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**PART I ‑ ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION**

**\[Include this page in the school's application as page 2.\]**

The signatures on the first page of this application certify that each
of the statements below concerning the school\'s eligibility and
compliance with U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
(OCR) requirements is true and correct.

1.  The school has some configuration that includes grades K-12.
    (Schools with one principal, even K-12 schools, must apply as an
    entire school.)

2.  The school has not been in school improvement status or been
    identified by the state as \"persistently dangerous\" within the
    last two years. To meet final eligibility, the school must meet the
    state's adequate yearly progress requirement in the 2005-2006 school
    year.

3.  If the school includes grades 7 or higher, it has foreign language
    as a part of its core curriculum.

4.  The school has been in existence for five full years, that is, from
    at least September 2000, and has not received the 2003, 2004, or
    2005 *No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon Schools Award.*

5.  The nominated school or district is not refusing the OCR access to
    information necessary to investigate a civil rights complaint or to
    conduct a district‑wide compliance review.

6.  The OCR has not issued a violation letter of findings to the school
    district concluding that the nominated school or the district as a
    whole has violated one or more of the civil rights statutes. A
    violation letter of findings will not be considered outstanding if
    the OCR has accepted a corrective action plan from the district to
    remedy the violation.

7.  The U.S. Department of Justice does not have a pending suit alleging
    that the nominated school, or the school district as a whole, has
    violated one or more of the civil rights statutes or the
    Constitution\'s equal protection clause.

8.  There are no findings of violations of the Individuals with
    Disabilities Education Act in a U.S. Department of Education
    monitoring report that apply to the school or school district in
    question; or if there are such findings, the state or district has
    corrected, or agreed to correct, the findings.

**PART II ‑ DEMOGRAPHIC DATA**

**All data are the most recent year available.**

**DISTRICT** (Questions 1‑2 not applicable to private schools)

1\. Number of schools in the district: \_\_\_\_\_ Elementary schools

\_\_\_\_\_ Middle schools

\_\_\_\_\_ Junior high schools

\_\_\_\_\_ High schools

\_\_\_\_\_ Other

[**N/A**]{.underline} TOTAL

2\. District Per Pupil Expenditure: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Average State Per Pupil Expenditure: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**SCHOOL** (To be completed by all schools)

3\. Category that best describes the area where the school is located:

> \[ \] Urban or large central city
>
> \[ \] Suburban school with characteristics typical of an urban area
>
> \[ **X** \] Suburban
>
> \[ \] Small city or town in a rural area
>
> \[ \] Rural

4\. [7]{.underline} Number of years the principal has been in her/his
position at this school.

If fewer than three years, how long was the previous principal at this
school?

5\. Number of students as of **October 1, 2005**, enrolled at each grade
level or its equivalent in applying school only:

  ----------- --------- ----------- --------- -- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
  **Grade**   **\# of   **\# of     **Grade      **Grade**   **\# of   **\# of     **Grade
              Males**   Females**   Total**                  Males**   Females**   Total**

  **PreK**                                       **7**       41        32          **73**

  **K**       41        34          **75**       **8**       34        37          **71**

  **1**       36        39          **75**       **9**                             

  **2**       38        37          **75**       **10**                            

  **3**       33        42          **75**       **11**                            

  **4**       42        33          **75**       **12**                            

  **5**       33        34          **67**       **Other**                         

  **6**       34        39          **73**                                         

  **TOTAL                                                                          **659**
  STUDENTS IN                                                                      
  THE                                                                              
  APPLYING                                                                         
  SCHOOL**                                                                         
  ----------- --------- ----------- --------- -- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------

6\. Racial/ethnic composition of [89]{.underline} % White

the students in the school: [1]{.underline} % Black or African American

[6]{.underline} % Hispanic or Latino

[4]{.underline} % Asian/Pacific Islander

[0]{.underline} % American Indian/Alaskan Native

**[100 % Total]{.underline}**

7\. Student turnover, or mobility rate, during the past year: [**1.82**
**%**]{.underline}

  ---------------- --------------------------------------- --------------
  **(1)**          Number of students who transferred      **6**
                   ***to*** the school after October 1     
                   until the end of the year.              

  **(2)**          Number of students who transferred      **6**
                   ***from*** the school after October 1   
                   until the end of the year.              

  **(3)**          Total of all transferred students \[sum **12**
                   of rows (1) and (2)\]                   

  **(4)**          Total number of students in the school  **659**
                   as of October 1                         

  **(5)**          Total transferred students in row (3)   **.0182**
                   divided by total students in row (4)    

  **(6)**          Amount in row (5) multiplied by 100     **1.82**
  ---------------- --------------------------------------- --------------

8\. Limited English Proficient students in the school: [0%]{.underline}

[0]{.underline} Total Number Limited English Proficient

Number of languages represented: [0]{.underline}

Specify languages:

9\. Students eligible for free/reduced-priced meals: [0%]{.underline}

Total number students who qualify: [0]{.underline}

10\. Students receiving special education services: [0%]{.underline}

[0]{.underline} Total Number of Students Served

> Indicate below the number of students with disabilities according to
> conditions designated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education
> Act. Do not add additional categories.

