News & Views


		Holy Child Academy, Drexel Hill, PA Integrates Cutting Edge Technology in the Classroom Holy Child Academy ensures that its students know how to leverage technology in their academic studies – not just in computer class. Teachers integrate cutting edge technology regularly into their classes, and the school provides the advanced equipment needed to support this approach. With seven SMART Boards, a laptop cart equipped with wireless internet and twenty-four laptops, and one flat screen LCD screen, staying connected is easy for the students. “I’ve had to totally re-vamp the way I teach in order to incorporate all the great technology available to us,” said Middle School teacher Caroline Brennan. “I’m always looking for new methods and approaches to make learning fun for the children.” Mrs. Brennan is one of two middle school teachers who have been recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for her “exemplary integration of technology in the practice of teaching.” Step into Mrs. Brennan’s classroom, and you’ll see students analyzing the stock market via real-time internet feeds or building Excel graphs to evaluate the relationship between foot size and height. Director of Technology Maureen Cameron has ensured that the school has access to the latest teaching tools available on the internet. This year the school invested in accounts with BrainPop, an educational program spanning seven main subjects, and United Streaming, a digital video-on-demand and online teaching service funded by Discovery Education. Teacher web pages communicate homework assignments, class announcements and news to parents and students. For the past three consecutive years Holy Child Academy teachers have won Best Buy grants for creative use of technology in the classroom. “Teaching today is all about technology integration,” explains Mrs. Cameron, adding “our students are exposed to the school’s technology resources in every subject.” “We use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for our projects, and we get to research our projects for math, music and science on the web,” said Fourth Grader Jessica Murphy. Classmate Andrew Secundo added, “Technology makes learning more fun.” Holy Child Academy Fourth Grader Jessica Murphy of Lansdowne works on her Music research project in the school’s computer lab. About Holy Child Academy: Holy Child Academy is a co-educational, independent, Catholic school located in Drexel Hill, PA, offering education for Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Holy Child Academy teachers integrate innovative technology in the classroom, engage students in exciting, interactive lessons and foster a positive and challenging learning environment. Students benefit from small class size, individual attention and a diverse student body. With the motto “Actions, not Words,” Holy Child Academy prepares its students as leaders in the community. Curious George Visits Holy Child Academy Integrates Cutting Edge Technology in the Classroom Holy Child Academy hosted a children’s event on Friday night centered on the character of Curious George. Modeled after Cornelia’s Corner, an existing story and activity program, the school invited families with children under the age of four for an evening of pizza, craft projects, games, and a story about Curious George. Curious George made a guest appearance and surprised all the children. Organized by Kindergarten teacher Lynn DeMarco, Admissions Director Christine McLaughlin and lead teacher for Cornelia’s Corner Jennifer Barbier, the event drew twenty families from the area. While the children participated in the activities and games with Curious George, Seventh Grade students invited parents to take a quick tour of the school. Curious George and Jennifer Barbier read a story to children during an event held at Holy Child Academy on Friday night. About Holy Child Academy: Holy Child Academy is a co-educational, independent, Catholic school located in Drexel Hill, PA, offering education for Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Holy Child Academy teachers integrate innovative technology in the classroom, engage students in exciting, interactive lessons and foster a positive and challenging learning environment. Students benefit from small class size, individual attention and a diverse student body. With the motto “Actions, not Words,” Holy Child Academy prepares its students as leaders in the community.