This was the headline for a recent article in the Tidings about the new Catholic elementary school that has two campuses, one in Monrovia and one in Arcadia. According to the article:
"Last year, the two schools chose to merge their resources, creating two campuses: the elementary school (grades K-4) at Immaculate Conception and the middle school (grades 5-8) at Annunciation. This year, about 150 students call ICA their school."
“It’s a unique situation and I can see the benefits of two campuses,” said Principal Norma Moreno, adding that since the merger, each school has more space for dedicated science, music and art rooms. “The downside is that we don’t get to see each other as an entire school.”
Enter the concept of Faith Families and Joint Campus Days. Students at all grade levels are matched with students of all ages into one Faith Family. As a family, they get together regularly during their monthly Joint Campus Day for fun, fellowship and learning. The idea was introduced last year, and Moreno is fully behind the concept.
It’s a day without homework or regular classes, but, rather as Moreno said, “It’s a day for building community and creating camaraderie. And our parents are a big part of the execution and support.”
Moreno sees the day as a way for the school to embrace its Catholic identity. “Our faith is not just symbols and signs, but a real life experience of God with us,” she said.
For example, before the Blessing of the Animals in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the entire student body attended Mass at Immaculate Conception, (Next month they will be at Annunciation.) where both pastors celebrated Mass — another sign that despite the two buildings, they are one school.
After the Blessing of the Animals, the students participated in a living rosary and worked together on animal-themed activities. In addition, each Joint Campus Day has a Christian Service component, and for October, students were encouraged to bring pet food, treats and cat litter to be donated to the local humane society.
“Our goal is to make the day fun and yet meaningful as we focus on our religious identity, that’s the heart of our school,” said third grade teacher Vivian Vasquez who planned most of the day’s activities. “We like to remind our students to give back in all they do.”
Monrovia Campus - Elementary School
Grades K - 8th Grade - Catholic Education for your children
Monrovia, CA 91016-3653
Principal Norma Moreno
Elementary School Contact site
(626) 358-5129 office
(323) 730-0321 fax
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