st. anthony's school brochure

HOPEA B E A c o noF

At St. Anthony School, we

don’t listen to doubts. We know there are obstacles to achieving academic excellence in urban, minority schools. And we know they can

be overcome. Our students are

living proof.

For the last four years, we’ve concentrated on finding a way to success. We are guided by our strong beliefs that a small urban school can become a leader in

excellence and that exceptional,

private education should be available to all students.

2

997 students enrolled in 2008

almost all of whom come from the

Hispanic heart of Milwaukee’s South

Side. They carry big dreams for the

future, the support of their parents

and a genuine desire to learn.

who are the backbone of all we do at St.

Anthony. They are committed each and

every day to helping students succeed in

our classrooms and in life.

– excellence in academics, excellence in

character and excellence in faith. Our

environment at St. Anthony supports

and strengthens our students’ learning

and values, helping them achieve their

fullest potential.

Others are beginning to believe, too. In

fact, so many parents are choosing St.

Anthony that our enrollment has more

than doubled in the past four years.

Our performance has established St.

Anthony School as a premier example of

how a school of choice can work. Parents

and students see us as a beacon of hope.

Walk our halls with us and find out why.

In fact, so many parents are choosing St. Anthony that our enrollemnt has more than doubled in the past four years. We are now the largest Catholic grade school in the nation.

t h E WAy

3






We believe in our students,

We believe in our teachers,

We believe in excellence

l I G h t I n G

“I love America,” says Rocio

Monreal, who moved to Milwaukee

from Mexico with her family.

“It’s nice and big.” Thanks

to St. Anthony’s rigorous reading

program, students like Rocio, who

have a

predominantly

non-English

speaking

background,

are now

reading at

or above

the national

standard.

U n c o m m o n Expectations, Uncommon Results

4

22%

35%

55%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

New Student One Year More Than OneYear

Number of Years at St. Anthony

3rd Grade 2006 WKCE* Reading Proficient & Advanced

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%



8th Grade 2006 WKCE Reading Proficient & Advanced

28 27 2834

27 28

45 46

35

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Grade 1

Nat

iona

l Per

cent

ile a

tth

e M

ean

NC

E

Grade 2 Grade 3

2005

2006

2007

20%

31%

68%

When comparing new third grade students with those who have been at St. Anthony School since first grade, the percentage of students scoring in proficient and advanced categories on the state exam improves from approximately 2 in 10 students (20 percent) to nearly 6 in 10 (60 percent).

The percentage of eighth grade students who have attended St. Anthony more than one year and who score in proficient and advanced categories is more than triple that of new eighth graders.

When Francisco and Maria Orozco

started at St. Anthony School five

years ago, they both struggled in

math and reading. Their mother,

Eva, was concerned that they were

behind. After a short time at St.

Anthony, she noticed a dramatic

improvement. “Francisco

suddenly started reading,”

she said. “Things are done

correctly here.”

St. Anthony seeks out the top experts in the country to design and implement research-based, proven instructional methodologies. We use many of the same materials and programs as elite and

nationally-recognized academic powerhouses. We also have in-house expertise to constantly monitor achievement. Our philosophy of process improvement guides all our academic decisions.

*Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam

These are just some of the

qualities we give our stu-

dents. What we’re really giving

them is a future. Our goal is to pre-pare students for the next phase in their lives. The knowledge and character that our students carry with them will equip them to meet tomorrow’s chal-lenges and take hold of tomorrow’s opportunities. We know we’ve done our job when our students are academically qualified to attend the high school of their choice and mature enough to step out into life. We give them

the founda-tion they need to chase their dreams.

When reading out loud, our students use a “Tracking and Tapping” method. We ask them to trace their fingers under each word as they read. Two finger taps indicate a period, one tap indicates a comma. Whether our students are in kindergarten or eighth grade, they continue to employ this method. It builds their confidence and skills, and lets teachers know who’s engaged and who isn’t.

EXCELLENCEA B E A c o noF

5

22%

35%

55%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%



3rd Grade 2006 WKCE* Reading Proficient & Advanced

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%



8th Grade 2006 WKCE Reading Proficient & Advanced

28 27 2834

27 28

45 46

35

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Grade 1

Natio

nal Pe

rcen

tile

at

the

Mea

n N

CE

Grade 2 Grade 3

2005

2006

2007

20%

31%

68%

Reading comprehension for grade 1 improved from only 28 percent to nearly the national average, 50 percent, in one academic year based on federal testing scores.

Reading vocabulary also improved from 30 percent to almost the national average in one year.

Reading First Outcome Measures Grade Level Analysis Reading Comprehension

Parents have recognized St. Anthony’s outstanding improvement in academic performance over the past few years, and have rewarded us by entrusting more and more of their children to our school. That these academic improvements are being achieved with a student population which has a significant number of households headed by parents for whom English is a second language, makes St. Anthony’s success that much more noteworthy.

