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St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School is implementing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) into the school curriculum. IB schools exist across the globe. Like St. Francis, IB schools are places for knowledgeable students who care about the world in which they live and who want to learn more about their neighbors, both far and wide, care for God’s creation, and further our mission of inclusivity and social justice.

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The IB programs are administered by our two IB Teacher-Coordinators, Ms. Isabel Herzberger (3rd – PYP) and Mrs. Sharon Pressburg-Nevans (6th– MYP). In addition to collecting, preparing and maintaining the records, both Ms. Herzberger and Mrs. Pressburg-Nevans are crucial in implementing changes, training teachers, and communicating the school's learning goals to our entire community.

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While the overall goals and values that we hold dear at St. Francis will remain strong, you will notice some changes in planning, teaching, and learning. The Coordinators will make sure that teachers have access to new training, time, and collaboration. As we move forward, students will have opportunities to proudly show you what they have learned.

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Many of the preliminary steps are already in place. St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School has always been a school where:

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• Teachers work collaboratively across grade-levels and specialties

• Students are exposed to and learn other world languages and cultures (Spanish & Italian)

• Students explore concepts across the curriculum

• Physical Education and the Fine Arts are a fundamental part of our whole-child approach

• International-mindedness and service are integral to our mission

• We value community

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As we fully transition to an IB school, we will continue to prepare students to live their lives in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare, commit to demonstrating a curiosity and respect for learning, and contributing to the world around them.

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St. Francis of Assisi is a fully authorized PYP and MYP school. Below is our welcome from the International Baccalaureate Organization:

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      The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally-minded people who recognize their common humanity and

      shared guardianship of the planet help to create a better and more peaceful world.

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For more information about the International Baccalaureate program, please visit their website at www.ibo.org and look-up the two programs we are implementing here, the Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Middle Years Program (MYP). 

We see this as an amazing opportunity to enhance what we already do as a school and allow us to progress and move forward in a direction that will only be beneficial for our kids.

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