IOWA Test Scores arrived in February, 2008

We got the results of our IOWA test scores which were administered to our Lower School (grades K-5)during the week of January 7-11, 2008.  The results were most encouraging.  Our Kindergarten ranked in the top 4% of schools compared to public kindergartens and the top 20% when compared to private kindergartens.  That is, our Kindergarten class is in the top 20% of all the private school kindergartens around the country who took this test, and we are only in our third year.  Our 4th Grade ranked in the top 1% of public 4th grades.  Our 3rd Grade's composite grade equivalency was at a 5.  Our 5th Grade's language grade equivalency was at a 8.  Which means that an eighth grader in his third month of school would have scored as well on this test as our fifth graders.  Our program is proving itself.

There is room for improvement in some areas of some of our other grades, but the scores are very encouraging.

February 15, 2008

The first annual Classics Festival was a great success.  All the parents were so pleased to see the fruit of their sacrifices and of the work which their children have put into their studies.  Mr. Gutierrez was also able to announced the result of the Lower School's IOWA test scores.  We are very happy with these results and look forward to see how well our students perform when they are given the chance to excel.   

December 20, 2007

All parents, grandparents, and extended family were invited to join us for our Christmas Celebration on the 20th of December at 6:30 PM in the Church of St. James the Less Parish. 

It was a fantastic evening, filled with beautiful carols and wonderful opportunities to think on and about the great mysteries of Christ's birth.  Fellowship followed the event in the gymnasium of the school.  Copies of Mr. Gutierrez' talk can be provided on request.

November 1, 2007

After a short musical program, some fine food, and carnival games, it was safe to say that the celebration for the Solemnity of All Saints was a smashing achievement.  All the students had so much fun.  Grandparents were also invited to join us in the classroom and in the festivities.  The students looked fantastic in their Saint costumes.  Pictures will be available soon.

October 28, 2007

Some generous parents organized a square dance at M&M Ranch in Sparta.  Students were invited to dance, take a hay ride, travel the corn maze, and enjoy some good food.  It was a beautiful evening.

October 13, 2007

Our fundraiser at Lagerdalen was a success and a great deal of fun for all those who participated.  Everyone who did said that they would be back next year.  Thanks to the Walter Baltz family and other supporters of the school, we were able to have a great afternoon of fellowship.  Target shooting, fishing, and trap shooting were all in order.  Please consider joining us for next year's Lagerdalen outing.

October 4, 2007

In order to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, co-patron of the Diocese of La Crosse, the students of Providence Academy took the second half of the day to enjoy nature and the life of the Saint.  Our K through 3rd Graders visited an Apple Orchard.  Our 4/5th Grade visited Myrick Park here in La Crosse.  Our 6th through 11th Graders stayed here, took in a film on St. Francis, feasted, and then had their pets blessed by Fr. Valentine.  Pictures of all these events can be seen here.  St. Francis of Assisi, ora pro nobis.

June 2, 2007

Our very first Graduation Mass and Commencement took place on June 2nd for Anna Marie Crater who chose to spend her last year of High School with us at Providence Academy.  Pictures of the event will be made available later as will a DVD of the ceremony. 

February 1, 2007

WXOW Channel 19 La Crosse did a short spot on Providence Academy.  It aired on February 1, 2007 as part of their “Your Hometown Schools” series. 

Amy Dupont came to the school and interview Mr. Gutiérrez, Miss Reischl, and Mrs. Patty Keil, mother of Jack Keil.  Everyone was nervous but did well. 

Thanks to WXOW and Amy Dupont for doing their best to let the Coulee Region learn about Providence Academy.

January 5, 2007

Our Christmas Pageant was a great success.  Held on January 5, 2006 on the eve of the traditional date for the Epiphany, we had the children singing various Christmas songs and chants, including the Magnificat in English and in Latin.  The 5th Graders and up did a wonderful rendition of The Shepherds or the Officium Pastorum in Latin. 

Providence Academy thanks Dr. Kelly for teaching our students these wonderful pieces and the parents who helped set up and take down after the event.  All in all it was a great evening.

October 8, 2006

The La Crosse Tribune published a feature, front-page story on Providence Academy on October 8, 2006. 

Dan Simmons, writer for the paper, came in several times to interview Mr. Gutiérrez and some of the other teachers in order to write up a feature article on our school.  This Sunday edition, front-page story was accompanied by beautiful photos taken by Peter Thomson.

We were very pleased with the results and have had many compliments and congratulations. 

Many thanks to Mr. Simmons for a well balanced article and to Mr. Thomson for the beautiful pics.

April 2006

Providence Academy’s students took part in the IOWA basic skills testing.  As a school, Providence Academy scored in the 98th percentile.