| Goals | Governance | Students | Curriculum & Methods | Student Support Services | Student Activities |
| Faculty & Staff | Buildings & Grounds | Enrollment Procedures | Tuition & Fees | Student Dress Code |
|Kindergarten|Grade 1|Grade 2|Grade 3|Grade 4|Grade 5|Grades 6-8|English|
|Math|Science|Social Studies|Reading|Spanish|Religion|
|Music|Art|Physical Education and Health|
|Computer|Library|Homework|
The Archdiocese of Newark provides a Curriculum Guide for the Scope and Sequence of all subject areas. Our teachers use a variety of methods including student centers, cooperative learning, drill and practice, hands-on demonstration, lecture, and the use of the computer as a teaching tool. Critical thinking and creative writing are also emphasized at every grade level. Where appropriate, student field trips are also incorporated to enhance specific learning experiences. Parents are kept abridged of student achievement through progress reports, parent-teacher conferences and quarterly report cards. The Terra Nova II Test is administered to all students 1-8 in the Spring and students in grades 5 and 8 also take the ACRE exam, which is a measurement of how well they are learning about their Catholic faith and doctrine. Our students typically do very well on their Terra Nova tests, consistently scoring above their projected aptitude.
The Preschool offers a readiness program of either 2 1/2 hours in length (or a double session of 5 hours) and is designed to give 3 and 4 year old children the experience needed to prepare them for the more structured world of elementary school. The children are encouraged and challenged to work at their own pace and ability at their various activities, which include structured play, math, reading readiness, circle time, music, art, religion, science and social studies. Emphasis is also placed on understanding and celebrating liturgical and American holidays. Opportunities are provided for the development of: a positive self-image, social inter-dependence, good motor skills, and effective communication. A detailed brochure is available from the school office which outlines the specific topics covered in each of these areas.
Kindergarten
The Kindergarten program at St. Joseph School includes three different options: Transition, All Day and Extended Day. Our Transitional program provides an opportunity for young children to come together with their peers to participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate activities. This innovative program is designed for developmentally young five year old children, and allows them to have an added year to explore their world through work and play before they enter the more structured environment of Kindergarten. Class size is kept small to allow for more individualization, positive reinforcement and hands-on activities. The curriculum uses a multi-sensory approach to develop concepts and skills in a concrete way and the various curriculum areas are tied together by the use of common themes, rather than isolated subjects. All Day and Extended Day Kindergarten cover the same curricular content. (In the Full day class, more time is allotted to do related projects and activities for each curricular area. Children from each class go right on to the regular First grade program.) Students are introduced to the letters and sounds of the alphabet through the study of phonics. Letter formation, sound identification and word recognition skills will also be emphasized. Individual class story books will introduce students to the process of writing and illustrating stories. The Math curriculum introduces students to a variety of size, shape and positional concepts and number recognition from 1 to 100. In addition, students are also introduced to the topics of coins, measurement, time, interpreting a calendar, and place values of numbers through 99. They will practice writing numerals 1 - 10 and use a variety of manipulatives to make all these skills more concrete. Science is taught through the use of Themes, such as the senses, seasons, animal characteristics and ecology. A multi-cultural approach is used in Social Studies as the children become familiar with holiday celebrations and important people in History. Art is incorporated into all subject areas, while Religion, Computers, Physical Education and Music classes are taught by specialty teachers, using developmentally appropriate activities. In addition, the children also have access to computers in their classroom as well as a scheduled computer class in the Technology lab.
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Grades 1 - 3
Students in grades 1 - 4 are self-contained, but do leave their classrooms for weekly Music, Art, Physical Education and Computer classes, all taught by specialty teachers. Reading is taught using the phonics method. Religion is taught on a daily basis by teachers specially certified in this area.
