St. Peter Catholic School provides its students with a curriculum that combines the ideal balance of academics and religion, as well as diversity choices, such as Spanish. Below are some of the courses which make up our curriculum:
- Religion
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Library Skills
- Physical Education
- Computer
- Spanish
- Art
- Music
Portfolio assessment is used on a smaller scale as a means of evaluation. Samples of student work are used for display as well as for parent/teacher conferences. The work samples are used at conferences to show areas of strength as well as areas of needed improvement.
Writing across the curriculum begins at the pre-kindergarten level with drawings. Children dictate descriptions of his/her pictures to the teacher. Letter introduction also begins at this level. In kindergarten, drawings are usually more detailed due to improvement in small motor skills through formal handwriting instruction and practice. Morning Messages and the use of journals help to develop reading readiness, letter-sound skills and sight word recognition. Inventive spelling can be seen as a progression of the writing process.
In first and second grades, further development of creative writing skills, handwriting and grammar are emphasized. Special area subjects in Early Childhood include: Music, Art, Computer, Spanish, Library, Physical Education, Health and Guidance. Special area teachers work in conjunction with classroom teachers and school administration on activities that relate to classroom academics as well as special events at the school. Music classes for pre-K to second grade are designed to help a young child explore his/her world through music. Music activities reinforce language and physical development. The use of music also helps a child to develop his/her aural experience, and introduces the world of sound and movement to the child. Introduction to the world of sound begins with the discovery of the child’s natural singing and speaking voice, and helps to spark the creativity of the child from within.
Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate and builds through each grade level, encompassing the major subject areas of Religion, Math, Language Arts, and Science. Social Studies is also covered using special themes such as United States History, Community and Cultural Awareness. These subjects are integrated daily.
Our guidance curriculum includes a school-wide character development program, as well as lessons and presentations about featured topics throughout the school year. Some of the areas in which students receive instruction are personal safety, conflict resolution, drug and alcohol awareness, career planning, and study skills. The opportunity for class, small group, and individual counseling is available on request. The school counselor also provides parent and teacher consultation as needed and monitors students in need of extra assistance.
Computer is taught in a lab environment. Instruction is planned cooperatively with the classroom teachers, incorporating current areas of study. Basic skills such as manipulation of the mouse and navigational skills are developed at the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten levels using interactive and engaging programs. Creative writing is further developed at the first and second grade levels using word processing skills.
Spanish instruction at the pre-K and kindergarten levels involves basic oral vocabulary and introductory conversational Spanish. In first and second grade, oral/aural skills are further reinforced and the students are introduced to reading and writing in this language.
Our Physical Education and Health and Guidance curriculums focus on the overall well-being of our students, that is, in body, mind and soul. Each day, P.E. classes are structured to begin with a variety of basic exercises, and fun games to work specific areas of skill (eye/hand, eye/foot coordination, under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, body positioning). Teamwork is promoted and students are encouraged to develop qualities of good sportsmanship and leadership in an atmosphere of respect. At the first and second grade levels, students participate in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge, leading to a lifelong commitment to good health. Health and Guidance instruction focuses on personal wellness, nutrition and safety. In addition, the Guidance counselor utilizes theme-based lessons that enhance positive character development.
Special area subjects in third through fifth grades are Music, Art, Computer Science, Library, Spanish, Physical Education, Health, and Guidance. Special area teachers work with classroom teachers and administration to enhance lessons being covered in class and help with school-wide activities and special events.
Music classes are concerned with the structure and use of music in every day life. Students learn about instruments and their sounds, musical forms, and musical styles. Students learn to play simple instruments, construct simple melodic passages, and perform folk dances. They continue to develop their singing voices and learn how to sing simple harmonies.
Throughout the year students learn about the elements and principles of Art and how to apply them in their own projects. Special techniques are combined with many types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative expression, cultural heritage, and art history are touched upon at various times during each project.
Library activities build basic library skills and develop reading proficiency. Students are taught to locate and evaluate books for personal reading and for achieving goals in the Accelerated Reading and Book-It programs. Classes have regular weekly visits to the library, but also have access on an “as needed” basis during other library hours.
Spanish instruction in grades three through five concentrate on building vocabulary as well as conversational Spanish. Conversational Spanish is geared toward practical use and activities in daily life. Students also work on basic writing skills. |
