April 21, 2012
Dear Parents,
This is the time of year when everyone gets excited about the upcoming year! I thought I would let you know a few of the changes that we are anticipating in our program and our faculty.
First, one of the directives from the diocese is to increase the number of instructional minutes in the school day. This will require us to extend the school day by a few minutes. The opening/closing times will change a little, and I will get that information to you in the next couple of weeks.
Second, we are hoping to split the 6th grade class into two sessions of Math instruction. The students will all be evaluated based on: report cards, Terra Nova scores, a diocesan comprehensive test conducted in May, and teacher/principal recommendation. You can read the specific criteria in our Parent/Student Handbook on page 5. The handbook refers to teaching Pre-algebra at the 6th grade level, but that is not our intent for 2012-13. We will be in a transitional year, preparing the students for this academic challenge. Students who qualify for the advanced course will take an Honors Math class next year.
Our concern is that if we place children in a class before they are ready, they will not have the proper foundation in math. Mathematics is a very orderly subject. Each year prepares the student for the following year. As children develop, they may need an extra challenge in math. Students will be tested each year before being placed in a math class. The goal of this program is let each child excel to the best of their abilities! As I have said before, we will “make haste slowly.”
Finally, we have some faculty members who will be moving on to other ventures. We have a very cohesive teaching team here at St. Ambrose, so every loss is a big one. God has always provided for us, so I am confident that we will have qualified congenial teachers for the fall.
Mrs. Thomasson is getting an endorsement for her teaching license in chemistry, and needs to teach in her subject area for an entire year. I am sure you are aware that we do not have a chemistry course. For that reason, Mrs. Thomasson is resigning her position to teach in a high school next year. Please keep her in your prayers. She has been here for five years, and has been a valuable contributor in our middle school program.
Mrs. Dean has been a part of our St. Ambrose community since 2004. She served as a teaching assistant before getting her teaching certification. She will be “graduating” along with Ben this June, and finding employment in the field of accounting, her previous career. Mrs. Dean has taught a variety of subjects this year, in addition to coaching our track team. We will miss her energy and her dedication to St. Ambrose!
The fifth grade will go back to a more self-contained classroom. Ms. Carafa will be the 5th grade homeroom teacher. I have hired a new middle school Social Studies and Technology teacher. Mr. Dave Scoffone has 16 years experience in the Catholic school system. He is currently teaching at Holy Spirit School, and taught for 14 years at Linton Hall. He comes with very high recommendations from his previous schools, and is looking forward to joining our community.
I am looking for qualified teachers to teach Middle School Math and Science, as well as PE. Keep praying that God brings just the right people to our school. He always has, and I have not doubt that He will continue to smile on St. Ambrose.
This is about enough for one beautiful Saturday morning! I will be sending you more thoughts and plans next week.
God bless,
Barbara Dalmut
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