##### *2005-2006 No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools Program*

*U.S. Department of Education*

**Cover Sheet** Type of School: (Check all that apply) [X]{.underline}
Elementary [X]{.underline} Middle \_\_ High \_\_ K-12 \_\_Charter

Name of Principal [Miss Mary M. McKiernan]{.underline}

(Specify: Ms., Miss, Mrs., Dr., Mr., Other) (As it should appear in the
official records)

Official School Name [St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School]{.underline}

(As it should appear in the official records)

School Mailing Address [869 Maitland Avenue]{.underline}

(If address is P.O. Box, also include street address)

[Altamonte Springs Florida 32701-6898]{.underline}

City State Zip Code+4 (9 digits total)

County [Seminole]{.underline} State School Code Number\*
[N/A]{.underline}

Telephone [( 407 ) 830-6245]{.underline} Fax [( 407 )
339-9556]{.underline}

Website/URL [www.smmschool.org](http://www.smmschool.org/) E-mail
<mary.mckiernan@smmschool.org>

I have reviewed the information in this application, including the
eligibility requirements on page 2, and certify that to the best of my
knowledge all information is accurate.

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Principal's Signature)

Name of Superintendent\* [Dr. Harry Purpur]{.underline}

(Specify: Ms., Miss, Mrs., Dr., Mr., Other)

District Name [Diocese of Orlando]{.underline} Tel. [( 407 )
246-4900]{.underline}

I have reviewed the information in this application, including the
eligibility requirements on page 2, and certify that to the best of my
knowledge it is accurate.

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
(Superintendent's Signature)

Name of School Board

President/Chairperson [Mr. C. Wesley Andersen]{.underline}

(Specify: Ms., Miss, Mrs., Dr., Mr., Other)

I have reviewed the information in this package, including the
eligibility requirements on page 2, and certify that to the best of my
knowledge it is accurate.

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(School Board President's/Chairperson's Signature)

*\*Private Schools: If the information requested is not applicable,
write N/A in the space.*

**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

\_\_\_\_\_ 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\. [14]{.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 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**       23        28          51

  **K**       22        18                     40           **8**       19        30          49

  **1**       24        31                     55           **9**                             

  **2**       19        21                     40           **10**                            

  **3**       30        24                     54           **11**                            

  **4**       22        28                     50           **12**                            

  **5**       30        32                     62           **Other**                         

  **6**       27        30                     57                                             

                                    **TOTAL                                                   **458**
                                    STUDENTS                                                  
                                    IN THE                                                    
                                    APPLYING                                                  
                                    SCHOOL**                                                  
  ----------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- -- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------

***\[Throughout the document, round numbers to avoid decimals.\]***

6\. Racial/ethnic composition of [85%]{.underline} White

the students in the school: [2%]{.underline} Black or African American

[9%]{.underline} Hispanic or Latino

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

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

**100% Total**

Use only the five standard categories in reporting the racial/ethnic
composition of the school.

7\. Student turnover, or mobility rate, during the past year:
[3.7%]{.underline}

> \[This rate should be calculated using the grid below. The answer to
> (6) is the mobility rate.\]

  ------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------
  **(1)**                   Number of students who      4
                            transferred ***to*** the    
                            school after October 1      
                            until the end of the year.  

  **(2)**                   Number of students who      13
                            transferred ***from*** the  
                            school after October 1      
                            until the end of the year.  

  **(3)**                   Total of all transferred    17
                            students \[sum of rows (1)  
                            and (2)\]                   

  **(4)**                   Total number of students in 458
                            the school as of October 1  

  **(5)**                   Total transferred students  .037
                            in row (3) divided by total 
                            students in row (4)         

  **(6)**                   Amount in row (5)           3.7%
                            multiplied by 100           
  ------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------

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

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

Number of languages represented: [7]{.underline}

Specify languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Lebanese, Afrikaant,
Arabic, Tagalog (Philippino dialect).

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

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

> If this method does not produce an accurate estimate of the percentage
> of students from low‑income families or the school does not
> participate in the federally‑supported lunch program, specify a more
> accurate estimate, tell why the school chose it, and explain how it
> arrived at this estimate.