In grade 1, reading is taught using balanced literacy, with a strong emphasis on phonics. The children learn the sounds and letters that are necessary to decode the mysteries of written language. They are introduced to a wide range of literature and acquire reading fluency at their own rate. The connection between reading and writing is also emphasized. In Math, beginning problem solving is taught using the addition and subtraction facts 1 to 18, along with concepts of place value, two digit addition and subtraction, time and money. Additional topics include fractions, measurement, the calendar and simple geometry. Manipulatives and games are used in all concept areas. Science and Social Studies are both taught using a thematic approach, incorporating Scholastic News, trade books, and booklets. Group activities and special projects are a major part of each curricular area studied. Science topics include units on Ocean Life, the Solar System, Recycling, Weather, the Seasons, Nutrition, Life Cycles, Plants and Animals. The children will learn about rules, the Symbols of the United States, Continents, Seasonal Holidays, Community Helpers, Famous Americans, the Pilgrims, and Native American People and map skills
The reading program in Grade 2 is a continuation of the work begun in grade 1, and focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency. The core of the Language Arts program follows the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards for second grade. Children are introduced to the writing process and that is reinforced throughout the year by emphasizing sentence structure, sentence types, main idea, parts of speech and punctuation. Math is grade 2 involves reviewing basic math facts and mastering the facts up to 20. Multiplication is introduced and mastered through the 5 times table. Problem solving skills are reinforced and learning addition and subtraction with two and three digit numbers is also a part of the curriculum. Place value, time, money, fractions, probability and geometry are also covered. Social Studies focuses mainly on communities within our country, understanding diversity and civic duties, and the development of map skills. The Science curriculum is divided into four major topics: physical, earth and life science and the Human Body. Students conduct hands on experiments in each topic and continue to build on the foundations learned in grade 1.
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Grade 3 finds students becoming more independent thinkers. The Reading/Language Arts program has been recently updated to a comprehensive approach adhering to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for a third grade student. In addition to an excellent variety of reading genre, the children will have the opportunity to further develop phonics, spelling, language, writing and reading skills. Leveled and accelerated readers are also used for the reinforcement of these skills. Math begins with a review of the addition and subtraction basic facts. Addition and subtraction computation with renaming, place value and problem solving will also be reinforced. Once these are solidly in place, multiplication concepts become the focus, followed by division and problem solving techniques that utilize all four math operations. Other topics include fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, and data, graphs and probability. A common sense approach to mathematics in daily living will also be fostered. The Social Studies curriculum involves leaning about various communities in the United States. There will be a focus on the geography, history, economy, and government of these communities. Different types of map skills and graphic resources will be implemented throughout the year, as well as various special projects. Using our new Science textbooks, students will investigate Plant and Animal life and their adaptation to the environment, relationships and ecosystems in balance. Earth Science and its resources, landforms, weather and movement are also covered. The study of Physical Science will include motion and speed, work and machines, the properties of matter and how energy travels. The children will be given the opportunity to develop these concepts through observation, experimentation, and several science related projects, all reinforcing respect for the wonders of our world.
In grade 4, students move from the primary to the intermediate grades. Making this transition requires higher thinking skills and building on the basics learned in previous years. With the benefit of a new, comprehensive Reading program, students are exposed to excellent literature appropriate to their age and understanding. Leveled readers make it possible for each child to succeed at their own ability level. Basic skills are reinforced through numerous activities and writing in response to literature is routinely practiced. The students are guided through basic grammar function, vocabulary word usage, and the steps in the writing process. Spelling and vocabulary words are taken from the stories, and learned in context. This all-inclusive language arts program fosters good readers and writers who can effectively express and communicate ideas. In addition, several noteworthy chapter books are read and discussed by the class as a whole. The different geographical regions of the United States are investigated as part of the Social Studies curriculum. Their locations, landscape, weather, history, natural resources, communities and people are reviewed and outlined. A comprehensive and concentrated study of the state of New Jersey is also incorporated into this course, which includes a variety of classroom activities, culminating in a report. The main topics of the Mathematics program in grade 4 are the multiplication and division of two and three digit numbers. In order to investigate these topics, knowledge of the multiplication and division facts up to the 12 times table will be required. Manipulatives and calculators will be used to discover and explore the theories on which these concepts are based. The application of multiplication and division to word problems and exercises in estimation will complete the study of these topics. Through a combination of observation, discussion, group activity and experimentation, students will explore and examine different areas of physical, earth and life science. With the help of a new textbook, topics such as animals, plants, ecosystems, matter, energy, space, rocks and weather are explored, as well as health and an appreciation of our human body and its systems. All of these areas of Science are taught with the common denominator of appreciation, wonder, and a deeper understanding of God’s creation around us.