  --- ----- ---------------- --------------------- ---- ----- --------------------------------------
      0                      Autism                     0     Orthopedic Impairment

      0                      Deafness                   0     Other Health Impaired

  0         Deaf-Blindness                         12         Specific Learning Disability

      0                      Emotional Disturbance      0     Speech or Language Impairment

      0                      Hearing Impairment         0     Traumatic Brain Injury

      0                      Mental Retardation         0     Visual Impairment Including Blindness

      0                      Multiple Disabilities            
  --- ----- ---------------- --------------------- ---- ----- --------------------------------------

11. Indicate number of full‑time and part‑time staff members in each of
    the categories below:

    **[Number of Staff]{.underline}**

  ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------- -- -----------------------------
                                           **[Full-time]{.underline}**      **[Part-Time]{.underline}**

  Administrator(s)                         3                                0

  Classroom teachers                       33                               1

  Special resource teachers/specialists    2                                1

  Paraprofessionals                        10                               2

  Support staff                            9                                0

  Total number                             57                               4
  ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------- -- -----------------------------

12. Average school student-"classroom teacher" ratio, that is, the
    number of

> students in the school divided by the FTE of classroom teachers:
> **[18.3]{.underline}**

13\. Show the attendance patterns of teachers and students as a
percentage. The student dropout rate is defined by the state. The
student drop-off rate is the difference between the number of entering
students and the number of exiting students from the same cohort. (From
the same cohort, subtract the number of exiting students from the number
of entering students; divide that number by the number of entering
students; multiply by 100 to get the percentage drop-off rate.) Briefly
explain in 100 words or fewer any major discrepancy between the dropout
rate and the drop-off rate. Only middle and high schools need to supply
dropout rates and only high schools need to supply drop-off rates.

  ------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                            2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002   2000-2001

  Daily student attendance  **99%**     **99%**     **99%**     **99%**     **99%**

  Daily teacher attendance  **94%**     **94%**     **93%**     **94%**     **93%**

  Teacher turnover rate     **21%**     **18%**     **11%**     **19%**     **19%**

  Student dropout rate      **0%**      **0%**      **0%**      **0%**      **0%**
  (middle/high)                                                             

  Student drop-off rate     **%**       **%**       **%**       **%**       **%**
  (high school)                                                             
  ------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

14\. **(*High Schools Only*)** Show what the students who graduated in
spring 2004 are doing as of September 2004.

+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Graduating class size                                   | >          |
|                                                         | \_\_\_\_\_ |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Enrolled in a 4-year college or university              | > \        |
|                                                         | _\_\_\_\_% |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Enrolled in a community college                         | > \        |
|                                                         | _\_\_\_\_% |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Enrolled in vocational training                         | > \        |
|                                                         | _\_\_\_\_% |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Found employment                                        | > \        |
|                                                         | _\_\_\_\_% |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Military service                                        | > \        |
|                                                         | _\_\_\_\_% |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Other (travel, staying home, etc.)                      | > \        |
|                                                         | _\_\_\_\_% |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| Unknown                                                 | > \        |
|                                                         | _\_\_\_\_% |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+
| **Total**                                               | > **100%** |
+---------------------------------------------------------+------------+

**PART III ‑ SUMMARY**

St. Thomas More Parish School (STM) opened its doors in August 1994. It
was the first Catholic school built in the Archdiocese of Denver in over
30 years. STM is a co-educational school for Kindergarten through eighth
grade and currently serves 659 students. Thirty-three of the current 35
full-time teachers are state licensed. In addition, three teachers hold
doctorate degrees. There are currently three classes per grade with up
to 25 students per class. The school is at full capacity with a waiting
list for each grade. Kindergarten-5^th^ grade staffing accommodates one
classroom teacher and a part-time teacher assistant for every 25
students.

In the spirit of the Catholic tradition, the STM Mission is "to bring
the whole person to Jesus Christ, and through education, prepare our
students to serve the Church and community now and in the future." Daily
exercise of the Catholic Faith permeates and enriches every aspect of
the academic and extra-curricular activities at STM.

