Welcome

The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori provides preschool through 8th grade students with an outstanding education in a Catholic atmosphere faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. Our students grow into independent, critical-thinkers with strong faith formation and excellent academic skills.

News 

Looking for a preschool?

What makes ours so special?  Read more and find out why parents travel from other states for our program.

Our House:

Time for “Home Improvements!”

Having purchased our campus last December, the GSCM Board has planned a number of significant building improvements during the upcoming summer months.  Thanks to prudent stewardship over the years, a successful “Our House” Gala appeal, and support from several local benefactors, the school is in a position to address these needs:

·         Roof:  Installation of a new roof on the main school building (this will happen over Easter vacation)
·         South Wall:  Replacement of the south curtain wall (facing the playground)
·         Main Entrance:  
Replacement of the main (east) entrance
·         Traffic Flow/Pedestrian Plaza:  Re-routing of morning drop-off traffic and creation of a pedestrian plaza between the church and school
·         Flooring:  New carpeting will be installed in five classrooms on the south side of the building
·         Fine Arts Center:  Several renovations in the church/multi-purpose building will constitute ‘Phase 1’ of the creation of a Fine Arts Center:
       o   Art Studio:
Complete renovation of the art room, including new flooring, cabinetry and lights;
       o   Music Room:
Creation of a self-contained music classroom in the former church choir loft
       o   Drama:
Construction of a portable stage for drama and other performances

These are preliminary plans based upon the estimates for the work that we currently have available.  The actual scope of the work completed may change as we get closer to starting and learn more specifics that will not be available until that time, or even after the construction has started.

Beginning Reading Instruction:
Practical Ideas for Parents

“Parents, your children’s success as learners rests on their ability to read well. Learning to read is a process that takes time and effort… You are your children’s first and most influential teachers. Teaching and learning happen when you and your young children do simple, fun things at home.”  [From “Beginning Reading Instruction, Practical Ideas for Parents]

This year, the GSCM teaching staff is taking a 21-hour training course called LETRS (Learning Essentials in Teaching Reading and Spelling) with Dr. Richard Sparks, professor of reading science at the College of Mt. St. Joseph.  LETRS is an empirical, research-based approach to understanding the processes of reading and spelling, how the brain works in learning and using these skills, and best practices to teaching these skills.

Parents have the best opportunity to establish a firm foundation for a child’s success in developing the skill of reading.  Dr. Sparks shared an excellent article from the Texas Reading Initiative that lists many fun, easy things for parents to do to help their child become a strong reader.  Click HERE for Beginning Reading Instruction:  Practical Ideas for Parents.

PrePrimary Program
Three & Four Day Options

Children who turn three-years old after September 1 may enroll in our regular pre-primary program for three or four days/week.  The Montessori pre-primary program is designed for children ages 2½ to 6, and experience has shown that children under age three can benefit greatly from their experience in a pre-primary classroom.  The child’s absorbent mind and sensitivity to movement, language, order, and independence are all satisfied by the careful design of the Montessori pre-primary program. Read more about GSCM's three and four day program options.

Kroger Rewards Program

The Kroger Reward program has changed to make it easier for parents to support their children's school.  Please see the  instructions on how to update your Kroger card.  We urge all GSCM families who shop at Kroger to enroll, and to ask extended family and friends to enroll and list GSCM as your donor organization.    We utilize these funds for Staff Development and Financial Aid.  Thank you!

Orton-Gillingham Instruction:
A Unique Feature at GSCM

Visitors to our school have sometimes commented on how special and unusual it is that GSCM offers Orton-Gillingham tutoring to students during the school day.  Orton is a time-tested, research validated best practice for helping all children develop skills in reading and spelling.  While our Orton tutor works directly with students who need added support in these language skills, it is important for parents to note that our elementary language teachers also have Orton training, and are able to incorporate this brilliant approach directly into the regular curriculum for all of our students.  This distinguishing feature of our academic program has greatly benefited our students and is yet another reason that GSCM is so unique among schools! 
Read more about Orton-Gillingham Instruction...

  
Mission Alive:
Catholic Identity Statement

Each week in our GSCM Newsletter, the "Mission Alive" section features happenings at the school which particularly showcase our unique Catholic Montessori mission.  Recently, we looked at several aspects of our Catholic Identity as expressed in the educational climate. For the complete Catholic Identity Statement, please visit "Catholic Formation."  To read more "Mission Alive" articles - including classroom initiatives, published research, staff development, and more - see our Weekly Newsletter archive.