After several years of research, best practice visits, discussions, and discernment, Chaminade Julienne is implementing CJ United, a new daily programming model for the 2024-2025 school year. The program will provide all students with a more enriched and deeper experience during their time at CJ, and is one example of an initiative supported by the Ascend effort.
This new model will expand and formalize the current social and emotional learning programs, including SOAR and homeroom advisories, to better align education rooted in school mission. It will also provide opportunities for students to more fully grow in an environment steeped in family spirit, encouragement and support.
“Following the call of our sponsors to ‘develop holistic learning communities which educate for life,’ (Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur), and to ‘provide a quality, integral education … in family spirit,’ (The Marianists), we must look at the signs of the times and adapt in providing students of today with new opportunities,” said Greg Mueller, principal.
Additional benefits include that new and expanded academic support opportunities will also be built within the school day. Teacher office hours, subject specific tutoring, the testing center and study tables will allow students to access the academic support they need at a time convenient for them.
In a place where #AllAreWelcomeCJ, students will benefit from programming focused on emotional, spiritual, and academic growth. They will learn vital social emotional learning (SEL) skills and build cross grade level relationships, while also deepening their connection to God through sacraments, prayer, and service.
“There will be new and traditional opportunities for students to grow in leadership skills all four years at CJ,” said Mueller. “Student enrichment programming will be embedded during the school day, which will allow all students to more fully participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs, student groups, and other opportunities not previously possible because of other after school commitments.”
“We have already begun to see success for CJ United based on approximately 150 student leadership applications submitted at the end of this school year and over 60 being elected for leadership positions, with many more positions opening next school year,” he said.
Libby Harbaugh, Spanish teacher, is serving as the student activities coordinator for the program.