Philosophy and Objectives

Philosophy

Morning Star School, a Catholic Diocesan school, is dedicated to providing a successful learning environment for the student with learning disabilities and related difficulties. In partnership with parents, the student is encouraged to develop spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Morning Star students are encouraged to develop a personal active Faith, through prayer and worship. The school strives to develop students who will become witnesses to the principles of the Gospel. As a member of a vibrant faith community, the student is encouraged to reach out to others in service following the example of Jesus.

Morning Star School believes that each student needs to understand that he or she is an important person who is lovable and capable of loving. The student with unique educational needs must have them met on an individual basis in order to achieve his or her maximum potential. The opportunities for growth and success are presented within a structured setting, so that each student can learn to value himself or herself and his or her accomplishments.

Objectives

Spiritual

  • To promote the student's spiritual and moral growth within a vibrant faith community that is responsive and supportive to individual needs.
  • To develop a sense of morality within the student to witness to the word of God through lifestyle decisions and service to the community. 
  • To develop a respect for each individual's differences, limitations and talents as children of God.

Academic

  • For the student to achieve his/her full potential in academic areas.
  • For the student to acquire an understanding of his/her own potential and to develop skills which will help ensure success. 
  • For the student to acquire learning strategies which facilitate the acquisition of information.
  • For the student to understand the strengths/weaknesses and nature of the disability so he/she can learn to advocate for themselves.

Social/Personal

  • To develop the student's cultural, social and community awareness by participation in field trips.
  • To develop a sense of pride and responsibility within the student for the school environment and personal and public property. 
  • To provide directed peer counseling wherein the student has the opportunity to discuss concerns and participate in problem-solving and conflict resolution situations. 
  • To provide social skill training in which particular areas of social development are emphasized. 
  • To find, nurture and develop special talents/skills of students as a means of developing "islands of competence."

Physical

  • To develop the student's motor skills while promoting fitness.
  • To promote appropriate competitive behavior, knowledge of sports, and lifetime leisure skills.

Professional

  • For Teachers to continue the search for and acquisition of strategies, knowledge, materials and techniques in order to be better able to provide opportunities for student growth.
  • For Teachers to meet the student's individual and unique educational needs which may require additional assistance. 
  • To offer professional counseling to students and parents as needed. 
  • To offer the student the opportunity to receive speech and language therapy. 
  • To provide opportunities for parents to broaden their education, interact with other parents, and develop advocacy skills through planned meetings. 
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