EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS
MARTINEZ FAMILY AND THEIR CATHOLIC SCHOOL SHARE VALUES, COMMUNITY
Isabel and Adam Martinez love their school. Adam, a first grader, has fun in art club, while his fourth grade sister enjoys her friends, attentive teachers and math class, which she describes as “fun and easy to understand.”
The two attend St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in St. Anthony, which has been providing Catholic education since 1939. The Martinez family has been involved at the preschool through eighth grade school since Isabel started kindergarten.
Elizabeth and Jose Martinez knew they wanted Adam and Isabel to attend Catholic school, although neither of them had any background in Catholic education.
“I never attended Catholic school, but Elizabeth and I chose it because we believe it has a value system,” Jose said. “Catholic schools teach respect and teach about the faith — something not taught in public schools.”
Since the children began attending St. Charles Borromeo, Elizabeth and Jose have found themselves fully integrated into the Catholic community, both at school and beyond. Elizabeth, a fluent Spanish-speaker, was approached by the school’s principal to connect Spanish-speaking families with academic information and tours. She also helps families with their applications if translating is necessary.
“Catholic education has taught our children more about being empathetic to the world. They understand the importance of being generous with time, talent and their finances.”
Outside of the school walls, Jose received an invitation to speak about Catholic schools during several radio spots. He has recorded the spots in both English and Spanish.
“We believe Catholic schools are great for education. Hispanic communities fear that a Catholic education is expensive, but we have learned there are a lot of economic programs to support the community and help children benefit from Catholic education,” said Jose, a native of Mexico.
As for their own children, Elizabeth and Jose are pleased with the tools Catholic education has given them. Elizabeth values the personalized attention that Isabel and Adam receive, and attests that, “Catholic education has taught our children more about being empathetic to the world. They understand the importance of being generous with time, talent and their finances. There’s a lot of messages they bring home that talk about helping others.”
Jose appreciates that they have a partner in teaching their children about the sacraments and how to prepare for them.
“Our children have been learning collaboration and the tenets of the faith,” he said. “The school leads the faith formation, which we can then talk about at home.”