JMSO part of Nativity Miguel Network
 
The Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO), one of only three Jesuit schools in Nebraska, is proud to be a member of the NativityMiguel Network of Schools. The Network began over 30 years ago with only one school. In 2006, the Nativity Network (51 schools) merged with the Lasallian Association of Schools (13) and formed a new association of inner city schools: the NativityMiguel Network of Schools. Today, there are 64 schools located throughout the country and over 4,400 middle-school age boys and girls who attend them. According to the NativityMiguel website, the first Nativity school opened in 1971 in the lower east side of Manhattan. Their mission: provide high-quality education to boys of middle-school age who had potential to succeed academically, but had no choice but to attend public school.  From there, the school day was lengthened and the year extended to make up for the grade level deficit.  A graduate support system was established to follow the graduates through high school to ensure the boys kept up with the study habits and work ethic instilled while at Nativity. The effectiveness of this model was shown via the number of alumni graduating from high school and enrolling in college.  The mission of the NativityMiguel Network of Schools remains simple: to enhance the viability and the vitality of our member schools and strengthen their capacity to deliver a uniquely effective, faith-based education to the students in their care. Other important Network facts include: • Students come from some of the most challenged communities in the country • Of the 4,000-plus students, 89 percent qualify for free and reduced meals • An average school day is nine hours compared to six and a half at most public schools • Attendance rate is an unbelievable 97.4 percent • Ninety-eight percent of students graduate from high school compared with the national average for minorities who graduate: 52 percent • Seventy percent of graduates attend Catholic or private high school • Schools are connected to their students after graduation by offering high school tuition assistance, mentoring, tutoring and college guidance The Jesuit Middle School of Omaha is proud to be a part of this alliance that provides a safe place for children to learn and that keeps students away from the dangerous influences of neighborhood streets. Together, they are breaking the cycle of poverty…one school at a time. To learn more about the NativityMiguel Network of Schools, please visit www.jesuitmso.org and click on the NativityMiguel link.http://www.jesuitmso.orgshapeimage_1_link_0
Tuesday, November 6, 2007