Netbooks enhance students’ learning experience

Sixth grade student Kristen O. enjoys her Mythology class at St. Catherine of Siena School just a little bit more now with the addition of netbook technology in the classroom. Although the school has a fully updated computer lab and smart board technology, they have found supplementing netbooks in the classroom enhance the students’ learning experience. “We have found netbooks to be the right tool for our middle school students” says Principal Celine Kerwin, “They are easy to use and have the right mobility, battery life, and price.” St. Catherine of Siena School will be demonstrating the use of netbooks in the classroom during their Open House to be held on Sunday, January 31, 1:30 to 3:00 pm; Tuesday, February 2, and Wednesday, February 3, 9:30 to 11:00 am. For more information you can visit the school website scs-school-cedargrovenj.org or call the school office at 973-239-6968.

Geography Bee Winner

Eighth grade student Steven F., shown center above, has won the St. Catherine of Siena School National Geographic Bee, held on January 8. He will attend a state-level Geographic Bee to be held in the spring.  Seventh grade students Alex L. and Vincent M. placed second and third respectively. Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge.

Open House Announced

St. Catherine of Siena School in Cedar Grove has announced an open house for preschool to eighth grade will take place on Sunday, January 31 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, Tuesday, February 2 from 9:30 to 11:00 am, and Wednesday, February 3 from 9:30 to 11:00 am.

St. Catherine of Siena School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school is committed to the Roman Catholic tradition of education providing a challenging and competitive academic curriculum within a nurturing environment.

The school offers a full-day kindergarten, a teacher led before and after-care program, and a hot/cold lunch program. Smart boards, net books, technology lab, science lab, Extreme Thinking (enrichment program), Latin, Spanish, music, art, physical education and public speaking enhance the school’s core curriculum. The school is handicap accessible and has a nurse present five days a week.

The preschool program offers three year old children a morning and afternoon session, two days a week. The four year old program is offered three days a week, with a lunch program. Visitors to the open house can see the three-year-old program in session Tuesday, February 2. The four-year-old program is in session on Wednesday, February 3.

The open house will give visitors an opportunity to visit classrooms, talk with other parents and faculty about the school’s curriculum and philosophy. Registration is now open. For more information, visit scs-school-cedargrovenj.org  or call the office at 973-239-6968.