LAPLACE — The end of summer is quickly approaching as Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School prepares to open its doors on Aug. 8.

Meanwhile, Principal Toni Ruiz works on reviewing and approving class schedules as teachers are organizing classrooms and curriculums for incoming students.
In an effort to increase the development of interpersonal skills and prepare students for middle school transition, AOL will departmentalize third and fourth grade classes beginning this school year.

“Third and fourth grade students will experience departmentalization for the first time this school year,” Ruiz said. “There will be a three-person team … ELA, Math, and Science/Social Studies … teaching all students. This will allow teachers to focus on specific subjects, which will provide a greater level of understanding.

“Students will also get to experience different teaching styles and positively interact with several teachers.”

Shannon Cosse has been a fourth grade teacher for many years.

“I am excited about the movement that will be taking place in the third and fourth grade hallway,” Cosse said.

Through mutual teacher support, equal ownership of students and the opportunity for teachers to teach what they love, Ascension expects to see a successful transition.

AOL School Counselor Christine Escobar is geared up and ready for a new year.

“My work as a school counselor is a connection to hope and positive change,” Escobar said. “To see a glimmer of that is what gets me out of bed the next day and continues to inspire these students!

“My hope for this school year is that each student knows they are loved and that we as Crusader staff really care. Empathy within a school is so important and I hope to spread that around campus this year.”

The entire Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School family is excited and ready for a blessed year.