Palmer Catholic Academy

Belief Statements

The document of Vatican II, Declaration of Christian Education, defines the school as an instrument of social importance among all educational instruments. Most distinctive about the document is the insistence upon the integration for Christian education into the whole pattern of human life.

Palmer Catholic Academy recognizes the history of education in the Diocese of St. Augustine and is committed to the following belief statements:

1. We believe in providing a distinctive Christian environment that teaches catholic values and traditions, promotes spiritual growth, and instills a lasting love for God.

2. We believe in creating an awareness of the church’s three fold missions of message, community, and service.

3. We believe in the importance of sharing with students, families, and the greater community a common faith in Jesus, which is sustained by the sacramental and prayer life of the church.

4. We believe in providing a learning environment which incorporates stimulating, new teaching concepts within a structured and intimate classroom setting.

5. We believe in instilling self-discipline and responsibility in each student.

6. We believe in fostering an attitude of respect toward self, peers, those in authority, and all people.

7. We believe in encouraging achievement and development of self-worth according to individual abilities and talents.

8. We believe in encouraging a loving family environment within the school community where learning is a successful and enjoyable experience.

9. We believe in providing a diverse curriculum to develop skills in religion, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education.

10. We believe in developing and teaching cultural enrichment through secondary language, music and art, special events, and field trips.

Our Pastor

Monsignor Daniel B. Logan has been the pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish since August 1999. He graduated from St. Patrick’s Seminary College in Carlow, Ireland in 1963. He was ordained to the priesthood and relocated to the Diocese of St. Augustine that same year. Monsignor earned his undergraduate degree from Mungret Jesuit College and his graduate degree from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He concluded his studies in 1968 and returned to the Diocese of St. Augustine. His many years of experience in education include serving as teacher, vice president and president of Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville during a 24-year assignment. Monsignor plays a visible and important role at Palmer Catholic Academy as a leader, mentor and educator. His dedication to excellence and commitment to a quality Catholic education for our children is paramount. He elicits the best at all levels, from all people, and instills the celebration of Jesus’ love in our lives.

Our Principal

Mrs. Linda M. Earp has been principal of Palmer Catholic Academy since its inception in 1997. Mrs. Earp received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Towson (Md.) State University and a Masters Degree in Education Leadership from the University of North Florida. She taught elementary and religious education for over thirty years in various locations and environments around the country. Mrs. Earp became the Director of Little Stars Preschool in 1991 building its growth and success over the last 15 years. Her leadership and vision, along with a tremendous desire to give children the best learning environment possible, are the foundations for excellence at Palmer Catholic Academy.

Our Faculty

Palmer Catholic Academy is blessed with remarkably talented and dedicated teachers. They are inspired by our ministry to teach the Lord’s children in a Christ-centered environment and committed to developing each student’s academic, spiritual and social growth. All classroom teachers have an appropriate early childhood, elementary and/or secondary education degree and certification in the state of Florida. In addition, they must complete catechist certification for the instruction of the religious curriculum. Fine Arts teachers have education and professional degrees in their area of expertise. Many faculty members have also completed one or more master degrees in education or related areas.

Our Curriculum

Palmer Catholic Academy is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference and follows the curriculum set forth by the Diocese of St. Augustine and based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards. This curriculum is continually refined through an interactive review process incorporating the input of Diocesan teachers and administrators. Palmer Catholic Academy also has its own School Improvement Team consisting of faculty and administrators which conduct regular evaluations of each subject’s curriculum, updating and tailoring our programs to insure a well-rounded and challenging learning environment. Additionally, grades 3 through 8 participate annually in the nationally recognized Iowa Tests of Basic Skills.

The Language Arts program places a heavy emphasis on phonics while blending whole language theories in the primary grades (K-2), evolving into literature during the intermediate (3-5) and middle school (6-8) years. D’Nealian style handwriting is taught beginning in kindergarten preparing the students for the future transition to cursive handwriting. In addition, grade-appropriate reading, comprehension, speech, grammar usage and written composition are parts of the whole lesson plan throughout all grades. The middle school has a well-rounded program integrating the analysis of the written word and composition through novel studies. The MLA format and the Six Traits of Writing are utilized in all writing in the middle school to prepare students for the transition to high school.

We utilize Sadlier mathematics curriculum throughout the primary grades (K-2). This program incorporates grade-appropriate manipulatives and applied learning techniques. Critical thinking, mathematic reasoning and problem solving skills are continually developed. Grades 3 through 8 use the Houghton-Mifflin Math series to introduce and teach concepts and also utilize a sophisticated, accelerated math program for enrichment. These two resources enable teachers to produce assignments and tests that follow the Houghton-Mifflin scope and sequence. Math vocabulary is incorporated into the math program when each new unit is introduced and writing when math is used continuously. Pre-algebra and algebra are offered based on academic grades and IOWA scores as well as a program assessment. Additional enrichment programs include the Sunshine Math Program, math club, the Math Counts competition (grades 6 - 8) and remedial instruction.

