Immaculate High School Receives Innovation and Leadership Grants to Enrich Students

 

Immaculate High School (IHS) received two grants from the Diocese of Bridgeport that will allow the school to advance and enhance its STEM programs to both its students and to students in local elementary schools.

The IHS Graphic Arts Program has expanded recently to include a 3D printer and a “business” component that will allow students to create business proposals for local organizations and create promotional materials for those organizations. The program will provide students with work experience in a new technology while encouraging their creative and artistic talents. The $6,500 Innovation Grant from the Diocese’s Foundations in Eduction initiative will allow IHS to purchase a Carvey production instrument with materials to design and produce three-dimensional work including key chains, light boxes, cutting boards and other products, as well purchase a support container for the school’s new Stratasys 3D printer. The grant was awarded on behalf of Samantha Kohler, graphics arts teacher and IHS’ Fine Arts Department Chair.

A $2,000 Leadership Grant was awarded to Immaculate High School’s expanding Distance Learning Program.  Currently, the highly interactive program allows IHS staff to teach honors Algebra 1 classes virtually to advanced math students in local Catholic elementary schools, engaging students in collaborative thinking and creative group projects in their own classrooms.  The Distance Learning (DL) Program also provides elementary school students an opportunity to begin their high school experience and transition easily into AP and Early College Experience courses during their high school years. The grant monies will allow the Program Coordinator to participate in a Learners Edge professional development program that will introduce additional technology and methodology for the DL program. The grant was awarded on behalf of Monica Ortega, math teacher and IHS’ DL Program Coordinator.

“By awarding us these grants, the Diocese of Bridgeport confirms that it has faith in our STEM program advancements as well as in Immaculate’s ability to provide modern, high-quality STEM, Fine Arts and Business education components to all of our students, along with deep spiritual guidance and an emphasis on community service,” said Mary Maloney, President of Immaculate High School.

Immaculate’s innovative programs are evidently working. The school is ranked as the third top Catholic High School in Fairfield County, CT and a top ten Best Catholic High School in Connecticut by NICHE.  Immaculate has the highest SAT scores in the Diocese of Bridgeport, provides a three-times return on investment and has seen a 24% increase in student enrollment over the past four years.

Immaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School allows students to focus on academic excellence, spiritual development, service to others and personal goals. Located in Danbury, CT, Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s parochial school system. For more information, go to www.immaculatehs.org.

PHOTO:  Samantha Kohler and Monica Ortega