Curriculum
Primary Department: Grades Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd
The language arts curriculum is phonics based with a strong emphasis in literature, writing, spelling, and oral reading with fluency and expression, including the comprehension and recognition of high frequency words. The math curriculum emphasizes an understanding of concepts such as time, money, computation, and problem solving. The core curriculum also includes science, in which life, physical, and earth science themes are taught. Cross-curricular lessons, hands on materials, experiments, and computer activities are used to help enhance learning objectives. Themes such as communities, cultural diversity, transportation, and natural resources are taught as part of the social studies curriculum in addition to the introductory study of maps, globes, land formations, continents, and planets. Manipulatives, calculators, computers, and cooperative group activities are used to invoke logical thinking skills. Daily prayer and religion lessons, including sacraments and Bible stories, are integrated throughout the curriculum. An appreciation of Catholic identity and a participation in outreach service opportunities are ways in which our faith is shared.
Intermediate Department: Grades 3rd, 4th, and 5 th
The language arts curriculum focuses on reading, comprehension, higher level thinking skills, use of cursive writing, and creative writing using correct grammar and punctuation. Public speaking opportunities are used to reinforce learning objectives and increase independence and confidence. Importance is placed upon the areas of science and social studies where inferential reading skills are emphasized. Through the study of life, physical and earth science, investigative skills are developed through hands-on lab experiences requiring understanding of the scientific method. The social studies curriculum emphasizes geography, map reading, and organized writing, and hands-on imaginative creativity and learning is focused on communities, regions, and Early American History. Cross-curricular activities as well as technology integration are used to enhance learning goals. Organization and thinking skills are further developed through computation mastery and multi-step problem solving in the math curriculum. The Religion curriculum continues to focus on the Catholic faith especially in the area of caring for one another in our school and community in conjunction with learning the Beatitudes, Ten Commandments, and Sacraments.
Middle School: Grades 6th, 7th, and 8 th
The language arts curriculum includes a literature based reading program that promotes appreciation and understanding of the elements of various types of prose and poetry. Communication skills are developed through diverse writing and speaking activities, such as research papers and projects and debates. Standard usage, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar are then incorporated into this program utilizing individual and group work as well as technology integration. In the science curriculum, skill application is achieved through experiments, employing the use of microscopes, and emphasizing the discovery and scientific methods. The Internet is used to provide opportunities for interactive learning such as frog dissection and research. The social studies curriculum focuses on the development of critical thinking skills through reading and analyzing graphs, tables, and maps. Historical and current event information is presented, integrating art, math, science, and language arts. Internet research, report writing, and public speaking are also integral to gaining information. The math curriculum focuses on pre-algebra and algebra. Word problem and computational skills are fostered in cooperative learning groups. Technology use facilitates learning through interactive tutorials such as data and function graphing and linear equation systems. The Religion course of study includes Bible literacy, Hebrew Scripture, New Testament, Liturgy and Worship, Creed, Church history, and family life education as outlined by Archdiocese of Baltimore policy.
Special Areas
In addition to core curriculum, the entire school participates in a variety of subject areas. In Library students are given the opportunity to check out books on a weekly basis in addition to learning about authors and developing research skills including Internet sources. Spanish class exposes students to Spanish speaking countries and culture and introduces the Spanish language through vocabulary, grammar, reading, and oral presentations. Art provides students the opportunity to learn about and be creative with a variety of mediums and techniques in addition to learning about artists. Physical education emphasizes sport skills as well as fitness, nutrition, and health issues. Computer class advances students’ technological capabilities in accordance with national and Archdiocesan standards, while exposing students to a variety of appropriate Internet sites and reinforcing basic skills. Music provides vocal expression activities as well as learning about musicians, theory, and instruments.
The Guidance program is comprised of individual and group counseling, classroom presentations and activities, informal observations, consultation with parents and teachers, and when necessary, referrals to outside agencies. The Reading Specialist assists homeroom teachers by evaluating the nature of learning differences in students and provides supplementary materials when working with individual students or remedial groups. An instructional assistant engages students in a variety of handwriting, vocabulary, comprehension, and enrichment programs to further enhance language arts curriculum in grades one through four. A supplemental math teacher for grades 4-8 allows for appropriate grouping of students into a class working on or above grade level. A full time teaching assistant works with the kindergarten teacher and students. Another full time teaching assistant works as a math aide in the primary grades in addition to serving as a science aide in the intermediate and middle school grades.
