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1. To further discuss these topics with real Saint Ann School teachers, click on the teacher’s name.
   

As I consider enrolling my child at Saint Ann School School, I am interested in knowing the ways that you incorporate the Catholic faith in Kindergarten.  Can you give me some examples?

1. The Catholic faith is incorporated into the P.E. curriculum. Each class begins with a prayer. Emphasis is placed on displaying good sportsmanship throughout class. Students have opportunities to earn good sportsmanship awards. (Mrs. Dindia, P.E. teacher)
   

2. We incorporate Catholic faith into the curriculum in several ways. We try to teach our students to treat everyone with respect. We provide a learning environment in which all students have the right to respond without fear of being ridiculed or mocked. We share talents. We begin each day with meaningful prayer. (Mrs. Sedney., 4th grade teacher)
   

3. I incorporate religion into the curriculum in a variety of ways.  Journaling allows the students to let their emotions out and express how they are feeling. Class discussions bring the subject matter and the Scripture together and reflect on how Jesus and the Apostles would feel or act.  Science and social studies allow us to wonder about the greatness of God, and how we can be thankful for all creation around us. We offer prayers of thanksgiving for all living things around us. Religion is used to solve conflicts in a prayerful way.  Prayers are said in the morning, before lunch, meditation after lunch, and closing of the day. (Mrs. Monahan., 3rd grade teacher)
   

4. In first grade, our religion lessons are reinforced throughout the day.  We take time to talk about problems as they come up during the day and use our religion lessons to help us discuss and solve these problems.  For example, we often discuss “love thy neighbor” and “The Good Samaritan” to help us remember how we should be treating our classmates. (Mrs. Mullally, 1st grade teacher)
   

5. Since I am not currently teaching a religion class, I incorporate all of the Catholic values into the subjects that I do teach. During science and language arts, anytime that we can talk about God and the importance of faith in our lives, I do. Just recently, I taught a lesson on the human body and we discussed why we should take care of our body and mind like God intended. During class, I make sure that each student is treated fairly and respectfully from everyone. We often talk about how Jesus would have reacted to certain situations. Also, we pray at the beginning and end of each day as well as before lunch. (Mrs. Trem, 4th grade teacher)
   

6. Ways of incorporating the faith: (1) In science, I mention God as Creator and Sustainer of all things; (2) I incorporate the Catholic social teachings into science, such as care for the environment; (3) In language arts, when we discuss the various stories, we talk about the correct ethical and Christian choices that should be made. (Mrs. Belock, 5th grade teacher)
   

7. The Catholic faith is incorporated in all classes.  We look at the ways in which history has played out.  Then we interject how a different Catholic approach may have made a difference. We also look at possible current and future events which we might help improve. (Mrs. Padden, 5th grade teacher)
   

8. The Catholic faith is incorporated into every lesson by example, modeling Christian behavior, and prayer.  The children learn to respect each other by listening and taking turns, sharing, and caring for each other.  They are encouraged to work together as partners and teams.  Religion is taught everyday including prayer and Catholic doctrine. The students do services throughout the year for the poor and the elderly.  (Miss Hannan., 1st grade teacher)
   

9. Students plan and participate in all-school masses and engage in community service projects (e.g., collections, as well as writing friendly letters—a language arts objective—to shut-ins.)  In science class, acknowledgement of, and concern for God’s creation is stressed.  Students pray together as a family often (Grace before meals, Advent/Lent prayers, etc.) (Mrs. Betley and Ms. Kane, 6th grade teachers)
   

10. In kindergarten, we incorporate the Catholic faith into the curriculum in many ways. As a school, we start the day with prayer during morning announcements. We then continue with a classroom morning prayer, as well as prayer before snack and lunch. The children are also taught to make the sign of the cross whenever they hear a siren, asking God to bless the people in the vehicle, as well as those they are going to help. In science, the children are reminded how God created the stars, sun, earth, & all living things for us and how we should take care of the gifts God has given us. In social studies, we talk about how God has given us families and community helpers because He loves us and wants us to be safe and happy.  (Ms. Creamer, Kindergarten teacher)
    

11. Catholic education is essentially living a Christian way of life. At Saint Ann School we take this very seriously and we incorporate our Catholic identity into everything we do. Our school day begins with whole school prayer over the PA. The students in grades 1-8 attend Mass and serve as junior lectors, cantors, and servers. All of our students in grades K-8 are members of a Faith Family and participate in school and parish service projects. This year each classroom has “adopted” an elderly member of our parish community. We write to them on a regular basis to let them know what is going on in our school. We also incorporate our Catholic faith into our academic subjects. In the Kindergarten Science curriculum, we teach the children to appreciate the vastness of God’s universe. We discover how people and all living things fit into God’s plan of Creation. When we are signing a song or listening to music, we try to instill in the children feelings of joy and love of God through music. In Social Studies, the children learn that God made all people and they learn to respect the dignity of each individual. The list goes on and on… (Ms. Nicoletti, Kindergarten teacher)
    

What makes learning at Saint Ann School different from other schools?

