St. Anthony Year Round School

1500 East 15th Street

Oakland, CA 94606

510-534-3334

I.GENERAL INFORMATION

A. History

The chronicle of the present St. Anthony Year Round School began in 1877. As Our Lady of Lourdes School, it first opened its doors to fifty students. The original school established by Reverend William Gleeson and staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, served the Catholic population of East Oakland and Alameda. In these beginning years, students frequently came from as far south as San Leandro.

Before the turn of the century, several major changes occurred. A high school was added in 1881. With the expansion of the convent in 1886, a limited number of boarders were accommodated. Then in 1890, a school for boys called St. Anthony’s was opened by the Christian Brothers, thus transforming Our Lady of Lourdes into an academy for girls.

When the Christian Brothers found it necessary to withdraw in 1914 because of other commitments, the girls in the elementary grades transferred to the boys’ building. Once again, the Sisters of Mercy taught both boys and girls. Our Lady of Lourdes continued to operate as a high school until its closing in 1931.

After nearly 70 years of service, the old wooden structures of the convent and school were deemed to have outlived their usefulness so Monsignor Hammond began a building fund to build the new school. The students moved into the new structure in January of 1949, at which time, the old building was torn down. On May 14, 1950, Archbishop Mitty of San Francisco dedicated the present school complex consisting of eight classrooms, kindergarten, library, cafeteria, a full-size gym, and clubroom.

In its early years, the Catholic population of St. Anthony School was predominantly Irish and Portuguese. Through the years the Portuguese population grew and had become the major ethnic group. Now, into its second century, St. Anthony presents an interesting assemblage of Americans of diverse racial and ethnic origins

In 1982, St. Anthony began to adhere to a year round calendar schedule. The school year now begins August 1 and ends third week in June with three-week breaks and the month of July as holidays.

B. Catholic Identity

Catholic Identity is at the foundation of a Catholic school. It is our reason for existence. The Gospel of Christ and his very person are therefore to inspire and guide the Catholic school in its every dimension, its philosophy of education, curriculum, community life, the selection and ongoing formation of its teachers and staff, and its physical environment. We believe that the

Catholic Identity of our school is richly expressed through the living example and actions of the members of our school community. Prayer, the sacramental life of the community, the celebration of our Catholic traditions, and the symbols of our faith are central to the mission of Catholic school education.

The integration of moral teachings throughout the Catholic school curriculum and the commitment to living those teachings through social action are fundamental. Our school is staffed by faculty members who give witness to their faith and call their students to do the same. In this tradition, Catholic schools embody the teachings of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Church. Our school is open to people of all faiths, cultures and socioeconomic levels. We strive to form a bond with our parish and civic community we serve.

C. Mission Statement

St. Anthony Catholic School is a Year Round School that is an religious and educational ministry of St. Anthony Parish. We have been serving the families in the diverse San Antonio District of Oakland since 1877. Our qualified and dedicated faculty provide a quality education in a small school environment from Kindergarten to eighth grade. We prepare children to actively participate in their Catholic faith and toward achieving their full potential as productive and responsible members of tomorrow’s world. We accept students of all faiths who are willing to live by our school philosophy.

D. Philosophy Statement

Each child will grow in awareness of the presence of Jesus Christ. The child will have exposure to and will be taught the traditions and doctrines of the Catholic Church. Each child will be encouraged to know Jesus Christ better through Scripture, prayer, and the Sacraments.

We strive to implement this spiritual goal in the following manner:

The Principal, Faculty, Staff and Parents, will:

• Be models of spiritual growth and active participants in their faith

• Actively support the philosophy of St. Anthony School

• Share our spiritual faith and teach our Catholic traditions

• Provide opportunities for participating and planning class and total school prayer experiences

Each child will acquire the necessary academic skills which are appropriate to each student’s level of competence.

We strive to implement this intellectual goal in the following manner:

The Principal, Faculty, Staff and Parents, will:

  • Model for students through improving their own skills
  • Become creative users of the many resources available, both human and material, so that both

teaching and learning may be enhanced

  • Continue as sources of inspiration and growth through the sharing of ideas and resources at

formal and informal meetings

  • Effectively communicate students’ academic and behavioral progress
  • Seek and implement effective and necessary teaching strategies which will best meet the needs

of the students and promote academic excellence

  • Encourage each students’ realization that academic excellence is within grasp
  • Provide a wide range of classroom learning experiences
  • Provide activities that encourage critical thinking skills
  • Motivate an eagerness and/or willingness to learn through either independent, self-initiated

activity or seeking help and guidance of responsible others

Each child will be offered a variety of experiences to foster a healthy respect for self, peers, adults - one that follows from the belief in the sacredness and dignity of every human person.

