Academics Overview

The school library has an extensive collection of more than 10,500 reference, fiction and nonfiction books for students at every grade level, PreSchool through 8th grade. There are a variety of sections that appeal to students at each grade level, including picture books, early reader books & series, novels and series for older students, and a Middle School section. The non-fiction collections appeal to students at a variety of grade levels and interests. Students from Preschool through 5th grade have weekly library classes in which they learn library skills and are introduced to books throughout the collection. Older students learn how to use our library circulation system, Follett Destiny, to locate books for individual interests and research. The school library is a wonderful place for gathering for meetings and events.

Math Specialist
Our K-5 Math Specialist plays an important role in enhancing mathematical understanding among students by leveraging concrete and pictorial representations to elucidate key concepts. Collaborating closely with homeroom teachers, the Math Specialist employs diverse modeling techniques, such as bar models, to facilitate problem-solving strategies. This role involves supporting teachers in differentiating instruction to address the needs of individual students, identifying areas requiring support or enrichment, and devising tailored plans for academic growth. The Math Specialist contributes significantly to fostering a robust math learning environment, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and personalized support in mastering fundamental mathematical skills and concepts.

Reading Specialist
Our reading specialist at Our Lady of Fatima Parish School plays a vital role in fostering literacy and a love for reading among students. Our specialist administers benchmark assessments for all students in grades K-4 to identify reading levels and potential reading challenges, designs individualized reading plans, and provides targeted interventions to help readers improve their skills. The reading specialist utilizes a multi-sensory approach to reading instruction that bolsters students’ knowledge as it relates to phonology and phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, syllables, morphology, vocabulary, syntax, text comprehension, and written expression. They work closely with homeroom teachers to implement effective reading strategies across the curriculum and also support advanced readers in reaching their full potential.

Small group sessions, one-on-one tutoring, and the use of innovative literacy technologies are common features in our reading program. Additionally, the program encourages collaboration with families and fosters a supportive atmosphere rooted in a growth mindset, ensuring each child receives comprehensive support in their reading journey.

Our school provides a multifaceted performing arts program for all students in preschool through eighth grade. Our music and drama specialist works with the students to develop their skills using skits, dance, voice, recorder, ukulele, and percussion. Students sing for school Masses and participate in the annual Christmas program and other special events throughout the year. The parish’s children’s choir assists with weekend parish liturgies and service projects. A musical is produced each year with auditions held for students in grades five through eight. The student ensemble is challenged with singing harmony, solo singing, dramatic character development, and group choreography. Students also participate in backstage duties such as props, lighting, set painting, and stage crew.

In physical education our students learn about the importance of play to be healthy, physically and mentally fit. Having a positive attitude about play and activity are learned through dynamic games that focus on skill development and teamwork. In the younger grades being comfortable with play, learning the rules of games and sportsmanship are emphasized. During our later elementary years students build on these ideas and incorporate them into games where individual success is emphasized over winning and losing and teamwork and strategies are learned during play. In middle school our students begin to find their life long activities with exposure to a variety of sports and activities as well as the development of positive self esteem and an appreciation of others.

Spanish is taught weekly in grades kindergarten through fifth and twice weekly in middle school grades. Our specialist immerses students in the Spanish language during class as they learn to speak and write while exploring the many facets of Hispanic cultures.

Our school has embarked on a one-to-one computing initiative and currently has one electronic device for every student in grades three through eight and a classroom set for grades two and below to share. Our lower primary grades use educational apps and create advanced content on Google Chromebooks. Upper primary and middle school students use Chromebooks for conducting research, for creating engaging content, and for other web-based learning tasks. Employing the Google Suite for Education, our students are afforded the opportunity to work collaboratively with the use of these devices. Further, having access to these devices offers students the ability to differentiate their learning as they seek out activities and lessons that meet their current needs. In middle school, students take a trimester-long course in basic computer science focusing on digital citizenship and coding fundamentals. We also offer an after-school robotics program for intermediate grades. Teachers use SMART Boards, LCD projectors, document cameras, and audio systems with teacher pendant microphones to enhance student learning.

Our school art specialists provide a visual arts program for all students in preschool through eighth grade. Inspired by the Catholic calendar, student artists create art work and are introduced to a variety of artists and art styles. Students work on projects using different methods and mediums and have their art projects displayed throughout the school. Art Club is available as an after school activity for 5-8th graders. Parents also work with students to create group art pieces for the school auction.

At Our Lady of Fatima Parish School, our Inclusion specialist is a compassionate educator dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and supported. With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, they work closely with teachers, parents, and students to ensure that every child receives the personalized attention and resources they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through collaboration and empathy, the inclusion specialist plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and inclusive community where all students can flourish, regardless of their background or abilities.