About Us
Mission
St. Philomena is a Catholic elementary grade school “hugged” by an established family neighborhood in the heart of Peoria, IL. Our core curriculum – infused with Gospel values, the arts, and technology – brings faith to life and life to faith. We help prepare students to be responsive to the needs of others and to meet the challenges and opportunities of a global world. We view parents as partners in the care, education, and spiritual growth of our children.
General Information
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Enrollment (Pre-K-8): 371 students (2007-08)
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Average Class Size: 20 students (K-8)
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Number of Classes per Grade Level: 2 (2007-08)
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School Day: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (2008-09)
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Calendar Year: August 20, 2008 - May 22, 2009
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Bus Service Available
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Hot Lunch: Served daily - popular, balanced, home-cooked meals!
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Before & After Care Services Available
Faculty
Principal: Jodi Peine
Staff:
- 20 full-time teachers, plus a Music teacher and P.E. teacher, Visual Arts teacher, Learning Center Director, Director of Religious Education (who has an assistant and graduate-level intern)
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a full-time, master-level counselor (a Franciscan Sister)
Curriculum Highlights
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Block scheduling for junior high students (grades 6-8) to provide a structure that increases student learning and helps develop key work habits, such as goal setting and time management.
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Integration of technology at all grade levels, including 20 wireless laptops and a 77” mounted SMART™ Board in our state-of-the-art, air-conditioned Learning Center computer lab; 14 SMART™ Boards – one for each grade level; and six computers in every classroom with Internet access.
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Proven and innovative Math programs, including the Singapore Math 8 Step Model Drawing (Pre-K-6) which is a visual approach used in Pre-K-6 to solve word problems AND the Scott Foresman Envision 2009 Series (used in K-6), which includes a textbook and on-line version so assignments can be accessed from home.
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An on-line grade book available for students in grades 3-8.
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Technology instruction offered weekly in grades K-8 in our state-of-the-art Learning Center. Students receive instruction on keyboarding skills, Microsoft® Office programs, plus safe and effective Internet search methods.
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Weekly exploratory classes for junior high students, allowing them to pursue topics of interest, such as chess, photography, etc.
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Strong Faith Formation program which intertwines daily prayer, reflection, and lessons to deepen students' Catholic identity, plus increase their awareness of different cultures and faith.
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Emphasis on reading through programs, such as: “Book Talk,“Kids Pick Page,” Great Books, and Accelerated Reader.
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Fine Arts program including weekly classes in Visual Arts and Music. See the Extracurricular link for performance-based opportunities, such as speech team, drama, children's choir, and swing choir.
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Pre-School program for four-year olds.
Extracurricular Programs
Athletics
The Campus
Built in 1946, the school’s traditional brick exterior emanates a strong sense of tradition, and has had many recent updates, including a(n):
- air-conditioned Learning Center with 20 wireless computers, a 77” mounted smartboard, and newly-refurbished library.
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redesigned, air-conditioned Pre-School room.
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new windows, multi-use gym floor, & playground equipment on a multi-use field.
- new Fine Arts wing to house the Visual Arts and Music programs.
- 24-hour Perpetual Adoration Chapel just feet from the school.
Parent Involvement
We view parents as partners with us in the care, education, and spiritual growth of children. Parents are vital to our school and there are many volunteer opportunities, including room parents, classroom helpers, fundraising, lunch duty, and coaching.
Child Safety
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All volunteers must complete the Safe Environment Program (required by the Diocese of Peoria), plus pass the Child Abuse & Neglect Tracking system check, and fingerprinting verification.
- Established pick-up and drop-off procedures to ensure everyone's safety coming to and leaving school.
- An Alert Now voice mail messaging system to contact school families via a primary phone number(s) regarding school closures and other important announcements.
- During the school year: (1) gates are closed at all school entrances during recess; (2) visitors enter through a secured main entrance; (3) parents with a child(s) in Before/After Care use a secured entrance.
Visit Us - "Class Shadow!"
To arrange a tour or meet the principal and/or any member of our staff, contact the School Office. We can even arrange your child(s) to "shadow" a student for a day in his/her grade level.