Mission Statement
Conn-Area Catholic School instills and encourages a deep relationship with the Lord and a commitment to our baptismal responsibility of service to others. We believe each child is created with unique talents and intellect that will fulfill God’s plan for that child. Our curriculum includes a full spectrum of opportunities that promotes the development of a Christ-centered individual. Therefore, it is our vision that Conn-Area Catholic School can develop these God-given gifts in order that each child realizes his or her full potential, enabling them to serve our Lord through His intended purpose.
Our History
In 1911, Immaculate Conception School opened its doors on Prospect Street in Connellsville to serve grades one through twelve. The Diocese of Greensburg formed a regional Catholic school in 1967, creating Conn-Area Catholic, to serve students in first through eighth grade. The merger combined St. Rita of Cascia, St. John the Evangelist and Immaculate Conception schools, all in Connellsville, as well as St. Aloysius School in Dunbar.
Seventh and eighth grade were moved to Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School in 2006, forming a junior high program. That same year, Conn-Area Catholic also opened a preschool program.
In 2011, Conn-Area Catholic moved to its current home, on the Geibel Catholic campus on East Crawford Avenue in Connellsville.
For an in-depth school history, please view the article, “A Century of Christ-Centered Education” by Karen Hechler.
Vision Statement
It is our vision of the Catholic schools within the Diocese of Greensburg to ensure excellence in the formation of our faith, in academics, and in service.
Belief Statement
We believe that:
- Parents have the primary responsibility to develop a sound Catholic education for their children.
- It is important for teachers and parents to work together to provide a sound education.
- Catholic schools teach foundations of our Catholic faith.
- Children should develop a responsibility of lifelong service to others.
- Effective education develops the whole person – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.
- Each child is created with unique talents and intellect.
- God creates each child for an intended purpose.
- Catholic schools develop God-given gifts in each child.
- Catholic schools bring children into a greater relationship with God.
- Catholic schools enhance a child’s prayer life.
- Catholic schools provide the nurturing component that is essential in a child’s life.
Profile of Graduates
Graduates of the schools of the Diocese of Greensburg will be:
Knowledgeable
Students have mastered a strong academic foundation and are able to apply skills, facts, and knowledge in real world environments.
Future Ready
Students are able to think critically, solve problems, use information, communicate and innovate. They are flexible, adaptive, collaborative, creative and globally aware and are able to compete in a global society.
Educators
Students will find ways to share their faith and academic knowledge with others.
Leaders
Students will be able to work cooperatively for the good of all, accepting the freedom and responsibility leadership brings. They will be encouraged to act with integrity, and to make ethical, responsible, and moral decisions.
Disciples of Christ
Students will evangelize through their words and actions.
Problem Solvers
Students will develop their natural curiosity and encounter the world and embrace the future with a sense of imagination and wonder. They will acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They will apply thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems and develop solutions.
Catholic Social Teachers
Students will show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They will have a personal commitment to service, and to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Life Long Learners
Students will work to build personal growth and are intrinsically motivated to continue the learning process throughout one’s life.
Principal’s Message
One day, as I sat in church listening to the word of the Lord, one phrase moved me in particular, “For rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength” (Neh 8:10). Every day is an opportunity to rejoice about his presence in our school. Our mission is to grow in our relationship with the Lord in order that we learn his purpose for each of us. Our students will one day be leading this country and they should do it based on Christ’s message. I am greatly blessed to be a part of the education of our students. Interacting with each child at Conn-Area Catholic School speaks to me in a spiritual way. Each child who enters our school offers something more in my life. They are one more piece of Christ that I did not have before. I wish you all the blessings of Christ as you rejoice in his presence.
