St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School Curriculum Overview
Curriculum
St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School bases its curriculum on national, state, and Diocese of Charleston standards. South Carolina Curriculum Standards can be found at www.myscschools.com/offices/sco/standards. In addition to a curriculum which includes science, health, social studies, technology, physical education, and the arts, there is an emphasis on the traditional 3 R’s of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. Children who attend St. Mary’s also benefit from a curriculum that includes an additional 3 R’s: Respect, Reverence, and Responsibility.
Professional Staff
All of St. Mary’s 5-K – fourth grade teachers are elementary or early childhood certified and have bachelor’s or master’s degrees, many with coursework beyond the master’s degree level. Middle level and junior high teachers are either certified in their subject areas or are “highly qualified,” meaning they have at least a bachelor’s degree and have majors or minors in their assigned subjects. St. Mary’s professional staff (teachers, counselor, librarian, and principal) participate in at least five days of professional development training each school year. Teachers are available at least one afternoon each week to work with students who need additional time or assistance. The art, music, physical education, and computer literacy teachers are either certified in their fields or have college degrees and graduate degree level training in their respective fields.
Accreditation
St. Mary’s maintains accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Accreditation by SACS indicates that St. Mary’s meets staffing and curriculum requirements, undergoes a comprehensive self-study every five years, conducts annual updates, and hosts an accreditation review team of professional educators every five years to visit the school, assess the accuracy of the school’s self-study, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Religion
Religion is taught daily to all students. The school day begins with prayer and ends with prayer. Students participate in weekly liturgy services at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. Students of all faiths are welcome at St. Mary’s School. All participate in religion studies and in liturgies.
Kindergarten
Children are taught how to work in a semi-structured setting that encourages listening skills, cooperative play and learning, sharing, and taking turns. Children are encouraged to be sensitive and creative, building trust and security while learning. The kindergarten programs have been developed to channel all of the enthusiasm and enjoyment of learning into the school setting. Religion is taught daily. Children receive Spanish or French instruction twice a week. They attend the school liturgy (mass) once a month.
Children enter kindergarten at a variety of levels. The children participate in a balance of active and quiet activities. Reading readiness skills develop and most children leave kindergarten reading and writing. The Beginning to Read, Write, and Listen program is used. Students explore math concepts including counting, sorting, identifying shapes and the properties of shapes, measurement, simple addition and subtraction, ordinal positions, time, and money. The math book is the kindergarten level of the Houghton Mifflin Mathematics series that is used in the elementary grades. Five-year-olds learn much by exploring materials and interacting with others during centers. The teacher interacts with children during this “play” and provides guidance for extending play to increase learning. Art is incorporated into the regular classroom activities. Science, social studies, and health are taught through units of study. Children receive instruction from specialists in physical education, computer literacy, music, and foreign language.
Grades One though Four
Classes in first through fourth grades are self-contained classes; students remain in their classrooms with their homeroom teachers for language arts (reading, English, spelling, handwriting), mathematics, science, health, and social studies. Children receive art, music, physical education (PE), computer literacy, Spanish or French, and religion from teachers who are specialists in these subject areas. Children attend school liturgy (mass) once a week, typically on Wednesdays. The children have a forty minute lunch and recess period. They go to the library weekly. Children in grades two, three, and four participate in the Accelerated Reader® and Accelerated Mathematics® programs. A new science program was adopted in the summer of 2005. It incorporates many hands-on activities (experiments) and includes life, earth, and physical science as well as a unit on space and technology.
Texts used in grades one through four include:
Religion: Blest are We, Silver Burdett Ginn, 2004
Reading: Houghton Mifflin Reading, Houghton Mifflin,2003 and Phonics, Modern Curriculum Press
Mathematics: Houghton Mifflin Mathematics, Houghton Mifflin, 2002
Science: Science 2006, Scott Foresman, 2006
Social Studies: Scott Foresman Social Studies, 2005
Spelling: Spelling Workout, Modern Curriculum Press
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting, The Concerned Group
English: Voyages in English, Loyola University Press, 2006 and Daily Oral Language, Great Source
Grade Five
Students in grade five continue the basic curriculum that is described in the section for grades one through four. In preparation for the transition to junior high, fifth graders may begin to “change classes” for a limited number of subjects. After establishing a strong foundation in mathematics, fifth graders use a sixth grade general mathematics textbook, Middle Grades Math Course 1, Prentice Hall, in preparation for advanced mathematics studies in junior high. Fifth graders are also involved in several projects in science and social studies, in preparation for individual projects that are required in grades six, seven, and eight.
