Introduction:

Mission Statement:

Holy Name Parish School is a Catholic school committed to offering its students a strong, spiritual foundation based on the teachings of the Catholic Church and a solid, academic education. Each student is expected to achieve his or her highest level of scholarship while learning values to help them become compassionate, contributing and responsible members of society.

History:

Holy Name of Jesus School, starting with 304 students, opened in 1941 under the pastor, Rev. Richard Ryan, and the tutelage of the Sisters of Mercy. There was a steady increase in enrollment and by 1949 all grades (K-8) had two classes. In September of 1985, Mrs. Noreen Murphy became the first lay principal and the Canossian Sisters began their ministry at Holy Name School. Today, Holy Name reflects the cultural diversity of San Francisco. Father Donald D’Angelo was appointed pastor in 1999. Mrs. Judith Cosmos was appointed principal in 2008.

Location:

Holy Name of Jesus School is located in the Sunset District of San Francisco near Golden Gate Park. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation (N Judah streetcar / 29 Muni). Because of our proximity to transit services, students are able to enjoy cultural and educational activities throughout the city.

Faculty & Staff:

A dedicated, highly committed faculty and staff, in partnership with parents, work to create the strong community that is Holy Name School. Those serving the families include: Principal, Vice-Principal, 14 Lay Teachers, Primary Classroom Aides, 2 Administrative Assistants, Art Teacher, Computer Education Teacher, Music Teacher, Physical Education Teacher, Librarian, Religion Coordinator, 2 Educational Therapists (additional fee), Extended Care Director and staff and 2 Custodians.

Religion:

All students are taught Catholic doctrine and practice Christian values and traditions. Preparation for the sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation are a part of our second grade religion program. Seventh and eighth grade students prepare and receive the sacrament of Confirmation. All students attend weekly Mass. One Sunday a month there is a school sponsored Family Mass.

Reading:

The basic reading program (grades 1-5) and the literature program (grades 6-8) integrate reading, listening, writing and speaking activities in the class curriculum. A number of supplemental novels in the upper grades and primary chapter books are used to enhance students’ understanding and enjoyment of the written word.

Grammar and Spelling:

Focus on grammar instruction and spelling is a fundamental part of our curriculum. Daily curricular activities throughout the grades foster the development of the students’ creative writing and report writing skills.

Mathematics:

Manipulative and traditional materials are used to develop conceptual understanding and computational skills. In the upper grades, problem-solving, basic and advanced computational skills, probability and introductory algebraic skills are further developed. Seventh grade students cover pre-algebra and eighth grade students complete Algebra I.

Science / Environmental Education:

Science is taught to students (grades K-8). Hands-on activities in the science lab led by our junior high science teacher, PowerPoint presentations and field trips related to the subject matter are a part of our curriculum. The culmination of these learning experiences is a school-wide science fair. Through field trips, community service outreach projects and school-wide environmental awareness activities coordinated by teachers with the help of the Student Council, Holy Name instills appreciation and responsibility for our natural environment. Seventh grade students attend a week-long outdoor educational program.

Technology:

A high speed line links computers in every classroom and the computer lab to the Internet. The iMac computer lab is used for instruction in all aspects of computer work: keyboarding, word processing and on-line research techniques as well as familiarity with educational programs. Each classroom is equipped with computers for further enhancement of technical skills and applications taught in the lab. Digital presenters and projectors are used by the classroom teachers to enhance learning.

Athletics:

Regularly scheduled physical education classes that include the President’s Council on Physical Fitness challenge are held in the school’s gymnasium. We offer a girls’ and boys’ sports program for grades 3-8 through the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Boys interested in baseball are encouraged to join the San Francisco Parish Baseball League. Students in grades K-2 are welcomed to participate in various city organized sports programs.

Drama:

Students in the eighth grade audition, rehearse and perform in a full length musical production, which is directed by a Holy Name faculty member. These students not only learn the art of singing, acting and dance, but they also learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation.

Music and Art:

Students in grades K-8 study sight singing, music theory and music appreciation in weekly, age appropriate classes conducted in our music room. All students participate in voice building exercises and maintain a repertoire of sacred, patriotic and popular songs. A formal concert is among the performance opportunities available.

Special Needs:

The Bay Area Learning Center provides a qualified learning specialist to help children with special needs. There is an additional charge for these services. In addition, classroom teachers accommodate for students with special needs.

Kindergarten:

The full-day program provides developmentally appropriate reading and math readiness as well as visual motor and fine motor activities. A manipulative-based math program, Mathematics Their Way, is used in conjunction with traditional materials. The Fifth Grade/Kindergarten Buddy Program creates an opportunity for fifth grade students to welcome kindergarten students and engage in a variety of year-round activities.

Extended Care:

For a reasonable fee, the Extended Care Program is available to all students (grades K-6) who need a daily program of supervision before and/or after school. The after-school program offers recreation and organized games, study time, snacks, art activities and quiet time. Morning hours are from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.; after-school hours are available from dismissal until 6:00 p.m.

Parent Organization:

A fundamental reason for the success of our school program is the unique partnership developed between parents and school staff. By taking an active part in our home-school partnership, parents become role models for our students and show their children that they value school. The Parents’ Guild raises money for the school through various fund-raising activities which they sponsor and coordinate.

Extracurricular Activities:

A number of after-school activities are offered for a nominal fee: language classes, chess class, Keyboard Piano and the Art of Mental Discipline (Karate). Students may participate in Math Counts, speech tournaments, essay contests, spelling bees, and peer tutoring at no cost. A course preparing our eighth grade students for the high school entrance exams is offered for a fee.