News Summary San Miguel School in Providence, Rhode Island, is dedicated to fostering community and self-confidence among boys from diverse backgrounds. The tuition-free, Lasallian middle school provides a holistic educational experience with a focus on mentorship, personal development, and respect. With intimate class sizes and various extracurricular activities, the school prepares students for high school and life beyond. Its commitment extends even after graduation, ensuring students remain connected to the supportive San Miguel community. Providence, Rhode Island – The San Miguel School, an independent, tuition-free Lasallian middle school, is making significant strides in promoting community and self-confidence among boys hailing from diverse and challenging backgrounds. The school offers a holistic educational approach that aims to foster a sense of brotherhood and strong personal development for students in grades five through eight. At San Miguel School, the foundation of interaction is laid with a simple yet powerful handshake, which students use to introduce themselves respectfully to visitors. This gesture serves as more than a greeting; it reinforces the school’s emphasis on respect and community. As the Executive Director pointed out, in a world where isolation can be harmful to youth, establishing robust community ties is vital for the students’ mental and social well-being. To ensure personalized attention, classroom sizes at San Miguel School are kept intimate, with fewer than eighteen students per class. This enables educators to provide tailored guidance and support, helping each student thrive academically and personally. Additionally, students are paired with older student mentors and adult mentors, who play an essential role in supporting their growth as they transition to high school and beyond. Educational and Extracurricular Activities The San Miguel School offers a wide array of educational and extracurricular programs designed to cultivate various skills and interests among its students. These include: An indoor and outdoor Green Team gardening program that teaches environmental responsibility. A STEM lab dedicated to exploring robotics and technology, fostering innovation. A learning lab that provides academic support to ensure all students succeed. A music room and a chess team, encouraging creativity and strategic thinking. Sports programs covering basketball, golf, soccer, flag football, and crew to promote physical fitness and teamwork. Hands-on engineering projects, like building bridges, that instill practical problem-solving skills. Participation in Hackathons focusing on computer coding, enhancing tech literacy. Forensic investigations in science classes to engage students in scientific inquiry. Recognition and Community Spirit To further enhance the sense of belonging, San Miguel School has instituted the “Miguel Man of the Week” program. This initiative recognizes students who exemplify integrity and respect, reinforcing positive behavior and community values. Mentoring is emphasized through structured weekly meetings that encourage students to share experiences and insights with their mentors over lunch and board games. Post-Graduation Support and Community Connections The school’s commitment to its students extends beyond graduation, as many graduates successfully enroll in reputable high schools such as La Salle Academy, St. Raphael’s Academy, and Classical High School. After leaving San Miguel, graduates continue to receive support, cementing a lifelong connection to the San Miguel community and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their further education and life. Funding and Community Infrastructure To maintain operations and uphold the quality of education provided, San Miguel School raises approximately $2 million annually. These funds are crucial for offering educational opportunities and emotional support to students, helping them flourish both in school and in life. Recently, efforts such as the successful Star Campaign have facilitated infrastructural enhancements, leading to the establishment of a state-of-the-art STEAM Lab. The curriculum at San Miguel is comprehensive, with a focus on life skills such as financial literacy, swimming, cooking, and gardening. Celebrating student achievements and personal growth is also a key component of the school culture, further consolidating the family-like atmosphere that students experience both during their enrollment and afterwards. San Miguel School becomes more than just a place of learning; it is a nurturing environment that builds confidence, cultivates important life skills, and fosters lasting bonds among its students. Through its enriching programs and active community spirit, it is effectively preparing boys for a successful future. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Building Brotherhood and Confidence at San Miguel School Benefit Street Sidewalk Upgrade Proposal Faces Opposition Eloise Mahoney Retires After 22 Years of Inspiring Art Education Additional Resources RIMonthly: The Faces of Modern Manhood in Rhode Island WPRI: Community Focus on San Miguel School GoLocalProv: The Value of Teaching Art to Middle School Students Providence Journal: San Miguel School of Providence PBN: Five Questions with John Wolf Wikipedia: San Miguel School
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