A Catholic community of dedicated teachers, parents, and students.

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502 491 3171

office@stmarthaschool.org

2825 Klondike Ln

Louisville, KY 40218

7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Monday to Friday

The child has one intuitive aim: self development

St. Martha’s Learning Lab Builds Rockin’ Readers 

St. Martha opened its new Learning Lab this year and has onboarded two new resources -one meant to help students with diagnosed learning differences, the other to gauge reading ability and provide enrichment as needed.

As well, several St. Martha teachers underwent training on how to help students using these resources.

We sat down with Taffie Duckworth, Assistant Principal and Learning Coordinator to learn more.

How did the Learning Lab come to be? What need does it address?

We saw that there was an opportunity to better meet the needs of our students. Diagnosed learning differences, like dyslexia, are becoming more and more identified, and we wanted a way to better address our students’ needs.

Teachers, especially those trained to use these new tools, now have dedicated space that’s inviting and calming (we intentionally kept décor to a minimum) to help students 1 on 1 or in small group sessions.

What are the new tools and resources offered in the Learning Lab?

Tools that help each child succeed. We have small group and individual instruction and a full time resource assistant to help with that. We also have three different learning coordinators each designated for primary, intermediate and middle school.

We have the Lexia reading program, which is for students grades K-5 and can overlap into middle school if needed. The program is a phonemic and phonics based program, which reinforces concepts of decoding, fluency, spelling and comprehension. It individualizes lessons for those who are striving to read at their grade level and challenges those who need it.

We also have 10 teachers trained in Barton’s Reading and Spelling program, which is an Orton Gillingham-based program specific to helping students with a dyslexia diagnosis.

How are these resources used?

All K-5 students are using Lexia to enhance the curriculum they are getting in the classroom. The data the program collects – similar to what we gather from Scholastic and other types of programs – helps us identify gaps, or where students may need some additional instruction in certain areas. They also help us build upon skills for students who already have a strong foundation.

With Barton’s, a teacher who’s been trained works with students 1×1 to move systematically through the levels in the program. It’s used as part of strategy and accommodation plans.

Is it common for schools to offer these types of resources as part of their curriculum?

Very few schools have teachers trained in Barton’s Reading and Spelling. Having the program and the teachers to administer it allows us to address students’ needs and support them without them incurring the cost of a tutor (which can be as much as $60—70 an hour, twice a week.)

So yes, it’s unique to find these type of resources in-house at a school where you’re not having to pay additional fees, attend after school tutoring, etc.

What’s your goal for this new space and new resources?

I’m excited we can take a more personalized, research-based approach to help children learn to read. I think we’ve got the tools to help students build confidence and be as successful as they can possibly be.

Great Prep for High School

“The community and fellowship are amazing. My boys have made friendships and bonds they will treasure. Their educational experience has been wonderful and will help them with their transition to high school!”

– Maranda White

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2016-03-14T15:19:08+00:00

– Maranda White

“The community and fellowship are amazing. My boys have made friendships and bonds they will treasure. Their educational experience has been wonderful and will help them with their transition to high school!”

Family is the Best Word

"The teachers are really vested in the kids long after they leave their classes. Family is the best word to describe St. Martha and prepared is the best word to describe my son after his time there.”

Amy Landrum

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2016-03-14T15:19:18+00:00

Amy Landrum

“The teachers are really vested in the kids long after they leave their classes. Family is the best word to describe St. Martha and prepared is the best word to describe my son after his time there.”

Warm & Inviting

“My children attend this school and love it!  The community is warm & inviting, the school staff genuinely care about my children's whole well-being. I highly recommend this school.”

– Kari Ogle

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:33:19+00:00

– Kari Ogle

“My children attend this school and love it!  The community is warm & inviting, the school staff genuinely care about my children’s whole well-being. I highly recommend this school.”

Being a Part of a Family

“When choosing a parish for my family, I was looking for a community that would fulfill our spiritual, educational, and social needs. St. Martha Church and School has been that for over 23 years now."

– Dana Bale

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:39:56+00:00

– Dana Bale

“When choosing a parish for my family, I was looking for a community that would fulfill our spiritual, educational, and social needs. St. Martha Church and School has been that for over 23 years now.”

Top-Notch Academics

“Top-notch academics, athletics, students and parents. You won't find a better school!

– Katherine A. McCurry

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:42:19+00:00

– Katherine A. McCurry

“Top-notch academics, athletics, students and parents. You won’t find a better school!

It’s a Blast

“Softball leagues here are a blast. Best fish in town!”

– Kathleen Smith

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:43:41+00:00

– Kathleen Smith

“Softball leagues here are a blast. Best fish in town!”

You Can’t Beat the People

"My husband and I toured several parish schools in Louisville, and St. Martha stood out for its incredibly friendly staff and supporting culture. We felt the magic immediately."

– Lauren Micka Thomas

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T17:10:14+00:00

– Lauren Micka Thomas

“My husband and I toured several parish schools in Louisville, and St. Martha stood out for its incredibly friendly staff and supporting culture. We felt the magic immediately.”