10\. Students receiving special education services: [2%]{.underline}

[11]{.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]{.underline} Autism [0]{.underline} Orthopedic Impairment

[0]{.underline} Deafness [1]{.underline} Other Health Impaired

[0]{.underline} Deaf-Blindness [5]{.underline} Specific Learning
Disability

[0]{.underline} Emotional Disturbance [4]{.underline} Speech or Language
Impairment

[1]{.underline} Hearing Impairment [0]{.underline} Traumatic Brain
Injury

> [0]{.underline} Mental Retardation [0]{.underline} Visual Impairment
> Including Blindness
>
> [0]{.underline} Multiple Disabilities

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

    **Number of Staff**

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

Administrator(s) [1]{.underline} [1]{.underline}

Classroom teachers [26]{.underline} [5]{.underline}

Special resource teachers/specialists [0]{.underline} [3]{.underline}

Paraprofessionals [2]{.underline} [6]{.underline}

> Support staff [3]{.underline} [2]{.underline}
>
> Total number [32]{.underline} [17]{.underline}

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

students in the school divided by the FTE of classroom teachers:
[18:1]{.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  97 %        97 %        97 %        97 %        97 %

  Daily teacher attendance  97 %        97 %        97 %        96 %        97 %

  Teacher turnover rate     8 %         12 %        12 %        3 %         7 %

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

  Student drop-off rate     N/A %       N/A %       N/A %       N/A %       N/A %
  (high school)                                                             
  ------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**[PART III -- SUMMARY]{.underline}**

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School is a vibrant educational community
located in the heart of Central Florida. Founded in 1961, the parish
school continues to fulfill the mission of the Catholic Church which is
to teach Gospel values, build faith communities, and serve the people of
the world. Currently 458 students in grades Kindergarten through eight
benefit from the diverse gifts and talents of the faculty. The faculty
and staff, representing many nationalities, bring with them a diversity
of educational backgrounds as well as richness of culture and Catholic
values and heritage. The full and part-time faculty (representing 363
years of teaching experience) is certified with thirty-eight percent
holding advanced degrees. Eight instructional assistants support student
learning by providing individual and small group skill reinforcement in
the classroom. Additionally, classroom instruction is enhanced by the
following programs: Student Services, Fine Arts, Spanish, and Physical
Education.

The mission of the school is to educate the whole child while
recognizing that each child is unique in his/her learning ability and
style. Through Student Services the school provides programs and
opportunities for all children to succeed. Thirty-seven percent of
students with varying ability levels are serviced through the G.S.P.
(Gifted Student Program), R.I.S.E. (Revitalized Instruction for Student
Effectiveness), Odyssey of the Mind, and Title 1. Morning Meeting and
the BEST Program (Building Esteem in Students Today) are activities
facilitated by homeroom teachers which help create in students a sense
of belonging and worth. Weekly developmental guidance classes teach
students empathy, problem solving and anger management. Fine Arts are
taught at all levels through music, art, art history, band and drama.
The Physical Education Department offers students the opportunity to
participate in both competitive and noncompetitive sports along with
physical education instruction. Gross motor skill development is
enhanced by special classes for kindergarten and grade one. The
President's Physical Fitness Program is an integral part of the
curriculum. All students have an opportunity to experience comradery
while building a foundation of life-long fitness. The diversity of
cultures, knowledge of customs, along with speaking, reading and writing
of the Spanish language is the work of the Spanish Program.

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School educates the social and spiritual
aspects of students. Students have an opportunity to develop their
social skills by participating in Middle School Drama Club, Junior
Civitan Club, National Junior Honor Society, Eighth Grade Electives,
Kindergarten-Eighth Grade Buddies, and Seventh Grade-PreK-4 Partners.
The Intergenerational Program, Love Circle, affords students the
opportunity to develop relationships with the elderly members of the
parish. For the purpose of developing an awareness of the local and
global needs of society, students participate in numerous outreach
programs. The Christian Sharing Center, Pathways to Care, and the
Orlando Rescue Mission received food, clothing, and other donated items
from the students. Migrant workers in Okeechobee and soldiers in Iraq
were sent Christmas presents, food, and personal items. Financial
assistance totaling \$8,400 was collected for the American Red Cross
(Tsunami victims), American Cancer Society, American Heart Association,
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Global Hope Network and Catholic
Charities.

The important emphasis parents place on the education of their children
is demonstrated by their participation in the Home and School
Association, the School Board, and the Parent Volunteer Program. Parents
fundraise \$70,000 annually for the purpose of enhancing facilities,
technology, and school programs. Recognizing the need for ongoing
marketing and development, the School Board partnered with Catholic
School Management, Inc. to insure the financial stability and continued
academic excellence of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. Dedicated and
committed parents volunteer approximately 10,000 hours yearly, enriching
student learning, supporting school programs, and enhancing teacher
instruction.

Moving into the 21^st^ century, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School
renovated and expanded the facilities to include state-of--the art
science and computer labs, a media center, art and music classrooms, a
gymnasium, and a Student Services building.

