ACADEMICS
Kindergarten
Religion
Blest Are We is a developmental kindergarten program based on Scripture and rooted in the teachings of our Catholic Faith.
Math
Addison-Wesley Mathematics builds student confidence through problem solving, mathematical reasoning, communicating mathematically, and connecting to other knowledge.
Phonics
Modern Curriculum Press Phonics helps children see the phonics/reading/spelling connection. This program builds decoding skills which helps students in their reading. Spelling develops encoding skills which helps them in their writing. MCP Phonics provides practice activities that are fun and challenges students to read aloud, write, review, and check their work.
Handwriting
D’Nealian Handwriting is a program of continuous skill progression for students to learn the basic letter forms, size, slant, rhythm and spacing needed to be successful in writing.
First Grade
Religion
Faith will be developed through a spiral curriculum based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: what Catholics Believe, How Catholics Worship, How Catholics Live, and How Catholics Pray. The four pillars are taught in every unit, at every level, every year.
Math
Instructional time will focus on: 1) Developing an understanding of addition, subtraction and strategies for facts within 20; 2) Developing an understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including regrouping in tens and ones; 3) Developing an understanding of linear measurement and measuring lengths; 4) Reasoning about attributes of, and composing and decomposing geometric shapes.
D’Nealian Handwriting
The students will review number and letter discrimination, spatial relationships and position vocabulary. Lowercase and upper case letters are introduced along with numbers 1 through 12. Continued practice in tracing, writing letters, numbers, words, phrases and sentences are provided.
Language Arts
In line with the Common Core Standards, the Reading Street series combines the critical elements of language arts including: phonemic awareness, reading fluency, grade-level vocabulary and text comprehension using a wide variety of reading genres and integration throughout all subjects.
Science
Students will have an understanding of the five senses and how the use of their senses help in science observations and investigations. In all three science content disciplines, physical, life and Earth, the students will have a continued use of high interest subject matter to further develop understanding and skills in making observations, generating questions, planning and conducting simple investigations and presentations of findings.
Second Grade
Religion
Religion in the second grade gives an introduction to the sacraments, especially the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The children study and prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The students are introduced to the Mass and its main parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Seasonal lessons include Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
Math
Students will continue with the beginning concepts of mathematics building a stronger foundation in addition, subtraction, and mathematical terminology. In addition, they will begin new concepts such as geometry, fractions, probability, multiplication, and division.
Reading/Language Arts
The Reading Street series combines the critical elements of reading including: phonemic awareness, phonics fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension using a wide variety of reading genres and different forms of integration throughout all subjects.
Handwriting
Handwriting in the second grade is divided into four units. This includes: lower case D’Nealian letters, upper case D’Nealian letters, lower case cursive letters and upper case cursive letters. Proper handwriting positions are presented as well as lessons on letter size and form, letter slant, letter and word spacing. Students will learn about the aspects of handwriting that aid legibility.
Phonics
Students will continue with basic sound concepts found in Phonics. Phonics helps students see the phonics/reading/spelling/ writing connection which in turn help to build a better foundation for reading across the curriculum.
Science
Science in the second grade promotes gaining skills to extend learning in the four main types of science: Life science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and The Human Body through the use of the scientific method and hands-on learning.
Third Grade
Religion
Religion in third grade covers 5 main units based on the foundations of the Church:
- the Church is one
- the Church is holy
- the Church is Catholic
- the Church is apostolic
- the Church has a mission to the world
Third grade students also study the feasts and seasons of the Church and celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Religion class focuses on teaching what Catholics believe and how Catholics worship. Students are given a variety of prayer experiences and are challenged to respond to the Gospel message of Christian love, peace, and social justice in age-appropriate ways. The students are inspired to grow in knowledge and appreciation of their faith and its traditions.
