IN Chartiers Valley Winter 2017 | Page 20

INDUSTRY INSIGHT EDUCATION SPONSORED CONTENT The Mission of Our Lady of Grace Catholic School is to provide a Christ centered community focused on Gospel values, service, and academic excellence in order to foster a lifelong relationship with God and the Church. 1734 Bower Hill Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15243 www.olgscott.net • 412.279.6611 2018 OPEN HOUSE 1-3 PM • Sunday, January 28, 2018 Tours by Appointment: 412.279.6611 Our Lady of Grace Catholic School Leader in Innovation O ur Lady of Grace School continues on a path of distinction for STREAM (Science, Technology Religion, Engineering, Art, Math) education. In the spring of 2017 Our Lady of Grace Catholic School was re-accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. One of the commendations OLG received was for its outstanding curriculum in STEM, especially LabLearner™. OLG remains the only school in Pittsburgh able to off er the LabLearner™ curriculum to students in preschool through eighth grade. LabLearner™ is a vertically aligned curriculum that meets the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Our students are realizing the benefi t of this curriculum and are applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems. OLG is continuing to forge a path for excellence in STEM education. The school received an award as a distinguished pathway partner from the Carnegie Science Center Heinz Endowment. OLG was one of only 11 schools, public or private, to receive this recognition. The Carnegie Science Center Pathway strategic plan for OLG includes building more awareness for STEM careers using project-based learning (PBL). Students in grades 4-8 explore project-based learning in the afterschool STEM clubs, and kindergarten through third grade students have STREAM classes as a part of their schedule. PBL allows students to explore real-world problems using 21st century skills. Our students participate in First Lego League Robotics, the K’Nex Challenge, Future City, Pittsburgh Science and Engineering Fair, and Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, all of which stretch students to think critically and creatively, collaborate, and communicate eff ectively. PBL also extends 18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Chartiers Valley into the Art and Language Art classes where students can apply cross-cutting concepts learned in the STEM disciplines. The success of inspiring this new kind of thinking is all about making connections. Realizing this, the Dunn family instituted a scholarship for two students from OLG to attend CMU camps. This year OLG sent Natalie Kallet (7th grade) and Bianca Galante (8th grade). The girls came back from the camps learning new skills and gaining confi dence. They became among our fi rst girls to participate in robotics. At the First Lego League Scrimmage in October, their team scored higher than any OLG team had scored before! Preparing our students to be successful in the future is at the core of the mission of Our Lady of Grace. Incorporating the faith every day through instruction and example, individualized instruction, and innovative curriculum lays the foundation for the success of every student. Read what parents are saying about OLG: “Our experience at Our Lady of Grace School has been a joy. There is a very familial and friendly atmosphere—you can tell the staff and other parents really care about the children. They aren’t treated as just another number, but as individuals. They are very focused on the STREAM curriculum and have a brand-new science lab, with thriving science and robotics clubs. They also have an amazing drama program, headed up by a really exceptional teacher. The pastor and principal are both very committed to making the school a great place to be. I’m so glad we made this choice for our family...it really isn’t just about the children; it’s a place our whole family loves and enjoys together!” “Our Lady of Grace Catholic School provides an excellent faith-based education in a nurturing learning environment, with an emphasis on academics and a focus on STEAM and language arts. What sets this school apart is the foundation of faith, respect, tolerance, responsibility and character that each student receives. Our children are blessed to be part of this school and our family is blessed to be part of the school community.” “We have four children at Our Lady of Grace School and will soon have fi ve there. Our experience has been very good. The staff are very warm and understanding— eager to help our children succeed and do their best. The addition of LabLearner Science Lab has advanced the science curriculum to new heights and has our kids excited about learning and DOING science! Beyond the classroom, though, Our Lady of Grace seeks to form our children in the Catholic faith with weekly Mass, opportunities to serve one another and the community, Friday morning prayer and our annual KINDraiser. We are happy to have found a community in Our Lady of Grace and look forward to seeing God bless it and help it grow!”