In keeping with the mission statement, the school will continue to
graduate students prepared to share time, talent and treasure while
integrating Catholic faith and values into everyday life experiences.

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

**[PART IV -- ITEM 1]{.underline}**

St. Mary Magdalen students participate in the nationally norm referenced
testing program by Riverside Publishing Company. Students in grades
three through eight are assessed by taking the ITBS (IOWA Test of Basic
Skills) achievement test each fall. Students in grade two are assessed
by taking the ITBS (IOWA Test of Basic Skills) achievement test in the
Spring of the same school year. In addition, grades three, five and
seven take the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). There is no advanced
preparation (drill and practice) for taking any of these tests. The
school provides for a ratio of 14 students to 1 teacher during testing
sessions. On the day before the weeklong testing begins, students do
take the practice test to familiarize them with the testing format. St.
Mary Magdalen Catholic School is committed to meeting the needs of all
students who attend the school; therefore, all students participate in
this testing program. While the school administration, faculty and
parents are aware that these tests are only one measure of a student's
ability and achievement, the information gathered from the test results
is used for specific purposes:

-   Monitor individual student progress from year to year

-   Determine school curriculum goals for the future

-   Make decisions about instructional materials

-   Identify students who would benefit by participating in the school's
    gifted, resource and

> Title I programs.

-   Identify students eligible to participate in Duke University Talent
    Identification Program.

Each year an analysis of the testing results is done by the
administration, the school counselor, and the faculty. The results for
each student, each individual class, each grade level, and the total
building are reviewed. These scores are shared with the faculty,
parents, school board and parish community. The most recent achievement
levels (2005) submitted with this application show that St. Mary
Magdalen Catholic School students, in reading and math, exceeded the
score required to be in the top 10 percent of the nation with one
exception. In math, grade five scored at the 74^th^ percentile, 3 points
below the standard. An analysis of the previous three years, using the
same criteria, top 10 percent of the nation, shows the following:

**2003 -** 7 of 7 grades met the criteria in reading, 6 of 7 grades met
the criteria in math;

**2004** - 7 of 7 grades met the criteria in reading, 5 of 7 grades met
the criteria in math;

**2005 --** 6 of 6 grades met the criteria in reading, 5 of 6 grades met
the criteria in math

(Grade 2 does not test until the Spring of 2006)

In reviewing the scores, it is apparent that St. Mary Magdalen Catholic
School not only meets the criteria, but far exceeds the top 10% standard
in reading. In the area of math, most grades far exceed the standard. In
the past three years, there have been exceptions. In 2003, grade 6
scored five points below the standard. This same cohort, in grade 7,
raised their score by four points. In grade 8, this same cohort,
exceeded the standard by six points. In 2005, grade 5 scored below the
standard by three points. The test scores for this cohort over the last
three years show an inconsistency. As a result, teaching practices are
being reviewed, additional math manipulatives are being purchased, and a
professional development day is planned. Best practices in math will be
presented and developmentally appropriate use of manipulative materials
will be demonstrated. Additional teacher observations and evaluations,
including conferencing, will be conducted. Additional teacher planning
time is scheduled for peer coaching, sharing, and question and answer
time with regard to teaching math. The faculty enthusiastically embraces
this challenge and anticipates that all math scores, along with the
reading scores, will continue to exceed the top 10% standard.

**[PART IV -- ITEM 2]{.underline}**

Historically, assessment data is an important tool used by St. Mary
Magdalen Catholic School for student and school improvement. Yearly, the
Riverside ITBS Achievement Test is administered to grades two through
eight and the Riverside CogAT Abilities Test is administered to grades
three, five and seven. A computerized reading level test, S.T.A.R.
(Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading) is administered three
times a year. The administration and faculty meet to review the tests'
results to determine areas of strength and weakness and to look for
trends. Each student's profile is examined for scores in the low
quartile. Individual scores are compared to the previous year's results.
Using this information, specific skill groups are formed for the purpose
of reteaching and remediation of the specific skill. The CogAT results
allow teachers to identify students who are scoring below their
predicted achievement level. The identification of these underachieving
students enables teachers, working collaboratively at grade levels and
within subject areas, to target specific strategies to these students
for the purpose of personal academic improvement (No Child Left Behind).
In addition, the information gleaned from test scores is used in
decision making with regard to instructional methods and best practices,
textbooks and teaching materials, use of technology, and student
placement in special school programs.

