AcademicsAcademics

Kindergarten

Reading

Students will:

  • Identify letters and sounds through different media.
  • Identify short and long vowel sounds and all consonant sounds.
  • Identify basic sight words.
  • Use phonics skills to decode words.
  • Read on grade level with fluency and accuracy.
  • Comprehend what is read aloud.
  • Comprehend what is read silently.

Writing

Students will:

  • Form all upper and lower case letters correctly.
  • Copy from the board.
  • Use appropriate handwriting skills when writing.

Listening and Speaking

Students will:

  • Maintain sustained attention for 25 minutes.
  • Follow oral directions.
  • Maintain good eye contact.
  • Respond appropriately in a group setting.
  • Take turns in conversation and ask questions when appropriate.
  • Develop oral presentation skills (show and tell).
  • Use complete sentences when speaking.
  • Recite from memory.

Math

Students will:

  • Count by rote to 100.
  • Demonstrate understanding that numeral symbols represent quantity.
  • Use correct vocabulary to interpret a calendar.
  • Demonstrate basic addition and subtraction skills.
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of time, measurement and money appropriate to grade level.
  • Understand basic properties of geometric shapes.
  • Understand that patterns can be made by putting shapes together.
  • Interpret graphs.

Specials

  • Spanish for 30 minutes, three times per week
  • Religion
  • Social studies
  • Music
  • Science
  • Physical education for 45 minutes, twice per week
  • Art for 45 minutes, twice per week

Evaluations and Homework

In kindergarten, students are evaluated by the teacher on a regular basis. For each progress report and report card the students will be given both oral and written tests to determine how they are progressing towards mastering each benchmark. Teachers will informally evaluate students through anecdotal records and checklists on a daily basis. Homework is given twice a week and is a review of math and reading skills learned. Homework should be completed with the parents and should only take about 15-20 minutes. Parents are encouraged to reinforce the concepts reviewed in the homework and in the work that is sent home in the blue folder on Tuesdays.

Tips for Parents

Kindergarten-aged children need guidance and support to gain the responsibility needed to be successful at school. 

  • Allow your child to take on personal responsibilities and to face the rewards and consequences for his/her actions.
  • Encourage independence - after the first few weeks of school, allow your child to walk to class by him/herself unless it is absolutely necessary for you to be with them.
  • Remind your child that you know he/she is capable of doing well in school.
  • Help your child understand that you will back up and not undermine the teacher’s rules in the classroom.
  • When reading to your child, ask questions about what has been read. Have him/her predict what will happen in the story. Also, ask about lessons learned from stories that have been read to promote active listening.
  • Minimize television viewing and computer games on school days. Promote active outside play, arts and crafts, and encourage the use of the imagination.
  • Children thrive on consistency, so have a set structure in your morning and evening routines making sure your child goes to bed on time.
  • Check your child’s homework and work with your child to help him/her complete their homework.
  • School starts promptly at 8:00 am so give your child enough time to get to school and be ready to begin the day before the first bell rings.
  • Communicate with your child’s teacher any questions or concerns you may have. You are your child’s first educator and his/her teacher will always support you in that role.

First Grade

Reading

Students will:

  • Have a strong sense of phonemic and phonological awareness.
  • Know all sounds and letters of the alphabet and be able to blend sounds into words and words into sentences with accuracy and fluency.
  • Understand that words convey messages.
  • Have a strong sight word vocabulary including all color and number words.
  • Correctly spell frequently used and common words.
  • Read sentences with understanding of punctuation.
  • Comprehend what is read aloud and silently on grade level.

Writing

Students will:

  • Write legibly and efficiently on lined and unlined paper.
  • Write a simple paragraph using correct punctuation and grammar.
  • Understand the basics of the writing process.

Listening, Viewing, and Speaking

Students will:

  • Maintain sustained attention for 30 minutes.
  • Appropriately ask and answer questions.
  • State a clear main point when speaking to others.
  • Recite poems and short passages from memory.
  • Give short oral reports on a book or topic.
  • Use proper etiquette when speaking.