Our teachers fondly refer to our Core

Knowledge curriculum as a “back-

to-basics, no fluff” approach to

learning. It is:

Solid – Our core learning includes history,

geography, science, and literature.

Sequenced – We follow an established

sequence for all subjects. As students prog-

ress through the curriculum, teachers create

in-depth lessons that build upon the accumu-

lated knowledge of previous grade levels.

Specific – The curriculum focuses on

content and facts. We teach our students the

big picture—not only what happened, but

why it happened.

Shared – Our curriculum is intentionally

designed to help increase cultural awareness.

As early as first grade, students begin study-

ing topics like ancient Egypt—topics that

expand their worlds.

For reading, math, spelling and writing, St.

Anthony uses Direct Instruction, a structured

approach that relies on teachers to engage

students in highly-interactive learning.

The primary focus of our curriculum is reading.

Without the ability to read our students will

struggle in every area. So we are committed to

help them achieve standard reading levels. Our

intensive program involves more than 90 min-

utes of reading a day. Teachers coach students

at their individual reading levels.

t h e M e r i t s o f h a r d W o r k

6

English in a FlashSt. Anthony is an English Immersion environment. We don’t teach English as a language class. Instead, our approach immerses students in the language. Everything from lessons to lunchroom conversation is conducted in English. Our “English in a Flash” program teaches students the language by showing words paired with images. Using this visual method 15 minutes a day, students quickly learn phrases and meanings

A Day in the Life…

Students learn about art history first-

hand by studying classical paintings

in our halls.

Library and classroom books are labeled by

reading level so students can choose appro-

priately. Math is another important focus

at St. Anthony. As in reading, students are

grouped by ability, not by age or grade. From

beginning math facts to advanced algebra,

our students learn content and computation.

We help our students succeed through

frequent testing. For math and reading,

our faculty record the number of students

who score below 85% on any given test. The

teacher reviews specific course material with

those students. If a majority of the class is

below 85%, our teachers repeat the lesson

until students reach the

85% standard.

This approach means

our students succeed

at their own ability

level and make constant

progress at their

own pace.

“The kids are so excited about this program. One of my students quizzed on five books in one day.”

Mary Budiac, third grade teacher“I love school,” says Alejandro

LaBoy, a third grader at St. Anthony.

“I really like tests. They’re

pretty easy for me.” He also

doesn’t mind

doing his

homework

each night.

In fact, his

favorite as-

signment was

to name a

bird for every letter of the alphabet.

Alejandro dug out his grandmother’s

dictionary and went to work. The only

letter he missed was “Z.”

SCHOLARSHIP

7

Books Our Students Read

4th Grade Gullivers’ TravelsRobinson Crusoe

6th GradeThe OdysseyJulius Caesar

8th GradeThe Good EarthTwelfth Night

A B E A c o noF

“St. Anthony is an excellent

school. There’s a lot of

feedback, involvement and

charity,” says Blanca Ojeda,

whose daughters attend St. Anthony.

She originally chose the school

because of its Catholic curriculum

and is proud that her daughters both

act as servers at weekly Mass.

A c u l t u r e t i e d t o c h a r a c t e r

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At St. Anthony, we don’t just teach students about faith, we help them

live it. Christian morals and values are woven into the actions of our teachers, students and staff. It’s part of who we are.

“At St. Anthony, I know that

the high expectations and

structure we have at home are

shared at the school.”

St. Anthony Parent

Every classroom, every subject provides an opportunity to demonstrate Christian belief. We challenge students to apply ethics when analyzing history. We set the foundation for them to exercise their best judgment of right and wrong based on the faith.

We approach our catechism classes the way we approach the rest of our learning – no fluff. Our students gain authentic knowledge of the people and places that have shaped the Catholic faith. This common faith builds a sense of commu-nity at St. Anthony. Students and faculty celebrate Mass and say the Rosary to-gether several times each week. We pray together at least three times a day, and we rejoice together in celebrating the great feasts of the universal Church.

Our students also strengthen their virtue through classroom activities and interac-tion. We create a safe, orderly environ-ment that complements excellence and builds character by encouraging fairness, respect and personal responsibility. Our classrooms are organized and disci-plined. We promote active participation to keep students involved in their work.

Teachers have high-expectations of students and play an active role in their character formation. They really get to know their students and seek to un-derstand their life circumstances. As a community we strive to support each student’s academic, spiritual and emo-tional growth.

INTEGRITY

9

“…Kids need presence and consistency. They appreciate the routine. I took a room of students and just clicked with them. They felt secure with me, and we developed trust.”

Jeanne Barbatti, fourth grade

A B E A c o noF

“This is an amazing school to

see and be a part of. A teacher

wouldn’t get this type of support

elsewhere. The teaching coaches are

unbelievable. They offer professional

guidance and personal support.”

Dan Garvey, fifth grade

We’re proud of our teachers and their dedication to students.

Our staff invest in our program, and their investment shows in student progress. In return, St. Anthony invests in and supports our teachers through ongoing coaching and training.