The school's academic program is accredited by the North Central
Association (NCA), adheres to the Archdiocese Standards for Curriculum,
and meets or exceeds the requirements of the Colorado Department of
Education. STM is a member of the National Catholic Education
Association. STM provides a rigorous academic program, concentrating on
a core curriculum of math, language arts, social studies, science,
religion, and Spanish. This core curriculum is enhanced by
state-of-the-art technology in a multi-media center. STM also offers a
well-rounded program of music, art, technology, and physical education
to all students. Spanish is taught in Kindergarten through grade eight
and is considered part of the core curriculum in grades 7-8. Student
performance is carefully monitored through a variety of instruments. A
resource room exists for those needing academic services and for those
advanced students who participate in the school's many enrichment
programs.

STM students are required to wear school uniforms to build school
spirit, foster a sense of belonging and promote a positive learning
environment while minimizing superficial differences among the students.

A full array of extracurricular activities which includes sports, clubs,
and service groups is available. An extended-day program, before and
after school, provides a necessary service for working parents. The
school has a very active Stewardship Program through which, in
accordance with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the students
learn to share their time, talent and treasure. Classes have adopted a
variety of stewardship opportunities as a way for the students to become
involved in the broader community.

Working in partnership with the STM faculty, a very active parent
volunteer program helps to ensure great strength in our student's
academic and social programs. Parent volunteers are integral to the
implementation of many of the school's programs. They actively
participate in a wide range of school activities including athletics,
fundraising, lunch programs, and other after-school extracurricular
endeavors. Our parents serve over 18,000 volunteer hours annually. The
annual school auction, which is organized and managed primarily by
parent volunteers, most recently raised over \$125,000; this helps
maintain affordable tuition rates.

STM resides on a permanent campus adjacent to the Parish church and
offices. It includes 27 classrooms, a music room, a science lab, a
computer lab, a library, an art classroom, 1 full-size gymnasium,
administrative offices, a staff lounge, 3 teacher assistant work rooms,
a kitchen, 2 cafeterias, a clinic, and 3 playgrounds.

The NCA conducted an on-site visit and evaluation of STM in November
2003, and conferred a full seven-year accreditation upon the school. The
report commended the administration, faculty and staff for the excellent
education they provide. It stated that "the committee found the school
to be beautiful and alive. The physical plant is welcoming for members
of your community, and your staff members are professional, supportive
and open with students and parents. The spirit of your mission statement
lives in the hearts of all we met."

**PART IV -- INDICATORS OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS**

1.  **School's Assessment Data Narrative**

> Students in grades 2-8 at STM take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills
> (ITBS) published by the Riverside Publishing Company. This is a widely
> used, nationally normed, wide-range achievement test. The school
> administers the test in February of each year. One purpose of this
> test is to identify a student's relative strength and weakness in a
> given area. In addition, the faculty and principal use the test
> results to assess the school's instructional program and to determine
> overall strengths and weaknesses. The test results allow students to
> be compared to other students, and schools to be compared to other
> schools in the Archdiocese of Denver and to schools across the nation.
>
> Student individual scores help the teachers address a student's
> strength or weakness. They are part of the overall assessment of the
> aptitude of each individual student. ITBS scores, teacher-made tests,
> class work, and placement tests are all used to evaluate students who
> are not succeeding academically and these tools help to develop
> appropriate interventions to coach a student on how to be more
> successful.
>
> Each year STM's reading and math scores for grades 2-8 are well above
> the national averages and, for the past five years, have ranked
> consistently in the top 10% of schools nationally. The composite
> reading score this year for the 8^th^ grade is at the 84^th^
> percentile based on the norm. The composite math score this year for
> 8^th^ grade is at the 79^th^ percentile. The average reading scores
> for grades 2-8 this year, range from 83%-87%, and the average math
> scores for grades 2-8 this year, range from 78%-89%. According to CAPE
> standards, this places the STM student population well within the top
> 10% of elementary and middle schools across the United States and
> satisfies the test performance criterion for No Child Left Behind --
> Blue Ribbon status.

2.  **Use of Assessment Data**

> Teachers analyze assessment data by grade-level trends to direct the
> school efforts toward self-improvement. Data are used to determine
> curriculum, resource allocation and focus. For example, in 2002,
> analysis of the school's composite ITBS scores led to the decision to
> review the STM math program. We established a math curriculum
> committee and changed the textbook series. The math teachers attended
> instructional in-services and shared teaching strategies. As a result,
> standardized test scores and high school placement exam scores
> improved overall.
>
> Faculty development plans address underperformance in specific
> curriculum areas or classes. Likewise, faculty shares those best
> practices that have resulted in high levels of achievement by a
> particular group of students.
>
> Assessment data of individual students is a factor in determining
> placement of students who are ready for enrichment programs. These
> programs include the Junior Great Books Reading Program and the Rocky
> Mountain Talent Search Program. The Junior Great Books Reading Program
> is an enrichment reading program aimed at students who score at least
> two grade levels higher on the reading portion of the ITBS. The Rocky
> Mountain Talent Search program identifies students to participate in
> college-level preparatory summer enrichment classes, as well as early
> SAT test taking. Scores in the lower stanines of the ITBS are also
> analyzed and those students are provided special assistance to ensure
> that academic improvement is occurring and to determine how best to
> meet an individual student's academic needs.

