children can achieve far more than previously anticipated.

Dr. Karen Tichy, Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Special Education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, wrote the grant after seeing the research on the successful use of iPads in the instruction of children on the autism spectrum. The iPad’s touch screen and layout make it more accessible for children with coordination or learning difficulties, as they may find sliding and tapping easier than either typing or writing. Because it is very portable, the iPad can also be useful in calming and focusing active children. It can be used as a communication board or augmentative communication device, as well.

Cody, an 11-year-old student at St. Gemma for the last three years, can verify—literally and verbally—that the research is accurate! After experiencing difficulty with math computation, reading and writing skills, Cody experienced a breakthrough upon receiving his new iPad. Using a variety of applications designed especially for children with autism, Cody is now sounding out difficult words successfully, identifying sight words, writing sentences, adding and subtracting with ease. Cody’s teacher, Catherine Forder, says “From a teacher’s perspective, Cody’s iPad has given him a new way to look at learning. He is highly motivated by the game format used by the applications, as well as the instant feedback he receives. He is learning at a much faster pace, and the iPad is easy for him to use and understand.”

After a recent visit to St. Gemma at the students’ invitation to their Thanksgiving dinner, Dr. Tichy reported, “One of our boys, whom I have never heard speak in a complete sentence in the three plus years I have known him, fluently spoke several sentences as he eagerly showed me AND explained what he could do on the iPad!”

For more information about St. Gemma Center and the other special education schools and centers of the Department of Special Education, please contact Dr. Karen Tichy at 314-792-7320.

Office of Catholic Education

Catholic Schools Week Poster Contest

archstlceo@archstl.org — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:34:51 +0000

67 students from 31 schools throughout the Archdiocese submitted posters in the first St. Louis Archdiocese Catholic Schools Week Poster Contest!

Students were asked to represent how “My Catholic School is Alive in Christ!” Principals electronically submitted their school’s top entry in each grade level category.

The staff of the Catholic Education Office voted to select the top winners in each category. The winners’ works were printed and will be displayed at The Sheldon Concert Hall during the Catholic Schools Week concerts (Jan. 3-6) and at the Catholic Education Center at 4445 Lindell Boulevard in February. Come by and see them!

Pictured are the school's top entry in each category, Primary (Pre-K- 2), Intermediate (grades 3- 5), Middle (grades 6- 8), and High School (grades 9- 12).

Primary- Olivia, St. Roch

Primary- Cameron, St. Simon the Apostle

Primary- Maxmillian, St. Joachim

Primary- Julia, St. Clement of Rome

Primary- Cole, Sacred Heart- Valley Park

Primary- Category Winner- Ashlyn, Holy Infant

Primary- Mikaelyn, Holy Child

Primary- Marrelle, Holy Spirt

Primary- Caleb, St. Jospeh- Cotteville

Primary- Ramone, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Primary- Seamus, St. Richard

Primary- Susanna, Our Lady of Lourdes- University City

Primary- Michael, Christ Prince of Peace

Primary- Olivia, Our Lady of Lourdes- Washington

Intermediate- Nhat, Annuziata

Intermediate- Autumn, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Intermediate- Mackenzie, St. Joachim

Intermediate- Ashley, St. Clement of Rome

Intermediate- Alayna, Sacred Heart- Valley Park

Intermediate- Patrick, St. Roch

Intermediate- Haily, St. Simon the Apostle

Intermediate- Sydney, Holy Child

Intermediate- Annemarie, Holy Infant

Intermediate- Amy, St. Raphael the Archangel

Intermediate- Jack, Our Lady of Sorrows

Intermediate- Grace, Our Lady of Sorrows

Intermediate- Christopher, St. Ann

Intermediate - Category Winner- Patsy, St. Peter, Kirkwood

Intermediate- Emily, St. Rose of Lima

Intermediate- Daniel, St. Rose of Lima

Intermediate- Abbey, Our Lady of Lourdes, Washington

Intermediate- Loren, Holy Spirit

Intermediate- Audrey, St. Patrick

Intermediate- Lauren, St. Joseph, Cottleville

Intermediate- Marie, Sts. Joachim and Ann

Intermediate- Sean, St. Richard

Middle- Lindsey, Christ, Prince of Peace

MIddle- Katie, Annunziata

Middle- Alexander, Immaculate Conception - Union

Middle- Alyssa, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Middle- Annie, Little Flower

