Teaching Our Children

An investment in education lasts a lifetime.

Jesus said to let the little children come to him—and they do, in a special way, when they attend one of the many Catholic schools in Northern Colorado.

A faith-based education addresses the formation of students’ hearts and minds, from the first day of kindergarten all the way through high school graduation.

Through salary assistance grants, the Foundation helps ensure that Catholic schools can afford talented and dedicated teachers. Through endowments, schools receive vital operating and capital support. And through scholarships, students achieve the benefit of educational opportunity that shapes the whole person.

Shanice’s Story

“She’s really developing into a self-confident young lady.”

Shanice is one of the students on the mind of Father Bert Chilson. He begins a new school year by asking her entire eighth grade class: “What do you see as important in setting an example for younger students?”

The answers come back: “Responsibility, respect, behavior, attitude, service, God, prayer”—essentially a list of core character values in Catholic education throughout the Archdiocese of Denver.

“We reinforce those character traits daily in the classroom. There’s an environment of respect in the classroom that allows for focus and learning.”

BODY, MIND AND SOUL

Father Bert serves as pastor of St. Thérèse Catholic Church and School in Aurora. He is quick to emphasize that students there receive an education that promotes well-rounded development—body, mind and soul.

“We offer the component of faith and spiritual formation that is very important, along with the academics.”

But he also confesses to a little bragging about last year’s eighth grade class, which tested three grade levels ahead of their peers on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. He believes the academic success comes from a commitment to building character first.

“We have standards for academics, behavior and responsibility. We call people to be accountable—being on time, studying, taking tests, doing the little things that make a school really work.”

SECOND-LANGUAGE LEARNERS

That kind of success does not come easily. The Aurora community around St. Thérèse includes “not just Spanish-speaking students, but also some Asian and African immigrant students—so English is their second language.

“We teach by immersion, and the children acquire English when they come to school. Our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers pull their hair out for a while. It’s very hard, but those kids learn—and then they excel.”

Out of last year’s remarkable eighth grade class, three-quarters of the students started school as second-language learners. Their progress speaks as much to the adaptability of the students as to the dedication of their teachers.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

St. Thérèse School receives grants from The Catholic Foundation toward teachers’ salaries. The School is also resourceful in seeking support for projects that range from technology to parking lot repairs to kitchen facilities—anything that will conserve operating dollars and keep tuition as affordable as possible.

Father Bert gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the Catholic community through gifts and grants to St. Thérèse. He knows just how much it matters to the many families who make financial sacrifices and rely on scholarships to enroll their children.

A GIFTED LIFE

Shanice’s family is one that has made sacrifices to give her the benefit of a Catholic education at St. Thérèse School. Although her family is not part of the church, Father Bert has known Shanice for almost 10 years and has seen her development over that time. The school’s spiritual influence shines through.

“She’s not necessarily the best student in class, but the Catholic school environment has really helped sustain her and support her in finding her own self worth and growth. We have such a family among our teachers, and they talk to each other—so each year they’re all reinforcing the positive message of her worth and dignity as a child of God.”

Shanice’s name has been changed to respect privacy.

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