3.  **Communication of Student Performance**

> STM communicates the students' performance in a variety of ways. These
> data include regular assessments, such as progress reports, trimester
> report cards, and results of standardized tests. Teachers send home
> weekly folders that include the particular student's classwork for
> that week which a parent is to acknowledge receipt and return. Parents
> and students, in grades 5-8, can access a homework hot-line which is a
> listing of current homework assignments. Honor Rolls are published in
> the school and parish newsletters. Teachers evaluate students through
> quizzes, tests, projects, classroom participation, writing portfolios,
> and homework. Grades for schoolwork are sent home regularly, as well
> as communication about the current lesson plans. Formal parent/teacher
> conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring, but conferences may
> take place at any time during the year at the request of the parent or
> teacher. The administrators and teachers are also accessible to the
> parents through telephone, e-mail, and in person, to discuss any
> individual concerns or questions. Individual ITBS testing results are
> sent home with spring report cards.
>
> The school-wide and grade-level results of the ITBS are communicated
> in the weekly, school-wide communication vehicle, *Monday Notes,* as
> well as the school's Annual Report*.* The Archdiocese of Denver
> publishes city-wide assessment results of the ITBS for all Catholic
> Schools in the *Catholic Register, Denver Edition*.

4.  **Sharing Success With Other Schools**

> Archdiocesan principals meet formally on a monthly basis to discuss
> and share best practices, to exchange successful strategies, and to
> share other information. In addition, a group e-mail list connects all
> 39 Archdiocesan schools and the Superintendent offices. Regular Q&A is
> encouraged through the group e-mail list and STM is an active
> participant. The school periodically hosts educational organizational
> meetings, thus enabling other schools to visit STM and observe it
> first-hand. The school also hosts open houses for the entire community
> with the Middle School students serving as ambassadors for the school.
> This is a superb opportunity to promote the value of a Catholic
> education and showcase the strengths of STM. Prospective families are
> welcome to visit the school and the principal and assistant principals
> regularly conduct campus tours so that families can see the school
> "live" and "in action."
>
> Active stewardship is embraced by the administration, teachers, and
> student body at STM and is an important part of the Catholic tradition
> and natural extension of our faith. This includes sharing our talents
> and successes with others. A No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon
> School has a responsibility to make a positive impact on its
> community. STM would accept this responsibility seriously and, if it
> is honored to receive this prestigious designation, will be dedicated
> to continuing its stewardship in this fashion.

