Cathedral High School

NEW ULM – Cathedral High School began the new school year with reports of high ACT scores and a 100 percent graduation rate and technology updates, among other highlights, reports Principal Rob Brandl.

The average composite ACT score for last year’s graduating class was 26.9, compared to 22.7 statewide, the highest in at least five years, according to a report provided by Brandl. CHS again graduated 100 percent of students, with nearly every student going on to post-secondary education.

CHS is now using Turnitin.com as a resource for grading and editing students’ written work, added Brandl. “This tool is a great resource as we look to build upon our already outstanding English ACT scores.”

Additional math class options are being added, with the goal of having all CHS students take 4 full years of math, the principal stated.

Enrollment at CHS stayed steady for the 2015-2016 school year, with 198 students in grades 7-12.

In addition, Brandl reported the following building updates:

New scoreboards and sound system were some key updates in the gym.

New wireless Internet was installed in the high school.

The school purchased a second mobile lab of 25 computers along with an additional 20 computers for the media center.

Areas of focus for 2015-2016, include: proper use of language and grammar skills in all content areas; living and defending faith; and school pride, he added.

“We feel it is important for our students to use skills from all content areas throughout their entire education,” said Brandl. “Our staff is focused on holding students accountable for using proper language and grammar skills in the classes that they teach. We feel this focus will help prepare our students to be successful in whatever life path they choose.”

“All students are faced with challenges and temptations that can get in the way of their goals and go against their values,” Brandl added. “We at CHS are working as a team to give our students the tools necessary to make healthy decisions and to live their lives in the image of Christ.”

“One of the major factors that makes NUACS a great place is the amount of school pride that is exhibited by our students, staff and families,” he said. “This school pride is something that has been fostered through years of academic, athletic and fine arts success while being an important part of the New Ulm community. We have added Greyhound Days to our calendar as a fun way to give our students a chance to show their school spirit and make CHS a better place.”

“Cathedral High School continues to focus on educating the whole person and looking for innovative ways to prepare our students for whatever life path they choose,” said Brandl.

St. Anthony

Elementary School

St. Anthony Elementary School Principal Shelly Bauer reported several curriculum updates.

The school is starting a SuperKids Reading Program, she reported. St. Anthony is the only school is the Diocese of New Ulm of pilot this kindergarten program, and other schools will be invited to visit kindergarten classrooms, said Bauer. The program is built on systematic phonics. It integrates reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and combines rigor with fun.

Another program Bauer highlights is Go Math. The program is intended to increase rigor, apply state and national standards, incorporate technology and increase critical thinking skills. It includes an online home component.

St. Anthony is applying a computer skills curriculum, with specific skill outcomes for each grade level K-6 and checklists created to track individual student progress, adds Bauer.

The school is also implementing a Safe and Caring Schools and Virtues program. It is an antibullying program that includes a monthly school gathering and weekly lessons in homerooms. The program centers around a theme and a virtue; a Saint of the Month is incorporated with theme.

Bauer added that her school is focusing on two enrichment programs. Math Masters had “an excellent start” last school year and will continue this year, she said, with more teams added. A new Robotics Club begins in October for students in grades 4-6.

St. Anthony Elementary is reporting an increased enrollment, with 14 new students in grades 1-6.

The school last year added a St. Anthony Elementary (SAE) Home and School Association. It has been a “positive addition,” said Bauer.

The association will continue to assist with additional school and staff programs; volunteer for events; provide staff appreciation treats and meals; plan family activities for this school year; and hold movie nights, tailgating party and family education nights.

System wide

NUACS are also conducting a review of the k-12 curriculum in language arts and reading. Educators will review test data, research state and national standards and update outcomes for each grade level accordingly. The curriculum will be updated as needed.

New textbooks will be reviewed during the course of this year, with the adoption of new text series in 2015-2016.

The National Catholic Education Association theme for the school year is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.” The association says the theme encompasses several concepts that are at the heart of a Catholic education, including the idea that schools are communities – small families in their own right, but also members of the larger community of home, church, city, and nation. Faith, knowledge and service are three measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged.

NUACS is accredited through the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association. As part of this process, every seven years a team of educators from around the state visit the school to conduct an onsite evaluation of the programs and offerings. NUACS will have its on-site visit in April 2016. The staff and other stakeholders are currently completing a year-long self-study process in preparation of the visit.