Students who are identified as gifted are placed in the G.S.P. (Gifted
Student Program). Students with high math ability/achievement are
tracked into pre-algebra and algebra courses. Students with reading
deficiencies are assigned to R.I.S.E. (Revitalized Instruction for
Student Effectiveness) and Title I services. Appropriate and on-going
review of assessment results enables the school to provide specific
individual instruction to guarantee that each child will meet his/her
potential.

**[PART IV - ITEM 3]{.underline}**

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School assesses student performance in
various ways based on the belief statement that each child is unique in
his/her learning. At the "Back to School Night' the foundation for
communication is laid with teachers outlining the expectations for
student performance and assessment procedures. Depending on the grade
level, teachers send home test results and writing samples daily or
weekly. Students and parents receive quarterly progress reports and
report cards indicating progress over five weeks and nine weeks
respectively. Edline, an internet based communication network, allows
students and parents to daily receive information regarding grades,
assignments, and missing work. Parents are able to contact teachers to
schedule a conference or just ask a question at any time using voice
mail or email. A school day in January is devoted to individual parent
conferences and every parent is highly encouraged to attend. Throughout
the school year at each grade level, special learning projects are
displayed and presented and parents are invited to the "learning
celebration." Some examples of these celebrations include primary grades
*Johnny Appleseed Day*, third grade *Native American Day*, fourth grade
*Animal Safari*, fifth and seventh grades *Science Fairs*, fifth grade
*Spanish Heritage Day*, sixth grade *Greek Festival*, seventh grade
*International Festival* and eighth grade *Holocaust Day of
Remembrance*. The local media are contacted and invited to share the
students' learning though newspaper and television coverage. When
standardized test scores are received they are mailed to parents with a
letter of explanation. The principal and school counselor are available
for individual explanation of results. Grade level results are shared
and explained at an evening meeting for parents and parish members. At
this meeting, diocesan and national percentiles, as well as the school's
percentiles, are shown for comparison. These results are then posted on
the school web site. The weekly parish bulletin publishes student
accomplishments such as Principal/First Honors, Rotary Student of the
Month, and Duke University Talent Identification Program students.
During Catholic Schools Week, St. Mary Magdalen hosts a school-wide
curriculum fair including music and drama performances. St. Mary
Magdalen students are unique in their abilities and their
accomplishments. Great and varied effort is made to communicate student
and school performance to the students, the parents, and the local
community.

**[PART IV -- ITEM 4]{.underline}**

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School has shared and will continue to share
it's successes with other schools through active participation at
professional conferences and memberships on diocesan level curriculum
committees. Examples of sharing our successes are:

-   The Principal has had an instrumental role in the revision of the
    Florida Catholic Conference Standards for school accreditation.

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-   Primary grade teachers have facilitated grade-level sharing sessions
    at the Diocesan in-services.

-   Middle school teachers hosted presentations on the topics of team
    teaching and the integration of student clubs, electives, and
    cross-grade buddy programs within the school's curriculum.

-   The school counselor has presided over several Diocesan workshops
    with topics ranging from communication and guidance to the effective
    role of teacher assistants.

-   The art teacher has presented at Diocesan in-services on the
    application of art in daily curricula.

-   Members of the faculty serve on Staff Development Committees, on
    various Diocesan Curriculum Committees and the Diocese of Orlando
    Synod.

-   Teachers are participating in the Master Teacher In-Service Program,
    a partnership between Barry University and the Diocesan Office of
    Schools.

The exchange of the experiences and spirit among St. Mary Magdalen
Catholic School's administrators, faculty members and those of other
Diocesan schools continues to be mutually beneficial. Many of the
school's methods and accompanying ideas have been successfully
implemented at various other schools. St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School
welcomes these exchanges and encourages visitation to the school's
campus where authentic observation is available.

**PART V -- CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION**

**[PART V -- ITEM 1]{.underline}**

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School curriculum is based on the Florida
Sunshine State Standards and the Diocese of Orlando guidelines for
curriculum instruction and mastery of skills and knowledge at each grade
level. Instructional strategies follow the guidelines for
developmentally appropriate practices.

**MATH**: The math curriculum provides students with math skills
necessary for successful living in society. The program encourages
investigation, problem solving and mastery of basic operations. Concepts
taught include numbers, numeration, place value, estimation,
measurement, time, graphs, fractions, decimals, money, percents,
statistics, probability, algebra and geometry. Emphasis is placed on the
real-world application of these concepts. Advanced students in grades
seven and eight are placed in pre-algebra or algebra classes.