**PART V -- CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION**

1.  **Curriculum Description**

> The STM core curriculum is designed to prepare students to succeed in
> a rigorous academic high school program. The core curriculum,
> consisting of religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies,
> Spanish (in grades 7 and 8), and science, conforms to the guidelines
> of the Archdiocese of Denver. STM students also take courses in
> computer skills, music, art, and physical education. Study skills,
> emphasizing the SQ3R method (study, question, read, recite, review),
> are embedded in each core curriculum course. Learning objectives are
> taught in a spiral manner, building from year to year.
>
> Two measures of the success of STM's curriculum, indicating that its
> students are engaged in significant content based on high standards,
> are the consistent high scores STM students achieve on the ITBS tests,
> year in and year out, with achievement in the top 10% nationally, the
> number of students distinguished with the President's Award for
> Educational Excellence (19% last year), and the extremely high
> percentage of students who attend competitive Catholic and private
> high schools. Eighty-three percent of STM's 2004 graduating class were
> admitted to Catholic high schools. Of the students who gained
> admission to Catholic schools, 18% were awarded scholarships last
> year. The faculties at these high schools consistently report that STM
> students are among the best prepared, most well-mannered, and
> academically mature students they teach. Students who choose to attend
> local public high schools are typically placed in honors courses.
>
> **Religion:** Toward the fulfillment of STM's mission with respect to
> the formation of the whole child, all students are taught religion,
> stressing the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. In the lower
> grades, the students memorize Catholic prayers and the Ten
> Commandments, and are introduced to concepts such as God as the loving
> Creator, Jesus, the Sacraments, and Scripture. In the higher grades,
> the students read the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, and are
> taught Church history and the Church's views on topics such as moral
> law and free will, abortion and contraception, euthanasia, and other
> ethical issues. Students participate in daily prayer and attend Mass
> weekly. The goal of the STM religion program is that the student knows
> and loves God and serves others.
>
> **Language Arts:** Through developmentally appropriate methods, STM
> students are taught reading and reading comprehension, creative and
> report writing, handwriting, grammar and usage, spelling and
> vocabulary, and oral expression. In grades 6-8, there is a greater
> emphasis on literature, to enable students to master skills in
> critical reading and thinking, identification and application of
> literary terms, and definition of literary techniques. STM
> participates in the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee and Speech competitions.
>
> **Mathematics:** The math curriculum is a balanced program that
> teaches problem-solving techniques, math concepts, and computational
> skills. Students are introduced to algebra and geometry concepts from
> Kindergarten, which are covered more in-depth in each successive
> grade. In the Middle School grades, the students are divided into
> three ability-grouped (*i.e.,* homogeneous) classes, based on ITBS
> scores, historical grades and placement test scores. Select students
> in grades 5-8 participate in Math Olympiad.
>
> **Social Studies:** STM students are exposed to a variety of topics,
> including community, world history, U.S. history, Colorado history,
> current events, geography and map skills, and the study of various
> international cultures. A key objective of this curriculum is to
> inculcate the students with an appreciation of how the past influences
> the future and how diverse is the world's population.
>
> **Spanish:** Commencing in Kindergarten and continuing throughout, STM
> students learn vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and study Spanish
> and Mexican cultures. STM's goal is to place our graduating students
> in high school Spanish II upon passing a proficiency test.
>
> **Science:** In the elementary grades, the STM science program
> emphasizes a discovery-oriented approach to the disciplines of human
> body, life science, physical science, and earth science. During the
> Middle School years, earth and space science, life science, physical
> science, and the nature of science are emphasized. Where appropriate,
> ethical discussions that are consistent with Catholic doctrine are a
> required part of the class. Supplementing the texts, students learn
> through field trips, experiments, videos, and guest speakers.
>
> **Computer Skills:** Computer instruction is taught in every grade
> from Kindergarten through 8^th^ grade. Keyboarding skills, word
> processing, PowerPoint presentation, report writing, database,
> spreadsheet applications, and use of the Internet as a research tool
> are emphasized. Equally important, in accordance with Catholic values
> and teachings, our students are encouraged to maintain high ethical
> standards when using any form of technology.
>
> **Music:** Age-appropriate instruction is given in all grade levels
> and includes music theory, music history, singing, and instrument
> instruction.
>
> **Art:** STM art curriculum is offered to students in
> Kindergarten-8^th^ grade and covers art appreciation, art criticism,
> art history, and instruction in creating art projects using various
> media. Students in grades 6-8 enter the National Scholastic Arts Show.
>
> **Physical Education:** In Kindergarten-2^nd^ grade, the STM physical
> education program focuses on the development of motor skills through
> various games and activities. In grades 3-8, the program provides
> opportunities for cognitive development in sport and written tests,
> affective development in sportsmanship and teamwork, and psychomotor
> development through activities and skill practice. The students
> compete in various track and field events at an annual Field Day.

**2a. Reading Curriculum**

> STM follows the Archdiocesan reading academic standards for reading.
> The McGraw Hill reading series is implemented in Kindergarten-5^th^
> grade and the Prentice Hall series is used in the 6^th^-8^th^ grades.
>
> The program used in Kindergarten-2^nd^ grade is all-inclusive and
> blends the best of whole language with a systemic phonetic approach
> and focuses on the reading and writing connection. Daily center
> activities develop skills in reading and listening, phonics, writing,
> and work development. Cross-curricula center activities extend
> concepts and ideas presented in each unit. Mini-books review skills
> children have studied weekly and the mini-books also address diversity
> in learning styles.
>
> In 3^rd^-5^th^ grades, the teachers use a variety of materials and
> texts, including Reading Counts (a computerized reading program that
> allows students to read at their own level and practice comprehension
> skills), various trade books, *Storyworks* magazine, and *Scholastic
> News*. *Writer's Express* supports English grammar. Spelling is
> coordinated with the reading text, as well as content words from core
> subjects.
>
> In Kindergarten-5^th^ grade, reading progress is closely monitored by
> many assessments, including the Individualized Reading Inventory,
> McGraw Hill Reading Assessment tests, and running records that provide
> meaningful data and evidence of student growth.
>
> In 6^th^-8^th^ grades, the curriculum includes the following:
> identifying a variety of fiction and non-fiction selections to teach
> students to develop an understanding of the elements of the short
> story and the novel; learning to extract important details and make
> inferences from selected readings; and practicing the skill of
> identifying cause and effect to enable the students to master skills
> in critical reading and thinking; and identification and application
> of literary terms. The curriculum begins to build skills in writing
> style as it relates to different writing purposes, using a variety of
> organizational structures for narrative, expository, persuasive,
> poetic, and expressive writing.
>
> In addition to the reading series, supplementary resources may include
> Reading Counts, novels, and poetry, and SRA Reading Kits in the lower
> grades.

