Corpus Christi School (CCS), a Catholic school for children preschool through eighth grade, received three educational grants recently to strengthen its curriculum.
- The Bishop’s Cross Merit Grant awarded a $5,000 grant to purchase Chromebooks for the six, seventh, and eighth grade students.
- The Highmark Foundation awarded $5,000 for a health and wellness grant that benefits all students.
- FIRE Grant awarded $600 to purchase license with an audio book company called Tales2Go that will be used by all students.
“One of our goals in our school improvement plan for AdvancED accreditation is to integrate technology into the classrooms to provide a 21st century learning environment. Having Chromebooks for students will enhance the traditional teaching methods and provide digital tools and resources for our students,” Principal Dick Taylor said. The upper grade levels will have access to these books daily in class.
Another program being added to the 2017-2018 school year is an audio book program called Tales2Go. Tales2Go is a 21st century classroom literacy solution for students that builds vocabulary listening, and reading skills through the use of audio books.
“It is important for us to offer a variety of teaching tools to succeed in learning. It is critical for students to first be good listeners, so they can become excellent readers. Listening cultivates critical vocabulary, fluency and comprehension skills. Not only is Tales2Go a great resource for those who struggle with learning disorders, but it also helps everyone build and maintain their vocabulary,” said Taylor.
Both the Chromebooks and Tales2Go program complements the schools current curriculum and engages students in a computer base approach to learn. “It is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and prepare them for college and a technology savvy world” he said.
Corpus Christi School also received a $5,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation of Pittsburgh in its “Building Sustainable and Lasting Changes in Schools” grant program. The funds will be used to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
The Highmark Foundation understands that schools can be one of the most effective settings to promote health and wellness, and developed this grant to support programs like our “Crusaders for Good Health”.
Through this program, students will receive education about exercise, nutrition and stress reduction.
“We are so grateful for this grant. With this grant the school will be able to grow gardens in the classrooms to use in our portable salad bar where fresh vegetables and fruits will be offered during lunch,” said Advancement Director, Miranda Shaner.
“Our Two Bite club will encourage students to try new foods from the healthy food groups. A certified yoga instructor will teach the students how yoga can benefit their bodies to stay healthy during physical education classes. Water bottle filling stations will be installed within the school to encourage students to stay hydrated with water. The “Crusaders for Good Health” program not only will empower students of CCS and their families but also encourage them to stay active and make healthier choices,” added Shaner.
“Education is the most important decision that a parent can make to ensure a successful future for your child. We focus on enriching students’ lives with rigorous academic standards and we offer a safe environment, extracurricular opportunities, winning athletics, uniform dress code, and opportunities for parental involvement in the school,” said Taylor, who has been employed at Corpus Christi for more than 40 years.
“Your child is worth the investment of a Catholic education,” he said.
Scholarship opportunities are also available. Families can still register for the 2017-2018 academic year online at corpuschristiwheeling.com/admissions/how-to-apply or, by visiting the school’s main office.
Or simply call 304-277-1220 for more information. Corpus Christi School is conveniently located at 1512 Warwood Ave. (Rt. 2), Wheeling, just across the avenue from Garden Park.