"Study Island is one of the most innovative programs in use at Immaculate Conception."

Immaculate Conception lays foundation for academics



TimesReporter.com staff report   Posted Jan 29, 2012 @ 11:54 PM


Immaculate Conception is moving forward, educating students in mind, body, and spirit. The students at Immaculate Conception develop an appreciation and understanding of the faith, plus a solid foundation in academics.


Academically, Immaculate Conception students continue to perform to high expectations, averaging from the 80th to 99th percentile on all parts of the “Terra Nova,” a national normed standardized test.


While the faculty believes that this is an indication that teaching and curriculum are sound, they remain committed to continuous improvement. Data reports from the Terra Nova test are used to determine any areas in the curriculum that need to be strengthened.


Principal Anthony Amicone said he is pleased with the school’s educational technology program.


“The school has burst into 21st century technology in education arena,” he said.


Currently in use in the classrooms are Smart Boards, Acer laptop computers, a new computer lab consisting of workstations, and Apple I Pads.


These technological devices are being incorporated into daily instruction to enhance the delivery of the Core Standards in all subject areas. Students are exhibiting a new enthusiasm for learning and are taking a more active part in that learning.


Study Island is one of the most innovative programs in use at Immaculate Conception. Study Island is a web-based software program for students beginning in the third grade, used to assess students’ mastery of concepts in the core subject areas. Since it is web based, students can access their accounts from home and get their homework. The work can be individually tailored to meet students’ needs and abilities and many different reports can be generated to assess student progress.


Reading Eggs is in use with kindergarten, first- and second-graders. With this program, teachers have observed a tremendous surge of enthusiasm and marked gains in reading skills. Parents of students in those grades have indicated that students are enthusiastically pursuing their schoolwork at home. he school’s technology plan seeks to provide even greater access to technology.


Creativity is essential to the development of the child as a well-rounded person. Various art and music activities are provided to the students to foster that creativity. Students have many opportunities within the curriculum at Immaculate Conception to develop their musical and artistic talents. Singing in the church junior choir allows them to use the voice to praise God.


Service to others is a very important aspect faith-based education at Immaculate Conception. Students participate in service programs such as providing canned goods for the food pantry, volunteerism in the community during events, and assisting the elderly.


The teaching staff of Immaculate Conception continues to develop new and innovative ways to teach the core standards. They are actively engaged in various religious and academic professional development programs and classes.


“Small class sizes, dedicated and highly qualified teachers, teaching and reinforcement of faith based morals and behavior, a safe and clean environment, and superior standardized test performance all make Immaculate Conception a premier educational institution,” Amicone said.