We strive to implement this psychological goal in the following manner:

The Principal, Faculty, Staff and Parents, will:

  • Model open and honest communication with one another
  • Personally affirm students and each other, conscious of individual differences and of the personal worth of every individual created by God
  • Encourage in our students a confidence that comes in the knowledge that everyone has unique

contributions to make

  • Recognize and appreciate individual talents in the classroom and school settings
  • Encourage student leadership through the Student Council
  • Provide self-expression through creative writing, art, and music
  • Foster student talent in school Sports Program

Each child will have exposure to and will be taught the traditions of a variety of cultures, those which are in our own local school community, and beyond. Each will be encouraged to become more sensitive to his/her own cultural needs, as well as to the needs of others. By doing this, he/she is provided a means of living as a person of peace in a world of conflicting values.

We strive to implement this sociological goal in the following manner:

The Principal, Faculty, Staff and Parents, will:

  • Promote multicultural understanding and acceptance in the school and at home
  • Act as catalysts, in a personal way, of the whole program of the school so that the work links are forged and all parts fit together in an integrated whole
  • Encourage participation in community outreach projects
  • Celebrate important cultural holidays and events
  • Provide instruction on the Church’s teaching in areas of peace and social justice
  • Promote activities that foster unity and harmonious cooperation among the students.

Each child will be provided the opportunity to become physically fit, safe, and healthy.

We strive to implement this physical goal in the following manner:

The Principal, Faculty, Staff and Parents, will:

  • Encourage regular physical, medical, and dental check-ups to ensure the sound physical well-being of the student
  • Support the successful implementation of nutrition, health, and sports programs in the school
  • Encourage physical fitness and personal cleanliness at home and in school
  • Involve all school and parish groups toward community safety
  • Provide instruction in Nutrition, Health, and Physical Fitness, through physical education class, dental education, and Family Life Program
  • Encourage healthy practices at school and home
  • Provide health screening for all students, i.e. vision, dental, and hearing
  • Encourage and provide opportunities for continued faculty updating in areas of health concerns, first aid, and safety
  • Continue to update a detailed emergency preparedness plan

All adults work together to support and assist their children in their spiritual, intellectual, sociological, and physical growth.

We strive to implement these goals in the following manner:

The Principal, Faculty, Staff and Parents, will:

  • Consistently recognize parents as primary educators
  • Appropriately extend basic financial support, time, and talent
  • Clearly communicate along appropriate channels and with knowledge of partnership in the children’s education
  • Positively speak about school, and/or staff in the presence of the children
  • Effectively assist children with their homework
E. Student Learning Expectations

A spiritually aware individual who:

- has an understanding of the Catholic faith

- models Christian behavior

- shows respect for God, self and others

- is able to pray using memorized and spontaneous prayer

A life long learner who:

- is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of St. Anthony Curriculum

- is self-confident and self-directing

- understands the importance of making good, healthy choices

- works cooperatively

An effective communicator who:

- reads, writes and communicates in English

- demonstrates good listening skills

- demonstrates the use of technology

- demonstrates manners and appropriate etiquette for all occasions

An involved, responsible citizen who:

- respects and lives by the laws of the community

- respects cultural differences

- demonstrates the courage of one’s beliefs

- works for a more peaceful community and world.

F.Purpose/Policies

The provisions in this handbook are designed to provide parents and students information and guidance as to the procedures and rules of the school. The provisions in this handbook are not a contract and impose no obligation on the school. This handbook is not a part of the tuition agreement. The contents of this handbook may be changed as necessary at the school’s discretion and, if changed, written notification of such changes will be provided to parents and students.

G.Personnel

1. Bishop

The Bishop, the Chief Pastor of the Diocese, is officially responsible for all educational programs within the Diocese. This responsibility extends beyond the spiritual formation of his people and includes all those elements which contribute to the development of the total Christian community.

The Bishop delegates comprehensive regulatory and general supervisory authority on school related matters by appointing a Superintendent. The Diocesan School Board is approved by the Bishop to function as an advisory board to the Superintendent of Schools and to the Bishop.

2. Superintendent of Catholic Schools

As an appointee of the Bishop, the Superintendent is responsible for reporting directly to the

Bishop, or his delegate, and the Diocesan School Board in all matters affecting the Diocesan

schools. S/he administers the operation of a School Department and oversees this department in

the administration, supervision, and strategic planning for education in the schools of the Diocese.

The School Department provides information, guidelines, assistance, and services to the schools that are ordinarily site-based managed and under the leadership of the Principal. Although governance of the schools is at the local level, Pastors and Principals are expected to follow policies and guidelines approved for schools by the Bishop. Schools are also expected to follow curriculum guidelines.

In some special circumstances, decisions may need to be made by the School Department that would ordinarily be made at the local level.

3. Pastor

The Pastor, by direction of the Bishop and canon law, is directly responsible for all parish endeavors. One such major endeavor is the parish or area school. The Pastor can render service and leadership to the parish or area school by acting as a religious leader, community builder, and administrator, working together with the Principal, faculty, parents, and other parishioners in a joint effort to advance the education of the children. He is also responsible for the hiring of the Principal and the renewal or non-renewal of the Principal’s employment agreement.