Middle- Seth, St. Joachim

Middle- Ashley, St. Clement of Rome

Middle- Dennis, St. John the Baptist

Middle- Meg, Sacred Heart- Valley Park

Middle- Allison, Holy Child

Middle- Lauren, Holy Infant

Middle- Nick, St. Raphael the Archangel

MIddle- Abby, Our Lady of Sorrows

Middle- Ariel, St. Ann

Middle- Chris, St. Peter - Kirkwood

Middle- Kayla, Cathedral Basilica

Middle- Devon, St. Rose of Lima

Middle- Bailey, St. Rose of LIma

Middle- Nolan, St. Roch

Middle- Olivia, Our Lady of Lourdes- University City

Middle- Liz, Our Lady of Lourdes- Washington

Middle- Ashely, St. Patrick

Middle- Shawn, Most Holy Trinity

Middle- Gordon, St. Margaret of Scotland

Middle - Sarah, St. Richards - Category Winner

High School - Alex, St. Pius X High Shchool - Category Winner

High School - Niyah, Cardinal Ritter College Prep

Intermediate - Kayla, Cathedral Basilica

Intermediate - Hannah, Christ Prince of Peace

Intermediate- Katie, Assumption - Mattese

Office of Catholic Education

Mike Welling named 2011 Distinguished Principal

suebrown@archstl.org — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:05:09 +0000

Incarnate Word Catholic School Principal Mike Welling (Region 3) has been named the 2011 Distinguished Elementary Principal in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The Elementary Principals Coordinator Council chose Mr. Welling from the eight candidates nominated by fellow principals in their regions after reviewing the applications of all nominees. As the archdiocesan Distinguished Principal, Mr. Welling has submitted an application for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Distinguished Principal Award.

In his fourteenth year as principal at Incarnate Word, Mr. Welling has taught at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School and Bishop DuBourg High School, and served as principal of St. Mathias Catholic School. He is an active member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish. In 2007 Mr. Welling received the Cardinal Rigali Service Award.

Mr. Welling considers his three most significant accomplishments as a Catholic school principal to be his own spiritual and professional development, the creation of the position of Curriculum Director at Incarnate Word School to support a full-time learning consultant, and the development of an enrollment management plan through which the school communicates effectively and consistently its purpose and spiritual vision—Rooted in Family, Nourished by Faith, Strengthened with Knowledge, Reaching for Excellence, and Bearing the Fruit of Leadership and Service.

Congratulations to Mr. Welling, and to all candidates for the 2011 Distinguished Principal Award, including:

Deborah DaLay—St. Joan of Arc Catholic School—Region 1

Ken Morr—St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School—Region 2

Mike Biggs—Annunciation Catholic School—Region 4

Jill Burkett—St. Mark Catholic School—Region 5

Elaine Blair—St. Vincent Catholic School—Region 6

Susan Schutz—Immaculate Conception Catholic School-Old Monroe—Region 7

Keith Branson—St. Francis Borgia Catholic School—Region 8

Office of Catholic Education

Department of Special Education honors distinguished graduate Doug Buder

suebrown@archstl.org — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:13:41 +0000

By Sue Brown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations--Catholic Education Office

Mr. Doug Buder was honored with the first Outstanding Graduate Award at the Department of Special Education’s second annual “Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Auction” on Saturday, November 19.

Director of Special Education Schools and Centers Sr. Luanne Boland, SSND, who was named the “Celebrity Waiter of the Year” for raising the most money in “tips” from her table, introduced Doug and spoke of his many accomplishments throughout his time with the Department of Special Education which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

“Doug is a man for all seasons, a man for all people,” she said. “He is a beacon of light and hope and an example of our mission—to provide quality education, success in life and a living faith for children with special needs. Doug lives his faith and is succeeding in life," she said.

Doug is a graduate of St. Mary’s Special School and now lives independently and is a valued employee in store maintenance at Dierberg’s Marketplace in Chesterfield. He serves Ascension Parish as a faithful usher every Sunday.

Both Doug and Sr. Luanne received specially engraved crystal platters to mark their distinguished achievements.

Office of Catholic Education

St. James the Greater shows Catholic identity through community prayer project

suebrown@archstl.org — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:27:34 +0000

By Sue Brown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations--Catholic Education Office

St. James the Greater Parish and School began the 2011-12 school year committed to community prayer. Every Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., all students, teachers, staff and parents, begin the day together in spirit, and in prayer.

While one student leads the school community in the prayer of the week over the intercom, parents are praying the same prayer at home or at their place of work, having received the prayer previously via e-mail or the parish bulletin.

