St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School
History
St. Thomas the Apostle School was established on September 12, 1946, staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. The first classrooms were located at Sherman Indian High School where Saint Katherine Drexel also taught. The Sisters’ leadership at the school lasted more than 50 years and currently the school is staffed by dedicated lay teachers and staff. The Franciscan order of priests led the parish until 2001 when St. Thomas the Apostle became staffed by Diocesan priests. Fr. Ted Drennan is the current Parochial Administrator supported by Fr. Celestine Afugwobi, Parochial Vicar, and Deacon Raul Michel.
St. Thomas began as a first through eighth grade school and has grown over the years. A portable building was added in 1981 which housed our first Kindergarten class. The campus continued to grow and in 2002 additional portable buildings were installed that housed a library, bookkeeper office, and extra classroom space. In 2013 the first Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program was opened using the newer classroom portable.
Over the years, there have been several improvements made to the campus: security fencing, covered eating area, additional structures, updated playground, full basketball court, large play structure and swing set, an updated permanent field building with restrooms for students, and double-pane security classroom windows and updated doors.
In 2022, new A/C/Heating units were installed in the classrooms and the school converted to LED lighting throughout. The school is wired with fiber optics, has acquired iPads and chromebooks for all students, mobile charging carts, and laptops and iPads for all teachers. All classrooms are also equipped with interactive Mimeo boards to engage learners and streamline lessons. Technology is used to support the students in their learning and to ensure that they are prepared for the future.
In 2020 St. Thomas purchased several portable keyboards and converted a large room in the parish hall into a music room. The school now offers weekly lessons for all students with a dedicated music teacher. Student talents are showcased each Spring with a yearly Music Recital.
In 2021, St. Thomas the Apostle School celebrated 75 years as an educational cornerstone in the community. The school continues to enjoy a close relationship with a very supportive parish and we look forward to a bright future continuing to provide a supportive, loving, and creative learning environment for many years to come.
Mission Statement
St. Thomas the Apostle School provides a quality education founded upon the principles of our Catholic identity. St. Thomas the Apostle School works in partnership with parents to build a strong foundation for the lifelong spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical well-being of our children.
Philosophy
At St. Thomas the Apostle School, we believe that all children are unique and created in the image and likeness of God. Partnering with parents, the school offers a quality, Catholic education based on the values and teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Students strengthen their faith, sense of community, and commitment to social justice by participating in religion classes, prayer, social projects, and attending Mass. Students learn to be effective communicators by speaking, listening, and writing in the various curriculums. At St. Thomas School we educate the whole child. The goals are for students to become lifelong learners, ambassadors of hope to the world, and to develop a love of faith and respect for all human life.
SLE's
Schoolwide Learning Expectations
TK – 4th Grade
A. To be Faith-Filled Catholics who:
1. Get to know God by praying everyday and learning about the sacraments.
2. Know what the Catholic Church teaches.
3. Live like Jesus.
B. To Be Lifelong Learners who:
1. Love to learn and do new things.
2. Use thinking skills to make decisions.
3. Grow up to be what they want to become.
C. To Be Effective Communicators who:
1. Speak and write so others can understand.
2. Are good listeners.
3. Respect what others think and say.
D. To Be Responsible Citizens who:
1. Take responsibility for their actions.
2. Show respect for our world and take care of it.
3. Get along with others.
5th- 8th Grade
A. To be Faith-Filled Catholics who:
1. Develop a personal relationship with God through daily prayer and sacramental preparation.
2. Have knowledge of Catholic teachings and practices.
3. Live Gospel values.
B. To Be Lifelong Learners who:
1. Have a love for knowledge and apply it to future growth.
2. Use critical thinking skills in decision making.
3. Set practical goals for future development.
C. To Be Effective Communicators who:
1. Articulate ideas clearly in both written and oral forms.
2. Listen critically and compassionately.
3. Show respect for the opinion of others.
D. To Be Responsible Citizens who:
1. Take responsibility for their actions.
2. Show respect and appreciation for the world.
3. Collaborate well with others.