3.  **Additional Curriculum Area\--Religion**

> The entire religion curriculum follows guidelines provided by the
> Archdiocese of Denver and emanates from our mission statement, "to
> bring the whole person to Jesus Christ and prepare our students to
> serve the Church and community now and in the future."
>
> In Kindergarten-grade 2, children come to know God as Creator of
> Heaven and Earth and begin to recognize their responsibility to
> respect others and care for the world. In conjunction with the
> Religious Education Department, second graders prepare for and receive
> the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist and begin to
> experience Mass in its fullness. Many hands-on activities (*e.g.,*
> making rosaries, re-enacting the Last Supper) enhance the textbook
> presentations and meet the needs of differentiated learning.
>
> In grades 3-5, students recognize faith as a gift from a loving God
> and deepen their relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Fifth
> graders plan a liturgy for their retreat at Mother Cabrini Shrine and
> take an active part in the Archdiocese's Fifth-grade Liturgy. Students
> actively participate in traditional prayer services, such as the
> rosary and Stations of the Cross, and attend Penance services and
> Reconciliation during Advent and Lent.
>
> In the Middle School grades, students study both Hebrew and Christian
> Scripture as a basis for all other aspects and beliefs of the Catholic
> faith. They delve into Church history, moral issues, and peer
> pressure. In the 8^th^ grade, students participate in *Game Plan*, a
> state-approved curriculum pertaining to issues of character and
> self-control.
>
> In all grades, students engage in frequent daily prayer, celebrate a
> student-led Mass at least once a week as a school community, and
> practice age-appropriate stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.
> Many participate in the parish's children's offertory program, 100% of
> which is entered into a Children's Charity Account. Classes research
> charitable causes and request donations to them from this fund.
> School-wide service projects include annual clothing drives for Indian
> reservations, food drives, book and school supplies collections for
> inner-city schools, care packages for the local needy and overseas
> troops, and community service days. Students participate in a Clergy
> Appreciation program. Each trimester, every class confers a
> "Peacemaker" award to students who exemplify the attributes of
> friendship, compassion, and cooperation, judgment and maturity, and
> service to others. Religion extends well beyond the classroom at STM.

4.  **Instructional Methods Used**

> Teachers employ a broad range of instructional techniques to take
> advantage of the varying intellectual strengths that exist within the
> student population. The teachers effectively use instructional
> assistants who are invaluable to the classroom teachers in maximizing
> the educational growth of our students.
>
> Teachers keep abreast of new methodology allowing them to develop
> creative ways of presenting skills and concepts and to evaluate
> student learning. The faculty uses a wide variety of effective
> instructional planning techniques and strategies to fit the needs of
> our students at various levels of learning and to provide
> opportunities for students' successes. These include whole class
> instruction, small group instruction, students working with teacher
> assistants and parent volunteers, self-directed learning, independent
> study, working with students at their knowledge level, and students
> attending the resource room for additional reinforcement of skills
> being taught.
>
> Some examples of the variety of learning and formational experiences
> that actively engage our students include the following: collaborative
> and cooperative learning groups, experimental learning, audio/visual
> presentation of material, PowerPoint presentations, oral and written
> presentations, guided and independent research projects, the use of
> technology for interactive learning activities and projects, writing
> portfolios, field trips, professional guest speakers and
> presentations, library, Jump Rope for Heart, leadership through
> Student Council, BETA and Yearbook Clubs, annual Christmas programs,
> Prayer Buddies, celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during
> Advent and Lent, participation in the Stations of the Cross,
> recitation of the rosary, school Masses, retreats, ministry as altar
> servers, lectors, cantors, planning and preparing of special prayer
> services and Masses, community outreach and service projects, and
> athletic programs. Chess Club, Junior Achievement, and Enrichment
> classes offer students opportunities beyond the traditional
> curriculum.
>
> Kindergarteners through 5^th^ grade students are grouped in
> heterogeneous classrooms with reading and math levels within the
> classroom setting. Middle School students are in homogenous
> classrooms.

