Detroit, Jan. 16, 2008: Students, parents, faculty, community members, and benefactors gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School to bless and dedicate its new technology lab. 

The program included student demonstrations, a blessing by Father Bob McGrath, who serves as both pastor of St. Alexander Parish in Farmington Hills and the chaplain of the Notre Dame Club of Detroit.

A plaque acknowledging the lab’s benefactors, including the Christ Child Society, Cornerstone Youth Development Foundation, and Arvin Meritor Corporation. Funding was initiated through a challenge grant from the Notre Dame Club of Detroit, an affiliate of the Alumni Association of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. 

The lab houses 17 computer workstations, under the direction of technology teacher Sr. Elizabeth Walters, IHM. “Technology is essential to living in the world today; this new lab ensures that our students receive the very best education,” said Sr. Elizabeth.  In class, students learn to create and manipulate word processing documents, graphics, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations.  Students also learn to use the Internet in a safe, responsible way.”

Teachers will use the lab to integrate technology into all subject areas.  Cathy Avis, science and math teacher, uses the lab to enrich her lessons.  “[Students] were able to “solve” mysteries using scientific information and Internet clues during our forensic science unit,” explained Avis.  Avis will use the lab regularly to access streaming Internet video and other resources to provide students with the most up-to-date science information.

Evening bilingual computer classes for parents and neighbors are planned.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School is a full-scholarship, all-girls Catholic middle school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, the Community of Saint Joseph, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Religious of the Sacred Heart.  The school offers an extended school day of 8am-6pm daily, an average class size of 15 students, summer programming, extensive parent involvement, and a program of graduate support. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School is a member of the NativityMiguel Network of schools.  More information is available at www.olgdetroit.org and www.nativitymiguelschools.org