School Philosophy
At Our Lady of Grace School we believe each person
is made in God’s image and that our life task is to come to know Him and to grow in love
and respect for God, self, and others. At Our Lady of Grace, this learning occurs in a
context of Christian community where parents and teachers work together to model for the
students the basic values of our Catholic faith. We encourage a love for learning, help
students develop their God-given potential, and teach them the life skills necessary to
take their place in Church and society.
Parents, as the primary educators of their children,
cooperate with the school staff, with whom they share responsibility for the holistic
development of the children. The school requires and encourages parental involvement in
the integration of academic skills, faith attitudes, the practice of prayer, Sunday worship,
and Christian outreach. In this safe, supportive, and consistent environment where home
and school work together, the students internalize and act upon the values of the Catholic faith.
Our students grow in self-discipline and learn the life-coping, academic, and social skills
necessary to do their part in building God’s kingdom here on earth.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Spiritual Goals
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To lead students to respect themselves and others
and to understand, appreciate, and accept the
call to a personal relationship with Jesus.
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To help students to recognize and appreciate the
faith story of the Catholic Church.
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To develop in students an awareness that they
have unique abilities and gifts to be shared with
others.
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To provide an environment where students can
experience a deep appreciation of prayer and
worship.
Spiritual Objectives
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Teaching the basic truths and doctrines of the
Catholic faith.
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Guiding each student to develop a well-formed
conscience.
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Fostering a faith response to current needs of
the community in Christian outreach.
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Providing opportunities for prayer and worship.
Intellectual Goals
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To help the students develop the skills needed to
think critically and to make wise decisions and
choices.
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To present a basic core of knowledge that is
needed to succeed in today’s world,
including writing and speaking skills.
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To encourage students to love learning and to be
able to apply the skills learned.
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To train the students to use technology,
especially computers, in an age-appropriate,
ethical and effective way.
Intellectual Objectives
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Teaching thinking skills and providing practice
in decision making.
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Presenting basic subject matter and content
areas, while providing instruction in developing
study habits and self-discipline.
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Providing a stimulating environment for the
students where they can integrate skills learned
with life situations.
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Promoting ethical, responsible, and educated use
of current technology.
Psychological Goals
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To foster in students an appreciation of their
unique gifts and self-worth.
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To develop within students the skills to cope
with life and its challenges.
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To provide a safe and secure environment that
promotes healthy emotions, social responsibility,
and psychological development.
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To encourage students to develop the social and
interactive skills needed for positive
relationships within families and with parents,
teachers, and other students.
Psychological Objectives
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Stimulating a healthy and positive self-image
leading to a wholesome and fulfilling life.
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Encouraging student-teacher-parent discussion of
problems and recommending psychological diagnosis
and therapy as needed.
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Offering a caring, consistent, and structured
environment amid the flux of modern life while
providing a sense of community—particularly
during times of trauma or crisis.
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Helping students build relational skills by
encouraging participation in activities with the
family and in school, Church and the civic
community.
Sociological Goals
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To foster an appreciation for the diversity of
cultures.
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To encourage acceptance of and respect for all
persons.
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To develop the skills necessary for interacting
with others.
Sociological Objectives
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Helping students to develop an understanding of
various cultures and sociological factors.
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Creating an environment that fosters friendly
interaction among students, families, teachers,
and the community.
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Teaching students to appreciate their own
heritage and that of others.
Physical Goals
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To promote care of the body and an appreciation
for God’s gift of human sexuality.
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To encourage habits of good nutrition and
exercise with age-appropriate motor skills.
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To train
students to recognize and prevent abuse
in all its forms.
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To instruct students about the impact of and the
facts concerning drugs, alcohol, and disease.
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To teach the ideals of teamwork and good
sportsmanship.
Physical Objectives
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Providing instruction on nutrition and healthy
lifestyle.
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Teaching the rules and skills of various sports
and games.
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Holding
regularly age-appropriate body safety
classes called Good Touch/Bad Touch
or Establishing Healthy Boundaries.
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Providing life-coping instruction concerning
current health issues and attitudes.
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Encouraging cooperation and fair play during all
athletic activities.
Aesthetic Goals
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To help students to recognize, appreciate, and
express the beauty of self, nature and humanity
through the arts.
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To foster interest in various cultures, artists,
and artwork by studying the history of art and
music.
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To develop critical analysis skills, thus
empowering the students to interpret the arts.
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To involve each student in the creative process
as he or she produces art and music to the best
of that student’s ability.
Aesthetic Objectives
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Encouraging students to participate and develop
their talents in expressing themselves and the
wonder of God’s creation through music and
art.
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Providing cultural presentations and field trips,
promoting student productions of music and art,
and teaching the history of art and music.
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Teaching the arts using a heuristic method
whereby the students experience a classic artwork
and then ask questions and form opinions.
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Providing opportunities for the students to
create using various methods and media of art
production.