Our Social Studies programs utilize materials from the Houghton-Mifflin Company as well as news publications and current event discussions to enforce curriculum standards. Primary grades are introduced to the importance of neighborhood, community, country and global awareness through theme related units. Intermediate and middle school classes address the areas of history, geography, sociology, political science, economics, humanities and ethics. Palmer Catholic Academy’s middle school social studies classes focus on creating lesson plans that are graded on performance assessments (oral presentations, group projects and web quests), as well as traditional assessment (tests and formal writing assignments). Our main goals are to make each one of our students aware of the world around them in both terms of past and present and to help them gain critical thinking skills and problem solving. Geography is emphasized throughout the curriculum with an emphasis on absolute location, the five themes of geography and the eastern and western hemisphere.

Science lessons provide a hands-on approach in demonstrating various scientific concepts. The program utilizes the Glencoe science texts and workbooks. The students learn the experimentation process using the scientific method during the lab classes. The school’s science lab is equipped with computers, an advanced microscope for each student as well as a digital microscope for private instruction. Students learn how to create experiments using various sensors to enhance their classroom instruction. The 6^th grade focus is on space exploration, chemistry as well as the study of the earth. In 7^th grade, students learn about the Five Kingdoms of Life, human impact on the planet, DNA, genetics and systems of the body. Once in 8^th grade, students delve into chemistry, physics, formulas and detailed lab experimentation procedures.

Technology is an important part of learning at Palmer Catholic Academy. Each classroom is equipped with networked PCs and Internet access for students and faculty to conduct research, explore new learning techniques and reinforce their studies. Keyboard skills are introduced as early as kindergarten and developed in an escalating manner throughout the grades. A fully equipped computer lab is available to all students and an up-to-date technology curriculum is followed. We are proud of our state-of-the-art multi-media center complete with an over 10,000 volume library, advanced computer lab with over 30 computers, art and music suites.

The Catholic faith is taught daily to our students through a Diocesan-approved religious curriculum. The children are introduced to the building blocks of our Eucharistic faith, the importance of Mass, the experience and meaning of the sacraments, and how to develop their relationship with the Blessed Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All students attend weekly Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Grade appropriate discussions, activities and experiences help to shape their religious formation. Our student body is encouraged to participate in service activities that affect their community, their state and the global neighborhood.

CLUE is an enrichment program designed to offer exceptional learners “creative learning in a unique environment”. The students in grades 2 through 5 are exposed to a variety of cross curriculum studies geared to the advanced learner. The middle school students are offered the opportunity to enroll in the Virtual Classroom On Line, which allows the students to enrich and enhance their middle school experience. Six different enrichment programs are offered weekly to the students. Computer Science, Library, Spanish, Art, Music and Physical Education provide the opportunity to express creativity, experience diversity, and promote community and sportsmanship. Several of these programs are also expanded into clubs, intramural and interscholastic activities. Palmer has athletic teams in soccer, softball, basketball, open court basketball, volleyball, flag football and golf club. Odyssey of the Mind is a sponsored program at PCA.

Registration Information for the 2008/2009 School Year

Palmer Catholic Academy offers kindergarten through 8^th grade classes. Primary grades (K-2) have 26 students per class with a teacher and full-time teacher’s aide. Intermediate (3-5) and middle school (6-8) grades have 26 students per class maximum enrollment with Teachers Assistants in both Intermediate and Middle School levels. Kindergarten students must be five years of age before September 1, 2008. All new student enrollments are subject to a developmental/skills assessment to insure successful placement.

School hours begin at 8:15 a.m. and end between 2:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. depending on grade level. All students attend 8:30 a.m. Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea each Friday (or other specified school day or holy day). An after school care program is available to enrolled students. Details on rates and registration can be obtained through the school office.

Interested families should submit a Letter of Intent to the school office. Letters of Intent received by January 21, 2008, will be given priority. Notification of enrollment will be made by mail or phone with a response requested within two business days.

Registration priority will be given in the following sequence:

1. Current students of the school / siblings of current students / students of school employees

2. Preferential option for Our Lady Star of the Sea parish preschool, Little Stars Preschool

3. Supporting parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea parish (based on length of time as a parishioner).

