elementary school
Classroom Curriculum for our Primary Grades: 1st - 4th Grade
Academic Excellence
1st & 2nd Grade
In first and second grades, students work hard to develop as readers. Reading skills are developed in students’ curricular work across the instructional disciplines, which include Religion, Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Spanish, Health, and Physical Education. In first and second grades, students learn to begin using technology as a communication tools, creating their first slid presentations and beginning to work on public speaking through making presentations. Students participate in experiential, hands-on learning activities in their classes including regularly receiving instruction in and creating pieces in our STEAM lab.
3rd & 4th Grade
In third and fourth grades, students make the important transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Students use the reading skills that have been taught to become stronger in all of their academic disciplines which include Religion, Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, and Physical Education. Students in 3rd and 4th grade participate in a variety of experiential, hands-on learning opportunities through science curriculum experiments and through unique field trip opportunities. Students in third and fourth grades build on their public speaking skills through planning for and participating in presentations for the class at least once per month.
Spiritual Development
1st & 2nd Grade
The 1st and 2nd grade years are magical years in the faith formation of children, culminating in students receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in the 2nd grade year. Students in these grade levels learn about the life of Jesus, identify and share different forms of prayer in the classroom community, and identify and celebrate Catholic Holy days and seasons. It is also at this level that students begin to participate in the planning and preparation of liturgies for the school and parish community.
3rd & 4th Grade
Students in third and fourth grades continue to develop in their faith through regular participation in the planning and celebration of liturgy. In addition to participation in Mass and regular prayer, the children continue their study of the faith. They learn more deeply what it means to be a follower and disciple of Christ. The students study the Mass, the Beatitudes, the Ten Commandments, the Holy Trinity, basic psalms, and stories of our saints. By the end of fourth grade, students will know traditional prayers by heart and will begin to learn to pray the rosary.
Character Development
1st & 2nd Grade
In first and second grades, teachers work with students on the importance of showing good character, when when no one is looking. Students at this age level are guided to become patient, resilient, responsible, open-minded, and self-reliant.
3rd & 4th Grade
Our students are continuing to grow and develop in character in grades 3 and 4. At this age, students continue to be guided to be respectful of all others, including classmates, teachers, and property. Students at this age are also working to grow in personal responsibility and organization. Students are encouraged to work to peacefully settle disagreements while maintaining confidence and being assertive while forgiving.
Service
1st & 2nd Grade
Students in 1st and 2nd grades learn about and practice the service of others with the school service projects. Additionally, the 1st and 2nd grade students organize and execute service projects annually to support various student selected charities. The children have done service projects such as ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and sold items to raise funds for charities like Sarnelli House, The American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and more.
3rd & 4th Grade
Students in third and fourth grades learn about and understand the importance of serving others. In addition to the monthly school-wide service projects, the students choose their own service projects and plan and execute them to support various organizations such as Sarnelli House, The American Heart Association, and Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
