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. View or download more information on the program
HERE.
For families in the 4Kids (4K) program,
we offer an Extend-A-Day program. This
versatile Extend-A-Day is an optional extension to the 4K learning program.
For morning 4K students, school is from 8:15 until 11:00 a.m. and Extend-A-Day
is from 11 until 3:15. For afternoon 4K students, Extend-A-Day is offered
from 8:10 until 12:15 and school is from 12:15 until 3:00 p.m.
Our
Extend-A-Day Coordinator works closely with our 4K teachers to
reinforce, enrich, and expand the learning that occurs in the 4K classes. 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. The rate for Extend-A-Day is $12 per day plus $1.85 for school
lunch (students may bring a cold lunch instead). Schedules may be turned in on a
weekly basis for each following week.
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
also has between 1 and 6 networked computers which allow for
numerous other resources to be used within the classroom
setting.
Q. What special resources and facilities
does St. Katharine Drexel School have?
SKDS has two libraries geared to the
age of the child. The Primary Library is located on the second floor in
the Pre School – 4K wing and primarily serves the needs of children aged
three years through third grade. The libraries contain a broad spectrum
of supplementary instructional materials and equipment. The Computer
Laboratory houses 25 computers and 5 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.
SKDS has a full sized gym; a kitchen, which prepares and serves school
lunch daily, art and music rooms, a church right next to the school
building for weekly mass, and a stage for performances and special
events.
Our school 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 a full day kindergarten program. Kindergarten hours
go from 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Children who participate in the
Kindergarten program will receive a 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.
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).
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 campus, please contact the school office at (920)
885-5558.
Q. What is the average class size?
The current average class size is 21 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, Cross Country, 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.
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