School Life

St. Irene School – we teach more!

More academics:

• Spanish at every grade level
• Science fair for grades 7-8
• Outdoor education in grades 5-8
• Differentiated learning for children with special needs, including resourcing and interventions in conjunction with District 200.
• Annual Shakespeare production (grades 7-8)
• Diocesan curriculum pilot school (first adopters)

More partnership learning experiences:

• Junior Achievement at every grade level with partners at Navistar
• Worm study program in 3rd grade through the U of I Extension Master Gardeners
• DARE Program in 5th grade with Officer Scott Reid

More service-learning:

• Altar servers for weekday Masses and funerals (grades 4-8)
• Student ambassadors (grades 7-8) to develop leadership skills
• Individual service hour commitments in grades 4-8
• PADS lunch projects
• Christmas Sharing, charity drives, food drives

More faith experiences:

• Weekly student-led Masses and weekly adoration, daily prayer
• Sacramental preparation (Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation)
• Vocation interview event (7th grade)

More arts and extracurriculars:

• Band, music, children’s choir, boys choir, teen choir
• Math club (grades 5-8)
• Drama club (grades 6-8)
• Student council (grades 5-8)
• Young Rembrandts (grades K-5)
• Cub Scouts (grades 1-4) & Boy Scouts (grades 4-8)
• Brownies (grades 2-4) & Girl Scouts (grades 5-8)

More opportunities for teamwork

• Interscholastic sports (cross-country, track, volleyball and basketball) for grades 5-8
• Buddy program (all grades)