Welcome to Holy Family Parish School, where we serve students in grades Preschool through 8th grade. Under the guidance of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph our mission is to stress academic excellence and offer unique opportunities for our students to develop in body, mind, and spirit. We focus on the WHOLE child. We strive to see ALL of our students grow– academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
We are fully recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. We stress academic excellence and have high expectations for ALL of our students. Our curriculum is rigorous with students being taught the core curriculum subjects of Math, Language Arts/Reading, Science, and Social Studies with an inclusion of S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Fine Arts (Art, Music, Dance, Choir, and Band). In addition, we have the following clubs that students can join Speech, Declamation, Scholastic Bowl, Robotics, Lego Club, and Chess Club, depending upon grade level.
We recognize the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL provides a foundation for safe and positive learning, and enhances students’ ability to be successful, while giving them tools to help them later in life. In addition to our teaching staff, we have several other resources to support SEL. Through our Title grant, we have two counselors from Antioch Group, who are available twice per week. The Center for Prevention of Abuse also provides an annual school-wide Second Step program, where students are taught skills and concepts such as respect, empathy, emotion management, problem solving, bullying prevention, peer pressure, working in groups, etc.
There are many opportunities for our students to grow physically. To provide nutrition to support healthy physical growth, we offer a Breakfast & Lunch program. A Free & Reduced Breakfast/Lunch program is also available for those who qualify. Our students participate in P.E., Health, and Dance. We also have Bradley University student nurses, who are on site once a week, as well as annual hearing, vision, and dental screenings for those who qualify. In addition, students participate in recess during different periods of the day. Lastly, we have several Athletic programs that students can become involved in depending on grade level such as soccer, Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Track & Field (boys and girls).
Christ is at the center of everything that we do. We begin and end every day with prayer. Religion class, where students are taught the Catholic faith, is an integral part of our curriculum and is taught daily. In addition, students attend an All-School Mass on Friday mornings and Holy Days of Obligation. Our staff prepare our students to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion (2nd grade) and Confirmation (7th grade). Lastly, our students are taught and practice the corporal works of mercy such as feeding the poor, volunteering at local soup kitchens, visiting nursing homes, forgiveness, offering mass, praying the rosary, etc.
As the proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” –and it certainly takes a village to educate one. I believe that everyone must work together as a team in order to ensure success for our students. Please take time to look through our website and School Facebook Page to find more information about our school and why you should choose Holy Family Parish School for your child. Please call the school office at (309) 688-2931 for more information.
Yours in Christ,
Stacie Gianessi, Principal