4. Catholic families relocating to our parish from out-of-town continuing a Catholic education for their child(ren)

4. All other includes non-supporting parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea parish and non-parishioners

Supporting Parishioners are defined as those families that:

Are registered Catholic parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea parish;

Supporting Status Annual contribution Timeframe in which

for the school year: to the parish offertory to make the contribution

2008-2009 $1,560.00 ($30.00 per week) January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007

2009-2010 $1,560.00 ($30.00 per week) January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008

Contributions to the parish offertory collection and/or building fund received during the listed calendar year will be considered.

Regularly attend Mass on weekends;

Complete at least 25 hours of volunteer work at the school/school-related parish activities during the school year;
And, through the use of offertory envelopes, contribute to the parish according to the table below:

· All Palmer Catholic Academy families are expected to participate and support all major fundraisers of the school.

Family affiliation with the student is determined by the direct responsibility for the financial, behavioral, academic and volunteer service obligations of the student.
Catholic families that are new to the parish will be offered the supporting in-parish tuition rate for the first year, when they present a letter at the time of registration from their current parish indicating their support of that parish’s offertory donation criteria. The family must then demonstrate meeting the Supporting Parishioner criteria at Our Lady Star of the Sea to retain such status.

             Tuition and Fees

Students per family          Supporting Parish Family                            *All Other

                                    Full Payment           Due Monthly                               Full Payment          Due Monthly

One                                        $ 3,860.00           $ 386.00                             $ 6,930           .00           $   693.00

Two                                         $ 6,680.00            $ 668.00                             $12,580.00            $1,258.00

Three                                      $ 8,680.00           $ 868.00                             $16,650           .00           $1,665.00

Four                                        $10,230.00            $1,023.00                          $19,330.00          $1,933.00

*All Other denotes non-supporting parishioners and non-catholics

Registration Fee: $170 per student - due at registration (annual non-refundable and non-transferable fee).

Curriculum Fee: $418 per student - due March 3, 2008, or upon registration after that date (annual non-refundable

and non-transferable fee).

Technology Fee: $115.00 per student – due April 2, 2008 (annual non-refundable and non-transferable fee)

Payment Policy: Tuition is paid in 10 monthly installments. The first tuition payment is due by May 1, 2008, and is non-refundable. All other tuition payments are due the first day of each month, August through April. A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed after the 10^th of the month. Make checks payable to Palmer Catholic Academy.

Volunteer Service: Twenty-five hours of Volunteer Service to the school or school-related parish activities is required

of each and every Palmer Catholic Academy family over the course of the school year.

Date Rec’d: _______

Date Ent’d: _______

Palmer Catholic Academy

Letter of Intent

2008/ 2009

Please accept this Letter of Intent as our expression of interest in enrolling our child(ren) at Palmer Catholic Academy for the 2008 /2009 school year. We understand that this serves as “pre-registration” and that any Letter of Intent received at Palmer Catholic Academy by January 21, 2008, will be given priority and notification of admission status will begin after January 31, 2008.

Child’s Proper Name Nickname Date of Birth Age (by 9/1/08) Grade Entering

(in Fall of 2008)

_______________________________________ ________________ _________________ ____________________ __________________

__________________________ ___________ ____________ _____________ ____________

Parents Full Names: (Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. /Dr.) _________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________________________________

Home #: ______________________ Work #: _______________________ Cell #: _____________________

Is Father baptized Catholic?____ If not, what denomination? ________Church attending:________

Is Mother baptized Catholic?___ If not, what denomination? ________Church attending:________

Are you registered parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea? _____ Date of registration at OLSS: ____

How often do you attend Catholic Mass? Weekly_____, Biweekly_____, Monthly____, Yearly____.

Are student(s) baptized Catholics?___ Church baptized: __________________ Date: _________

If Catholic, church where Reconciliation received: ______________________ Date: _________

If Catholic, church Holy Communion received: ________________________ Date: _________

Have your children previously attended Catholic school? ___ Transferring from catholic school? _____

What schools are your children currently attending? ___________________________________

Address of current school(s): ___________________________________________________

Please specify schools and grades attended: _________________________________________

Does your child have any medical conditions? If so, describe: _____________________________

Does your child have an IEP? (Individual Education Plan)? (One must be checked):_____Yes ____No

Please briefly explain your interest in Palmer Catholic Academy for your children? ___________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________Date: ___________

Letters of Intent can be brought or mailed to Palmer Catholic Academy, 4889 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 or faxed to (904) 543-8750.

Letters of Intent received by January 21, 2008 will be given priority

“Respect, Service and Unified in Faith”

Mission Statement

Palmer Catholic Academy of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church

develop sound catholic values for future success.

Our Pastor

Our Principal

Our Curriculum

Students per family Supporting Parish Family *All Other

Letter of Intent