b'BELIEFST. SCHOLASTICA ACADEMYSTATEMENTSSt. Scholastica Academy is dedicated to a reverence for life, a thirst for truth, and anappreciation of beauty. The key to SSAs comprehensive educational program is balance basedon the Benedictinepillars of prayer, work, study, and community. This rigorous programattemptsto meet the academic, personal, and spiritual needs of thestudents, as the faculty andadministration of the Academy perceivethese. The Academy fosters a concern for individualityand community,encouraging the experience of respect for each person and that of belonging toa group. SSA strives to integrate faith into school lifeby guiding students to the realization thatall of reality is sacredand that each one reflects in her person the beauty of God. Because SSAis a Catholic educational institution, the central focusis on creating an atmosphere in whichChristian values are a vitalpart of the total education process. At SSA, students areencouraged to become responsible members of the community and develop positiveattitudesand values, including a sense of self-discipline and respect both for themselves and others.SSAs primary aim is to enablestudents to grow from adolescents to mature, Christian youngwomen.In Prayer. to pray as if everything depends on God.That God, gospel values, and the teachings of the Catholic church permeate all that we do and that we may be a witness tothe larger community.That we guide each student in developing a well-formed conscience. That we pursue a way of life that demonstrates an active relationship with God.That we affirm that all life is created in the image and likeness of God, and that all life has value and meaning.In Work. to work by growing and discovering our calling as children of God.That we encourage the perseverance, discipline, and resilience necessary to be successful in all of our endeavors.That we foster an appreciation for the dignity of work.That we model and promote a balanced life of prayer and work.That we may work together to build the Kingdom of God.In Study. to study in order to attain wisdom.That we adhere to a standard of academic excellence through a rigorousand challenging curriculum.That all in the learning community model a dedication to lifelong learning and foster that dedication in our students.That we meet the needs of young women in a challenging, safe, andnurturing environment.That we acknowledge each student is unique and that belief is reflected in the curriculum, discipline policies, activities,andAcademy procedures.That we model and teach ethical use of technology.That we support and encourage critical thinking and creativity.In Community. to serve by being with and supporting others in our community.That we prepare our students to lead Christian lives of service andresponsibility.That we foster sisterhood and friendships among our students in anenvironment where each person is respected, valued, andcared for.That we promote a sense of social responsibility by demonstratingethical participation and respect for the Earths resourcesbased onCatholic social teaching.That we celebrate diversity and make deliberate efforts to diversify the school community byrecruiting students of diverseraces, ethnicities, backgrounds, andsocio-economic strata.That we welcome all members of the community.Veterans Day Assembly'