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CURRICULUM: WHAT’S NEW?

In the 2004-5 school year, the school made a commitment to a multi-year implementation of the CORE KNOWLEDGE curriculum. The first subject area to be adopted was Social Studies.

In the 2005-6 school year, the school implemented the CORE KNOWLEDGE literature and reading curriculum and a highly structured writing program for all grades.

For the 2006-7 school year, the school hired a full-time science teacher for the middle school, and with the help of scientific expertise within the parent community, expanded and deeped the science instruction in the lower school.

A beautifully finished transitional library adjacent to the parish hall was dedicated, and the book collection is gaining new weight.

FACILITIES: WHAT’S NEW?

In 2004, we completed a new, two-storey addition to the school, which provided a spacious lunch and activities room, a computer lab, and an additional classroom.

In summer 2005, we completed a thorough renovation of the original nine classrooms and conversion of an unused classroom into a transitional science lab. A beautifully finished transitional library adjacent to the parish hall was recently dedicated, and the book collection is gaining new weight.

The Science lab contains equipment and experiment kits for grades 2-8. Teachers & volunteers guide students as they actively construct their own knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. Hands-on learning engages students in research, exploration, and application of what they have studied in textbooks while fostering confidence with the scientific method.



Computer Lab - St. Vincent's provides computer instruction at all grades. Students learn and utilize Microsoft Office programs for academic projects and research. Learning is reinforced and enriched with supplemental software.





FACILITIES: WHAT’S NEXT?

In fall 2008-09, the existing parish office building and priest's residence will be demolished and replaced by a two-storey school addition to accommodate a pre-school (scheduled to open in August 2009), a permanent science lab for the middle school, and a permanent library / learning resource center interfacing with the computer lab. The existing science lab will then become the science room for the lower school.

St. Vincent School is accredited through the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

General – In keeping with our school philosophy and objectives, we strive to enable the children of St. Vincent “to grow in the Knowledge of God and of themselves.” Therefore we aim to provide a well rounded education. Subjects taught are: Religion, Language Arts (includes reading, grammar, spelling, composition), Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Music, Art, Health, Physical Education, Family Life Program, Computer Education, and Spanish

Religious Education – The educational mission of the Church and the reasonable expectations of parents require that the Catholic School be distinguished by an atmosphere and a formal program which relate religious belief and practice with normal development and education of children. Regular religious instruction shall be an integral part of the educational program for all students at all grade levels. The classroom preparation for sacramental program involves parental understanding. Meetings are held for parents whose children are preparing for the reception of Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist to assist in parental understanding. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory. School liturgies are important in developing a Catholic School spirit. Students will be involved in the preparing of all school Masses and paraliturgies, and in the Parish Family Masses on Sundays and Stations of the Cross. Religion tests will be administered in grades 5 and 8 this school year.

In keeping with the school’s mission and philosophy statements, St. Vincent's School follows Diocesan guidelines which are based on the California State Framework and National Guidelines. The school utilizes current textbook series, appropriate resources and teaching strategies, and has enriched its curriculum by adopting the Core Knowledge Sequence.

The Core Knowledge Sequence - St. Vincent’s School has adopted the Core Knowledge Sequence as its basic curriculum guide. This system is a detailed outline of specific content to be taught in language arts, history and geography, math, science, and the fine arts. It provides a solid, coherent foundation for learning, while allowing flexibility to meet local needs.

 

• •  SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS  • •

Students at St. Vincent's School are striving to become:

1.Committed Christians who:

  • have a personal relationship with God
  • understands and can explain Catholic teachings
  • walk in Jesus' footsteps
  • understand that choices have consequences

2. Life-long learners who:

  • master the fundamentals in all subject areas
  • develop critical thinking skills
  • meet challenges and solve problems wisely
  • use technology as mind-tools and not entertainment
  • develop healthy habits of competition & collaboration
  • take pleasure in construting knowledge on their own
  • understand and appreciate music and art

3. Effective communicators who:

  • use active listening skills
  • speak with confidence and poise
  • write clearly and correctly
  • develop and present ideas with logic and clarity

4. Responsible citizens who:

  • respect life in all its forms
  • respect cultural diversity
  • respond actively to their neighbors' needs
  • treat fellow students with courtesy and respect at all times

 
© 2005 St. Vincent de Paul Parish. All rights reserved.