Math

Students will:

  • Identify the number value of a number.
  • Be able to correctly use “plus”, “minus”, or “take away.”
  • Order and compare numbers.
  • Add and subtract with and without regrouping.
  • Understand basic fractions.
  • Understand basic linear and volume measurement.
  • Use a clock and calendar to measure time.

Evaluations

In the first grade classroom students are evaluated by the teacher on a regular basis. The following assessments are given regularly:

  • Weekly spelling test.
  • Math assessments are given regularly.
  • Reading comprehension quizzes are given after each story unit.
  • Assessments are given after each history and science unit.
  • Students will be tested over Spanish concepts.

Study Skills and Homework

In first grade, students will begin to develop study habits that they will need throughout the rest of their years in school. Students will learn to take notes in class and they should be able to copy from the board. Homework is given Monday through Thursday in reading, spelling, and math. Students should study spelling words and math facts each night. Also, parents should be reading with their child daily. They will be given additional homework from the Spanish teacher on designated days. Homework should take no longer than 30 minutes with a designated time for casual reading. Parents should supervise homework and help his/her child correct errors when necessary. Parents should also review all work sent home in the blue folders on Tuesday and go over graded papers with his/her child.

Specials

  • Spanish for 30 minutes, three times per week
  • Religion
  • Social studies
  • Physical education for 45 minutes, twice per week
  • Science
  • Music for 30 minutes, twice per week
  • Art for 45 minutes, twice per week

Tips for Parents

The following tips may be helpful as your child transitions into first grade.

  • Allow your child to take on responsibilities and to accept the rewards and consequences of their actions.
  • Encourage independence by having your child go into the building in the morning when arriving.
  • Remind your child that you, as well as the teacher, knows he/she is capable of doing well in school.

Second Grade

Reading

Students will:

  • Master basic decoding skills using phonics.
  • Master oral fluency when reading aloud.
  • Develop reading comprehension skills.
  • Summarize the main idea.
  • Retain specific details.
  • Use context clues.
  • Sequence events in a story.
  • Make inferences.
  • Correctly spell frequently used and common words.

Writing

Students will:

  • Write 2-3 paragraphs using correct grammar and punctuation.
  • Understand the basics of the writing process.
  • Write legibly in both manuscript and cursive.

Listening, Viewing, and Speaking 

Students will:

  • Maintain sustained attention for 35-40 minutes.
  • Exhibit good listening skills.
  • Appropriately ask and answer questions.
  • Recite poems and passages from memory.
  • Use proper etiquette when speaking.

Math

Students will:

  • Develop a good sense of numbers through skip counting and working with patterns.
  • Develop math vocabulary (sum, differences, etc.).
  • Master addition and subtraction facts up to 12.
  • Understand place value to the ten thousands.
  • Add and subtract with and without regrouping.
  • Have a basic understanding of multiplication.
  • Tell time to the minute.
  • Understand measurement and geometry concepts on grade level.
  • Observe, collect, classify, organize, and compare data using charts and graphs.

Evaluations

  • Spelling tests are given every Friday.
  • Math drills and skill quizzes are given almost weekly.
  • Reading comprehension quizzes are given almost weekly.
  • Wordly Wise vocabulary tests are given every two or three weeks.
  • Occasional History, Geography, Science, Spanish and Religion tests are given.
  • Occasional “pop quizzes” are given to test their in-class listening skills.

Study Skills and Homework

In second grade students will continue to develop study habits. They will further expand their note taking skills. Homework is given Monday through Thursday in reading, spelling, and math. Students should study spelling words and math facts each night. Also, parents should be reading with their child daily. They will be given additional homework from the Spanish teacher on designated days. Homework should take no longer than 30-40 minutes with a designated time for casual reading. Students will be assigned various book reports and other types of reports. Parents should supervise homework and help his/her child correct errors when necessary. Parents should review all work sent home in the blue folders on Tuesday and go over graded papers with his/her child.