Neighborhood School

"Our family initially picked St Martha due to it being a private school in our neighborhood, we’re not Catholic. We didn’t know anyone but I had heard good things. As soon as the kids started there it felt like family. We quickly got engaged in clubs and sports and all of us have made great friends!! The staff is top notch and the boys can’t wait to go to school everyday!"

Kim Lockard

Kim Lockard

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2018-01-25T13:50:09+00:00

Kim Lockard

“Our family initially picked St Martha due to it being a private school in our neighborhood, we’re not Catholic. We didn’t know anyone but I had heard good things. As soon as the kids started there it felt like family. We quickly got engaged in clubs and sports and all of us have made great friends!! The staff is top […]

Our Teachers Go Above and Beyond

"It is a wonderful feeling knowing that the faculty and staff of St. Martha want your child to succeed just as much as you do as their parent. If I ever have a concern, or for that matter my child has a concern about something they don’t understand, they are provided with extra support until they are able to master the skill being taught. Our teachers go above and beyond!"

- Deana Price, St Martha Parent
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:07:27+00:00
“It is a wonderful feeling knowing that the faculty and staff of St. Martha want your child to succeed just as much as you do as their parent. If I ever have a concern, or for that matter my child has a concern about something they don’t understand, they are provided with extra support until they are able to master […]

St. Martha Truly Does Rock!

"St. Martha truly does rock! We have a solid faith foundation, a school that provides not only education, but love and support to our children. We have a parish that works together to make sure there are groups/activities for every member of the parish. I feel blessed to be a member of the St. Martha Community."

Deana Price
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:15:37+00:00
“St. Martha truly does rock! We have a solid faith foundation, a school that provides not only education, but love and support to our children. We have a parish that works together to make sure there are groups/activities for every member of the parish. I feel blessed to be a member of the St. Martha Community.” Deana Price

The Drive…It’s Worth It!

"We drive over 30 minutes each way to get to St. Martha - and it's worth it! We grateful to have found a community of loving, courageous, helpful, kind, genuine people to help us raise our babies - and we're not going anywhere. After 3 years of preschool and with our oldest now in Kindergarten - we know we're where we belong.
A deciding factor and one of the greatest benefits to our family is that SMS offers after school care AND summer care - that are run by SMS staff. My kiddo is in the same place, with people she knows, all year and its priceless!"


Eileen Burden
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:17:48+00:00
“We drive over 30 minutes each way to get to St. Martha – and it’s worth it! We grateful to have found a community of loving, courageous, helpful, kind, genuine people to help us raise our babies – and we’re not going anywhere. After 3 years of preschool and with our oldest now in Kindergarten – we know we’re where […]

There is Something For Everyone

"St. Martha offers such a wide range of extra curricular activities from sports to academic oriented clubs to service clubs and many more. There is something for everyone."

Meredith Havlin
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:21:09+00:00
“St. Martha offers such a wide range of extra curricular activities from sports to academic oriented clubs to service clubs and many more. There is something for everyone.” Meredith Havlin

Supportive Faculty

"I love being part of a faculty that truly cares about each student’s growth and progress. Our teachers are continually seeking ways to support the individual needs of every student."

Anne Bahr
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:22:52+00:00
“I love being part of a faculty that truly cares about each student’s growth and progress. Our teachers are continually seeking ways to support the individual needs of every student.” Anne Bahr

Rich History

"I LOVE that there is a rich history here at St. Martha. The St. Martha community is very welcoming. It is a place where I feel like I belong, and I am valued as an educator and as a person."

Karen Woo
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:24:10+00:00
“I LOVE that there is a rich history here at St. Martha. The St. Martha community is very welcoming. It is a place where I feel like I belong, and I am valued as an educator and as a person.” Karen Woo

Growth Mindset

"I am pleased to see St. Martha moving toward a growth mindset of learning where students are encouraged to manage their own learning goals."

Mariann Lawrence
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:26:44+00:00
“I am pleased to see St. Martha moving toward a growth mindset of learning where students are encouraged to manage their own learning goals.” Mariann Lawrence

No Worries At All!

"My daughter became a Shamrock in 7th grade, and my biggest worry as a parent was if she would feel like part of the school community. I shouldn’t have worried AT ALL. She has said multiple times that the students have been so wonderfully welcoming to her that she feels like she’s been at St. Martha since kindergarten. It’s been an amazing transition for her and we are so thankful for everyone who’s been part of her school experience at St. Martha - her new friends, teachers, school staff, and the St. Martha families. It’s never too late to find your perfect school!"

Sonia Fuderer
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:28:22+00:00
“My daughter became a Shamrock in 7th grade, and my biggest worry as a parent was if she would feel like part of the school community. I shouldn’t have worried AT ALL. She has said multiple times that the students have been so wonderfully welcoming to her that she feels like she’s been at St. Martha since kindergarten. It’s been […]
2.0
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