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Academics
Pre-K & K
| PRIMARY |
INTERMEDIATE
| MIDDLE
ART |
MUSIC |
LIBRARY
| WORLD LANGUAGE
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TECHNOLOGY |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Commission on Elementary Schools
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NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards
Saint Jerome School aims to provide an excellent academic education
which fosters Catholic teachings and Christian formation. This
value-based quality education incorporates an integrated curriculum
seeking to provide the students with skills they will need to live
in a global, technologically challenging society.
School curriculum is established by following the diocesan
curriculum guidelines from the Office of Catholic Education along
with the school's goals and the uniqueness of each child. Diocesan,
state and professional workshops are attended by Saint Jerome School
faculty and curriculum coordinators in order to establish a
curriculum which is current and vibrant.
Saint Jerome School emphasizes basic skills using a creative
approach. Intellectual development rests upon the growth of the
concrete and abstract thinking processes. This hierarchy begins at a
primary level (K-3) with the emphasis on basic learning concepts.
The intermediate/middle school levels build upon the basic
essentials of the primary grades. These levels also integrate and
extend the critical thinking processes so that students can begin to
reflect, judge, and choose for themselves.
Teaching methods are as varied as the ability and learning style of
the individual student. The integration of technology increases
students learning experience via the Internet and allows students to
interact directly with a variety of activities that will enable them
to excel. The learning activities run the gamut from large group
instruction to cooperative learning groups to individual
instruction. Self-correcting by the writing and revision method,
peer assessment and correction, hands-on activities, and
manipulatives are also employed.
Standardized, unit and criteria-referenced tests, quizzes and home
assignments remain a part of the assessment process. These are
supplemented by student portfolios, written or oral original
creative work, interviews, and student presentations. This
information is reported to parents via folders of current work,
progress reports, report cards, phone or personal conferences, and
yearly standardized test results.
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PRE-SCHOOL
(3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS) and KINDERGARTEN
Children learn to know and
love God and the wonderful gifts He has given them as unique and
special individuals. The three and four year old children develop
listening and thinking skills and the ability to follow directions
through individual and group activities in math, language arts and
science. Art, music and movement activities encourage creativity and
imagination while developing gross and fine motor skills.
Kindergarten students are welcomed into God's family through the
celebration of their own Baptism. The religion curriculum emphasizes
showing respect for God, and the world He gave us as well as the
people in it. Throughout the year children learn Bible stories from
Bible readings, videotapes and related art projects. Students
recreate the Nativity story and the Last Supper.
The language arts program stresses sound and letter recognition,
literature and critical thinking, all of which enhance the joy of
reading. In Kindergarten the students are introduced to parts of
speech, capitalization, punctuation and spelling. Math develops
number recognition, introduction to time and money, as well as
strengthening patterning, sorting and geometric recognition skills.
Addition and subtraction skills are introduced mid-year and are
practiced in many areas across the curriculum. Science and social
studies concepts are incorporated into the daily routine and
literature units. Students are taught to take pride in our country
by saluting the flag and singing patriotic songs. They are
encouraged to learn and care about our environment, as well as
discuss seasonal weather concepts throughout the curriculum.
Students are encouraged to work cooperatively and independently. The
kindergarten completes the year with a ceremony incorporating a
selection of poems and songs learned throughout the year.
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PRIMARY -
FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
In grades one, two and
three, the children are introduced to the Scriptures, the
sacraments, and basic concepts and traditions of our Catholic faith,
with emphasis on the theme that God is our loving Father and we are
His family. Continued growth in our faith is fostered through daily
prayer, meaningful liturgies and seasonal prayer services. Students
also participate in community projects which extend the Gospel
message to a broader community of faith.
Math instruction in the primary grades focuses on investigation of
meaningful problems, individually or in cooperative groups, while
using appropriate tools for assessment and technology. The teaching
of concepts, numeration, critical thinking, writing activities and a
range of math strategies are emphasized. Concentration in grades one
and two is on addition and subtraction, while grade three emphasizes
multiplication and introduces division.
The students are exposed to a literature based reading program which
encompasses reading comprehension, phonics, grammar, spelling and
writing. The program provides a variety of literary genres and
authors, stimulating students to make choices beyond the classroom.
It provides basic and supplemental material enabling students to
write with organization and creativity, to think critically, to
improve vocabulary, to summarize, to interpret and to express
thoughts and opinions.
Through hands-on, cooperative learning and critical thinking
activities, students explore their senses, living things and their
needs. Earth science of air and rocks is part of the first grade
curriculum. Second grade explores animal groups and plants, and
grade three delves into the topics of the solar system and space,
matter, rocks, fossils and the force of magnetism.
The social studies program in grades one and two includes a study of
communities as well as various cultures, traditions, and social
values. Periodicals provide the opportunity to discuss current
events and map skills. In grade three, the new social studies
program investigates community living in depth, both on the local
scene and globally. The program provides studies on the birth of our
nation, and also reinforces citizenship qualities and democratic
values. Maps, charts, globes and timelines are utilized throughout
the text.
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INTERMEDIATE
- FOURTH AND FIFTH
Through the study of the
Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Spiritual and Corporal Works
of Mercy and the Sacraments, the students are encouraged to apply
the teachings of the church to their daily lives.
The math curriculum follows the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics (NCTM) standards. The program includes basic number
operations/algebra, problem solving, measurement and geometry
patterns. Students regularly and routinely use calculators,
computers, manipulatives, and other mathematical tools to enhance
mathematical thinking and understanding.