**LANGUAGE ARTS**: Communication is the key to life-long learning and
success. Integral to good communication skills is the effective use of
reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing. To develop these
skills the Language Arts Program focuses on critical thinking,
vocabulary development and expansion, and correct grammar usage in
writing. The Writing Process is taught and students respond using the
four forms of writing; expository, narrative, descriptive, and
persuasive. Writing portfolios/floppy disks contain samples of student
writing and document student progress over time. Speaking, listening and
viewing are integrated throughout the curriculum and are applied in oral
and PowerPoint presentations and responses to educational video/DVD
showings.

**SCIENCE**: Students are taught to wonder about and investigate the
world around them. Primary students study topics related to their grade
level including living and nonliving things, weather, animals, plants,
five senses, and underwater life. Intermediate and middle school
curriculum includes earth, life and physical science providing each
student with hands-on, minds-on learning presented through the
scientific method, laboratory work, and thematic units.

**SOCIAL STUDIES**: The social studies curriculum enables students to be
knowledgeable about the past, responsible for the present and
contributing citizens for the future. Primary students learn about
family structure and celebrations, communities, map-reading, generations
and traditions, Native Americans and geography. The intermediate and
middle school social studies curriculum progresses through the study of
local, state and national communities of the past and present. Content
areas are state history, world history, American history and geography.

**RELIGION**: Teachers join with parents, the primary educators of their
children, for Faith Development and Religious formation. The curriculum
includes the study of Creation, the Mass, Sacraments, Commandments, New
Testament, Old Testament and Morality. The program fosters individual
and communal prayer and worship leading to a life of service and living
Christian values.

**SPANISH**: Spanish is taught at all grade levels. Students study
Hispanic cultures, vocabulary and grammar. Reading, writing and
dialoguing in Spanish begins in kindergarten and advances through the
grade levels. Regular and advanced Spanish is taught in middle school.
Advanced level students have the opportunity of taking Spanish II as
freshmen in high school.

**PHYSICAL EDUCATION**: The physical education curriculum develops fine
and gross motor skills and fosters sportsmanship and team building.
Awareness of healthy body image and life-long fitness habits are
instilled. Students participate in the President's Physical Fitness
Program.

**FINE ARTS**: The Fine Arts department fosters an interest in and
appreciation of drama, theatre, and music through instrument-playing,
song and movement, art expression in the form of pottery, water color,
weaving, pencil sketching and design. Art History explores various
periods and world artists. Collaborative learning takes place by
students participating in field trips, curriculum fairs, and
celebrations.

**[PART V -- ITEM 2A]{.underline}**

The reading curriculum at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School is based on
substantial research supporting highly effective program designs, as
well as research indicating the most beneficial methods of instruction.
Reading and writing are essential components of the reading curriculum.
Students are prepared to apply learned reading skills in all subject
areas across the curriculum. Students on each grade level participate in
the Accelerated Reading Program which motivates them to read and allows
them to progress at their own independent reading level.

The primary grades focus on developing a strong foundation in phonics,
phonemic awareness, and sight words while simultaneously building
comprehension. This program is based on the Four Block Literacy Model
which emphasizes guided and silent reading as well as writing and
working with words. Teaching methods are multi-sensory to engage all
types of learning styles.

The intermediate grades employ a range of methodologies which enhance
reading fluency, vocabulary development, word attack and comprehension.
Daily instruction exposes the students to excellent literary pieces and
builds independent readers who are able to predict, analyze, make
inferences and evaluate while reading for information in the content
areas. Students enjoy reading and discussing novels during scheduled
Reading Club time

The Middle school program exposes students to multiple genres
representing modern and classical time periods. Emphasis is placed on
expanding vocabulary and developing critical thinking skills. Student
responses to literature include visual arts displays, book reports,
dramatization, and reflective writing and PowerPoint presentations.
Students in middle school are grouped by gender in literature to
accommodate the reading interests of the students and best practices in
teaching are employed to meet the learning styles of the students.

When students graduate from St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School, they have
not only learned to enjoy the written word, they have also learned to
reap the benefits derived from the written word.

**[PART V -- ITEM 3]{.underline}**

St. Mary Magdalen School provides quality Catholic education within a
safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment.

The integral use of technology supports this statement. The school is
outfitted with a state-of-the-art computer network with three servers,
120 workstations, a high speed internet connection, six multimedia
projectors, twelve digital cameras, and seven laptops available for
teacher and student use. The school hosts its own web site to include
general information, communication from administration and teachers, and
calendars of activities and events. In addition, St. Mary Magdalen
Catholic School has implemented Edline, a secure, internet-based
communication tool which allows students and parents to log on and view
private reports, grades, and other student-specific information from
school or home.

