Library and Computer Additions
As we look forward to what will be needed for facilities to support our advanced programs for next year,
we immediately turn our attention to the Library and the Computer Lab.
The Library is already
too small for the additional books we have added. To gain more space, we will petition the Church for an extra room
in the basement of the Old Convent [now called the Annex] and will add shelving and tables. Additionally, we will,
with the support of the new Friends of the Library, keep the Library open on a daily
basis so students can avail themselves of the resources we will have for them.
We are grateful for the several
people who responded to our call to join the Friends of the Library and continue to be indebted to Mrs. Mannion for
her volunteer leadership role.
The Computer Lab accommodates only about ten students at a time. This is a
scheduling nightmare in that students who are not in the Computer Lab remain in the classroom. It is our desire to have
a larger room for the Computer Lab so the entire class can be seated at the same time.
Additionally, with more
computers, the teaches can take classes there to augment their Science, Math and Language Arts instruction. This is
particularly true for the upper grades. It is now a truism: the computer is to a modern teacher what chalk and
chalkboards were to the teacher of yesteryear. They are, indeed, a powerful tool and we need to use them to the
fullest.
Computers are expensive. Furthermore, it seems that if we don't upgrade them on a timely
basis, we fall behind. Presently, we have good and new computers but will need to purchase more as we increase the space
for them. Fortunately, we can purchase them through the Diocese for a great deal less than we can elsewhere else since
the Diocese purchases them for all 155 schools in the Diocesan system.
Last week, we had the Book Fair and
received many books as gifts from parents. We are most appreciative and hope parents will continue to donate new and
used books to the school that are age appropiate. The old adage -- A new book is one you haven't read
-- holds true for all libraries, not only school libraries. Even universities depend upon used volumes for their collections.
Books and computers are our tools; teachers are the purveyors; students are the recipients; society reaps the
benefits.
We continue to move forward with enthusiasm and thanksgiving to the Almighty for His having blessed us
with supporting parents and cherished students. We thank you for both.
For this, we send our warmest 'thank-you'
to everyone -- especially to Him.
