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The curriculum of St. Mary School is
developed to help students acquire the skills necessary for
life long learning, so that their potential may be developed
and their individuality be recognized and understood.
Spiritual Life /
Religion
Religious education takes place first in the home.
Parents by their interest and example show children the
importance of spirituality and religion. St. Mary
School continues the religious development of each child
through formal classes, parish liturgy, class liturgy,
retreat days, prayer services, shared prayer and community
service.
Children in grade two are
prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy
Eucharist. Students begin a two-year preparation
period for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which will be held
in eighth grade.
Mathematics
The Math Program is based on the NCTM Standards developed
by Math educators across the country. The basis of the
standards leads to greater understanding and problem solving
techniques that reflect real life situations. There is
an increased use of math manipulatives and technology
through the use of SMART Boards, calculators and computers.
We are providing an accelerated program for those students
who display competence in order to offer a full year of
Algebra to eighth grade students.
Language Arts
The Language Arts curriculum
integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing
development through a variety of thinking skills and
communication techniques. An array of grade
appropriate instructional strategies is employed to ensure
the continual development of grammar, spelling, phonics,
reading, usage, and mechanics required in conventional
English.
Spanish
The Spanish program focuses on communication and
is offered to students from Pre-School to grade eight.
The program incorporates the National Standards of Foreign
Language Learning into the instruction and introduces
students to the Spanish language and the many cultures of
the Hispanic world. The program integrates television
master teachers, computer graphics, animation, puppets, and
worksheets to provide students with a comprehensive program
of instruction. The Rosetta Stone Computer Language
Program is used in grades K-8.
Science
An introduction to Science begins in Kindergarten through
grade three. A formal Science program begins in grade
four and continues through grade eight. The students
are exposed to theories, laws and methods of Earth, Life and
Physical Science through lectures, laboratory experiences,
activities and projects. Supporting the Science
program is a Science Lab, available to all grades for the
purpose of discovery and experiments that lead to greater
understanding.
Social Studies
An introduction to Social Studies begins in Kindergarten
through grade three. A formal Social Studies program
begins in grade four and continues through grade eight.
The students receive instruction in United States History,
European and World History. Geography is a major part
of the program. Components include instruction in map,
globe, graph, and reference skills. Citizenship,
social justice, current events are incorporated in both the
history and geography programs.
H.O.T. (Higher Order
Thinking)
To help students
develop their potential we have our H.O.T. Program.
This program provides enrichment activities for advanced
students who qualify in reading, language and math.
Music
All students in the course of their elementary school
education are exposed to theory, history, styles, and
elements of Music. Students begin Music education in
kindergarten. Instrumental music is offered to
students in grades four through eight. This program
provides the membership of the St. Mary School Band.
Art
All students participate in Art classes. The
program consists of art history studying various
artists and their styles as well as provides an avenue for
the development of each student’s own creativity.
Physical Education
Physical Education in elementary school begins with the
very young child learning how to move. Broad movement
experiences, games of low organization, rhythms, and
manipulative activities develop body competency and
management for the primary grades.
Specialized sport skills;
concepts, positions and organized play make up the program
for the upper grades.
Computers
All students in Kindergarten to grade eight receive
formal classes in computer education. These classes
include: use of the computer, introduction to software
that supports grade level curriculum, keyboarding
skills, data processing, word processing, and presentation
skills.
Each classroom is equipped
with on-line computers and software to further develop
academic skills and research.
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