Reviews the proposals of Paul DeHart Hurd for improving science education in elementary schools, while ensuring that it is compatible with the goals of Catholic education. Suggests relating science to life situations, exploring broad applications of the scientific method, and making science instruction a process of discovery. (DMM)

Describes how the Diocese of Dallas overcame the logistical problems serving as obstacles to the widespread use of the Catholic Television Network in instruction at St. Pius X Elementary School. Looks at equipment needs, fund raising, staff development, technical considerations, and benefits. (DMM)

Urges parents and teachers to face the topic of death realistically and naturally, discussing how and when the subject should be raised with children. Considers forms of grief, age differences in children's understanding, theological explanations, and the importance of helping children name/describe their feelings and allowing them to grieve. (DMM)

Discusses the saints and how they should be presented to students as individuals who did great works. Explains that saints were not created but recognized for their efforts. Presents a research and writing project, with nine research questions, to help students discover which saint has their talents and can function as a role model. Includes two…

The seven articles contained in this book examine the role of the Catholic school principal. These articles address four topics: the call of the educational leader to excellence; the call of the principal to be a spiritual person; the call of the educational minister to be part of the team directing the total parish's educational ministry; and the…

Describes a survey of 107 Ohio Catholic elementary school principals to investigate reasons for selecting the profession, assess their graduate school preparation, and identify skills they brought to the position. Love for children was the primary reason for entering education, while the majority became principals at the religious community's…

Examines ways in which parents and religious educators can instruct children about issues involving faith, God, and prayer. Reviews strategies for increasing children's understanding of faith and God and suggests classroom activities to help teachers support parents' religious education efforts. Provides tips for making Mass more meaningful for…

Argues that curriculum is not a list of objectives but a process of becoming, describing a cathedral museum curriculum project at Cathedral-Carmel Elementary School in Louisiana. Indicates that the project includes French, history, genealogical research, filmmaking, social studies, speech, and theology and offers a guide to understanding conflicts…

Catholic schools in the United States today are very different from the Catholic schools that first opened in the 18th and 19th centuries. This handbook is a call to action for all Catholic elementary schools, inviting and challenging all Catholic educators to plan for the future. The volume is the first in a series of handbooks containing essays…

Describes the transformation of St. John Neumann School, in South Carolina, from a financially unstable parish school to a thriving and fully accredited institution through parent participation and the efforts of a new principal. Argues that the school's experience shows what can be achieved when families, communities, and schools commit…

Reverend Val J. Peter, director of Girls and Boys Town, USA, states that loneliness is prevalent among today's children, no matter what their economic situation. Asserts that the reasons for loneliness include the growing need of parents to work, children having their own rooms, and overuse of personal technology. Asserts that Girls and Boys Town…

Discusses the rapid growth of a Catholic K-8 school in Oklahoma. Reports that the school opened in 1990 and more than quintupled in size by 2001, making it the largest Catholic school in the state. Identifies the school's number one priority as its commitment to Catholicism. (NB)

Describes the planning and opening of Holy Cross Central School's (HCCS) (Indiana) new K-8 building in Indianapolis. Reports that HCCS's old building was more than 100 years old and was not meeting the needs of the students. States that new elements, such as a computer lab, support the basic Catholic school curriculum. (NB)

Studies elementary Catholic-school educators, with a focus on cultural diversity. Discusses key experiences in diverse settings, transforming the curriculum, staffing and hiring practices, and the role of parents in student education. (32 references.) (VWC)

Describes an educational foundation that offers financial support to those wishing to institute a San Miguel/Nativity or Cristo Rey model school. Reports that these schools must strive to reduce dropout rates, increase number of students prepared for college, and increase number of students receiving Catholic education. (NB)