Math
Math in third grade encourages problem solving and active participation in class dialogue to explain how students arrive at their answers. Our current Math program, Go Math!, builds on knowledge from second grade and reviews addition and subtraction. We introduce multiplication and division. Through studying our facts and learning several strategies to deepen and strengthen understanding of why and how number operations are used; all students should be proficient in multiplication and division by the end of the school year. Throughout the school year we also cover graphing, time, money, and place value. Students work to apply mathematics to their everyday lives and understand how to solve problems as they arise.
Science (Honors)
Science in third grade covers three broad categories: Life, Physical, and Earth Science. The students will acquire thinking skills for science processes and critical thinking skills for reasoning and problem solving. Students will learn and practice how they can use information to develop their own new ideas. Additionally, students learn about the world around them and gain knowledge and understanding about how things work.
Social Studies
Social Studies in third grade covers Michigan history, government, and geography. Students are also taught the Core Democratic Values. Throughout the school year students will grow in their knowledge of the state that they live by participating in class discussion, small research projects, and class activities.
Reading & Language Arts
Third grade covers the major parts of speech, such as: nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adjectives. These parts of grammar are taught while teaching how to write sentences, paragraphs, stories, and poems. The Reading Street series combines critical elements of reading including: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. In third grade students also practice and learn how to use the glossary/dictionary for defining words and writing sentences. Several text comprehension strategies are reviewed and taught. Strategies include previewing text, using prior knowledge, making predictions, summarizing, using main ideas, discussing characters, and using books to locate information. Skills taught include author’s purpose, cause and effect, compare and contrast, fact and opinion, realism and fantasy, main ideas and supporting details, drawing conclusions, sequencing of events, and using graphic organizers. Additionally, literary elements including character, plot, and plot structure, setting, and theme are a focus throughout the school year.
Fourth Grade
Religion
The scope and sequence for Blest are We is based on the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Each chapter explores the theme from the perspective of one of the four pillars of the Catechism which are:
- What Catholics Believe
- How Catholics Worship
- How Catholics Live
- How Catholics Pray
Math
This course enables students to develop proficiency in the use of the four basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It introduces students to the multiplication of a number by a two and three-digit number as well as long division. This, course will provide opportunities for students to experience various problem solving techniques.
English
The fourth grade English curriculum will center on grammar and writing. Students are expected to apply their grammar skills to their written work.
Reading/Spelling
The reading curriculum is aligned with state and national standards. The reading series builds on each successive grade level starting with Kindergarten. Each unit selection is connected to science, math, and social studies topics and standards that can be integrated into the curriculum.
Science (Honors)
The science curriculum focuses on three areas of natural science which are within the National Science Education Standards for teaching students in grades K-4. These areas include Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science.
Social Studies
The 4th grade Social Studies curriculum seeks to introduce students to the 6 different regions of the United States. Students are first introduced to the region by learning the particular states and their locations within the region. During their first introduction into each region students are taught the geographical layout of the region, its main agricultural and industrial products, and important historical events occurring in the region. In the follow-up chapter on each region, students discover how the region is linked to other places in different regions and countries.
Fifth Grade
Religion
Throughout this course students will gain deeper knowledge in four areas of the Catholic faith. The sacraments will be used to facilitate learning what Catholics believe as well as how Catholics, worship, live, and pray. This will, in part, be implemented through the exploration of social justice issues from a Catholic perspective, celebration of liturgical feasts and seasons, and discussions about Catholic heritage.
Math
This course enables students to gain competence in independent use of the four basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also introduces students to the concepts of fractions and decimals. Problem solving skills will be strengthened and enhanced by using a variety of strategies.
English
The fifth grade English curriculum will center on grammar and writing. Language skills are applied to student writing.
Reading/Spelling
The reading curriculum is aligned with state and national standards. The reading series builds on each successive grade level starting with Kindergarten. Each unit selection is connected to science, math, and social studies topics and standards that can be integrated into the curriculum.
Science (Honors)
The science curriculum focuses on three areas of natural science which are within the National Science Education Standards for teaching students in grades 5-8. These areas include Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science.