Specials

  • Religion
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Physical education for 45 minutes, twice per week
  • Music for 30 minutes, twice per week
  • Art for 45 minutes, twice per week
  • Spanish for 45 minutes, three times per week

Tips for Parents

The following tips may be helpful as your child transitions into first grade.

  • Allow your child to take on responsibilities and to accept the rewards and consequences of their actions.
  • Remind your child that you, as well as the teacher, knows he/she is capable of doing well in school.

Third Grade

Reading

Students will:

  • Learn and effectively apply a variety of reading strategies for comprehension.
    • Identify the purpose.
    • Clarify by asking questions.
    • Categorize information.
    • Make a mental picture.
    • Make predictions.
    • Sequence.
    • Retell.
    • Make inferences.
    • Remember critical details.
  • Focus on the development and mastery of story elements; characters, setting, plot, climax, resolution, theme and point of view.
  • Study a variety of genres. These include, but are not limited to: fairy tales, fables, novels, short stories, biographies, poems, and historical fiction.
  • Read fluently, with expression.

Math

Students will:

  • Master basic skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Develop and master strategies for problem solving; restate the problem, identify relevant information, brainstorm approaches, identify the answer.
  • Develop skills needed to write a number sentence.
  • Master one and two step word problems.
  • Understand perfect squares, square roots, roman numerals, and decimals.
  • Add and subtract fractions with like denominators
  • Use denominators and identify mixed numbers.
  • Compare quantities, order numbers, and place value to the hundred thousand.
  • Introduce and develop multiplication skills; 1 digit x 3 digit, with and without regrouping.
  • Develop division skills; 3 digit by one digit, introduction to 3 digit by 2 digit with quotient written as remainder.

Grammar and Creative Writing

Students will:

  • Write a complete sentence with appropriate grade level spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. and identify the subject and predicate.
  • Identify nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
  • Write a basic paragraph with topic sentence and details to support the main idea.
  • Write a story using the writing process; prewriting, revision, proofreading, publishing. Students will use a variety of methods to assist in the writing process; for example, outlining, word webs, and story maps.
  • Types of writing developed and mastered include, but are not limited to; personal narrative, descriptive and expository, comparison and contrast, cause and effect.

Evaluations

  • Weekly tests in spelling, wordly wise, and math.
  • Weekly reading comprehension assessments (oral and/or pencil and paper).
  • Oral assessments and brief quizzes may be given in all subject areas on a daily basis, unannounced.
  • Bimonthly tests in Catholic Formation.
  • Monthly (dependent on material) tests in science, geography/history, and language arts.
  • Oral assessments are given in all subject areas on a daily basis.

Study Skills and Homework

  • Build on previous grade level study skills to help students use their time effectively and solidify their strengths, such as responsibility of having materials, reviewing flash cards, and outside reading.
  • Stay on task and remain focused on a subject for a period of 30 minutes.
  • Keep a calendar with important dates and events that apply to school work (due dates, tests, specials, friends’ birthdays, etc); this will assist in learning time management skills and long-term planning.
  • Keep a standing file folder at home for the student, where important material is kept (subject folders for study guides, graded quizzes and tests, classroom newsletters, special work, important information regarding assignments, etc.) for their future reference in preparing for tests.
  • Write assignments in their assignment book, and gather necessary homework materials, preferably working for self-responsibility without teacher reminders.
  • Turn in homework on the day it is due.
  • Review math facts, spelling words, wordly wise, Spanish vocabulary, and spend time reading each night.
  • Use time wisely by being organized, write neatly and follow directions carefully.
  • Day to day assignments vary, and may included (but are not limited to), math, spelling, wordly wise, Spanish, and comprehension activities.
  • The length of time spent on homework is heavily dependant on the individual child; therefore it is difficult to put a time frame on the task. However, on a typical night, the child may spend 30 minutes, plus additional time reviewing math facts and outside reading.
  • Establish a routine at home as to when and where homework is to be done everyday, away from distractions and interruptions.
  • It is important that when homework time begins, students have all the necessary tools at hand so as to minimize interruptions and time off-task.

