Have you noticed that backpacks seem to be getting lighter as students are increasingly using some form of technology as their primary tool? Mater Christi School realizes that even the youngest students are digital citizens. Each day the students at Mater Christi use comprehensive technology to develop innovative ideas and solutions to meet the educational challenges of our time.
By bringing together a broad range of resources, Mater Christi School has provided students and faculty with Smartboards in their classrooms, laptops in the computer lab, and Nexus 7 tablets, chromebooks and iPads for students’ classroom use. From centers in the younger grades to whole classrooms at the intermediate middle school level, technology plays a key role in how the students learn each day. But, the investment in technology doesn’t stop there.
Mater Christi School has committed to a school wide STEM enriched curriculum. The STEM philosophy integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as well as the arts. By incorporating the engineering design process, students learn valuable skills of collaboration, problem solving and persistence as they complete projects that will prepare them for the real world. When most people think of STEM, they envision students at the high school and college level. Mater Christi altered this vision by kicking off the 2014 school year with the implementation of two STEM programs for our younger students. The teachers attended training and received the necessary materials to launch the Ten80 Program for grades K-2 and Engineering is Elementary for grades 3-4.
In the Spring of 2014, NewsChannel 13 visited Mater Christi to interview teachers and students as to how the innovative programs are being used to increase student engagement and develop higher ordered thinking skills, creating an environment where students love the challenge and process of learning. A clip of the visit can be seen on the school website at www.materchristischool.org. As we move into 2015, Mater Christi is looking to expand the STEM programs throughout the middle school grades. A Lego-Robotics program for grades K-6 and the Future Cities Competition for grades 7 & 8 have also been added to the list of enrichment programs offered after school.
As a school accredited by The AdvancEd North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Mater Christi School is a Catholic school that provides what every parent should expect, and more, when choosing their child’s school. With a faith-based and welcoming atmosphere, students are motivated and nurtured, helping to ensure growth, strength of character, and self-confidence that enables them to be successful with curriculum that challenges and engages them. They are encouraged to develop their public speaking skills and a concern for the world around them, thus giving them avenues to share their many talents.
If you are looking for a school for your child, you are invited to visit the scheduled open house on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. You may also arrange a personal tour by calling 489-3111 or by email at [email protected]. You will be happy you did!
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood community on the outskirts of Albany, Mater Christi School, previously known at St. Catherine of Siena School, has been providing an outstanding education to children ages three years through grade eight since 1954. The Mater Christi school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. An early drop-off option is available and an extended program runs until 5:30 p.m. After school enrichment programs are provided as well.
Discover your child’s future. Discover Mater Christi School at www.materchristischool.org.