Social Studies
The 5th grade Social Studies curriculum seeks to introduce students to the history of the Unites States beginning with the first people to inhabit the land and ending with the diverse population represented by the country today. Major historical events affecting the development of the country are also chronicled within the course. Within the course, students are exposed to the ways in which the coming together of many different peoples caused conflicts among these groups. Some of these conflicts are resolved peacefully while others force violent opposition. The course also shows how economic need and desire to expand as a country are often precursors to these conflicts.
Sixth Grade
Religion
The focus of the 6th grade is to understand God’s revelation through scriptures particularly through the Old Testament. Based on the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church the course provides the information the student needs to understand God’s call while challenging ourselves to do His will in order to experience God’s promise of everlasting life. Fully Alive helps parents impart on their children a Christian vision and understanding of sexuality, personal relationships, and the right of human freedoms.
Math
This course will develop computational, procedural, and problem-solving skills as well as learning, practicing, and reviewing vocabulary. It will further introduce skills in identifying geometric shapes and computing perimeter, circumference, area, and volume.
Pre-Algebra I (Honors)
Introduce students to the concept of integers and the relationship between integers and whole numbers. Learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers and algebraic expressions involving integers, incorporating order of operations. Learn to use decimals in estimation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations. Learn the concepts of exponents, scientific notation, and factoring. Introduced to the concept of fractions as rational numbers and learn to use them in equations. Changing rational numbers to decimals is also developed
English
This introductory Middle School English class reintroduces the student with grammar terms and concepts presented in the elementary grades. The writing focuses in on sentence structure and paragraphing. Both formal and creative writing are explored as students utilize the writing process to generate drafts, edit, revise, and hand in final drafts.
Reading
The students will continue to enjoy and appreciate reading the world of literature through novels, the anthology text book and poems that have been selected for their appropriate age levels. The novels they will read this year are: Maniac McGee by Jerry Spinelli; Hour of the Bees, by Lindsay Eager; and Fish in a Tree by Linda Hunt. All novels are read through the lens of faith, incorporating the Catechetical Standards.
Earth Science
This is a general course on the study of Earth Science. The course covers the many aspects of Earth Science, and gives the student an idea of how they relate to their lives and the environment. Sixth graders also go to the YMCA Storer camp in Jackson, MI for a week-long science camp exploration. Additional fund raising is done to help defray the cost of this trip.
World History
Students will learn about the ancient cultures of the world, beginning with the first civilized culture and following through the early cultures and the industrial revolution.
Keyboarding
Students are introduced to keyboarding. Proper keyboarding technique as well as speed and accuracy are stress. Keyboarding is a foundational skill needed to be successful in advanced computer studies. A lifelong skill, keyboarding will be utilized in student studies for Middle School, High School, College and future occupations. This class will teach students not only the proper techniques but also posture, keystrokes, finger placement and reach. Mastering the skill of proper keyboarding will be achieved through class instruction, practice and assessment. Increased accuracy and speed will be achieved as keyboarding technique is mastered. Proper keyboarding skills will also be applied in application type software programs. We utilize the Internet websites “Cybersmart” and “NetSmartz” when instructing the students in how to use the Internet safely, responsibly, and effectively.
World Languages
This class introduces some basic vocabulary and grammar concepts along with a smattering of culture and geography to the 6th grade Middle School Student. Ten weeks are spent exploring each language French and Spanish. Various themes will be addressed in each target language. Classroom activities provide practice in speaking, reading, listening and writing.
Electives:
- Art: This year, middle school art students will be learning about diverse cultures, artists, and art movements through critiquing and creating specific characteristics in a variety of artworks. Students will experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques in creating two and three-dimensional works of art. Students will be following specific guidelines yet strongly encouraged to express their own unique, creative style. Each lesson will be related to the elements and principles of design as well as the National Art Education Standards.
- Band: This class is for students who are interested in playing in band. Many of the students in this class will have already played in 4th and 5th grade but the class is open to anyone with some experience with an instrument.