The integrated language arts curriculum is primarily literature
based. All students are encouraged to become independent readers,
thinkers, effective communicators and skilled writers. A variety of
creative techniques include oral presentations, art projects, and
research reports. Areas such as spelling, correct grammar, and
critical thinking are part of each lesson and incorporated
throughout the other subjects.
The fourth grade program primarily consists of an in-depth study of
geography, history, economy and sociology of New Jersey. The
students are introduced to the regions of the United States and
master the states and capitals. The fifth grade moves into a study
of cultures in both North and South America, but concentrates
primarily on history, geography and economies of Latin America. Both
programs integrate technology through projects, on-line research,
and audio-visual materials.
The students are given hands-on experiences that enable them to
practice science skills. The fourth grade explores the changing
earth, simple machines and life cycles while grade five studies
oceans, plants, physical forces, simple organisms and topics about
the stars and universe.
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MIDDLE
SCHOOL - SIXTH, SEVENTH, EIGHTH
Our religion program
encourages young people to broaden their knowledge of Christ’s
message and their responsibility to witness Christ in their everyday
life. Students are encouraged to provide community service. Respect
for life, social living and family relationships are an integral
part of the total curriculum. The study of religion includes church
history, Hebrew scripture, a review of the life of Jesus Christ, and
the sacraments, with an emphasis on Confirmation preparation.
Pre-algebra, algebra and geometry are core elements of study in the
middle grades. Problem solving, estimation and measurement are
mastered through instruction, concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract
reasoning. Small study groups provide opportunity for acceleration.
Our new Middle School program text offers an array of
technology components that engages and expands learning. Students
can go online and find interactive exercises and feedback, homework
help, presentation materials and more. Special classes are offered
to students who participate in the SAT program.
The integrated language arts curriculum follows the guidelines set
forth in the new Integrated Language Arts Curriculum. There is a
strong emphasis on basic language skills, writing skills through the
revision method and abstract critical reading skills. There is
opportunity for self-expression through the writing of poetry,
stories, essays, research papers and oral presentations.
Social Studies encompasses a variety of teaching methods to instill
an appreciation of our world. Early civilizations to the present
time are explored; map skills and the functions of government are
taught in all classes. Through the implementation of group
activities, technology, geographic awareness and current events,
students are challenged to think critically and therefore recognize
the ways in which the past impacts our lives today. Students are
encouraged to participate in activities that enhance the common good
and increase the general welfare.
The science curriculum for the Middle School further develops all
areas introduced in the elementary grades and incorporates lab
experiments, hands-on activities and field trips in its program. In
grades six, seven and eight, Physics, Environmental Science,
Biological Cells, Chemistry and Human Biology are explored.
Computer, Internet and library resources are an integral part of the
science program.
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ART
Art is incorporated into
all areas of the curriculum. Parents are invited by the teachers to
share their artistic expertise such as ceramics, candy making,
drawing skills, and making ornaments.
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MUSIC
The music program is taught
by a part-time music teacher and a part-time choral director. The
students are taught basic music theory using songs, rhythm
instruments, dance, and play activities. The choral director teaches
good singing techniques, pitch, range, and prepares the students to
sing for various programs and presentations.
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LIBRARY
The library curriculum at
Saint Jerome School is designed so that all students in grades K - 8
are given the opportunity to learn how a library functions while
being made aware of the great resources a library can offer. In
grades K-3, students are introduced to library behavior, care of
books, and listening quietly to a story. In grades four and five
students learn about the Dewey Decimal System, card catalog, parts
of a book, and the use of reference books. Grade six is introduced
to the process of research, using almanacs, encyclopedias, thesauri
and computers to broaden their research skills. Grades seven and
eight utilize the library for study and research and accessing the
Internet.
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WORLD
LANGUAGE - SPANISH
Throughout grades K - 8 our
Spanish curriculum prepares students for a fascinating future in a
multi-cultural society. The Spanish program develops reading,
writing, listening comprehension, and speaking proficiency of basic
vocabulary, structure and expression essential for every day
communication. The use of technology enhances language acquisition
and affords students the opportunity to acquire and develop more
accurate impressions and exposure to the language/culture studied.
The program also provides an opportunity for students to compare and
contrast cultures and customs of the Hispanic world.
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TECHNOLOGY
Saint Jerome School views
technology as vital and key to education and a valuable and
essential tool, capable of developing both the communication skills
and productive ability of its students, staff and parents. The
integration of technology in education has revived the way in which
teachers teach and learners learn. The students in Saint Jerome
School must be competitive in an ever challenging world. The
opportunity to develop technological skills enables our students and
staff to reach their highest potential in their quest to access
information, improve problem-solving skills, promote collaborative
and life long learning, become efficient communicators, and
successful and responsible citizens. We want our students to learn
with enthusiasm, a sense of awareness, and an appreciation for the
gifts of technology, all within a Catholic educational environment.
The ongoing task is to imagine what is possible, and to prepare
realistically for future challenges in our ever changing world.
Beginning in kindergarten children are introduced to the basic
moral, ethical and legal issues surrounding the responsible use of
technology. Students use age-appropriate information and resources
to develop skills for the practical applications of Windows
including Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Excel. The students
utilize the Internet for research and e-mail to communicate with
their teachers.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Through physical education classes for
grades K - 8, the basic ideals of Christian behavior are reinforced.
Useful physical skills through physical fitness, movement and games
are continually developed. We are fortunate to have a softball
field, nearby running track and an outside area for physical games
and activities. A large room with portable basketball stanchions is
used for indoor activities. To ascertain their own level of fitness,
students participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness tests.
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