Academics

Please contact Mr. Johnson in regards to any changes-

 ART EDUCATION

Is the developmental ability to visualize, interpret and problem solve. Art enhances learning in all subjects by providing opportunities through a dynamic process of creative expression. Art history is the focal point for art appreciation.

We believe that the Art Curriculum should:

Be age appropriate

Be sequential in media, skill and problem solving

Include an understanding of and ability to use a wide variety of media

Include opportunities to make art based on ideas, feelings, memories and attitudes

Provide for multi-cultural age appropriate art history, art criticism and art making

 COMPUTERS

This instructional program is coordinated by the class computer teacher. The computer lab contains PC or IBM compatible computers. The emphasis of the computer class is to acclimate students to using a computer as a learning tool. Topics include drill of learning skills, keyboarding, and word processing, data base and spreadsheet activities. Some curriculum related software is also used in computer class. In addition, each classroom has a computer for curriculum activities.

The program develops a student’s speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Spelling, reading, literature and grammar are clustered together into the Language Arts Program. Oral and written communication skills prepare students for success in a technological society. Reading and speaking skills, grammar usage, and composition skills are important elements of the Language Arts curriculum. These skills are taught sequentially and reinforced at each level. Reading is taught using a combination of:

Basal text

Trade books

Whole language instruction

Literature circles

Direct instruction

Differentiated instruction

Multiple intelligences

Six Trait writing

Balanced literacy program

We believe that reading education should include opportunities to:

Read a wide variety of narrative and expository materials

Read for a wide variety of purposes

Master skills that correlate with appropriate age groups

Raise questions and stimulate the imagination

Develop an appreciation for the effective use of language

 MATHEMATICS

Students are taught the fundamental NCTM principles of Math and are led to understand the symbolic language used in Math. Pretests, skill practice activities, reinforcement and enrichment exercises, manipulative activities, and post-tests are included in each chapter of the Mathematics book. Consumer decision-making skills are viewed as increasingly important in the study of mathematics. Guidelines developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) have modernized the Mathematics curriculum and instructional methods. Problem solving strategies, computation skills, memorization of basic facts and key concepts are an important part of the program. Pre-algebra concepts are taught in all grades and Algebra I concepts are taught in the upper grades.

MUSIC

Is taught by a specialist to all students. To develop the musical potential of every child varied classroom experiences and activities such as singing, playing instruments and dance are provided. Spring and Christmas programs are a part of the music programs.

SCIENCE

Is presented as an ever-expanding body of knowledge that is useful in everyday life and in technological careers. In our science program interrelationships among life, earth, and physical sciences are emphasized. To stimulate student interest and motivation, examples from everyday life which illustrate science concepts and their various science activities utilized by the teacher are intended to teach methods of scientific inquiry through direct involvement in science classes. Both demonstration and experimentation are integral to our teaching of a hands-on science curriculum.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Is a study of human cultures in the world, regional and community settings. The Social Studies curriculum is intended to foster the development of social skills, to deepen student concern for Catholic social teaching principles, and to develop information gathering, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Concepts stressed on the primary level are the family, school community, city community, and neighborhood environment. Emphasized at the intermediate level are Wisconsin history, U.S. history and geography. At the middle school level civics, geography and U.S. history are covered. Teaching techniques in the area of social studies include note taking, study skills, group discussions and their application to project based learning.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Is an important part of the total educational program. Class activities stimulate and promote the physical, mental, emotional and social growth processes. Concepts stressed include lifelong physical fitness, sports, health, nutrition and sportsmanship. Some of the units covered are volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, roller skating, tennis, flag football, floor hockey and dance.

Physical education should:

a) promote an awareness of lifetime physical fitness and recreational interests

b) include opportunities to discover and experiment with one’s physical strengths and dexterities.

c) contribute to the maximum development potential of every boy and girl. Boys and girls take physical education classes together, especially for skill development.

PHILOSOPHY FOR HEALTH EDUCATION

We believe that health curriculum should:

Encompass the needs of individuals and groups

Include a variety of resources and activities

Encourage cooperative learning and active participation in the learning process

Develop an awareness and appreciation of positive attitudes and health practices

We believe that instruction should include:

Modeling of good health practices

A selection and implementation of a variety of materials and activities

We believe that assessment should:

Emphasize changes in attitudes and habits of health practices

RELIGION CURRICULUM

Christian education brings meaning to the lives of students by helping them interpret events in the light of the Gospel, by fostering their growth in personal holiness, and by assisting them in the obligation of Christian service. As a Catholic School, we recognize the uniqueness and inherent beauty of each child.

The primary purpose of our school is to assist parents in the religious education of their children. We accomplish this through the following means:

Adherence to the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee regarding the teaching of Religion

Use of an Archdiocesan approved student text and teacher manual and the continuation of a teacher education program for our teachers of religion

Opportunities for all students to pray with the worshipping community at weekly all-school masses

Instruction on and participation in the sacramental life of the church

Incorporation of Scripture reading and prayer into the Religion curriculum

Exposure to various types of prayer experiences and liturgical and para-liturgical celebrations

Emphasis on service to the school, parish and neighborhood community, and an awareness of the global community.

