SAN BERNARDINO—In an effort to better prepare students for college and the workforce, and increase their depth of knowledge in core subjects, Catholic schools in the Diocese have begun to adjust their curricula to meet the national Common Core State Standards.

 The new standards represent what students in kindergarten through 12th grade should know in Math and English. The standards have been adopted by 45 states and the District of Columbia. In most cases, Catholic dioceses in those states, which include California, have elected to adopt the Common Core Standards.

PERRIS—The students, staff and faculty at St. James School decided to participate in the annual Thanksgiving Baskets provided for local families through the St James Catholic Church Food Pantry by providing 200 decorated bags packed with “prayers” and goodies” for the children of the families receiving baskets.

By Randy Plavajka
Grade 12

RIVERSIDE—Here at Notre Dame High School, our student body, faculty, and staff all strive to live our charism of Cor Unum et Anima Una – “one heart, one spirit.”

 Over the past few months we have been doing this to the best of our abilities. From raising awareness to fundraising for worthy causes, our student body is actively engaged in helping the community.

ALTA LOMA—Students of St. Peter and Saint Paul Catholic School in Alta Loma participated in an Annual Trike/Bike-a-thon and 100 Mile Club Kick Off on September 21st.  The cooler morning temperatures aided over 50 participants as they ran and pedaled at top speeds to complete laps required to earn donations.  

By Gina Roquet

SAN BERNARDINO—Select your course language study preference:

 _Spanish

 _French

 _Serrano 

 This may be an option one day at Aquinas High School, but for now two students are taking advantage of the opportunity to take the Dual Credit Serrano course through Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB). Serrano is the native language spoken by the the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. 

By Karen Evans
Grade 7

UPLAND—At this period of time my school family is very excited. On October 31 of this year, Pope Francis declared Nano Nagle, the foundress of the Presentation Sisters, Venerable. My principal, Sister Mary Kelly, is a Presentation Sister. This event coincided with a project on Nano Nagle that my class was doing. We researched the life and work of Nano Nagle, prepared a handout for each grade, and we showed a video to the classes. The following week we put on a presentation about Nano Nagle, and I was honored by being able to play the role of Nano Nagle. Our project was a great success.