ACADEMICS

Curriculum, Tests, Progress Report, Conferences, Promotion

2009-2010 Student Handbook

CURRICULUM

Our curriculum integrates the spiritual, academic, athletic, and social development of all of our students. With this, we offer a challenging, yet fundamental curriculum that prepares students for grade school, high school, college, and beyond.

Our curriculum offers: Art, Computers, English, Handwriting, Math, Music, Physical Education, Reading, Religion, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Spelling and Study Skills.

This curriculum enables students to master skills, gain knowledge, and embrace both Christian morality and positive social attitudes. Our goal is to provide a total learning environment, enabling students to attain their highest level of academics and personal excellence.

Parents, in partnership with the teachers, impart a distinctive character to Christian education. By participating in activities and cooperating actively with the school, they share in the development of a faith-based community in which Gospel values are formed, shared and lived.

By building a community rooted in Christian values, we address the needs and talents of students at various levels of learning and respect the cultural diversity of our school. We are confident that our students will evolve into responsible members of the community.


TESTING

In the fall, students in Grades 2 – 8 take the comprehensive IOWA Test of Basic Skills. Students in Grade 1 take the Cognitive Abilities section only. These tests are administered so that individual student’s strengths and weaknesses can be consistently evaluated. Test results are always sent home to parents with explanations. Eighth graders who wish to apply to Catholic High Schools take the STS placement test in November. Kindergartners take the STS Readiness Test at the end of the school year.


PROGRESS REPORTS

At the mid-point of each marking period, teachers send home Progress Reports with students who are not making satisfactory progress or whose work has seriously deteriorated.


PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Formal parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year – following the 1st marking period and during the 3rd marking period. Parents should feel free, however, to initiate communication with the school at any time during the year that it is deemed necessary.


PROMOTION/RETENTION

Continuous promotion through the grade levels is the standard for the vast majority of students who are making normal progress. Recommendation for retention would be made only after a thorough study of the child’s needs involving parents, teacher, administration, and specialist.