ST. MARY CATHEDRAL SCHOOL, CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO

St. Mary Cathedral School

A Kaleidoscope works on the premise that there is one reality with multiple reflections of it causing a beautiful pattern. St. Mary Cathedral School in Cape Girardeau reflects a unique image as it daily educates 230 students.

Three years ago the newly initiated School Board worked to articulate the reality at St. Mary's in a new philosophy statement. In it, the words of Jesus' invitation. "Come that you may have life" speak loudly. The curriculum, programming, activities, and community sense which exist give life to those words of the Gospel in the students and challenges them to lead, serve, and share life in its fullness with others.

St. Mary's reflects a long history which began in the late 1800's. Its first students came from Catholic families of German immigrants. Some students currently come from families who represent 4 and 5 generations who have chosen St. Mary's for the education of their children. Today's student population also reflects new immigrants and reflects an international flavor. Students with roots in Viet Nam, Hong Kong, Africa, and Mexico and one teacher from Peru help to make global realities real. Non-catholic families also choose St. Mary's because of the kind of education that is offered.

The kindergarten through 8th grade curriculum (with a Day Care available on the premises) offers students a continuous, developmental progression for learning. The curriculum is not simply the content the students study, but incorporates the building of spirituality and self-esteem on Christian values through the relationships among the students, parents, faculty, and staff.

A full elementary curriculum including music, art, and physical education is offered students. Most recent curriculum developments have included the adoption of a whole language reading/language arts program with an emphasis on thinking, writing, and the comprehension of good literature. Students in grades 6-8 participate in an issues class which this last semester assisted students in developing conflict resolution skills. This semester students in grades K-8 will participate in human sexuality instruction as well as drug education provided through the local Drug Free Schools Program. Grade 5-8 students can participate in the instrumental band program. Students compete annually in local, regional, state, and national math competitions, spelling bees, geography bees, science fairs, oratorical and writing contests. Seven seventh grade students this year became eligible to participate in the Duke University Talent Search for gifted students. All of these opportunities reflect the wide range of opportunities students are offered.

Extra-curricular activities for students are available through the school and church. The Student Council, the Athletic Program sponsored by the Home and School Association, Math Counts competition preparation, and various service projects which range from paper recycling to the cleaning up the local streets and serving in the parish church in worship and clerical tasks. Karate classes are also available at the parish as well as Church League Basketball for boys in grades 4-6.

Most recently students in grades 8 completed an assessment test of Catholic Religious Education. The results showed overwhelmingly that our students find classwork stimulating and believed teachers caring of them. St. Mary's is proud of its heritage. It's current happenings, and looks toward the future as a school which reflects the good things of life in its students. St. Mary's exists because of the strong support and choice of parents, students, teachers, parishioners, clergy, and the community who make up our KALEIDOSCOPE OF PEOPLE. We value and reflect Catholic education at its best!