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St. Bernadette Catholic School 1100 Upham Street Lakewood, CO 80214 (303)237-0401 |
Top 10 Misconceptions of Catholic Schools Facts About Archdiocese of Denver Catholic School and St. Bernadette Catholic School
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10 Misconceptions |
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| Misconception #1:
Catholic Schools are led and taught by religious orders |
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| AOD Fact | 96% of our teachers are lay men and women |
| St. Bernadette Fact | 100% of the administration, faculty and staff are lay men and women |
| Misconception #2:
Catholic Doctrine is not taught in the Archdiocese of Denver Schools |
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| AOD Fact |
In the 2005-2006 school year a new Religion Curriculum was written for grades K-8 and approved by Archbishop
Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. The Religion curriculum includes: Strand 1: Profession of Faith Strand 2: Celebration of the Christian Ministry Strand 3:Life in Christ Strand Strabd 4: Prayer |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
Traditional Catholic devotions are recognized throughout the year Day begins and ends with prayer The students attend Mass weekly Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated twice a year Religion is taught daily Pastor visits classroom regularly Kindergartners and First graders have Mass buddies All school Prayer services during Advent and Lent Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation |
| Misconception #3:
Uniforms are a death sentence on individuality |
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| AOD Fact |
Uniforms are comfortable durable and have a variety of options Saves on your clothing dollars Takes the emphasis off what popular society is dictating in clothing and putting the emphasis on education |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
Uniforms are worn daily with the exception of fun out of uniform days Navy blue or khaki slacks/shorts for both boys and girls Plaid jumper, skirts and skorts for girls White, powder blue or navy polo shirts for both boys and girls Sweatshirts or wind shirts with St. Bernadette logo |
| Misconception #4:
All Catholic schools are private schools |
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| AOD Fact |
Schools in the Archdiocese of Denver are parochial meaning they are one of many ministries in the parish
of the same name Parishes without schools assist other parishes with enrollment and school finances |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
Students are encouraged to be active members of the parish and parishioners active in school Stewardship opportunities are provided throughout the school year to assist the parish Many of our students are servers for parish masses, funerals, and weddings 77%of the student body comes from parishes without schools |
| Misconception #5:
Catholic Schools are too expensive for the average family |
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| AOD Fact |
Private school tuitions in Denver range from $10,000to $17,200 per year. School in the Archdiocese of Denver average tuition ranges between 3,500.00 and $4,500.00 for contributing Catholics Students in the Catholic schools come from different income levels. Parents who choose to send their children to Catholic schools choose to invest their money in their childrens future. Financial Assistance is available for families through foundations and grants. In the 2005-2006 school year over $8 million dollars were given out in some form of tuition assistance |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
In the 2006-2007school year contributing Catholics paid $3,375.00 for one child A family scale is offered to parents with more than one child. Families who are struggle financially have the opportunity apply for tuition assistance from outside sources |
| Misconception #6:
Students are not safe in Catholic Schools |
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| AOD Fact |
All teachers, parents, and volunteers are required to attend and be current on the Virtus Safe Environment training course Doors are locked and entrances secured All visitors must sign in and out as well as wear a visitors badge 39% of the policies that govern Catholic schools are geared toward child safety 91% of our fifth graders who attend Catholic schools feel they are in a safe and secure environment 89% 8th graders feel personal safety is not a problem 92% 12th graders feel Catholic schools provide a safe environment with less intimidation than public schools |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
All teachers, parents and volunteers are current with the Virtus Safe Environment Training All visitors and volunteers must sign in and wear name badges All teachers must wear lanyards with photo ids Front and back school doors are locked during the school day |
| Misconception #7:
Catholic schoolteachers teach in a Catholic school because they do not have to meet state requirement for teacher licensure. |
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| AOD Fact |
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Denver are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools. All teachers in Catholic Schools must possess a valid State Teachers license or qualify for Colorado certification through the Alternative Licensure Program All teachers are required to have catechist certification Pupil-to-teacher ration = 13 to 1 84 % of the teachers are Catholic 28% of the teachers have a Masters degree or higher Average length of service of service for a teacher in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic schools is 8 years |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
St. Bernadette Catholic School teachers have a total of 175 years of teaching experience Fourteen teachers hold a BA Plus extra hours Three teachers and or administrator hold Masters plus extra hours Teachers range from their first year of teaching to their to twenty-eighth year of teaching Teachers are required to take professional development courses to keep current in educational advancements and licensure |
| Misconception #8:
Catholic Schools do not give standardized test |
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| AOD Fact |
The Archdiocese of Denver Schools give the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) Standardize test yearly to
students in grades 2-8 The Cognitive Ability Test (COGAT) is given in grades three, five and seven NCEA ACRE Religion Assessment is given to students in fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade. |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
Students consistently score approximately a year to a year and half above the national grade average on
the I.T.B.S Standardize test Students scored above the national average on the NCEA ACRE Religion test |
| Misconception #9:
There are no extracurricular activities and sports |
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| AOD Fact | Only elementary or middle school system in the Denver Metro area that offers Sports as well as Spelling, Speech, and Art events. |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
Students beginning in third grade participate in Catholic Schools Athletic League. Intermediate students participate in the AOD Spelling Bee Students participate in the Archdiocese Art Fair |
| Misconception #10:
Catholic schools dont have discipline problems because we can kick students out |
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| AOD Fact | When there are issues concerning academics or discipline the schools work with both the parents and students on how to respectfully handle problems in the future while still taking ownership of the class work or behavior |
| St. Bernadette Fact |
Teachers are responsible for handling minor discipline and academic problems in the classroom Teachers are responsible for keeping parents informed of discipline or academic problems in the classroom Administration is available to assist teachers and the parent in the handling of discipline or academic issues If a student visits with the Principal, a phone call or note will be used to notify the parents of the visit to address discipline or academic issues. |
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