“The idea grew out of a Home & School Association workshop that we attended at the beginning of the school year,” said Angela Lanemann, president of the St. James Home & School Association. “We wanted to accomplish two goals. First, we wanted to show parents that there’s more to the Home & School Association than just fundraising. Second, we wanted to choose a project which accomplishes the first goal, but also enhances the sense of community and Catholic identity that already exists at the school. The board members came up with the community prayer concept, and they felt they could include parents and parishioners by using e-mail and the church bulletin as communication tools.”

Prayers are chosen by the Home & School Association board members, and usually reflect some aspect of the liturgical calendar, a saint’s feast day or special intention. Prayers have included a prayer to St. Francis of Assisi, a prayer for missionaries in observance of World Mission Sunday, and a prayer for those who have died during the month of November.

“I look forward to receiving my prayer in my inbox every Monday,” said Trish Whitmore, parent of a 7^th grade student. “I say my prayer at 8:00 every Tuesday morning, and I always find some way to connect the prayer to what’s going on in my life at the time!” she said.

St. James the Greater Catholic School is located in at 1360 Tamm Avenue in Dogtown. For more information, call 314-647-5244.

Office of Catholic Education

Sacred Heart Catholic School in Valley Park shows how to "Bee Healthy"

suebrown@archstl.org — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:35:01 +0000

By Sue Brown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations

Sacred Heart Catholic School—Valley Park is the winner of this year’s Bee (Better Eating and Exercise) Healthy Contest sponsored by Dierberg’s.

At an all-school assembly at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9, the entire student body (and most of their parents) gathered in the school gymnasium to witness the $1,500 check presentation to Sacred Heart Principal Joan Wojciechowski. The funds will be used for new playground equipment at the school. The school received the gift thanks to the winning essay submitted by Sacred Heart fifth grader Kristen Cunningham, who also won a new bike for her efforts. Fox2News covered the event featuring Fredbird and former Cardinal pitcher Andy Benes.

Sacred Heart is also the State Champion School this year in the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program—the fourth time in the last seven years.

Mrs. Wojciechowski said, “Sacred Heart School has had a focus of good health, nutrition and exercise for the past ten years. We have been taking baby steps each year to get to the point where we are today. Our students are growing up with knowledge about the benefits of good nutrition, healthy eating and exercise. They know they can have fun without eating a lot of unhealthy foods.”

At Sacred Heart Catholic School, children eat only healthy snacks, no candy is allowed, and food is not used as a reward. Instead of a cupcake for a birthday treat, each child receives a special blessing at Mass during the month of his or her birthday and may dress out of uniform as a birthday “treat.”

Office of Catholic Education

Catholic schools--Alive in Christ!--show their Catholic identity through service

suebrown@archstl.org — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:43:57 +0000

By Sue Brown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations--Catholic Education Office

"The first essential mark of a school’s Catholic identity is that faith in God is proclaimed in everything the school does," said Archbishop Robert J. Carlson in his St. Louis Review column, “Before the Cross” (Oct. 7, 2011). “Catholic schools teach by words and example that we are called, first and foremost, to be women and men who love God, love our neighbor and look forward to our destiny to be happy with Him in heaven. If God is at the center of your school’s daily life, you will have a strong Catholic identity. Your school will truly be Alive in Christ!”

One way Catholic schools teach young Catholics to love their neighbor is through Christian service programs that are an integral part of the school’s academic and faith formation curriculum. Often, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis partner with social service agencies, many of which are Catholic, to learn about their ministries and to offer their support through personal contributions of their time, talent and treasure.

Ursuline Academy's 5th annual Cardboard Village was held the evening of Friday, October 14, through the morning of Saturday, October 15. Sixty-one students and six co-workers experienced homelessness by sleeping overnight in cardboard boxes on the school's athletic field. Each student raised a minimum of $30 to benefit St. Patrick Center's “Key Player Initiative.” Students were allowed to bring only what they could carry in their box—no electronics or food were allowed. After setting up their living arrangements for the night, students were educated by two local organizations who serve the homeless of St. Louis—St. Patrick Center and Covenant House. Kristen Bracken, volunteer coordinator from St. Patrick Center, said of the organization's Key Player Initiative, "Thanks to Ursuline's annual Cardboard Village project, five individuals who were homeless have received the services needed to make a positive, permanent change in their life." This event alone raised over $2,000 for St. Patrick Center's Key Player Initiative.