The computer lab is equipped with 31 Pentium IV student computers plus
one teacher station. The teacher's station video display is projected on
a large screen which enables visual instruction to a large group. All
grades are scheduled for weekly instruction but also use the lab
throughout the day during open time slots. The classroom teacher and lab
instructor collaborate on writing assignments, projects, and activities
which correlate with and enhance classroom curricula. Proper and
appropriate research on the internet, PowerPoint presentations,
keyboarding, word processing, and spreadsheets are among the many skills
students master over nine years at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School.

Classroom use of computers is equally important to the integration of
technology with curriculum. The teacher work station is connected
through a scan converter to the television to display the monitor image
for full class viewing. Instructional software, virtual field trips and
slide shows enhance classroom instruction. The middle school math and
science classrooms use interactive wireless Write Pads which allow the
teacher to demonstrate dynamically on the projection screen to further
clarify concepts. Two class sets of hand-held interactive remote
controls allow teachers to question students and students to answer
electronically. Immediate feedback provides everyone with correct
answers and allows the teacher to evaluate how well concepts are
understood. A technology-rich education equips students with the tools
necessary for success in everyday life experiences. A commitment to this
is evident in the practices at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School.

**[PART V - ITEM 4]{.underline}**

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School embraces many different instructional
methods to meet the varying needs of students thus incorporating the
school mission statement to offer the opportunity for success to all
children. Active learning reflects the saying of Confucius, "I hear and
I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand." To engage
students in the practice of active learning, small and cooperative
groups are employed. Multi-sensory experiences are used based on
brain-based research. Differentiated instruction, demonstrations, guided
practice, investigative, discovery and hand-on experiences are utilized.
Teachers at all levels employ technology, including a computer lab and
classroom computers, interactive wireless Write Pads, class-set remote
controls, overhead projection, multimedia (VHS, DVD, and scan
converters-to-television) and listening centers for concept instruction
as well as remediation of skills. Peer-to-peer teaching and coaching is
used to demonstrate student understanding of concepts and to enhance
retention. Dramatization is a part of thematic units and cross
curricular activities. Art, music, Spanish and physical education are
woven into core subject areas as teachers coordinate their instructional
planning and projects. St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School students
participate in learning experiences which include: art, poetry and
writing contests, mental math, spelling and geography bees, and science
fairs. These activities all take place in a safe nurturing environment
where students are encouraged to take risks to expand their learning.
Teachers continually reshape learning experiences based on students'
changing needs and understandings. The result is a school setting
promoting individual academic success.

**[PART V -- ITEM 5]{.underline}**

The professional development plan for St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School
is multifaceted. The faculty participates in Diocesan in-services, state
and national conventions, conferences, and school-based training and
sharing. Three times a year teachers attend Diocesan in-services. Input
for topics to be presented at these in-services is taken from all
teachers in the diocese. These training opportunities support curriculum
development and student performance. Funding, made possible through
Federal Eisenhower funds and St. Mary Magdalen Home and School
Association, is provided for every teacher to attend a minimum of one
conference or convention yearly. At the local school level, weekly
teacher in-service sessions alternate between full faculty and team or
grade level meetings. Teachers share with colleagues the knowledge
gained from attendance at conventions and conferences. Three resource
teachers regularly instruct the faculty on teaching strategies for
multiple intelligences, differentiated instruction and varying learning
styles. On a regular basis, teachers read and study professional
journals and gather to discuss and share the newest research available.

By affording the faculty the time and funds to further professional
growth, student learning is enhanced. The curricula for reading and
technology are the most recent areas to show improvement due to
knowledge gained through the school's professional development plan. St.
Mary Magdalen School teachers become role models to students emphasizing
that learning is a life-long goal for everyone.

**PART VI - PRIVATE SCHOOL ADDENDUM**

*The purpose of this addendum is to obtain additional information from
private schools as noted below. Attach the completed addendum to the end
of the application, before the assessment data tables.*

1.  Private school association(s): [National Catholic Education
    Association (NCEA), Association for]{.underline}

[Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), National Council of
Teachers in Mathematics]{.underline}

[(NCTM), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP),
International Reading]{.underline}

[Association (IRA), National Middle School Association (NMSA), National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Staff
Development Council (NSDC)]{.underline}

> (Identify the religious or independent associations, if any, to which
> the school belongs. List the primary association first.)

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.)

