St. Michael Catholic School first opened its doors for ministry to the Memphis school community in September 1951. Celebrating over fifty years of continuous service, the school is staffed today by both lay and religious teachers. Faculty commitment to the mission and goals of the school is no less than that of the founding Sisters of Charity in 1951.

These dedicated teachers live out the stated mission of the school: "St. Michael School promotes Christian values in a safe and just environment. Students are given the opportunity to become well-rounded and productive citizens by developing their unique spiritual, emotional, and academic talents."

The school serves students in grades PK-3 through 8^th grade. St. Michael School also offers the Parallel Learning Program, a pull-out program for students who need additional help in Language Arts and/or Math. Title I instruction is offered through the Memphis City School System.

Students participate in Computer and Physical Education classes, and have the opportunity to select an elective in Art or Chorus. Band classes are offered as an after-school activity, as well as a full range of sports for boys and girls. St. Michael students are committed and enthusiastic about their school.

Beliefs

· Faculty and staff must lead by their example and teach as Jesus taught.

· Catholic beliefs are the foundation of St. Michael School.

· Parents are the primary educators of students.

· Students learn best in a safe and nuturing environment.

· Student achievement is best determined through a variety of assessment methods.

· Student learning needs are the primary focus of all decisions of the school.

· All aspects of student learning are the chief priority for the school.

The Mission of St. Michael Catholic School

St. Michael promotes Christian values in a safe and just environment. Students are given the opportunity to become well rounded and productive citizens by developing their unique spiritual, emotional, and academic talents.

The School

St. Michael students participate in weekly Liturgy and pray the Rosary as a community each Friday afternoon. The Director of Religious Education plans sacramental preparation classes and class retreats. The children gain much knowledge and insight into their faith from visiting priests, missionaries, and ministers.

Students participate in academic competitions and take part in performances in the fine arts. St. Michael students are regular entrants and award winners in the annual county-wide science fair. They also participate in the area spelling and geography bees. A new orchestra program and a drama club began this school year, and further growth in the area of fine arts is planned. Students are encouraged to show their spirit through the new pep club. All students take part in SPARK, a physical education program sponsored by the University of Tennessee.

St. Michael students live out the social justice teachings of Christ through a number of activities during the year. The Beta Club (honor/service society) Food Drive is held annually in late fall and benefits the St. Vincent DePaul Society. They also distribute Christmas gifts to residents of group homes through Project Cheer, sponsored by the Memphis Mental Health Association. Through the Math-a-Thon program, students are made aware of the needs of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Beta Club members are also sponsoring a fund-raising effort to help build a home for a family in Haiti through "Food for the Poor." Students exhibiting exceptional leadership abilities take part in the Safety Patrol and act as Ambassadors at community and Diocesan events.

Families are encouraged to participate in all school events in the School Advisory Board and the Home & School Association. Family nights are offered which allow parents and children to come together for a meal and for parenting support classes. Parishioners volunteer regularly in the school cafeteria. Without their help, the new hot lunch program would be difficult to maintain. A grandparent from the parish has taken on the task of reviving the Boy Scout program, and the troop has been very active this year.

Sadler Surratt comments, "All the teachers are nice. I like doing sports here; I like going to a smaller school rather than a big school. I like the kids here, too!"

DeErica Blakely agrees: "I like it because all the students are kind and people get along together. The teachers are nice and helpful. That is the way schools are supposed to be."

"I needed to bring up my grades; I also wanted to have better teachers," says 6^th grader Brittney Allison. "That's why I go to this school."