- Choir: This class will continue the singing experiences began in elementary school. Students will improve their singing skills with daily singing, emphasizing proper vocal technique. Music theory, notation, history and interpretation will be integrated and applied in each lesson. Students will sing at weekly mass and perform in one or more concert(s). This class may be taken multiple times throughout middle school.
- Lego Robotics: Students use motors and rotation, sound, light, touch and ultrasonic sensors to program basic robot behaviors. Students tackle complex assignments and compete on a world stage using a variety of skills deeply rooted in science, technology, engineering and math. Units of instruction include robotics basics, circuits and computers, hardware, software and firmware, movement, sights, sounds and gears, taking turns, sight and touch, variable programming, linear algorithms, and logic programming. Lessons are built around the “NXT and EV3 Video Trainer” artifact from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy. In order to round out a complete STEM curriculum, these self-paced learning-to-program videos are supplemented with lessons on robotics technologies, explicit math and science concepts, and the Engineering Process. This introductory STEM Robotics master curriculum uses the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Education Base Set and EV3 programing software to teach a full STEM Robotics course.
- Physical Education: Students will receive a sequential educational program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, fitness, and attitudes necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Programs
Religion
Religion class is a part of the core curriculum and takes place on daily basis as part of the regular schedule. Once a week the student body comes together to celebrate Mass. Students have the opportunity to participate in this Mass through altar serving, reading, singing in the choir, presenting the offertory gifts and through their responses during the liturgy.
Living Scripture
Living Scripture takes place in a stress and judgment free, safe and nourishing environment. The students explore their spiritual nature through various class experiences such as: role-playing, different methods of prayer (including meditation), discussions and in sharing their life experiences. Living Scriptures is not a class as much as it is spirituality, living and breathing which is meant to meet the needs of the middle school student as they journey toward the celebration of Confirmation.
Technology
Introduction to Computers *Kindergarten – 3rd grade*
Students explore the different levels of computer technology and reinforce skills taught in the classroom. To do this they first become familiar with the technology equipment and how it can be used as a tool for learning. They attend computer class once a week.
Computer Basics *4 -5 grade*
The students develop a strong foundation of computer skills that they will build on in the middle school computer courses. These skills include beginning concepts in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel as well as internet skills and safety. They attend computer class once a week.
Keyboarding *6th Grade*
The students participate in a one semester course learning proper keyboarding techniques. In addition to their keyboarding lessons, they are introduced to computer science through a programing language called Scratch.
Music
Elementary Band
Students who are interested in playing an instrument in 4th and/or 5th grade are encouraged to join. They need a general knowledge of music but prior experience is not necessary to participate.
Middle School Band
This class too is open to everyone interested in playing in the band. Some have already played in 4th and 5th. There are opportunities at this level to join with the high school and participate in events such as Homecoming as the The Monarch Marching Band as well as concerts throughout the school year.
General Music
Lessons include a variety of musical experiences: singing, moving, instrument playing, playing rhythms and listening. Through involvement in these lessons, children will gain an understanding of an experience with basic musical elements. Most lessons are song-based. In these lessons, a song provides a point of departure for dealing with appropriate musical learnings. Other lessons are built around recordings of classical, folk, or contemporary works. Students perform in one musical concert each year.
Middle School Choir
This class continues the singing experiences began in elementary school. Students will improve their singing skills with daily singing, emphasizing proper vocal technique. Music theory, notation, history and interpretation will be integrated and applied to lessons. Students will sing at mass and perform in one or more concerts. This class may be taken multiple times throughout middle school.
Art
Elementary students experiment with a variety of media and techniques in creating two and three-dimensional works of art. Students follow specific guidelines but are strongly encouraged to express their own unique, creative style. The lessons are related to the elements and principles of design as well as the Michigan Curriculum Framework Arts Education Standards.
Physical Education
Students receive a sequential educational program that provides them with the knowledge, skills, fitness, and attitudes necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.