St. Luke Catholic School


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*Our Mission*
This is who we are...St. Luke Catholic School.
mission I history I philosophy I vision strategic plan 2007-2012
mission	Our mission is to educate our students to excel in high school and in life, and to inspire our students to live as faith-filled Catholics. back to the top
history Learn more about the Brigidines.	One of only three Catholic schools located in the Northside ISD, St. Luke Catholic School was opened as an annex of St. Paul’s in January, 1959. The following September it went into operation as a separate school with Sister Canice Walsh, a Brigidine Sister who came to San Antonio from Ireland in 1953, as the first principal. Four classrooms and a temporary chapel comprised the first school. By 1960 the enrollment was 270, requiring the construction of four additional classrooms and a cafeteria which was completed by 1963. Because of increased enrollment, another four-classroom block was required by 1970. Some time later, a parish gym was added, which was a great asset for school activities, and in 1972 additional temporary buildings were added to house a library and learning center. Enrollment at St. Luke Catholic School grew to 500 students in the 1978-1979 school year. In 1988, the parish began a major construction project that resulted in the renovation of some classroom space and the construction of an entirely new middle school wing housing a new cafeteria, library (which houses over 12,000 volumes), learning center, science laboratory, music room, and an Apple computer lab. The new addition made it possible for St. Luke Catholic School to open a kindergarten for the first time during the 1990-91 school year. In 1993, a prekindergarten program was started for four-year old students and a Macintosh computer laboratory was established for middle school students. In 1996 a second Macintosh computer laboratory was established so that each of the 580 students enrolled from prekindergarten through eighth grade could have computer access. Furthermore, the 30 Apple computers which had been in a laboratory setting were relocated to classrooms in grades one through four. In 1997, part-time classroom assistant positions were established in the first grade in order to lower the teacher-student ratio during morning learning activities. In conjunction with this physical growth, there has also been a corresponding growth in professional and auxiliary staff over the years. Specialized personnel in physical education, music and computer education have been added, as well as a school nurse and a part-time counselor. In 2004 and 2005, the school has renovated the art classroom and added two new locker rooms, giving all middle school students and athletes a locker. In August of 2005, the school opened the John Garza Computer Lab, a 30-seat Dell Computer Lab, which is one of the finest in the city of San Antonio. The existing lab was moved and remodeled, forming the Joe Sanchez Computer Lab. In 2006 and in 2007, the school implemented a security perimeter program and continued the school's commitment to technology integration, adding LCD projectors to a total of seven classrooms. The school began its six year commitment to room renewal, renovating the 5th grade classrooms for another fifteen years of service. In 2008, the school has worked hard to continue the development of the school's programs. A new mathematics program has been implemented; the playground has been renovated to include a new structure designed for PK-1st grade; a new 30-seat iMac (Apple) computer lab has been established with the full Apple suite of creative software; the room renewal program continued with the PK and Kinder classrooms, the PK/Kinder wing roof was redone, along with the A/C systems; tackle football has been added in middle school athletics; and a full-time Spanish program has been implemented as a twice per week specials class for grades PK-5th grade (to be added to the Spanish program in grades 7-8). Having the overall responsibility for the operation of both parish and school is the pastor, Fr. Jim Barlow. The professional staff at St. Luke Catholic School includes the Principal, Mrs. Marcella Salazar, Ms. Nisa Lagle, the Assistant Principal, the administrative assistant, Mrs. Dora Calderon, and the secretary, Mrs. Debbie Rodriguez. There are 30 full-time faculty members and 7 classroom aides. Also on staff is a full-time librarian, a full-time nurse, and a full-time counselor. back to the top
philosophy	Our philosophy of education flows from the Christian belief that each child is created in God’s image and redeemed in Christ, and has a transitory destiny on earth and an eternal destiny with God in heaven. Hence, the school proposes to compliment the home, church, and state in giving dignity, direction and motivation to all phases of the students’ lives, and to prepare them spiritually, intellectually, psychologically, socially, physically, and morally to take their places in American contemporary society as mature Christians. In practical application of this philosophy, the school seeks to provide the children with those experiences and opportunities which are designed to develop in them such knowledge, appreciation, skills, interests and habits requisite to the realization of their full potential. A St. Luke Catholic School education will thus prepare students to be intelligent, practical Catholics, good citizens, and worthy members of society, the church, and the home. Students are taught that knowledge is not to be considered solely as a means of material prosperity and success, but a call to serve and be responsible for others. The integration of religious values into one’s lifestyle is brought about not only by specialized curricula, but more importantly by the presence of teachers who employ an integrated approach to learning and who embody Christian living in their private and professional lives. The unique contribution of Catholic education to the community-at-large is its precise understanding of the human person as a God-created being and its explicit teaching, development, and implementation of the values that flow from this understanding; faith values that nourish and strengthen the entire public community. We do not choose to dilute or hide our identity as a religious, value-oriented school, because we believe that this emphasis on value is precisely what our society needs at this juncture in its history. It is our unique service to all aspects of the civic community. back to the top
vision Visit the web site of the Catholic Schools Office.	“Share the Spirit!” The fundamental purpose of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus the Christ. His news is one of challenge, love and unity; His spirit is caught in the lives of students. Affirming that parents are the primary educators and partners in education, we prepare students to share the spirit of Jesus through community building, Christian acts of service, and word and worship. We are committed to providing inspiring, active learning and quality education so that all students Share The Spirit of Catholic education. The Vision statement calls forth beliefs that affirm the missionary dynamics of all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. They are: Foster A Catholic Identity We prepare students to encounter the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring Catholic teachings and values into their lives and the global world. Invest in Community Building We are committed to building a communal spirit that is the heart and reality of Christian formation. Provide Quality Education We teach knowledge and critical skills to enable students to function fully as citizens within a changing technological and multicultural society. Encourage Moral Formation We lead by example in teaching moral values that encourage respect and responsibility. Appreciate Families We recognize the family as the basic faith community in which all members share as active participants in the educational process. Support Parish Life We believe that the school contributes to the parish through the formation of students as active participants of the parish community. Share Governance We seek support and participation from those who share a common vision, mission and philosophy. Seek Equitable Distribution We are challenged to establish just distribution of resources to ensure quality and affordability to families and our church. back to the top

4603 Manitou, San Antonio, Texas 78228 I Telephone: (210) 434 2011 I Fax: (210) 432 2419