KINDERGARTEN

The kindergarten program includes instruction in religion, academic skills, gross/fine motor development, socialization skills, music, art, physical education, and computer skills. Academic areas include: phonics, reading readiness, math, and language.

Manipulative materials are used to foster development of various levels of learning. Activities encourage children to interact with one another and develop a sense of relationship, belonging, and creativity. Daily living concepts teach self-discipline and responsibility.

PRIMARY

The religion curriculum lays the foundation for the children's spiritual growth and the development of their knowledge of the Catholic faith.

Language arts includes instructional reading lessons which weave together phonics, spelling, and literature, empowering students with the skills they will need to become readers for life. Speaking, listening, and writing activities are provided to stimulate students to use thinking, questioning, and responding skills.

Mathematics emphasizes the acquisition of basic skills, critical thinking, and problem solving. Students are taught to use manipulatives, calculators, and technology.

Social studies focuses on the community and its relationship to family, neighborhood, city, state, country, and world through the development of study skills, thinking skills, and map skills.

Science offers opportunities to acquire knowledge about scientific fact, become aware of the beliefs associated with science, solve problems, make decisions, and develop logical, critical, rational, and creative thinking skills.

INTERMEDIATE

The core content of the religion program focuses on The Ten Commandments, Sacraments, the Mass, Old Testament themes, and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Interwoven throughout the curriculum is the celebration of events of the Liturgical Year and the lives of the saints. Various prayer forms are practiced to deepen the students’ prayer life and relationship with God. Service is encouraged and opportunities are available for the students to make a difference in the lives of others. The ever-present recognition of Christ as our model is the force behind all we do.

The language arts program includes listening, speaking, vocabulary, and writing skills. Grammar, mechanics, and spelling are included to provide students with tools for communication.

The reading program is a literature based curriculum that includes fiction and non-fiction, and that meets the needs of the varied learning styles of the students. The program develops comprehension skills and inspires an interest and love of reading.

Beginning in fifth grade, students are introduced to conversational Spanish. Basic vocabulary, grammar, and cultural skills are also established as a base for future learning.

The math program focuses on whole number operations, fractions, and decimals. Students further their knowledge of geometry, measurement, probability, and graphing. Problem solving strategies are emphasized. Classes are tailored to meet the different learning styles of the students. Various techniques, particularly technology skills and projects are incorporated to develop and reinforce basic concepts and skills.

In science, students are encouraged to use the scientific method to investigate various topics in life science, earth/space science, physical science, and technology. An inquiry based approach allows students to develop higher level critical thinking skills. The incorporation of technology encourages students to research and report on current events and advancements in science.

The social studies program includes a study of Pennsylvania and a survey of World Geography. Instruction is enhanced with current events, maps, graphs, and technology tools.

The core content of the religion program focuses on the life of Jesus, His teachings, and the development of the Church in history. Celebration of the Liturgical Year and the lives of the saints are interwoven throughout the curriculum as noted in the intermediate grades. Various Prayer forms are practiced as the prayer life of the students is strengthened. Age-appropriate opportunities are available to the students to demonstrate their compassion for those in need. Social Justice and the dignity of the human is incorporated and addressed throughout the curriculum relying on Jesus as our model.

The integrated language arts program’s focus is on fostering each student’s independent critical reading and writing abilities. Students are exposed to a wide variety of reading genre, including fiction and nonfiction novels, short stories, poetry, informational texts, plays, periodicals, and essays. Students highlight their writing talents when creating their portfolios which include, among others, independently chosen research reports, public service announcements, anthology of original poetry, news stories, and critical reviews of text. Students are afforded the opportunity to present their writing samples using various software programs. Language mechanics, grammar, and vocabulary are emphasized in the writing process as an integral component in the language arts program. The academic, linguistic, spiritual, emotional, and social being of each student is key to our successful curriculum.

Literature is integrated into the language arts program to enhance fluency and comprehension skills. Literary Analysis is incorporated to develop critical thinking skills. A broad spectrum of reading genres, including prose, poetry, graphic novels, dramas, and non-fiction, allow students to develop an appreciation for reading.

Sixth, seventh, and eight grade students experience an introduction to Spanish vocabulary and grammar to promote written, verbal, and comprehension skills. Students will enhance these skills through conversation, instructional listening, writing assignments, reading, art, and educational videos. Spanish culture, faith, holidays, and geography will also be incorporated into the curriculum to enhance cultural awareness of the global community.

Mathematics continues the exploration of basic operations, fractions, decimals, whole numbers, integers, and geometry. The basics are supplemented with the study of measurement, ratios, proportions, percentage, probability, statistics, and graphing. All students are given the opportunity to work on algebra readiness levels 1 and 2.

In science, students investigate life, earth/space, and physical science. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of scientific processes, scientific inquiry, graphing concepts, scientific equipment, and advancements in technology. Cooperative learning, projects, and skills labs provide opportunities for students to develop and further enrich their learning.

The social studies program consists of American History. Curriculum is enhanced through current events, civics, and technology tools.

The holistic development of the child is further enhanced through experiences in library, music, art, technology, and physical education classes.

HOMEWORK

Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce concepts presented in class. Homework includes both written and study assignments, and should be done by the student independently. While this does not preclude parental help or interest, the assignments should not require undue parental assistance or supervision. Ample time should be allowed for the completion of out-of-class research assignments or projects.