Junior High Curriculum (Grades Six, Seven, and Eight)
The junior high course of study requires that students change classes and follow a nine period day, with lunch being one of the periods. The academic courses of study are described below. The junior high literature, English, and mathematics curriculum is academically advanced and builds on a strong foundation in the elementary grades. All The MLA bibliography style is taught and used throughout the junior high curriculum. The rigorous junior high curriculum provides an opportunity for graduates to enter high school with three (3) high school credits (English 1, Algebra 1, and French 1 or Spanish 1).
Literature
Sixth graders utilize a seventh grade level reader, Star Walk, Silver Burdett Ginn, and Adventures for Readers, Book One, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, a seventh grade literature book. Seventh graders utilize Adventures for Readers, Book Two, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, an eighth grade level literature book. Eighth graders utilize a high school literature book, and in coordination with their English class, students may receive high school credit for English I. Literature is aimed at fostering the students’ appreciation for a wide variety of reading texts. The main focuses of literature classes are the development of the multi-skills needed to comprehend, interpret, analyze, and evaluate what is read, the continued development of vocabulary, and a deeper understanding of the literary elements and genre of literature. On-grade level reading/literature is offered, as needed.
English
The goals of English in the junior high are to improve written and oral communication, working intensively in grammar, usage, and the mechanics of the English language. All eight parts of speech are covered, as well as punctuation and essential elements of a sentence. Composition skills include paragraph development, journal writing, friendly and business letters, essays, and poetry. Research skills are developed in coordination with other subject areas. Spelling and vocabulary are taught in the English classes. Students build skills in the areas of public speaking. Daily Oral Language, Great Source, reinforces skills in grammar. As in literature classes, the English Grammar and Composition textbooks are typically one year ahead of grade level placement. Sixth and seventh graders use Voyages in English, Loyola University Press; eighth graders use English Composition and Grammar, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, and Vocabulary for the High School Student, Amsco School Publishing. Eighth grade students produce the SMS news, a bi-weekly television broadcast.
Mathematics
Sixth graders continue their math studies by using the Middle Grades Math Course 2, Prentice Hall, textbook. The text develops proficiency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, and rational numbers. Students work with equations, trigonometry, exponents, ratios, percents, proportions, geometry, and problem solving strategies. Seventh graders utilize the Passport to Algebra and Geometry, McDougal Littel, which integrates all areas of math with an emphasis on preparation for Algebra I. Eighth graders continue their math studies by taking Algebra I, a high school course. The text used is Algebra I, McDougal Littel. For students meeting the course requirements, local high schools recognize Algebra I for high school credit. Junior high students utilize technology through calculators and appropriate computer programs. The students utilize the Accelerated Mathematics® program in math lab and have a minimum number of objectives they must master each grading period.
Religion
Sixth graders continue in the Blest Are We, Silver Burdett Ginn, program that is used in the elementary grades. This level focuses on the study of the Old Testament. Students also use Facts and Friends, Northwest Family Services. Sixth graders receive more responsibility for the school liturgy (mass) and sit with the kindergarten students at mass. Seventh grade students focus on church history, utilizing The Catholic Church History, MacMillan. They are introduced to the major events and key personalities of the Church from the earliest Christian communities up to the present day. Seventh graders accompany first graders to mass each week. Eighth graders utilize Father McBride’s Teen Catechism with the goal of achieving deep, active faith in Jesus Christ. Through selected stories, questions, reflections, and clarifications by outstanding saints, theologians, and laymen, students learn to relate Catholic moral life to their own situations. Eighth graders make final preparations for the sacrament of Confirmation. The junior high religion curriculum also includes quarter-long units on morality, human sexuality, abstinence, and chastity. Project Genesis materials are used for these units of study.
Social Studies
Sixth graders learn about the world and ancient civilizations and their impact on western culture. These studies incorporate geography, citizenship/government, history, economics, and cultures. Seventh graders study American history from the first Americans through Reconstruction. Eighth graders study American history from Reconstruction to the present and spend one quarter learning about South Carolina history. Textbooks used in junior high are The World, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, The American Republic, Glenco McGraw Hill, and The History of South Carolina in Building the Nation. Junior high students are required to participate in the Social Studies fair each year. Projects include a formal report, a backboard, and a display.