> \$[4,320.00]{.underline} \$[4,320.00]{.underline}
> \$[4,320.00]{.underline} \$[4,320.00]{.underline}
> \$[4,320.00]{.underline} \$[4,320.00]{.underline}
>
> K 1^st^ 2^nd^ 3^rd^ 4^th^ 5^th^

\$[4,320.00]{.underline} \$[4,320.00]{.underline}
\$[4,320.00]{.underline} \$\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$\_\_\_\_\_\_

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

\$\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$\_\_\_\_\_\_

12^th^ Other

4.  What is the educational cost per student? [\$4,920.00]{.underline}

(School budget divided by enrollment)

5.  What is the average financial aid per student?
    [\$857.00]{.underline}

6.  What percentage of the annual budget is devoted to [2%]{.underline}

scholarship assistance and/or tuition reduction?

7.  What percentage of the student body receives

scholarship assistance, including tuition reduction? [8%]{.underline}

**St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School**

**Assessment Data**

*REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS*

**Grade 8**

**Grade:** 8 **Test:** Iowa Test of Basic Skills

**Edition/Publication Year**: Form A / 2000 **Publisher:** Riverside

**What groups were excluded from testing? Why, and how were they
assessed?** No groups were excluded.

**Scores are reported here as:** Percentiles

  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **READING**                   2005      2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                                -2006     -2005                             

  Testing month                 October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                         

  Total Score                   **84**    **80**    **86**      **81**      **78**

  \# of students tested         49        41        53          54          56

  \% of total students tested   100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  

  \% of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  
  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **MATH**                   | 2005  | 2004  | 2003  | 2002  | 2001  |
|                            | --    | -2005 | -2004 | -2003 | -2002 |
|                            |       |       |       |       |       |
|                            | 2006  |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Testing month              | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    |
|                            | tober | tober | tober | tober | tober |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **SCHOOL SCORES**          |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Total Score                | *     | *     | *     | *     | *     |
|                            | *78** | *77** | *82** | *73** | *66** |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students tested      | 49    | 41    | 53    | 54    | 56    |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of total students       | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   |
| tested                     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

**St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School**

**Assessment Data**

*REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS*

**Grade 7**

**Grade: 7** **Test:** Iowa Test of Basic Skills

**Edition/Publication Year**: Form A / 2000 **Publisher:** Riverside

**What groups were excluded from testing? Why, and how were they
assessed?** No groups were excluded.

**Scores are reported here as:** Percentiles

+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **READING**                | 2005  | 2004  | 2003  | 2002  | 2001  |
|                            | --    | -2005 | -2004 | -2003 | -2002 |
|                            |       |       |       |       |       |
|                            | 2006  |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Testing month              | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    |
|                            | tober | tober | tober | tober | tober |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **SCHOOL SCORES**          |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Total Score                | *     | *     | *     | *     | *     |
|                            | *80** | *82** | *80** | *85** | *78** |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students tested      | 51    | 53    | 43    | 54    | 57    |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of total students       | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   |
| tested                     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **MATH**                   | 2005  | 2004  | 2003  | 2002  | 2001  |
|                            | --    | -2005 | -2004 | -2003 | -2002 |
|                            |       |       |       |       |       |
|                            | 2006  |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Testing month              | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    |
|                            | tober | tober | tober | tober | tober |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **SCHOOL SCORES**          |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Total Score                | *     | *     | *     | *     | *     |
|                            | *79** | *72** | *75** | *79** | *65** |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students tested      | 51    | 53    | 43    | 54    | 57    |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of total students       | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   |
| tested                     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

**St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School**

**Assessment Data**

*REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS*

**Grade 6**

**Grade: 6** **Test:** Iowa Test of Basic Skills

**Edition/Publication Year**: Form A / 2000 **Publisher:** Riverside

**What groups were excluded from testing? Why, and how were they
assessed?** No groups were excluded.

**Scores are reported here as:** Percentiles

  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **READING**                   2005 -    2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                                2006      -2005                             

  Testing month                 October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                         

  Total Score                   **78**    **77**    **77**      **75**      **84**

  \# of students tested         57        56        56          48          54

  \% of total students tested   100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  

  \% of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  
  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **MATH**                     2005 -    2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                               2006      -2005                             

  Testing month                October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                        

  Total Score                  **73**    **78**    **67**      **76**      **75**

  \# of students tested        57        56        56          48          54

  \% of total students tested  100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively 0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                 

  \% of students alternatively 0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                 
  ---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School**

**Assessment Data**

*REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS*

**Grade 5**

**Grade: 5** **Test:** Iowa Test of Basic Skills

**Edition/Publication Year**: Form A / 2000 **Publisher:** Riverside

**What groups were excluded from testing? Why, and how were they
assessed?** No groups were excluded.

**Scores are reported here as:** Percentiles

  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **READING**                   2005 -    2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                                2006      -2005                             

  Testing month                 October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                         