5.  **Professional Development**

> STM has implemented a self-directed action plan for improvement
> through the NCA process. This process relies heavily on student
> achievement and goal setting. In November 2002, during the first year
> of the process, stakeholders gathered to determine student goals.
> Parents, students, community leaders, and faculty members determined
> through consensus that, as a result of an education at STM, students
> would be effective communicators, faithful/active Catholics,
> proficient learners, and critical thinkers/problem solvers. All
> professional development of STM faculty and staff is aligned with
> these goals.
>
> STM has an annual professional growth fund of \$750.00 per teacher for
> continued education. Additionally, teachers attend workshops and
> in-services, such as the Educator's Conference, Catechetical
> Conference and Life-Long Learning workshops for continued academic
> excellence and religious development provided by the Archdiocese of
> Denver. Members of the faculty are represented on the Archdiocesan
> Curriculum Committee which reviews curriculum and selects textbooks
> for the entire Archdiocese of Denver. STM has conducted The Six Trait
> Writing Workshop, NetTrekker Training, Differentiated Instruction, How
> High Achieving Schools Succeed With All Students (by the HOPE
> Foundation), Easy Grade Pro, Reading Counts, CPR/First Aid (mandatory
> certification), and faculty retreats, and security measure
> instruction, including table-top exercises conducted by the local
> Homeland Security Office of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. The
> variety of professional in-services attended by the faculty and staff
> and the use of newly acquired information clearly demonstrate a
> commitment to continued improvement. Teachers keep abreast of new
> methods allowing them to explore creative ways of presenting lessons
> and evaluating student learning. Teachers new to the Archdiocese of
> Denver complete a year-long induction plan that acquaints the teachers
> with Diocesan and school curriculum, policy, and procedure.
>
> Weekly faculty meetings and separate grade level meetings are
> conducted to share knowledge regarding teaching and learning. These
> meetings enable the faculty to share activities and effective
> strategies and to give valuable input for curriculum improvements.
> Master and Mentor teachers monitor the application of new learning in
> the classroom through modeling, coaching, and co-teaching. Student
> data validate the effectiveness of the instructional strategy.

**PART VI - PRIVATE SCHOOL ADDENDUM**

1.  Private school association(s): Archdiocese of Denver; National
    Catholic Education Association

2.  Does the school have nonprofit, tax exempt (501(c) (3)) status? Yes
    **[X]{.underline}** No \_\_\_\_\_\_

3.  What are the 2005-2006 tuition rates, by grade? (Do not include
    room, board, or fees.)

  -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
  \$                   \$                   \$                   \$                   \$                   \$
  [3900]{.underline}   [3900]{.underline}   [3900]{.underline}   [3900]{.underline}   [3900]{.underline}   [3900]{.underline}

  K                    1^st^                2^nd^                3^rd^                5^th^                6^th^

                                                                                                           

  \$                   \$                   \$                   \$                   \$                   \$
  [3900]{.underline}   [3900]{.underline}   [3900]{.underline}                                             

  6^th^                7^th^                8^th^                9^th^                10^th^               11^th^

                                                                                                           

  \$                   \$                                                                                  

  12^th^               Other                                                                               
  -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------

4.  What is the educational cost per student? [\$ 5,169.40]{.underline}

(School budget divided by enrollment)

5.  What is the average financial aid per student? [\$
    1,751.00]{.underline}

6.  What percentage of the annual budget is devoted to [6%]{.underline}

scholarship assistance and/or tuition reduction?

7.  What percentage of the student body receives

scholarship assistance, including tuition reduction? [14%]{.underline}

**PART VII - ASSESSMENT RESULTS**

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **ASSESSMENT DATA**                                                         

  **REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS**                                       

  **Without Subgroups**                                                       

                                                                              

  **St. Thomas More Parish School**                                           

                                                                              

  Iowa Test of Basic Skills                                                   

  Form A, 2000                                                                

  Riverside Publishing                                                        

                                                                              

  Scores are reported as percentiles.                                         

                                                                              

                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 8**                                                                 

  **Reading**                             84          87          87          85

  Number of students tested               71          67          71          56

  Percent of total students tested        99          100         100         97

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 1           0           0           2
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       1           0           0           3
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 8**                                                                 

  **Mathematics**                         79          81          78          78

  Number of students tested               71          67          71          56

  Percent of total students tested        99          100         100         97

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 1           0           0           2
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       1           0           0           3
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **ASSESSMENT DATA**                                                         

  **REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS**                                       

  **Without Subgroups**                                                       

                                                                              

  **St. Thomas More Parish School**                                           

                                                                              

  Iowa Test of Basic Skills                                                   

  Form A, 2000                                                                

  Riverside Publishing                                                        

                                                                              

  Scores are reported as percentiles.                                         

                                                                              

                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 7**                                                                 

  **Reading**                             85          82          82          87

  Number of students tested               71          71          71          71

  Percent of total students tested        100         99          100         100

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 0           1           0           0
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       0           1           0           0
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 7**                                                                 

  **Mathematics**                         84          72          79          78

  Number of students tested               71          71          71          71

  Percent of total students tested        100         99          100         100

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 0           1           0           0
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       0           1           0           0
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **ASSESSMENT DATA**                                                         

  **REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS**                                       

  **Without Subgroups**                                                       

                                                                              

  **St. Thomas More Parish School**                                           

                                                                              

  Iowa Test of Basic Skills                                                   

  Form A, 2000                                                                

  Riverside Publishing                                                        

                                                                              

  Scores are reported as percentiles.                                         

                                                                              

                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 6**                                                                 

  **Reading**                             83          80          78          82

  Number of students tested               72          72          72          71

  Percent of total students tested        100         100         99          99

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 0           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       0           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 6**                                                                 

