Academics

Curriculum

All children are expected to participate in all classes and activities during school hours. Exceptions may be approved by the principal for reasons of health or special cases.  Lesson plans are standardized to ensure that California Standards are taught.

The kindergarten meets five days a week. The kindergarten seeks to achieve the following four ends: individuality, socialization, self-discipline, learning skills.

Grades K - 4 are self-contained with freedom to place a child for instruction in the grade which best suits his/her needs.

Grades 5-8 are departmentalized according to subject areas. Required curriculum includes:

• Religion *
• Mathematics
• Language Arts: Reading/English Spelling/Phonics/Vocabulary
• Handwriting
• Social Studies and GA History
• Science
• Physical Education including Health and Safety

* All students (Catholic and non-Catholic) are required to take Religion class and to participate in school religious services, except the sacramental programs.

Physical Education

A physical education program is part of the curriculum. The school PE uniform is required. All students are required to wear gym shoes during physical education classes. A written note from the parent or guardian is required before a student will be excused from participation in physical education. Non-participation of longer than two weeks requires a written excuse from a doctor.

Grading System

The following grading system will be used in grades 4 –8 for all areas with the exception of physical education, art, music, conduct, home study, and effort, which are marked 1 (Excellent), 2 (Satisfactory), 3 (Needs improvement ), 4 (Unsatisfactory).

All subjects qualify for honor roll except handwriting, music, art, and P.E. Responsible and Honor Roll students must have at least “2” or satisfactory in effort, conduct, and home study.

HOMEWORK

Teachers are required to give homework to students. Parents are asked to cooperate and provide a time and place for students to accomplish their work. Homework is given for the following purposes:

• to reinforce concepts and skills that have been presented in class
• to develop and foster the student’s creativity and discipline through enrichment projects or research
• to train the student to work independently and to accept responsibility for completing a task

Weekend homework may be given to students. Long-term projects for older students may require weekend work at home and/or at the library.

Students are expected to make up work missed while absent. Parents should call the school office early in the day and ask that homework be left in the office. Parents or siblings must pick up daily homework when a student is absent. This also applies to the last day of school before a break period. Parents are to check with the teacher before a break if their child is absent so that homework for the break can be obtained. All students are responsible for work even if they are absent.

Since homework requires careful attention, it is highly recommended that television programs be avoided during homework times. Students should have a quiet place to do their homework. Whenever possible, parents should check the homework done by their children and hear them read, as well as, drill them and help them where needed.

The average amount of time a child should spend on homework is:

• Grade K: Parents are encouraged to read to their child each night
  Homework will be assigned as needed
• Grade 1 and 2: 20 minutes per night
• Grade 3 and 4: 30-45 minutes per night
• Grade 5 and 6: 45-60 minutes per night
• Grade 7 and 8: 60-90 minutes per night
  
  
  Our Academic Expectations poster appears in every classroom.