St. Michael the Archangel is a local Catholic school that prides itself on providing a challenging education in a nurturing environment to children in grades K-8.
The school will host open houses for families on each campus within the next few weeks.
An open house at the Middle School Campus, 4121 Old Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem, will be held Sunday, Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to noon. Information for grades 5-8 will be available.
An open house at the Elementary School Campus, 5040 St. Joseph’s Road, Coopersburg, will be held Sunday, Feb. 5 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Information for families of children in pre-K through 4th grade will be available.
Families of prospective transfer students are invited to attend both events, which will also provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about St. Michael the Archangel School’s new STEM opportunities for students.
St. Michael the Archangel School students benefit from new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational opportunities.
STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines–science, technology, engineering and mathematics–in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
Computer science skills, such as coding, help students develop critical thinking, logic, persistence and creativity, all of which help them with problem-solving in all subject areas.
“We are pleased to offer coding opportunities to all of our students in grades K-8 this year,” said Principal Dr. Joanne LaFaso and Assistant Principal Erin Doherty Faust in a recent letter about STEM to parents.
Students in the upper grades at the Elementary School also now have the opportunity to explore engineering during Technology class using LittleBits, a platform of electronic building blocks that allows students to invent anything from a remote-controlled car to a door alarm.
Middle School students receive robotics, building, programming and coding instruction during their Technology class, which incorporates the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 curriculum. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 encourages students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through inquiry-based and active learning.
On Fridays at the Middle School Campus STEM labs are offered to students in grades 5-8.
The STEM labs are designed to enhance grade-level science curricula and allow for hands-on, active learning and investigation to occur.
Some of the other attributes which set a St. Michael the Archangel education apart from that offered by other schools in the area include:
- 1:1 iPad program for all students in K-8; grades K-4 are provided memberships to Raz-Kids, an engaging reading practice website; grades 1-8 are provided memberships to IXL, an online adaptive learning program for math and language arts.
- PA certified faculty, many of whom have graduate degrees
- Busing available from most surrounding school districts
- Two school campuses, both of which offer a gymnasium with a stage, a computer lab, a library and a cafeteria with a hot lunch program.
- A science lab and art studio at the Middle School campus.
- Religious instruction including sacramental preparation, student liturgies, daily prayers and service projects as well as community outreach.
- Math curriculum including Advanced math starting at Grade 4, Pre-Algebra in Grade 7 and Algebra in Grade 8
- Science curriculum including hands-on experimentation, which introduces earth, life and physical science laws and principles.
- Reading and language arts curriculum which includes a balanced literacy program in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and a literature program in grades 7 and 8.
- Extracurricular programs provided through CYO including athletics, academics, social and theatrical events.
Religious instruction and tradition are part of a St. Michael the Archangel School education.
Tours of both schools are always available and encouraged, according to St. Michael the Archangel’s Advancement Director, Marianne Gano.
To RSVP to attend either of the upcoming open houses or to schedule a tour, please call Gano at 610-867-8422 or email mgano@st-mikes.com.
In addition to its website, the school also regularly shares information and posts updates on its Facebook page.
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT:
In partnership with the family, St. Michael the Archangel, a Pre-K to 8th grade school, nurtures students to develop strong Catholic values while achieving academic excellence. Striving to foster the uniqueness of each child, the dedicated faculty and staff encourage an environment where all children believe they are created and loved by God. We aspire to model young adults who embody the principles of morality and spirituality to become our leaders of tomorrow.
St. Michael the Archangel School has a 1:1 iPad program that puts cutting-edge technology in the hands of all its students. The school will host open houses at its Middle School Campus on Jan. 29 and its Elementary School Campus on Feb. 5.