For Immediate Release Contact: Doreen Morand
Phone: (773) 463-6797 ext. 420
Pager: (773) 330-4501
Email: dmorand@stbenedict.com
Web site: http://sbes.stbenedict.com
CHICAGO (April 11, 2010) - As a response to the increasing demand for a rigorous Catholic college prep secondary school on the city's north side, St. Benedict Parish in North Center is moving forward with a bold merger of its parish schools to meet the need expressed by discerning parents. Currently, St. Benedict is the only Preschool through Grade 12 Catholic co-ed school in the Archdiocese of Chicago and they are seizing on the opportunity to utilize their unique resources to create a new educational model for Catholic education in the city. With the highest enrollment in nine years at the elementary school level, the formerly named Schools of St. Benedict announced their Project Vision of Excellence, a coordination of unique school resources to build a rigorous secondary academic program that aligns with an already successful elementary school program.
The new school to be called St. Benedict Preparatory Schools (SBPS) is scheduled to open for the 2010-2011 school year and will be headed by the current elementary school principal, Ms. Rachel Gemo. School leaders will continue to run its growing Early Childhood, Primary and Intermediate school programs, while beginning this month to align its secondary program (grades 6-12), increasing academic rigor by expanding the advanced college preparatory core and elective course offerings that prepare students for post-secondary success.
"By aligning our current middle school and high school programs, we will be able to offer a specialized college prep program beginning as early as 6th grade for many students ," said SBPS Principal, Rachel Gemo. "Other aspects of the project will see the expansion of the current middle school one to one laptop program to the high school level, offering an increase in high school elective courses such as Music and Band, and extending online advanced placement (AP) courses through Northwestern University Center for Talent Development," she said.
The new organizational structure will focus on enhancing mission advancement as well. "As plans to support this unified vision for academic excellence unfold, the community will witness our unique commitment to outstanding faith based education and long-term community building," acknowledged Father Robert Beaven, pastor of St. Benedict Catholic Church. “There are also plans to align secondary student service projects with parish ministry programs. “
St. Benedict Preparatory School's partnerships also expand beyond the parish community. One of St. Benedict's partnerships is in its sixth year with DePaul University as a Professional Development School. St. Benedict Preparatory School will continue mentoring future teachers as well as receive teacher training and program development assistance from DePaul faculty.
According to newly appointed SBPS Mission Advancement Officer, Mr. Joe G. Accardi, "The school is in a unique position to offer the community something they cannot find elsewhere in the area. First, students will benefit from a college prep program beginning in the sixth grade. And middle school students showing proper aptitude will be able to take courses in core curricular areas before ninth grade—therefore enabling them to take more Advanced Placement or dual credit courses when in the 11th or 12th grade. And as before, families will continue to be able to have their younger child in the elementary program and their older child in the secondary school program, both attending the same campus, and cutting down on transportation costs."
The current St. Benedict High School program offers programs to help students receive a well-rounded educational experience, and will now offer a strengthened fine arts department which will include a complete band program, music courses, and drama opportunities. This is being realized through the comprehensive vision and coordination of resources of the parish schools under Project Vision of Excellence in order to create a unique educational experience.
According to Head of Elementary School (K-5) Mrs. Nancy Feely, “Our students will continue to engage in ongoing portfolio assessment along with project-based learning that involves setting learning goals, reflecting on the work, and presenting it to others. This also makes St. Ben's unique."
"St. Benedict has a history of preparing young people for life-long learning through academic excellence, personal growth through spiritual formation, and a commitment to community and Christian stewardship,” acknowledged Mrs. Tammy Jeffery, Elementary School Advisory Board Chair. “We look to Project Vision of Excellence to continue this legacy."
Friday, June 4, 2010 at 12:13PM 