OLA students now ‘learning at a deeper level’
Our Lady of the Assumption eighth-graders Shae Lay and Sela Kojis are thrilled with their new science lab, now equipped with things like a triple beam balance scale for science experiments. (Photo provided by Our Lady of the Assumption School)CHARLOTTE — Federal COVID-19 relief funding is making a positive impact on Catholic education across the Diocese of Charlotte – with Our Lady of the Assumption School being among the biggest beneficiaries.
The school has invested more than $1.4 million in relief funding into expanding its offerings in science, art and supplemental instruction.
Students now have a state-of-the-art science lab, fully equipped learning support classroom, innovative learning stations throughout the school, and computers for digital art projects. A hands-on SmartLab is set to open in January.
“The science classroom now feels like a science lab where hands-on learning, research and experiments can impact learning at a deeper level,” says middle school science teacher Kristalyn Ianniello. “The new lab gives students more resources like a triple beam balance scales, measurement tools and microscopes to apply their learning from a science text.”
Eighth-grader Shae Lay says, “The new material that we use makes science more entertaining and unique.”
Funding for the school’s improvements came from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, which provided Emergency
Assistance for Nonpublic Schools in its second round of support.
Catholic schools in the diocese received a total of $5.5 million in COVID-19 relief funding, most of which went toward educational services such as tutoring, afterschool and summer academic programs, and professional development for teachers. Other funding paid for COVID-19 supplies and equipment, as well as technology and furnishings in schools.
At Our Lady of the Assumption School, students are eager now about seeking additional help with their studies, says Principal Tyler Kulp.
“Kids are enthusiastic about being pulled out for supplemental instruction,” he says. “The morale of our students going into an inspiring room to get support or into one of the new hallway spaces is making a difference in their learning.”
The school’s art class now offers computers that enable students to create digital art and tech-based art projects with their teacher.
“It’s interesting how the funding is allowing teachers to be creative and allowing students to get behind other methodologies for learning,” Kulp says. “Our teachers are really bringing innovative things into their classrooms.”
Still to come is a $310,000 SmartLab that will provide experiential learning to help make up for learning loss brought on by the pandemic.
“Our students are getting excited,” Kulp says. “This new SmartLab will take hands-on learning and incorporate that with fun. It will make all the difference in the world in keeping our students on track. I’m so thrilled our kids will have this opportunity.”
— SueAnn Howell