Cougar Logo
  
Saint Katharine Drexel School       

     Home About Us News Pre-School Alumni For Parents For Students Our Staff

For Parents
Handbook
Events Calendar
Lunch Menu
Volunteering/Parent Groups
Points System
FAQ
Learning Zone 

 

 

Parents at a No Smoking display
Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Are your teachers state certified?

A. Absolutely! Furthermore, our teachers must earn six academic credits every five years.

In addition to their teaching certification, teachers at St. Katharine Drexel School must earn and maintain Basic Religious Education Certification.  Anyone teaching religion must acquire Advanced Religious Education Certification.  Upon earning the required certification, the teacher must maintain that level.

Q. Do you have before and after school care?

A. Yes.  We offer this service through the YMCA, which has several sites throughout the city.

Q. Does St. Katharine Drexel School have a well developed curriculum?

A. It most certainly does! St. Katharine Drexel offers a standards-based curriculum.  A new curriculum area is evaluated each year.  We review the state and national standards, revise the areas in which revision is needed and choose materials accordingly.  Our curriculum is a living, breathing document.

In addition to our textbooks, we utilize a number of supplemental resources.  Some of these include:  library materials, audio and videocassettes, educational games, and computer software.  Experiential learning is essential to the curriculum, and laboratory activities, guest facilitators, and field trips are utilized to enhance the learning experience.

Every classroom at the Elementary Campus also has between 1 and 6 networked computers which allows for numerous other resources to be used within the classroom setting.

Q.  What special resources and facilities does St. Katharine Drexel School have?

Each campus has a library containing a broad spectrum of supplementary instructional materials and equipment.  The Elementary Campus has a Computer Laboratory which houses 25 computers and 4 servers.  The computer lab also contains a wide variety of instructional and supplemental software programs.  Each of these facilities is staffed by qualified personnel and is utilized daily as part of the instructional program.

Both campuses house a gym, a kitchen area where hot lunches are prepared, art and music rooms, adjacent churches for weekly mass, and a stage for performances and special events.

The Primary Campus has a well-equipped, child-friendly Preschool classroom, Kindergarten classroom, and Extend-A-Day classroom. 

The Elementary Campus is also home to the only middle school band in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.  See the Student Activities question below for more information.


Q. Does St. Katharine Drexel School have a full-day Kindergarten?

A. Yes.  We have the most flexible Kindergarten program available in Beaver Dam.  As of Fall 2007, the following Kindergarten program options are available:

Option 1:  Full day Kindergarten, 8:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
Option 2:  Half day Kindergarten, 8:10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.
Option 3:  Extend-A-Day, 11:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., up to
                  5 days per week.

Full day Kindergarten is a great option.  Children who participate in the Full Day program will receive the most well-rounded schedule of learning opportunities, including art class, gym class, and a complete day of learning centers and enrichment activities.  Children will also have a rest time, recess, lunch, and story time during the day.

For those families who feel their child is not quite ready for a full-day program, we offer Half Day Kindergarten and an optional Extend-A-Day.  This versatile Extend-A-Day program offers an extension to the half-day Kindergarten program.  Our Extend-A-Day Coordinator works closely with our Kindergarten teacher to reinforce, enrich, and expand the learning that occurs in Kindergarten.  There is also a rest period, recess, story time, etc. included in the daily schedule for Extend-A-Day.  Children may participate in the Extend-A-Day program one day a week, or up to five days a week.

Q. Is St. Katharine Drexel School accredited?

A. Most definitely.  SKDS is accredited through the Archdiocese of Milwaukee School Planning and Accreditation (SPA) program and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accrediting Association (WRISA).

Also, we are proud to announce that in the 2003/2004 school year we earned Exemplary Accreditation in the areas of Mission, Community, and Climate!

Q. Is tuition assistance available?

A. Yes.  St. Katharine Drexel School has established a Tuition Assistance Fund for those who desire to send their children to a Catholic
School but who need some financial assistance in order to do so. For this assistance program, please contact either the principal or the pastor.

Q. What's the technology story?

A. St. Katharine Drexel School continually strives to meet the technological needs of today's world through its computer lab, classroom computers, internet access for students and staff, and computer classes.  Technology is an ongoing challenge and we are always striving to be on the cutting edge.

Q.  How can I get more information or tour the school?

A.  We are always happy to share information about what we offer here at St. Katharine Drexel School.  If you have questions, or would like to tour the campuses, please contact the school office at (920) 885-5558.

Q.  What is the average class size?

The current average class size is 14 students to 1 teacher.  Smaller class sizes allow our students to receive the one-on-one attention they need to reach their learning potential.

Q.  What activities are available for students?

St. Katharine Drexel School is home to the only middle school band in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.  Students may participate in Junior Band (5th Grade), Mezzo Band (6th Grade), Senior Band (7th and 8th Grade), Jazz Band (6th through 8th Grade), and Marching Band (4th through 8th Grade).

Other student activities include:  Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Track, Forensics, Builders’ Club, Yearbook Staff, 8th Grade Tutors, and Mass Servers.

Q.  What opportunities are available for parent involvement?

There are many ways to get involved at SKDS.  Regardless of your talents, skills, or interests -- there is something for everyone!  Parents may be involved in one of our many committees, including:  Home and School Association, Band Guild, Athletic Association, Alumni Association, Development Committee, School Board and its committees, and Parish Council.

Aside from joining a committee, parents may volunteer in the classroom, library, lunch room, computer lab, or Scrip office.  There are other countless ways a parent can help out from home or at the school. 

Q.  How is religion incorporated into your program?

Our faith is incorporated into everything we do.  For a comprehensive list of ways in which our faith is integrated into the curriculum, see the Faith In Education page.

Q. When is registration?

Registration begins in February and continues throughout the school year and summer. A waiting list is established when classes are full.  


 

 

503 South Spring Street  ·   Beaver Dam, Wisconsin  ·   Phone: (920) 885-5558  ·   Fax: (920) 885-7610
© 2007 St. Katharine Drexel School

Many thanks to our Web sponsors:  Valuworld.com and Knowledge Emporium