 Field Trips and Assemblies

Field trips and assemblies provided by St. Vincent Pallotti School serve as a means of enhancing and enriching the curriculum. Parents will be informed by letter sufficiently in advance of upcoming field trips. The returned permission slip signed by a parent or guardian is required before a student may participate in a class trip. Ordinarily, the students travel by bus and there is a nominal charge for this. Other fees for the field trips vary depending on the site of the field trip. Teacher and parent chaperones always accompany the students. All field trips, including the 8th grade trip, will begin and end on the same day eliminating overnight stays, liability problems and expensive field trips.

Homework

Homework is an extension of class work and demands self-discipline on the part of the student.

School Library

Our school library exists to provide both students and teachers with needed research information and books for reading enjoyment. The library aims to support and enrich the instructional program in our school. Each grade level signs up for specific library periods.

Library books may be withdrawn for one to two weeks. Books may also be renewed for an additional one-week period. A fine of 5 cents per school day is charged for all overdue books. This excludes Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Library fine money is given to the librarian. If a student does not return his/her book, he/she may not take out another book unless the book(s) from the preceding week are returned or renewed. The classroom teacher should be informed when a library book is lost or damaged.

Reference books, such as dictionaries, world almanacs, encyclopedias, and atlases remain in the library at all times. They are only to be used in the library.

Each school year a certain amount is budgeted for the purchase of new library books. On certain designated shelves in the library the newest and most recent purchased books are displayed throughout the school year.

Special Needs

St. Vincent Pallotti School specializes instruction by trying to provide as many educational services as possible. Students who need extra help or enrichment in academic subjects will receive it from classroom teachers. Help or enrichment may be requested. Students who require more intensive intervention will be tested through the M-team process. Teaching staff and/or parents may request as IEP/504 referral. The IEP/504  process lasts several months. The result of theIEP/504 may suggest intervention strategies or placement in a special education service.

The staff also includes a part-time Title I reading & math teacher, and a full -time learning resource teacher, who can do testing on a limited basis. These teachers may assist in providing additional resource help to the classroom teacher or provide help as time allows to individual students.

Honors / Scholarships Requisites for 8th Graders

Home and School Scholarship:

Offers service to the school and parish

Displays a positive attitude toward learning

Exhibits a consistent pattern of willingness to share

Cooperates with the school staff

Participates frequently in classes

Students need to ask for and fill out an application blank in order to qualify for this scholarship. Two essays are also required to be submitted on or before April 15th. The Home and School Officers along with the principal and eighth grade teacher make the final determination.

Other Scholarships (as money becomes available)

Some qualifications as under the Home and School or according to the wishes of the donor.

Pallottine / Lay Leadership Award

This award is offered by the Pallottines to an eighth grade student who demonstrates the following:

Shows potential for future lay leadership in classroom and general school activities.

Exhibits a consistent pattern of respect for others

Offers service to the school and or the parish or other civic groups

Shares ideas with classmates and school personnel

Initiates ideas and carries tasks to completion

Shows potential leadership in parish wide activities such as participation in religious services and volunteers for school or parish functions.

Using the above criteria to determine the recipient of the award, the Pastor will consider the recommendation of the school staff.

NOTE: This award may be given to someone who has or will receive another award. The name will be announced at the graduation ceremony.

 Conferences

Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled in November and January. Should a conference at any other time be needed, either parent or teacher may arrange for one. Teachers are available to receive phone calls before or after school. Parents may also leave a message with the school secretary and the teacher will return the call at the earliest convenience.

 Report Cards

Honor roll names are posted quarterly for students in grades 4-8. Students maintaining a 3.0 or higher will be posted. Students earning a 3.5 or higher will be considered to have high honors.

SVP Achievement Grade Key:

A = Excellent/Exceptional/Advanced Quality

B = Very Good/Proficient/ Meets Quality Expectations

C = Satisfactory/Meets Basic Expectations

D = Needs to improve/inconsistent/minimal performance

U = Unsatisfactory

The teachers generally use the following standards as guides in marking report cards:

Grade = A (93-100) - Excellent/Exceptional/Advanced Quality

Grade =B (86-92) - Very Good/Proficient/Meets Quality Expectations

Grade =C (76-85) - Average/Satisfactory/Meets Basic Exceptions

Grade =D (70-75)- Poor/Needs Improvement/Inconsistent/Minimal

Performance

Grade =U (below 70)- Failure/Unsatisfactory

Standards/Proficiency Key:

= Advanced: Demonstrates exemplary understanding and application

+ = Proficient: Demonstrates consistent understanding and application

/ = Basic: Demonstrates a general understanding, but an inconsistent

application of information.

- = Minimal: Demonstrates a lack of understanding of key concepts/skills