Science
Sixth grade students sconcentrate on earth science. Seventh graders concentrate on life science and eighth graders on physical science. All junior high students are required to do a science project and participate in the science fair. Science textbooks used in the sixth and seventh grades are Exploring Earth Science and Exploring Life Science, Prentice Hall. Eighth graders utilizean honors level physical science textbook, Science Spectrum Physical Science, Holt.
Enrichment Courses of Study
Foreign Language (Kindergarten, Grades 1-8)
French or Spanish is taught two, three, or four times a week, depending on the grade level of the children. At each grade level, there is one class of Spanish and one class of French. The classes are filled on a first registered/first enrolled basis. Students may change languages from year to year, though it is recommended that from sixth grade on students remain in the same language. In the early grades, foreign language instruction includes vocabulary and knowledge about the countries in which the language is the native tongue. Foreign language instruction in the upper grades focuses on vocabulary in practical daily-life themes, establishing a limited, but useful vocabulary, and familiarity with the native countries’ customs, history, and culture. Students enrolled in French or Spanish in seventh and eighth grades may earn a credit that the local high schools accept. A French visitation program provides opportunities for junior high students and their families to host a French student for several weeks. A reciprocal “exchange” program, which is privately arranged by a St. Mary’s School French teacher, takes place every other year.
Art (Grades 1-8)
Students in grades one through six participate in art classes once a week. Seventh and eighth graders are
enrolled in art one quarter of the year. The art curriculum addresses the national visual arts content standards: understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes,
using knowledge of structures and functions,
choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas,
understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures,
reflecting upon and assessing the merits of their own and other’s work, and
making connections between visual arts and other disciplines.
Music (Kindergarten, Grades 1-8)
Students in kindergarten through grade six participate in music classes once a week. Seventh eighth graders are enrolled in music one quarter of the year. The curriculum is general music with an emphasis on singing melody, rhythm, note reading, and performing. In the upper grades, skills necessary to read and perform music are expanded and refined. Music history, appreciation, and knowledge about composers is included in the general music curriculum. A youth choir, with members in fourth through eighth grades, meets weekly after school, sings at all school liturgies, and sings once a month at the 8:30 Sunday mass. Private piano and guitar lessons are available, on site, after school.
Physical Education (Kindergarten, Grades 1-8)
The physical education curriculum begins with participation in activities that involve imagination, coordination, and basic game skills in the primary grades. Elementary students participate in activities and exercises that emphasize teamwork and skills used in a variety of sports and other physical activities. Junior high students work to further develop the skills, strategies, and teamwork through various games, activities, and exercises. Elementary students have physical education twice a week; junior high students have physical education once a week for 45 minutes.
Computer Literacy (4Kindergarten, Grades 1-8)
The purpose of the computer literacy curriculum is to assist students with development and mastery of technology skills that they will need for school and life activities. Included in the curriculum are keyboarding, word processing (Word), visual presentation slides (PowerPoint), spreadsheet applications (Excel), internet safety, searching and researching, desktop publishing, and web page development. Junior high students also have one additional period a week during which they go to the computer lab for curriculum-related activities.
Library (Kindergarten, Grades 1-8)
Students in the elementary grades are scheduled for weekly library classes. During the classes, a library or reference skill is taught, a story is read or book introduced, and children have an opportunity to check out library books. Unscheduled visits to the library are encouraged and can be worked out between teachers and the librarian. The librarian also opens the library to junior high students during selected lunch periods as well as before and after school during times when there is a demand. Kindergarten children visit the library weekly for a story and introduction to beginning library skills.
Guidance
The guidance counselor provides the following services to the school: individual screenings for all entering kindergarten and first grade students, coordination of standardized tests, crisis counseling, individual and small group counseling, periodic classroom program on such topics as career education, personal safety, stress management, study skills, liaison services between SMS and other schools and community agencies, orientation activities for eighth graders in preparation for high school, and initial screening for learning and/or emotional problems. The guidance counselor is available for consultation with parents and teachers upon request.
Athletics
Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders have the opportunity to participate in golf, tennis, track, cross country, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Tryouts are held for basketball, soccer, and volleyball. SMS plays in a highly competitive league.
St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School
118 York St., SE
Aiken, South Carolina 29801
Phone: (803) 649-2071 Fax: (803) 643-0092
www.smhoc.info
October 2008
Fifth Grade at Fort Discovery |
Fort Discovery |
Future Chemists |
St. Mary's Fire Protection Engineers |