New teachers find the support they need to thrive. Before they start in a classroom, we engage them in a two-week training program that

introduces them to St. Anthony’s unique approach and teaching methods.

Once a month, coaches observe our classrooms and provide teachers with constructive criticism. This process helps our teachers continue to grow as they learn and adapt new techniques. We also support teachers by offering merit pay. When students excel, our teachers are rewarded.

I n v e s t m e n t s i n l e a r n i n g

10

Tyler Do wants to live life in the fast

lane—as a car designer. The eighth

grader plans to study engineering

in college. He knows St. Anthony is

helping him prepare. “They made

me a better student,” he says.

“Their rules are fair and the

teachers care about students.”

These are just some of the

qualities we give our stu-

dents. What we’re really giving

them is a future. Our goal is to pre-pare students for the next phase in their lives. The knowledge and character that our students carry with them will equip them to meet tomorrow’s chal-lenges and take hold of tomorrow’s opportunities. We know we’ve done our job when our students are academically qualified to attend the high school of their choice and mature enough to step out into life. We give them

the founda-tion they need to chase their dreams.

12

c h a r a c t e r . c o n v i c t i o n . c o n f i d e n c e . . .

At St. Anthony, we rely on each other for support. We have cultivated a culture of

camaraderie. Teachers view one another not just as colleagues, but also as friends. We

are united in our desire to find better ways to help our students succeed, whether it’s

reading a test aloud to a student who recently learned English or forming an after-

school homework club.

LEADERSHIP

11

“The teachers listen, and they care about your education and your life. At my old school, the teachers didn’t care as much. Here, the teachers are stuck to you. I have much more respect for my teachers because they respect me.”

Montaha Sarsour, eighth grade student

“I never thought I’d work in the city. Now I

don’t ever see myself leaving.”

Beth Bergan, K5

“I feel like this is what I am supposed to be doing.

I want to come to school each morning. This is the

most rewarding job in the world.”

Mary Budiac, third grade

A B E A c o noF

Miguel Rodriguez dreams in color. At least, he does when he’s drawing

anime, a detailed style of comic-book animation. When he graduates from

St. Anthony, he has his sights set on high school, then a four-year college

where he can study 3D animation, astronomy

and anatomy. Think that’s ambitious? Miguel

also is teaching himself to play piano and speak

Japanese. “St. Anthony is safer than my

old school,” he says. “The teachers here

are more concerned about how you’re

doing. It helps me practice my religion,

too. That’s important to my family.”

Montaha Sarsour loves the spotlight. In eighth grade, she played the narrator

in St. Anthony’s production of the musical “Into the Woods.” “I wanted to show

people what I’m made of,” she says. On top of her love for acting, Montaha is

making plans to attend Harvard after high school. She hopes to study business

and management so she can become a lawyer

or maybe even a judge. “I like the structure

of St. Anthony,” she says. “When I’m in

uniform, I can concentrate on school work,

because everyone is doing the same. The

lessons have made me a better reader,

and I’ve made a lot of friends here.”

FUTURE

13

A B E A c o noF thE

t h e Wa y to to m o r r o w

14

At St. Anthony, our dedication to excellence guides all we do.

While many schools follow trends, we follow a content-rich, traditional curriculum delivered by instructional methods that keep the focus on learning. Our students’ knowledge-base, understanding and advancement demonstrate the value of our approach.

As we continue to help our students achieve all they can, we continue to enhance our core subjects by constantly evaluating our approach. For example, we instituted a program that increased student interest in reading and resulted in a year-long, school-wide total of 50,000 books read. Students in our English Language Learners program also experience excellent results from our ongoing efforts to help them perfect their speaking fluency.

St. Anthony shines as a beacon of hope, a promise of what tomorrow can be. For every

heart we touch, for every young mind we form, for every soul we nurture, we trust in God’s divine guidance and build on our proven record.

We set before our students a pathway to excellence. It is illuminated by our desire to ignite within them a love for learning and a commitment to character. Along our journey, there are many opportunities for involvement, support, and giving.

PROMISE

15

Terry Brown

PresidentDave Tomasiewicz

Director of DevelopmentRamon Cruz

PrincipalHolly Cerveny

Associate Principal

Fr. Anthony Cirignani O.F.M

Pastor

A B E A c o noF

Won’t you help us continue to

light the way?

5th Street Campus1669 S. 5th St.

Milwaukee WI. 53204Phone: (414) 384-1729

Fax: (414) 384-1731

9th Street Campus1747 S. 9th St.

Milwaukee WI. 53204Phone: (414) 384-1730

Fax: (414) 384-1733

Administrative Offices– Francis Hall1727 S. 9th St.

Milwaukee WI 53204Phone: (414) 384-6612

Fax: (414) 384-6613

S t. A n t h o n y S c h o o l

st. anthony's school brochure

Documents

grade students

percentage of students

anthony school

t h e way3406 students

anthony8th grade

anthony3rd grade

largest catholic grade

school of choice