1. P.E. at Saint Ann School offers multiple opportunities for personal fitness, in addition to team sports and class game activities. The emphasis for Kindergarten - Grade 3 is placed on developmental skills. (Mrs. Dindia, P.E. teacher)
   

1. Learning at St. Ann School is different from other schools because we are very accepting of others. We provide a safe and happy environment for the students. We strive for the success of each student. (Mrs. Sedney., 4th grade teacher)
   

1. Saint Ann School is a caring environment that reflects the Catholic values. Each child is cared for as an individual and given the best education that the teachers can possibly provide. Lessons are created to engage the whole child for meaningful learning situations while providing the needs of all learners.  The teachers provide classroom opportunities to become lifelong learners. The teachers here are facilitating the learning process. (Mrs. Monahan., 3rd grade teacher)
   

1. At Saint Ann School, the teachers work together to make sure each child continues to make progress from year to year.  For example, some children may need enrichment activities to challenge them, while others need extra help in certain areas. (Mrs. Mullally, 1st grade teacher)
   

1. As a result of the smaller class sizes, the students have a better connection to the teacher. The teachers, therefore, have a better chance of meeting individually with the students. We are able to meet each learner’s needs. We have a very cooperative PTO that plans many learning experiences to enhance the school day for the students. Many field trips are also planned throughout the school year to integrate content standards into the real world.  (Mrs. Trem, 4th grade teacher)
   

1. What makes Saint Ann School different: small class sizes, dedication and longevity of teachers, loyalty to Saint Ann tradition, experience and expertise of teachers, opportunities for technology everyday. (Mrs. Belock, 5th grade teacher)
   

1. At Saint Ann School there is a caring group of teachers and staff who look upon the students  in a compassionate way.  We learn as well as take the human being into consideration. (Mrs. Padden, 5th grade teacher)
   

1. Students have the advantage of a low student-to-teacher ratio which allows for greater opportunities for individualized help. For example, the following programs enhance the sixth grade curriculum:  Great Lakes Theater Festival and Hello, Israel! Differentiated learning allows students to work at their ability levels and reach their full potentials. (Mrs. Betley and Ms. Kane, 6th grade teachers)
   

1. Learning at Saint Ann School is different from other schools because we are able to pray and talk about God. We can also celebrate Easter and Christmas and come together as a school for retreats, prayer services, and Mass. (Ms. Creamer, Kindergarten teacher)
   

1. The main difference between Saint Ann School and other schools is that we are a Catholic school and our Catholic faith is woven into everything we do. (Ms. Nicoletti, Kindergarten teacher)
   

How will my child be cared for at Saint Ann School?

1. Students’ needs are met individually. Differentiated approaches to learning are offered so that each child’s needs are met as best as possible.  Students will receive extra help when needed. We provide many opportunities for students, including Spanish and band. We have an enrichment program for students who qualify. (Mrs. Sedney., 4th grade teacher)
   

1. The students of Saint Ann School are cared for by a dedicated principal, educators, and staff that have one mission: to provide the best education that reflects our Catholic values and social teachings. (Mrs. Monahan., 3rd grade teacher)
   

                                                                     

1. The small class size enables the teacher to really get to know each student well.  Also the teachers here tend to stay for many years which means they get to know the families well which means they can better care for and relate to each child. (Mrs. Mullally, 1st grade teacher)
   

1. All children at Saint Ann School are treated fairly and respectfully from each member of the faculty and staff. The overall feeling of family resonates throughout our school. We have faith families that allow the members of our faculty to learn each student’s name and something new about him or her. This allows for all students to feel a sense of belonging to a large group. Also, our faculty works well together so we communicate often about the continuum of care for the students. (Mrs. Trem, 4th grade teacher)
   

1. In each classroom, uniqueness is respected and fostered.  When students are ill, they are taken care of immediately by our nurse or office staff.  All adults working with the children are Virtus-trained. There are opportunities for tutoring, enrichment, speech therapy, and LD tutoring. (Mrs. Belock, 5th grade teacher)
   

1. Children at Saint Ann School are cared for spiritually, academically and humanely. (Mrs. Padden, 5th grade teacher))
   

1. A child is cared for at Saint Ann School by every adult in the building--from the teacher to a custodian.  If a child is sick we have a nurse.  The secretary will always help a student in need.  The homeroom teacher is the main care giver, but every teacher watches over all the children in the halls, on the playground, etc.  The principal takes time to acknowledge birthdays and achievements and watches over all the students, too. (Miss Hannan., 1st grade teacher)
   

1. All adults in the building (from the principal to the teachers to the nurse to the lunchroom workers) work together as a team to keep our students healthy and safe. Teachers take interest in their students’ lives outside of the school walls. (Mrs. Betley and Ms. Kane, 6th grade teachers)
   