Specials

  • Music for 30 minutes, twice per week
  • Religion
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Physical education for 45 minutes, twice per week
  • Art for 45 minutes a week
  • Spanish for 45 minutes, four times per week

Tips for Parents

Parents should be available to assist their child should questions arise, however it is very important that the child develops strong, independent work and study skills as the year progresses. Parents are reminded that students need to make mistakes and learn from them, and that school work is the child’s responsibility, and a vehicle for growth and maturity.

  • Allow your child to take on personal responsibilities and face the rewards and consequences for their actions. (packing backpacks, lunches and snacks, putting assignments into the correct school folders, returning library books on the assigned days).
  • Encourage independence; have your child go into the building independently.
  • Do not walk them to their classroom after the first week of school unless something heavy or awkward has to be delivered to the classroom.
  • Tell your child that you know they are capable of doing well in class.
  • Let them know that you will back up the teacher in terms of discipline.
  • Never undermine the teacher’s authority by disagreeing with the teacher in front of your child.
  • Tell them that their teachers love them and will help them with lessons and situations that arise at school.
  • Every child should be able to tie his/her shoelaces with some degree of success.
  • Above and beyond homework you need to drill Math facts with your child till over-learning takes place.
  • When reading to or with your child, stop and ask questions about what has been read, and ask him/her to predict what they think will happen. Ask about lessons learned from the stories you read; this is to promote active thinkers not passive listeners.
  • Minimize television viewing and computer games on school days, promote active outdoor play, promote arts and crafts for a creative outlet, encourage use of their imagination in their play with others.
  • Be very selective in TV viewing, be mindful of the time in front of the television, and the subject matter your child is viewing.
  • Have set structure in your morning and evening routines in order to help your child. For example, layout entire uniform for school before bedtime, lunch prepared the night before, backpack in the same location, set their own alarm.
  • Since school starts promptly at 8:00 a.m., give yourself enough time to get to school, allowing time for your child to prepare for class, put backpack away, books ready, etc.

Fourth Grade

Reading

Students will:

  • Read fluently with expression.
  • Apply phonetic and decoding skills in sounding out words.
  • Learn and effectively apply a variety of reading strategies for comprehension:
    • Make a mental picture.
    • Categorize information.
    • Clarify by asking questions.
    • Remember critical details.
    • Identify the purpose.
    • Sequence the main idea.
    • Retell in their own words.
    • Make inferences.
    • Make predictions.
    • Draw conclusions, points of view, and author’s purpose.
  • Focus on the development and mastery of story elements; characters, setting, plot, climax, resolution, cause and effect, compare and contrast, fact or opinion.
  • Study a variety of genre. These include, but are not limited to: fairy tales, fables, novels, short stories, biographies, poems, and historical fiction.
  • Memorize selected passages, famous speeches, scripture, and wordly wise definitions.
  • Determine vice/virtue depicted in the story read and how this applies to their daily life.

Grammer and Creative Writing

Students will:

  • Write a complete sentence with appropriate subject and predicate, grade level spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
  • Identify the eight parts of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
  • Write neatly in complete sentences and answer questions fully (restate question).
  • Recognize and use various types of sentences.
  • Develop a well-written paragraph(s) with a topic sentence and details to support that main idea.
  • Understand the writing process: prewriting, revision, proofreading, and publishing. Students will use a variety of methods to assist in the writing process, for example, outlining, word webs, and story maps.
  • Develop and master types of writing including, but not limited to, personal narrative, descriptive and expository, comparison and contrast, cause and effect.

Math

Students will:

  • Master basic math skills in addition subtraction, multiplication and division.
  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide (up to six figures) with regrouping.
  • Add and subtract fractions with like denominators.
  • Memorize multiplication facts up to the “12”s.
  • Place value to the millions.
  • Solve 4 step mental math problems.
  • Study, practice, and solve equations based on concepts in the 4th grade curriculum (for example: 2-step word problems, finding averages, compare fractions, multiply fractions, find area/ perimeter/ volume, work with decimals and money, probability and ratios, long division.