St. Patrick Center also hosted 140 students from Christ Prince of Peace, St. Mary Magdalen and Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill Catholic Schools for the agency’s “A Hand Up” homeless simulation presentation for St. Louis area middle school and high school students. For two hours, the students learned about the homelessness issue and St. Patrick Center programs in three core areas—housing, employment and health. The social justice experience included a virtual tour, a mock client intake session and three interactive breakout sessions. Students from St. Mary Magdalen (pictured above) also shared how they raise money for St. Patrick Center as one of the agency’s Key Player schools (CPOP & VDOH are also Key Player schools). To register a group of your students to attend “A Hand Up,” visit the St. Patrick Center website: http://www.stpatrickcenter.org/volunteer/youth-opportunities/

In the Ste. Genevieve Deanery, the Vincentian Marian Youth Group, founded in 2004, has grown to national status. Local high school students participate in mission trips throughout the year. Last June, VMY took approximately 100 high schoolers to Little Rock, Arkansas, and last weekend, VMY hosted a Mission Box Experience, through which students had to "beg" for donations for the poor and come to the event with their own box to sleep in overnight. What was NOT typical of a homeless night was the Eucharistic celebration that began the evening. Money collected will provide new windows for the home of a local woman and a used van for a needy man to get to and from work. Twenty-three students from Valle Catholic High School in Ste. Genevieve and St. Vincent Catholic High School in Perryville participated.

Office of Catholic Education

Kennedy Catholic student plans concert to aid Joplin

suebrown@archstl.org — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:42:49 +0000

Kennedy Catholic High School senior Brian Prost, member of rock group Mail on Sunday, saw the devastation in Joplin after the tornado that ravaged the town on May 22, returned to his own school community at Kennedy Catholic this fall and decided he had to help make things better for the people, especially the teens of Joplin. “I can’t imagine what my life would be like that if that happened here, to my high school” says Prost. “There was so much that they needed and I wanted to make a difference somehow.”

Brian contacted other high school bands in the area and “Helpin’ Out by Rockin’ Out” was born. Brian says “it is a real grassroots effort. The deposit required for the amphitheater is on my dad’s credit card!” Both Brian and his parents are hoping the event is a success. (See concert details on flyer above.)

Office of Catholic Education

St. Gemma students harvest more than vegetables

suebrown@archstl.org — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:23:23 +0000

By Sue Brown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations--Catholic Education Office

At St. Gemma Center for Autism, one of eight schools and centers of the archdiocesan Department of Special Education, students, staff and family members have planted a sensory garden to help reduce tactile defensiveness and broaden the students’ exposure to visual, tactile, and olfactory sensations they encounter in the world.

The garden exposes the students to colors, textures, and smells they are likely to encounter in life. Plants were chosen specifically for unique colors, textures, and smells, and range from okra, peppers, strawberries and squash, to zinnias and celosia, to mint, rosemary, oregano, and basil.

St Gemma students are responsible for the care of the garden—watering, weeding, and checking for ripeness of vegetables and fruits. Being responsible for caring for other living things helps children with autism break out of their isolation, and helps them develop responsibility.

Items from the garden were used in an instructional unit on where foods come from, and included making (and consuming) a veggie pizza and tomato bruschetta with vegetables they grew themselves in their very own sensory garden.

Office of Catholic Education

Federation Director of Advancement Receives Leadership Award

suebrown@archstl.org — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:29:18 +0000

This article appears in the September issue of the Federation Newsletter and was written by Father Michael Henning & Miss Jeanne Gearon representing the pastors and elementary school principals serving North County.

Cara Koen, Director of Advancement for the Northeast Deanery Federation of Catholic Schools, has been chosen by North County Inc., a regional development organization, as an outstanding community leader. Annually NCI recognizes 30 Leaders in their Thirties for making a significant positive impact on North St. Louis County through their profession and/or community involvement. The leaders will be honored at a luncheon on September 23rd at Norwood Hills Country Club. Cara's work has enabled the Federation's mission, organization, and programs to become more widely known among Catholics and in the general community. She has developed print and media resources. She also serves as a marketing resource for our local Catholic school boards and is currently developing a commission to focus on marketing and development for Catholic education and schools in North County. As a resident of the community she serves, her education, professional experience, and leadership have enhanced the work of the Federation. Her energy, creativity, and initiative are invaluable assets for this organization. Personally and professionally, she is an encouragement for all who work with her.

For all who can envision the future of Catholic education in North County, Cara is most certainly an important part of our reason for hope and our commitment to excellence. We are proud of her work and are grateful for the opportunity of serving with her in this mission of our Church.