Our Lady Star of the Sea in Atlantic City is among the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden that has developed partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These contacts can provide financial help to schools that function with tight budgets, but they are also ways for students and faculties to benefit from the knowledge and experience of community and business leaders.
Donations helped the school plan for a smooth reopening in September.
In mid-March, when the school started planning for the safe opening of the next academic year, it relied on funds from Excelon – Atlantic City Electric, along with other donors, to help map out scheduling, curriculum and facilities plans.
In August, the school staff and administrators met for a day-long series of training workshops that dealt with curriculum, classroom management techniques and other issues. This work was amplified with another day-long professional development workshop in early October.
OLSS is currently pursuing funding to break ground for its new STEAM/MakerSpace Lab. “A growing network of collaborative partners have joined with the school in this effort,” said Carol Spina, principal. “OLSS looks forward to having Excelon and Atlantic City Electric managers and employees visit the school. This kind of interaction would include a tour of the school and its campus grounds.”
“Meeting with our students would be a terrific way to make sure that students understand that our local utility company and its related corporate family have been front and center in helping us regain our footing as a small school community during these challenging times,” she said.