Frequently Asked Questions
Do I or my children need to be Catholic for them to attend St. Michael’s School?
No. We have been educating students of all faiths or no faith for 91 years. We have had students from Lutheran, Pentecostal, and Native American traditional backgrounds. We encourage and affirm their Faith choices. There is no pressure to convert to Catholicism or take part in the sacramental training unless the student and parents choose to.
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What kind of curriculum do you use? Is it all Bible based?
Our curriculum is not Bible based, but aligns with the Minnesota state standards. For Math, we use Saxon in all grades. Reading we use Reading Street. Discovery Works for our Science curriculum and Northern Lights and Timelinks for our Social Studies curriculum. We continue to have a Cursive Handwriting program which starts in 3rd grade. The only part of our curriculum that is Bible based is our Religion curriculum. Beginning in 2021-2022, we added our Education in Virtues curriculum! This has proven very successful in helping to develop our student’s character and their interactions with fellow students and families.
What types of technology do you use in the classroom?
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We have Apple iPads available for the Kindergarten through 2nd grade classes. 3rd through 6th grade may also use iPads, and laptop computers are available for every student. During the summer of 2022, Smart TV’s were installed in every classroom for instructional use.
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What types of interventions do you use to help struggling readers?
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Since 2014 we have been using the Susan Barton Reading and Spelling System to tutor our students with reading delays. Kathy Haider, our on-site Barton Tutor, had experience as a classroom teacher in the Waubun School District for over 30 years. In her retirement, she chooses to volunteer as a Foster Grandparent and tutor students one-on-one at St. Michael’s School. She is a certified tutor with the Barton System.
During the past 5 years, the main focus of teacher continuing education has been in identifying reading delays in students and finding the best interventions for that particular student. All St. Michael’s teachers went through an intensive week of Orton Gillingham training. They also became certified Irlen Syndrome screeners by taking Irlen Syndrome training.
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Do St. Michael’s Students participate in any Sports activities?
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Yes! Our students can join any of the extra-curricular activities at Mahnomen Public Elementary. Forms and information are shared with our school administration and passed on to the students.
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What about Music and Band?
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Our students have music class with their individual classroom teachers and Mrs. Penner throughout the school year. In 5th grade, students can join Band at Mahnomen Elementary and begin lessons for the particular instrument they are interested in. Band is a great way for our students to begin making friends at Mahnomen Public School before the transition over in the 7th grade. We also have a musical at Christmas complete with costumes, singing and dancing directed by Mrs. Kozitka. A Spring music program at the end of the year is also held.
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After graduating from St. Michael’s School does my child have to attend Mahnomen High School?
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No. Our students have attended the Win-E-Mac, Waubun, and White Earth School districts and have done very well.