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St. Hyacinth to become charter school: mani' Learning Academy |
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Written by Angela Kessler
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Thursday, 19 May 2005 |
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As the Catholic schools landscape changes, a new feature crops up on the horizon.
A charter school - the Imani Learning Academy - begins its life in the halls of 76-year-old St. Hyacinth Catholic School which closes in June.
We'll perpetuate the best of St. Hyacinth, explains Carolyn Schmidbauer, Catholic schools assistant superintendent.
With the Toledo Public Schools as the sponsor for the diocese, state charter school money makes possible the creation of the Imani Learning Academy. The academy provides assurance that families in the central city will continue to be served, Mrs. Schmidbauer says.
Of the current 182 students and their families, Superintendent Jack Altenburger says, We have a large group of non-Catholics we feel some responsibility toward. We'd like to continue helping them and provide a place of quality education.
Mrs. Schmidbauer expects some of the best of Catholic school academics will be alive at the academy because the governing board will be comprised of individuasls who support the mission of quality education. Our innovative educators strategies will have an impact, and we'll have resources to train more teachers in those techniques, she says.
A governing board will formulate the school's mission statement, which Mr. Altenburger expects will feature formation of character as well as parental involvement as key elements.
The name Imani comes from the philosophy of Kwanzaa, an African- American holiday devoted to celebration of family, community and culture. It boasts seven principles: unity, self-determination, work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
We hope to enter into a strong relationship with the families as we form children to be successful adults, she says. Although we still strongly believe the best way to deliver Catholic education is through Catholic schools, the question we faced was how do we as a church reach out when a parish can no longer support a school in an area where the Catholic population is extremely low or nonexistentAn enriched environment, a dress code, an honor code, full-day kindergarten and extended day care are among features of the school.
We wanted some control over the quality, Mr. Altenburger says. This arrangement between us and the Toledo Public Schools offers that.
Anticipating the year ahead will have its growing pains, Mrs. Schmidbauer says, We'll all try to be patient. This is a new situation, and as in any time of change, it's both exciting and challenging.
About 200 students will be accommodated at the Imani Learning Academy.
Many of thecurrent staff members have applied for positions in the new school. They have had the first opportunity to interview, Mrs. Schmidbauer says.
Christine Alexander
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