Evaluations

Daily informal assessments (teacher observation, class participation, oral quizzes, and group work).

  • Weekly tests in spelling and math, wordly wise (biweekly).
  • Mathematics, grammar, and literature are cumulative and ongoing in curriculum.
  • Test study guides are given in content areas.
  • Tests can include multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer and occasional “essay” (paragraph).
  • Projects and monthly book reports are given on a regular schedule – ample time is given in advance with a direction sheet for projects and reports.
  • Semester exams twice a year (December and May) in the core areas of Catholic formation, math, grammar, literature, science, history/geography, and Spanish.

Study Skills and Homework

A successful fourth grader will become a self motivated learner by praising him/her for showing initiative towards their studies and homework. They become reliable, responsible and independent. Charity, respect for others and hard work also guide their formation.

  • Study skilss will be reviewed in August and September and reinforced throughout the school year.
  • Build on previous grade level study skills to help students use their time effectively, and solidify their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
  • Stay on task and remain focused on a subject for a period of 40-45 minutes.
  • Follow daily classroom procedures and routines without getting off task, (transition from one subject to another with success).
  • Use time wisely by being organized, listening carefully, writing neatly, and following directions exactly.
  • Answer all questions thoroughly in a complete sentence.
  • Have all materials for each class; students will store materials in lockers and desks.
  • Unfinished class work should be finished in addition to homework assignments.
  • Remember the SQ3R approach for comprehending material: (Survey the main headings, turn the headings into a Question, then Read, Recite the answers to the question and Review).
  • Write assignments in their assignment book correctly, gather and organize necessary homework materials to take home, and preferably working for self-responsibility without teacher reminders.
  • Turn in homework on the day it is due. Students are held accountable.
  • Establish a routine at home as to when and where homework is to be done everyday. All supplies are at hand to minimize distractions and time off-task.
  • Review math facts, spelling words, wordly wise, Spanish vocabulary, and spend time reading on a daily basis.
  • Keep a home calendar with important dates and events that apply to school work (due dates, tests, specials, projects, etc); this will assist in learning time management skills and long-term planning.
  • Keep a standing file folder at home for the student, where important material is kept (subject folders for study guides, graded quizzes and tests, classroom newsletters, special work, information regarding assignments, etc.) for their future review in preparing for tests.
  • The length of time spent on homework is heavily dependant on the individual child; their ability to focus and their initiative, therefore it is difficult to put a time frame on the task. However, on a typical night, the child may spend 45-60 minutes, plus additional time reviewing math facts and outside reading.

Specials

  • Music for 30 minutes, twice per week
  • Religion
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Physical education for 45 minutes, twice per week
  • Art for 45 minutes per week
  • Spanish for 45 minutes, four times per week

Tips for Parents

Parents should be available to assist their child when questions arise. However, it is very important children develop strong, independent work and study skills as the year progresses. Parents are reminded that when students make a mistake this is an opportunity to learn. School work is the child’s responsibility, and a vehicle for growth and maturity. These are gradual processes, and patience and support will prove to be invaluable tools.

  • Allow your child to take on personal responsibilities with a set structure at home, and accept the rewards and consequences for their actions (packing backpack and placing it in the same location, lunches and snacks, putting assignments into the correct school folders, returning library books on the assigned days, lay out entire uniform for school before bedtime, and set their own alarm).
  • The school day starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to provide adequate time for your child to prepare for their day (unpack backpack and lunch, organize books, etc.).
  • Avoid walking your child to their classroom after the first week of school, unless they need assistance carrying something heavy or awkward to the classroom.
  • Tell your child that you know they are capable of doing well in class and recognize it when they do so. In terms of discipline, support the efforts of the teacher. If you disagree with the teacher’s discipline measure, please discuss this with the teacher. Do not undermine the teacher’s authority by disagreeing with the teacher in front of your child.
  • Share with your child that their teachers love and care about them. Let them know their teacher will help them with school lessons and situations that arise at school.
  • Above and beyond homework, it is extremely important to drill math facts with your child until overlearning takes place (mastered).
  • When reading to or with your child, stop and ask questions about what they read, and ask them to predict what they think will happen next. Ask about lessons learned from the stories you read; this helps to promote active thinkers not passive listeners.
  • Selectively minimize television and computer games especially on school days. Always be mindful of the TV programming and electronic games your child is viewing. Promote active outdoor play, arts and crafts for a creative outlet, and encourage use of their imagination in their play with others.
  • If you experience a situation that you feel needs to be communicated to the school, please come to the teacher, academic coordinator, guidance counselor, principal, or faculty/staff member to discuss.

