FIRST THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE

Religion and our life with God are the basis for our identity as Catholics. This identity and faith experiences are main parts of the curriculum at each grade level. This education is supported by prayer in many different forms: Mass, paraliturgies, individual and group prayer and all are enhanced by community service.

Integrated Language Arts is an approach that uses a literature-based text and novels to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage are the tools which enables students to become better communicators.

Mathematics focuses on critical thinking skills in communication and problem solving. The program is supported by clearly defined curriculum guidelines and the standards of the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) with sequential development throughout the grade levels.  Manipulatives, calculators, computers, maintenance sheets, and boardwork are incorporated in individual or group activities.

Social Studies teaches skills and values that will help students to become informed and responsible citizens.   The course of studies includes history, geography, and civics.   In Social Studies, the children progress from learning about community, their state, country, Western and Eastern Hemispheres to American History.

Science is taught as the study of the world.   It is composed of earth science, life science, physical science, and health.   An extension of our science program is the D.A.R.E. program for drug and alcohol awareness.

Music an Art assist in the spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and aesthetic development of students.   Our Music and Art programs encourages the children to use these as a form of communication, creativity, and self-expression.

Technology is the key to the 21st Century. Our state of the art Technology Center allows the students to completely integrate this technology into all areas of the curriculum.   Classes are scheduled each week in the Technology Center for instruction and are then free to use the lab during unscheduled days and times.   Each classroom has its own television, VCR, computers, and calculators.   Laser disc programs are accessible to all classes.

Our library is newly updated and automated on the computer and gives students the opportunity to check out books or to work on research material during the course of the week.   New books are added to our collection throughput the year.

ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION

Progress reports are distributed midway through each trimester for grades one to eight. Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester. Parent conferences are scheduled at the end of the first trimester or at any time when requested by parent or teacher. Students are evaluated using a variety of formal and informal assessments. These include tests, projects, classroom participation, homework, oral presentations and quizzes. Testing, given by the teachers in each subject, is diagnostic and indicates the effectiveness of the learning process. Cumulative trimester assessments may be given to help students assess what they ave learned. Standardized achievement tests, such as the Terra Nova Test, are given each year in grades 2, 4, 6, and 8 at the direction of the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education. Evaluation applies to the effort grade as well. Conduct is based on the student's respect for the discipline code as outlined in the Student Handbook and classroom rules. Students in grades kindergarten through three receive letter grades for all major subject. Students in grades four to eight receive numerical grades in all major subjects. A rubric based system of evaluation (1-4) is used for all students, Grades 1 to 8, in personal and social growth as well as effort and study skills. These same rubrics are used for students in grades 4 to 8 for technology, physical education, music, and art.