Learning Environment - Central to our mission is the creation of a values - based learning environment where Christian attitudes and Christ - like values are stressed. Monsignor Slade offers a variety of instructional methods, tools for learning, and assessments. Slade has succeeded in creating a comfortable, open, enriching learning environment.
Faculty and Staff - Monsignor Slade Catholic School proudly boasts a committed and tenured staff of certified faculty members, many of whom hold post - graduate degrees in the education field.
Students - Slade students are cooperative and eager to learn. Many times, students are willing to think critically and take projects and classroom assignments beyond expectations, which generates higher level thinking skills. Students are devoted to participation in an array of extra - curricular activities including service projects and helping those in need. Furthermore, students take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the music program that includes band, chorus, and musical productions. Students may also participate in sports activities, student council, and various academic interests.
Commitment to Technology - Monsignor Slade views technology as an ongoing process. The school is continually updating technology in order to equip the students with the tools to communicate and work effectively in the world. The students and teachers have access to an updated Internet server and a computerized library system. Teachers use an Internet based grading program that enables teachers to keep an electronic grade book. As a result, parents of students in Grades 3-8 have access to students' grades through the Internet. An integrated phone system and e-mail account allows easy and effective communication between teachers and parents.
Standardized Test Scores - The IOWA Test of Basic Skills is administered yearly to students in grades 2, 4, 6, and 8. Students in grades 5 and 8 also take the ACRE test that evaluates students' knowledge of religion. Monsignor Slade's test scores are consistently above the national norm for these tests.
Service Learning - Students learn to model Christ's ministry through year - round service projects that have included making monthly lunches for the homeless, filling 'friendship boxes' for the needy, and building a house in Haiti. Students have participated in nursing home visits, created cards and coloring books for sick children, and have sent letters and care packages to armed services personnel overseas. At Christmas time, students send toys for the children of migrant farm workers in Florida.
Parent Volunteers - Through the school's consistently successful service hour program, Slade parents are actively involved in their children's education through activities such as volunteering in the classroom, coaching a sports team, planning social events, outreach projects, or assisting with fundraisers.
Enrichment Programs - Educating and nurturing the 'whole child' is part of the Monsignor Slade mission statement. The in-school enrichment programs, in addition to field trips, does that by giving students exposure to cultural and performing arts through presentations by musicians, artists, actors, and other performers.
Well-maintained Facility - The administration, school board, and home-school association have always shown a commitment to maintaining the facility through capital improvements whenever deemed necessary.
School Atmosphere - Although Monsignor Slade is a regional school that educates students from various parishes, we are proud of the family atmosphere that exists among students, faculty, staff, and parents. This community-oriented atmosphere continues to attract students from a large geographic area.