Fifth Grade

Reading

Students will:

  • Read fluently with expression.
  • Apply phonetic and decoding skills in sounding out words.
  • Learn and effectively apply a variety of reading strategies for comprehension.
    • Make a mental picture.
    • Categorize information.
    • Clarify by asking questions.
    • Remember critical details.
    • Identify the purpose.
    • Sequence the main idea.
    • Retell in their own words.
    • Make inferences.
    • Make predictions.
    • Draw conclusions, points of view, author’s purpose.
  • Focus on the development and mastery of story elements; characters, setting, plot, climax, resolution, cause and effect, compare and contrast, fact or opinion.
  • Memorize selected passages, famous speeches, scripture, wordly wise definitions.
  • Interpret a variety of literary genres; including fairy tales, short stories, fables, legends, tall tales, adventure stories, humorous stories, myths, mythology, fantasy, mystery, epics, historical fiction, realistic fiction, chapter books, novels, biographies, auto-biographies, expository text, and poetry.
  • Determine virtue/vice learned in reading, and how to apply this to their daily life.

Grammar and Creative Writing

Students will:

  • Master all 4th grade grammar/creative writing benchmarks.
  • Write a complete sentence with appropriate subject and predicate, grade level spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
  • Identify the eight parts of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
  • Diagram sentences.
  • Write neatly in complete sentences and answer questions fully (restate question).
  • Recognize and use various types of sentences.
  • Develop a well-written three paragraph essay with a topic sentence and details to support the main idea.
  • Understand the writing process; prewriting, revision, proofreading, publishing. Students will use a variety of methods to assist in the writing process; for example, outlining, word webs, and story maps. 
  • Develop and master types of writing including, but not limited to, personal narrative, descriptive and expository writing, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect.

Math

Students will:

  • Know all math facts up to 12 with speed and accuracy.
  • Place value up to billions.
  • Use decimals-tenths/hundredths/thousandths, convert to mixed numbers, rounding, comparing.
  • Use fractions/reducing fractions/adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, multiplication and division with fractions.
  • Use measurement (linear, mass, volume, temperature, metric, perimeter, area).
  • Know prime and composite numbers.
  • Solve long division.
  • Multiply by 2 digits with regrouping.
  • Solve multi-step word problems.
  • Solves 4 step “mental math problems” using all 4 operations.
  • Understand data analysis, probability, and statistics.
  • Use technology (computer graphs).
  • Understand geometry (circle, angles, protractors).

Evaluations

  • Daily Informal Assessments (teacher observation, class participation, oral quizzes, and group work).
  • Weekly quizzes in math, weekly tests in spelling, biweekly in wordly wise.
  • No more than 2 tests per day, quizzes may be unannounced at any time.
  • Test study guides are given in content areas.
  • Math, science, social studies, grammar, literature tests given approximately every 2 weeks for each subject.
  • Tests can include multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer and occasional “essay” (paragraph).
  • Projects and monthly book reports are given on a regular schedule – ample time is given in advance.
  • Direction sheet for projects and reports are given in advance.
  • Semester exams twice a year (December and May) in the core areas of Catholic formation, math, grammar, literature, science, history/geography, and Spanish.