1. The faculty and staff at Saint Ann School care very deeply for all of our students and look out for their best interest. At the beginning of the year, kindergarten students are taken on a tour of the building and introduced to the teachers and staff they will encounter throughout the year. This is also reviewed with them using a PowerPoint presentation, showing the teacher/staff member’s picture and a description of how they help the students. The students are also well supervised throughout the day. They always have an adult with them at recess, lunch, restroom, & when changing classrooms. We also have a registered nurse available to assist a child who becomes ill or is hurt during the day. (Ms. Creamer, Kindergarten teacher)
   

1. At Saint Ann School, a highly trained and loving staff will care for your child. From the moment your child walks through the main door, they feel at home. They are welcomed and called by name. Their birthdays are announced over the PA and celebrated by the school community. The older children look out for the younger ones. Since we have small classes, your child will receive personal attention from his/her teacher. Your child’s teacher will know your child’s strengths and weaknesses and will be able to differentiate your child’s instruction. The teachers not only know the children in their own grade, but also know the other children on their floor and take an active role in supervising the children during recess and other school wide activities. (Ms. Nicoletti, Kindergarten teacher)
   

How will my child benefit academically at Saint Ann School?

1. Each child is challenged to achieve his or her potential in  P.E.. There are opportunities to excel at individual skills such as cup stacking, jumping rope, and the limbo. There are also opportunities to excel at group activities such as  floor hockey, basketball, and volleyball. (Mrs. Dindia, P.E. teacher)
   

1. Students achieve academically because teachers motivate them to discover their inner strengths and abilities. We provide a stimulating learning environment which encourages students to trust their opinions, while fostering confidence in order for the children to realize their full potential.  As educators at Saint Ann School we are continually seeking ways to improve instruction to benefit our students. (Mrs. Monahan., 3rd grade teacher)
   

1. At Saint Ann School, the teachers work well together and work as a team to make sure by the time your child is ready to graduate, he or she will have all the skills needed to score well on high school entrance exams and the study skills needed to do well in high school. (Mrs. Mullally, 1st grade teacher)
   

1. With continuing education and other professional development opportunities, the faculty at Saint Ann School stays in touch with the new and upcoming educational advances. The students will benefit from having these highly-experienced teachers. We allow our students to compete successfully in the new millennium of skills. As a staff, we support the learning of all learners. (Mrs. Trem, 4th grade teacher)
   

1. Group learning opportunities, technology on a daily basis, individual use of laptops, newer teaching pedagogy, up-to-date curriculum and materials (books, DVD’s, etc), challenges and differentiated learning opportunities. (Mrs. Belock, 5th grade teacher)
   

1. We have many past and present students who score well on tests and are accepted into schools of their choice.  They fare well in life and learning. (Mrs. Padden, 5th grade teacher)
   

1. A child benefits academically at Saint Ann School by receiving a strong foundation of skills at each grade level in preparation for the next grade.  The students are taught in a structured environment with a variety of methods including hands-on learning and the use of computers, the internet, and SMARTboards. Teachers follow state standards and curriculum guidelines and prepare their students for standardized testing.  Our students have fun while learning and carry the memories to high school, They are prepared academically, socially, and spiritually for high school. (Miss Hannan., 1st grade teacher)
   

1. Each child has the opportunity to meet his or her academic potential through the rigorous curriculum and individual attention. (Mrs. Turner, 8th grade teacher)
   

1. Participation in programs such as National Junior Honor Society, Chess Club, Spelling Bee, Spanish program, and Enrichment allow students to set high standards for themselves. Classroom teachers work closely with our speech therapist and tutor to focus on individual student’s needs.  Teachers offer after-school help for students who are in need of a more one-on-one review of difficult concepts. (Mrs. Betley and Ms. Kane, 6th grade teachers)
   

1. Your child will definitely benefit academically at Saint Ann School. We follow the curriculum set forth by the Office of Catholic Education, which is in compliance with Ohio Academic Standards. In addition, we incorporate technology into all areas of the curriculum. We have a SMARTBoard in our classroom, which is used to share on-line material with the students (video clips, academic games, pictures pertaining to the lessons). We also have several computers in our annex room that kindergarten students use for review and enrichment activities. The students also have the option of taking Spanish, and more recently, chess lessons were offered after school. (Ms. Creamer, Kindergarten teacher)
   

1. Your child will receive an outstanding education at Saint Ann School. We differentiate our instruction, which enables us to meet the needs of each child. Our students score higher on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills than students from other Catholic schools within the Diocese of Cleveland. The academic success of our older students is recognized by membership in the National Elementary Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society. Academic Achievement awards are given out at the end of each quarter. Ninety-two percent of our graduating eighth graders are accepted by their first choice for high school. (Ms. Nicoletti, Kindergarten teacher)