Academic & Family Supports
What happens in the classroom is at the heart of educating a child at Risen Christ School, but there are many other factors that impact a child's education. At Risen Christ School we use all the resources we can to provide the support children and their families need for students to be successful. Some of our academic and family supports include:
1. Title I/Title II/Title III/Title V (No Child Left Behind)
These government-funded programs are aimed at helping students improve their academic performance through direct work with at-risk students (Title I), professional development activities for teachers (Title II), improvement of English skills (Title III) and the purchase of individualized instructional materials (Title V). Working closely with Minneapolis Public Schools, the administrator of the funds, Risen Christ School utilizes these programs to their fullest to provide more learning opportunities for students.
2. Reading First
Risen Christ is the only non-public school in Minnesota to be awarded a federal Reading First grant. This three-year staff development grant provides teacher training, resources, assessments and a full-time coordinator to K-3 teachers. The goal is to help teachers implement the most successful teaching methods in their classrooms. Reading First schools have been noted for making extraordinary improvements in student reading achievement.
3. English Language Learners
In addition to the Title III program described above, Risen Christ provides many supports and resources for English Language Learners to improve their skills. Welcoming all learners to Risen Christ, regardless of their proficiency in English, is a foundation of the school's mission.
4. Social Worker
A social worker from Catholic Charities is on-site four days a week to work with students and their families with issues that may be affecting their learning. In addition, the social worker helps families find and access the resources they need.
5. Family Liaison
A bilingual (Spanish and English) family liaison is available to assist parents and Risen Christ School in communicating with one another, as well as helping to distribute information the school faculty and administration wishes to provide to parents. The family liaison also translates from English to Spanish all materials sent home with students.
6. Volunteer Tutors
Each year, over 40 tutors volunteer their time on a regular basis to work with students individually or in small groups, from kindergarten to eighth grade.
7. Homework Center/Tuesday Night Library
There is a Homework Center available after school for students who need help on their school assignments. In addition, every Tuesday evening the Library is open for students and their families to visit. Educational opportunities for parents are often included - the weekly Sun has information and a schedule of activities.
