1.
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A new Parish Education Center
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The new, 3900 square foot Parish Education Center, has
been built behind the convent where the past large garage
was located. It consists of a large Multi-purpose
room that is used by the Parish, School and Religious
Education program; a Computer Room and a new
Kindergarten Room.
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- Multi-purpose room - During the school
day, it is used for science, smaller reading and math
groups, art and other programs. It has been demonstrated
that children learn better in a dedicated space, and this
allows us to have an environment designed for specific
subject areas. After school hours, the
multi-purpose room is utilized for Adult and Religious
Education classes and parish meetings.
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- A Computer room - This provides the capability
for instruction of an entire class simultaneously.
In the past, computer instruction was held in the
basement of the convent, which was simply too small. For
example, there was no space for a display panel (for
instruction). In this new facility, the classroom and
computer teachers are able to work together, and thus
integrate technology into the regular curriculum. The
computer room is available for adult computer
classes during the summer months, as well as advanced
computer classes for children.
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- A Kindergarten room - This modernized room has
a larger play area, and everything inside it - sinks,
restrooms, etc. - is tailored to the youngest members of
our school community.
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- There was a critical need for a faculty/staff
workroom and lunchroom. The former Kindergarten room was
remodeled into a large Religious Education Office and
a teachers' lunch/work room. The previous Religious
Education Office has become a reading center, and the
past teacher's room is now the counselor's office.
The former space and location of the Religious
Education Office was inadequate. Approximately 520
students are enrolled in our Religious Education program,
which was held in three different sites (one of which was
off the church grounds). There was no room for
parent-teacher conferences, for teachers to share ideas,
and very little storage and closet space. Having its own
space in the new Education Center has strengthened the
identity of the Religious Education Program and further
integrated it into the life and mission of the
church.
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2.
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Satisfying our commitment to the 2002 Archdiocesan
Annual Appeal
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- A portion of the money raised from this campaign was
directed towards satisfying our commitment to the 2002
Archdiocesan Annual Appeal, which was $84,000. There
was no separate campaign that year.
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