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St. Catherine Labouré School is a Catholic parochial elementary school affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington and is an integral part of St. Catherine Labouré Parish. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Emmitsburg, Maryland founded the school in 1953. The religious order remained as administrators and teachers until 2004. Today, St. Catherine Labouré School has a lay administration and a lay faculty. Its student body of approximately three hundred twenty-five students boasts pupils from more than fifty nations, making it a true melting pot. St. Catherine Labouré School prides itself in fostering strong religious values, a challenging academic education, a sense of personal and community responsibility, and an appreciation of cultural diversity.
Mission Statement
St. Catherine Labouré School is a multicultural Catholic elementary school, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, which adheres to the guidelines established by the Archdiocese of Washington. Guided by Gospel values, our program provides an environment that maximizes students’ spiritual, physical and intellectual growth through traditional and “hands-on” educational experiences. We strive to form life-long learners dedicated to service and leadership. Each student is valued as a child of God.
The faculty of St Catherine Labouré School is dedicated to the educational development and academic enrichment of their students. Currently, our pre-kindergarten through eighth grade staff consists of twenty professional educators. To enhance the general curriculum are instructors in library/media, computers, physical education, resource/special education, art, music, Spanish, ESOL and counseling. Faculty members have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and numerous hold master’s degrees. The average range of experience is fifteen years. In addition, our school offers a fully licensed and staffed Before and After Care program to meet the needs of our school families.
Each year the faculty participates in fifty-six hours of professional development offered through the school and the Archdiocese of Washington. Each teacher is encouraged to participate in outside professional development workshops that augment and advance their area of expertise. Each teacher is expected to ascertain state certification. Through faculty meetings, professional development workshops and a collaborative team effort, St. Catherine Labouré’s faculty remains knowledgeable and efficient.
Governance
St. Catherine Labouré School is a parish sponsored, Catholic parochial school in the Archdiocese of Washington. It operates under the administrative guidelines issued by the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Office as well as the mandates issued by the Department of Education of the State of Maryland. The pastor of St. Catherine Labouré Parish and the school principal comprise the administrative team. The School Advisory Board meets on a monthly basis with the administrative team and offers their advice and expertise on school related matters. However, the School Advisory Board acts only in an advisory capacity. The pastor makes all final decisions. The School Advisory Board includes the pastor, the principal, school parents, and a faculty representative. Members of the committee are normally appointed to three-year terms.
History of the School
St. Catherine Laboure School is a Catholic elementary school located in Wheaton, Maryland and is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Emmitsburg, Maryland founded the school and remained administrators and teachers until 2004. St. Catherine Laboure School began in 1953 with only the first four grades and 409 students. Within a few years, the school reached a peak enrollment of 1,500 students in eight grades. The school was enlarged to 24 classrooms.
The 1980’s saw a tremendous growth in the Hispanic community of both the Archdiocese of Washington and St. Catherine Laboure Parish. St. Catherine Laboure School mirrored the parish’s growing ethnic diversity.
By 1988 the enrollment had stabilized at approximately 500 students. In 1994 St. Catherine Laboure School was nominated for the U. S. Department of Education Award for Excellence in Education. St. Catherine’s was the only Catholic school in Maryland to win this prestigious “Blue Ribbon School” award that year. The school also received a grant from the Archdiocese of Washington to assist children in learning English as a second language.
Today, St. Catherine Laboure School has a lay administration and a lay faculty. Its student body of approximately 325 students boasts pupils from more than 50 nations, making it a true melting pot. St. Catherine Laboure School prides itself in fostering strong religious values, a challenging academic education, a sense of personal and community responsibility, and an appreciation of cultural diversity.
Volunteering!
Volunteers who have substantial contact with children must comply with the Archdiocesan Child Protection Policy.
SCL students have the opportunity to participate in an after school karate program run by Mr. Robert Bekas. The class teaches respect for themselves and others, strengthens their focus, fosters self-control, enforces tolerance of others and gives them courage. By practicing the variety of techniques and training for their different colored belts, participants aim to be very strong, and also peaceful people. The students’ instructor and physical education teacher at SCL, Mr. Robert Bekas, has over 18 years of experience in martial arts and over ten years of experience in teaching the art of karate. Along with his Master’s Degree in Physical Education and a major in martial arts and physical fitness, he is also a two-time National Karate Champion in Kumite as well as a National Karate Team member from 1999-2001.
School Community Activities
Catholic Schools Week celebrations
Grandparents’ Day
Field Day
Bazaar
Cultural Heritage Day
Career Day
Hispanic Heritage Month
African-American History Month
Halloween parade
Spirit Days
Principal for a Day
Vice Principal for a Day
Holiday parties
Bake sales
Dress Down Days
Faculty vs. eighth grade basketball game
Class projects to support the H.S.A. Spring Gala and Auction