Study Skills and Homework

A successful fifth grader will become a self motivated learner by praising him/her for showing initiative towards their studies and homework. They become reliable, responsible, and independent. Charity, respect for others and hard work also guide their formation. Foundations in study skills that last a lifetime are the following:

  • Study skills will be reviewed in August and September and reinforced throughout the school year.
  • Build on previous grade level study skills to help students use their time effectively and solidify the student's strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
  • Stay on task and remain focused on a subject for a period of 40-45 minutes.
  • Learn to transition quickly from class to class, and be confident in their growing promptness and responsibility.
  • Follow all directions and instructions given by teachers, ask questions, and take initiative; answer thoroughly in complete sentences.
  • Excellent organizational skills give a strong foundation for success.
  • Have all materials for each class, students store materials in lockers and desks.
  • Remember the SQ3R approach for comprehending material: survey the main headings, turn the headings into a question, then read, recite the answers to the question and review.
  • Write assignments in their assignment book correctly, gather and organize necessary homework materials to take home, preferably working for self-responsibility without teacher reminders.
  • Turn in homework on the day it is due. Students are held accountable.
  • Establish a routine at home as to when and where homework is to be done everyday. All supplies are at hand to minimize distractions and time off-task.
  • Keep a home calendar with important dates and events that apply to school work (due dates, tests, specials, projects, etc); this will assist in learning time management skills and long-term planning.
  • Keep a standing file folder at home for the student, where important material is kept (subject folders for study guides, graded quizzes and tests, classroom newsletters, special work, information regarding assignments, etc.) for their future review in preparing for tests.
  • Develop ability to monitor progress of long term assignments.
  • The time of homework will be determined by each student’s individual ability, but expect 1-1/2 hours of homework, including reading and reviewing.
  • Students are expected to write down all homework accurately, and complete their homework independently.
  • Monthly book reports, in addition to literature curriculum.
  • Projects given in social studies, science, literature, and grammar with adequate notice, guidance, and instruction.
  • Classes include Catholic formation, math, grammar, science and social studies, creative writing, literature, spelling, and 5 specials. Each of the 4 core classes are 45 minutes daily and taught by a different teacher.

Specials

  • Music for 2 periods per week
  • Religion
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Spanish for 4 periods per week
  • Art for 1 period per week
  • Physical education for 2 periods per week

Tips for Parents

Parents should be available to assist their child when questions arise. However, it is very important children develop strong, independent work and study skills as the year progresses. Parents are reminded that when students make a mistake this is an opportunity to learn. School work is the child’s responsibility, and a vehicle for growth and maturity. These are gradual processes, and patience and support will prove to be invaluable tools.

  • Allow your child to take on personal responsibilities with a set structure at home, and accept the rewards and consequences for their actions. (packing backpack and placing it in the same location, lunches and snacks, putting assignments into the correct school folders, returning library books on the assigned days, lay out entire uniform for school before bedtime, and set their own alarm).
  • The school day starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to provide adequate time for your child to prepare for their day (unpack backpack and lunch, organize books, etc.).
  • Avoid walking your child to their classroom after the first week of school, unless they need assistance carrying something heavy or awkward to the classroom.
  • Tell your child that you know they are capable of doing well in class and recognize it when they do so.
  • In terms of discipline, support the efforts of the teacher. If you disagree with the teacher’s discipline measure, please discuss this with the teacher. Do not undermine the teacher’s authority by disagreeing with the teacher in front of your child.
  • Share with your child that their teachers love and care about them. Let them know their teacher will help them with school lessons and situations that arise at school.
  • Above and beyond homework, it is extremely important to drill math facts with your child until overlearning takes place (mastered).
  • When reading to or with your child, stop and ask questions about what they read, and ask them to predict what they think will happen next. Ask about lessons learned from the stories you read; this helps to promote active thinkers not passive listeners.
  • Selectively minimize television and computer games especially on school days. Always be mindful of the TV programming and electronic games your child is viewing. Promote active outdoor play, arts and crafts for a creative outlet, and encourage use of their imagination in their play with others.
  • If you experience a situation that you feel needs to be communicated to the school, please come to the teacher, academic coordinator, guidance counselor, principal, or faculty/staff member to discuss.
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