  **Mathematics**                         84          77          77          78

  Number of students tested               72          72          72          71

  Percent of total students tested        100         100         99          99

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 0           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       0           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **ASSESSMENT DATA**                                                         

  **REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS**                                       

  **Without Subgroups**                                                       

                                                                              

  **St. Thomas More Parish School**                                           

                                                                              

  Iowa Test of Basic Skills                                                   

  Form A, 2000                                                                

  Riverside Publishing                                                        

                                                                              

  Scores are reported as percentiles.                                         

                                                                              

                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 5**                                                                 

  **Reading**                             85          86          87          83

  Number of students tested               72          69          70          68

  Percent of total students tested        100         96          100         99

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 0           3           0           1
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       0           4           0           1
  assessed                                                                    

                                                                              

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 5**                                                                 

  **Mathematics**                         83          83          81          74

  Number of students tested               72          69          70          68

  Percent of total students tested        100         96          100         99

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 0           3           0           1
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       0           4           0           1
  assessed                                                                    

                                                                              

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **ASSESSMENT DATA**                                                         

  **REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS**                                       

  **Without Subgroups**                                                       

                                                                              

  **St. Thomas More Parish School**                                           

                                                                              

  Iowa Test of Basic Skills                                                   

  Form A, 2000                                                                

  Riverside Publishing                                                        

                                                                              

  Scores are reported as percentiles.                                         

                                                                              

                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

  **Grade 4**                                                                 

  **Reading**                             83          86          82          86

  Number of students tested               72          71          71          71

  Percent of total students tested        99          100         99          99

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 1           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       1           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

  **Grade 4**                                                                 

  **Mathematics**                         78          80          81          77

  Number of students tested               72          71          71          71

  Percent of total students tested        99          100         99          99

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 1           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       1           0           1           1
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **ASSESSMENT DATA**                                                         

  **REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS**                                       

  **Without Subgroups**                                                       

                                                                              

  **St. Thomas More Parish School**                                           

                                                                              

  Iowa Test of Basic Skills                                                   

  Form A, 2000                                                                

  Riverside Publishing                                                        

                                                                              

  Scores are reported as percentiles.                                         

                                                                              

                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 3**                                                                 

  **Reading**                             83          78          84          84

  Number of students tested               73          70          71          68

  Percent of total students tested        99          97          99          94

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 1           2           1           4
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       1           3           1           6
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           

                                                                              
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 3**                                                                 

  **Mathematics**                         84          74          81          77

  Number of students tested               73          70          71          68

  Percent of total students tested        99          97          99          94

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 1           2           1           4
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       1           3           1           6
  assessed                                                                    

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **ASSESSMENT DATA**                                                         

  **REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS**                                       

  **Without Subgroups**                                                       

                                                                              

  **St. Thomas More Parish School**                                           

                                                                              

  Iowa Test of Basic Skills                                                   

  Form A, 2000                                                                

  Riverside Publishing                                                        

                                                                              

  Scores are reported as percentiles.                                         

                                                                              

                                          2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

  Testing month                           February    February    February    February

                                                                              

  **Grade 2**                                                                 

  **Reading**                             87          87          81          76

  Number of students tested               75          71          72          71

  Percent of total students tested        100         99          100         100

  **\*** Number of students alternatively 0           1           0           0
  assessed                                                                    

  Percent of students alternatively       0           1           0           0
  assessed                                                                    

                                                                              

  **\*** Alternative Assessment: More                                         
  time and isolated setting. Not included                                     
  in school scores.                                                           

                                                                              
  --------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
|                                       | 2    | 2    | 2    | 2    |
|                                       | 004- | 003- | 002- | 001- |
|                                       | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| Testing month                         | Febr | Febr | Febr | Febr |
|                                       | uary | uary | uary | uary |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
|                                       |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| **Grade 2**                           |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| **Mathematics**                       | 89   | 79   | 81   | \    |
|                                       |      |      |      | (1\) |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| Number of students tested             | 75   | 71   | 72   | 71   |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| Percent of total students tested      | 100  | 99   | 100  | 100  |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| **\*** Number of students             | 0    | 1    | 0    | 0    |
| alternatively assessed                |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| Percent of students alternatively     | 0    | 1    | 0    | 0    |
| assessed                              |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
|                                       |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+
| (**1**) Error in scoring for all      |      |      |      |      |
| schools in the Archdiocese of Denver. |      |      |      |      |
| Riverside Publishing instructed       |      |      |      |      |
| schools not to use scores.            |      |      |      |      |
|                                       |      |      |      |      |
| **\*** Alternative Assessment: More   |      |      |      |      |
| time and isolated setting. Not        |      |      |      |      |
| included in school scores.            |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------------+------+------+------+------+