How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

St. Matthew Catholic School serves a student population that has a very diverse set of social, academic and spiritual needs. The school staff is individually committed to addressing all of these needs in a safe and welcoming environment--an environment which reflects our collective Gospel values. Currently the St. Matthew Catholic School community is comprised of many diverse cultures--the dominant ones being Portuguese, Spanish and Italian. As a result, Portuguese and Italian classes are conducted concurrently on a daily basis.

Academically, the needs of our students are met first through the classroom teachers and secondly, should some academic concerns or needs surface, through the support staff available to the teacher. If an academic concern does in fact arise, the teacher in cooperation with the parents seeks advice and assistance from the school-based support team (SBST) or the inter-disciplinary team (IDT) or eventually, the identification placement and review committee (IPRC). Throughout this process, suggestions and recommendations are implemented and recorded on a individual education plan (IEP) or a program review form.

This process may result in a student being identified and receiving assistance from specializing teachers who employ specific teaching strategies to address the varied needs and the specific learning styles of special program students. Currently St. Matthew has specialized staff providing specialized assistance in the following program areas: multiple exceptionality, exceptional programs, early literacy, learning disability, English as a second language, and speech and language.

Additional academic programs provided at St. Matthew include: vocal music, instrumental music (grade 7 &8) and guidance. Socially, our students can choose to become involved in the following activities: school band, social justice committee, baseball, soccer, cross-country, track & field and volleyball.

Spiritually, the needs of our students are met by having family, school and parish working together ensuring that our daily practices, and our school liturgies reflect our collective goals in developing spirituality. Together we encourage students to live out our Catholic faith and to demonstrate tolerance and appreciation for one another, to help each other, and to take specific responsibilities in coordinating efforts within the Catholic community.

Family Of Schools

Area 2, ELEM - Patrick Keyes

Enrollment

560