4. Principal

The position of administrative responsibility carries with it a unique opportunity for shaping a climate of Catholic/Christian values and an atmosphere for learning that will nurture the growth and development of each person. The Principal fosters community among faculty and students. S/he understands the Catholic school as part of larger communities, both religious and secular. The Principal collaborates with parish, area, and/or Diocesan personnel in planning and implementing policies, programs and/or the use of facilities and grounds. The Principal is responsible for implementing school policies.

5. Faculty

The faculty (and students) of the school form a community whose purpose is to develop an atmosphere in which the religious faith of each student as well as his/her intellectual, moral, and physical capacities may be developed and strengthened.

6. Secretary

The school secretary is responsible to the Principal for the efficient operation of the school office and for the performance of secretarial, clerical, and other assigned duties related to the Principal’s office.

7. Other Support Staff/Facilities Staff

Other staff is responsible to the Principal for the efficient operation of the school and for the performance of duties according to their job description.

8. List of St. Anthony School Personnel

Administration

Pastor: Father Jesus Nieto-Ruiz

Principal:Sister Barbara Flannery,CSJ

Vice PrincipalMrs. Eugenia Joson

Vice PrincipalMs. Marisol Preciado

Faculty and Staff

Kindergarten: Ms. Marisol Preciado

Grade 1: Ms. Arianna González

Grade 2: Ms. Deidre Fine

Grade 3:Ms. Susan Edpao

Grade 4: Mrs. Williams

Grade 5: Ms. Lisa Szasz

Grade 6: Mr. Jonah Cohn

Grade 7 Ms. Drew Wright

Grade 8: Ms. Eugenia Vallarta

Counselor:TBA

Title I Teacher:Ms. Francesca DeLuca

Secretary: Mrs. Mina Bravo

Adelante –After School Care

Director: Mr. Rogelio Navarez

G. Boards, Committees, Organizations

1. Diocesan School Board

A Diocesan School Board is appointed by the Bishop to act in an advisory capacity to the

Superintendent and to himself.

The responsibilities of the Diocesan School Board include: discussion of any major change in the operation or organization of a school; recommendation of policies affecting the standards of education, finance, salary scales for school personnel, and promotion of effective public relations on behalf of Catholic education.

The local school board’s mission is to bring its wisdom, talent, experience, faith life, and good will into the process of providing quality education for all the children served by the school. The local school board furnishes the support and leadership to carry out the Church’s commitment to Christian education.

Those who serve on Catholic school boards, both Diocesan and local school boards, support an

environment for the teaching ofthe Catholic faith, the building and experiencing of community, the

serving of others and the opportunity for worship. They are called to model what they identify as the purpose of Catholic education.

II.ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND STANDARDIZED TESTING

A. Academic Honesty

Honesty is expected of students in the performance of all academic work. Cheating, plagiarism (such as, but not limited to, copying or sharing the work of another and submitting it as one’s own), or doing another person’s homework assignments are all forms of academic dishonesty. Anyone who violates the policy of academic honesty may immediately receive a failing grade on that exam or assignment. Academic dishonesty may lead to other disciplinary procedures.

B. Conferences

1.Scheduled by School

Parent/Teacher Conferences are held for 15-minute periods during the first quarter. Parents are encouraged to prepare by making a list of questions about how their child is doing academically and/or socially.

2. Requested by Parent

Parents desiring longer conferences than those scheduled by the school or parents who wish to meet with the teacher at times throughout the year are encouraged to call the classroom teacher to arrange an appointment.

3. Guidelines

a. Be a courteous to the teacher as you would expect him/her to be to you. Questioning the teacher’s authority is not helpful in front of the child. If you have such a disagreement, please request a conference with the teacher privately;

b. Please try to be open to both sides of the story if a problem arises. Perception differences and information reported incorrectly can lead to unnecessary confrontations with the teacher and unwise decisions;

c. Discuss classroom difficulties with the teacher first before bringing them to the Principal.

C. Curriculum

Local curriculum development is the responsibility of the Principal and faculty following the approved Diocesan guidelines.

  1. Religious Education

Religious instruction is an integral and continuing element of the educational experiences of

students in all grades. One activity the student body participates in is Mass every Wednesday morning at 8:00 am in St. Anthony Church.

  1. Family Life/Christian Sexuality

The Oakland Diocesan Catholic elementary school program in human sexuality is an integral part of the educational program planned for each student. The integration of Catholic values in human sexuality occurs as appropriate throughout the entire curriculum. Maximizing the wholesome influences of the Catholic classroom requires an approach that integrates the Catholic value system and moral convictions throughout the curriculum. All students are expected to participate.

St. Anthony Yearly Calendar 2013 – 2014

July 31 All Grades-8:00 – 12:30

August 1 & 2 Early Dismissal 12:30