  Total Score                   **81**    **80**    **83**      **86**      **80**

  \# of students tested         62        57        55          59          56

  \% of total students tested   100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  

  \% of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  
  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **MATH**                   | 2005  | 2004  | 2003  | 2002  | 2001  |
|                            | --    | -2005 | -2004 | -2003 | -2002 |
|                            |       |       |       |       |       |
|                            | 2006  |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Testing month              | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    | Oc    |
|                            | tober | tober | tober | tober | tober |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **SCHOOL SCORES**          |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Total Score                | *     | *     | *     | *     | *     |
|                            | *74** | *79** | *81** | *75** | *67** |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students tested      | 62    | 57    | 55    | 59    | 56    |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of total students       | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   | 100   |
| tested                     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \# of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| \% of students             | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     |
| alternatively assessed     |       |       |       |       |       |
+----------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

**St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School**

**Assessment Data**

*REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS*

**Grade 4**

**Grade: 4** **Test:** Iowa Test of Basic Skills

**Edition/Publication Year**: Form A / 2000 **Publisher:** Riverside

**What groups were excluded from testing? Why, and how were they
assessed?** No groups were excluded.

**Scores are reported here as:** Percentiles

  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **READING**                   2005 -    2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                                2006      -2005                             

  Testing month                 October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                         

  Total Score                   **86**    **83**    **80**      **82**      **82**

  \# of students tested         50        63        55          53          62

  \% of total students tested   100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  

  \% of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  
  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **MATH**                     2005      2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                               -2006     -2005                             

  Testing month                October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                        

  Total Score                  **84**    **80**    **82**      **85**      **76**

  \# of students tested        50        63        55          53          62

  \% of total students tested  100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively 0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                 

  \% of students alternatively 0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                 
  ---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School**

**Assessment Data**

*REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS*

**Grade 3**

**Grade: 3** **Test:** Iowa Test of Basic Skills

**Edition/Publication Year**: Form A / 2000 **Publisher:** Riverside

**What groups were excluded from testing? Why, and how were they
assessed?** No groups were excluded.

**Scores are reported here as:** Percentiles

  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **READING**                   2005 -    2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                                2006      -2005                             

  Testing month                 October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                         

  Total Score                   **78**    **84**    **82**      **74**      **81**

  \# of students tested         54        51        62          56          58

  \% of total students tested   100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  

  \% of students alternatively  0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  
  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **MATH**                     2005 -    2004      2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002
                               2006      -2005                             

  Testing month                October   October   October     October     October

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                        

  Total Score                  **79**    **85**    **72**      **70**      **80**

  \# of students tested        54        51        62          56          58

  \% of total students tested  100       100       100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively 0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                 

  \% of students alternatively 0         0         0           0           0
  assessed                                                                 
  ---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School**

**Assessment Data**

*REFERENCED AGAINST NATIONAL NORMS*

**Grade 2**

**Grade: 2** **Test:** Iowa Test of Basic Skills

**Edition/Publication Year**: Form A / 2000 **Publisher:** Riverside

**What groups were excluded from testing? Why, and how were they
assessed?** No groups were excluded.

**Scores are reported here as:** Percentiles

  ----------------------------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **READING**                   2004     2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002   2000-2001
                                -2005                                        

  Testing month                 March    March       March       March       March

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                          

  Total Score                   **82**   **82**      **67**      **88**      **75**

  \# of students tested         57       57          59          59          61

  \% of total students tested   100      100         100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively  0        0           0           0           0
  assessed                                                                   

  \% of students alternatively  0        0           0           0           0
  assessed                                                                   
  ----------------------------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ---------------------------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **MATH**                     2004     2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002   2000-2001
                               -2005                                        

  Testing month                March    March       March       March       March

  **SCHOOL SCORES**                                                         

  Total Score                  **80**   **80**      **68**      **94**      **81**

  \# of students tested        57       57          59          59          61

  \% of total students tested  100      100         100         100         100

  \# of students alternatively 0        0           0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  

  \% of students alternatively 0        0           0           0           0
  assessed                                                                  
  ---------------------------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**[TESTING ADDENDUM]{.underline}**

IOWA Test of Basic Skills

Four St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School students' test scores were
excluded from the total class averages during the 2005 -- 2006 testing
session. Due to learning disabilities, students were offered extended
time and were allowed to mark answers in the testing book. The answers
were transferred to the score sheet.

Grade 4 - One Student

Reading percentile 44

Math percentile 56

Grade 6 -- Two Students

Reading percentile 15

Math percentile 8

Reading percentile 33

Math percentile 71

Grade 8 - One Student

Reading percentile 4

Math percentile 21