Students in grade 5 are beginning their time in the Upper School and use this year as an excellent preparation for the departmentalized structure found in grades 6-7-8. The Mathematics program begins with a review of the basic operations and place value theory. After this review, the main topic is fractions. All four math operations are utilized with fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. Manipulatives, calculators, and technology are used to discover and explore these concepts and the application of fractions to word problems and estimation is also studied. Practical connections are made to emphasize the importance of mathematics in everyday life situations. In addition, the study of graphs and charts reinforces the skills needed to interpret data in other curricular areas. The Language arts program focuses on grammar, writing, vocabulary and oral communication. Many strategies ate used to encourage students to develop and use language skills to express ideas and opinions clearly and cohesively. Oratory opportunities allow students to enhance poise and diction. Furthermore, diagramming sentences is an integral part of the basic understanding of the mechanics of language. Written expression is the crux of the Language Arts program. A comprehensive study of six themes is incorporated within the grade 5 Reading program. Children practice setting goals, predicting outcomes, clarifying, discussing and forming conclusions, sequencing, differentiating between fact and opinion, recognizing cause and effect, determining an author’s purpose and developing critical thinking skills. Students participate in the “Book It” program to encourage a life long enjoyment of reading. Additional materials such as novels, book reports and projects are utilized to offer a variety of subjects and themes. Spelling and vocabulary are also incorporated into the reading program. Students in grade 5 Science use classroom discussion of current discoveries and group activity to explore the universe in which they live. Students study crystals and minerals, the laws of motion, and the human body. Atoms and compounds are studied in relationship to the world around us, with the basic understanding that God is our Creator. The culminating science experience is the field trip to the Buehler Challenger and Space Center, where the students take part in a simulation of a space voyage, “Rendezvous with Comet Halley”. The Social Studies curriculum provides a portrait of America from its first Americans, early Americans, and the present day form of American government. Students compare American democracy to other forms of global governments, past and present. In addition, current events allow students to perceive our system of lawmaking ideals pivotal to the affect it has on social justice systems for all people. The role of the Church is the permeating force that engages students to view people and their geographic location with respect. This is achieved through current events, map skills, textbooks, technology and a historical field trip.
Grades 6 - 8
We consider our students in grades 6, 7, and 8 to be in our Upper School Junior High Division. These students are given more responsibilities within the school community. They have homerooms and lockers, but travel from room to room for every class, seeing 11 different teachers, when you include their specialty classes in Computer, Physical Education, Art, Music and Library. Eight 42 minute classes rotate on an eight day schedule. Spanish is taught as a regular course for all three years, and Latin is also a part of the Literature program for students in grades 7 and 8. Students who show aptitude in Math following grade 6 may be channeled into the Pre-Algebra class for grade 7, followed by Algebra in grade 8. Regular Math classes are also available for students in those grades. Students in both the 7 th and 8 th grades can apply for membership in the National Junior Beta Club, which is both a service organization and an honor society.
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The English curriculum is a dynamic program designed to incorporate all the of student’s collective language arts skills, resulting in sophisticated written presentations. Students in grade 6-7-8 will strengthen writing skills through the use to Standard English Conventions, (eg. sentence structure, grammar usage, punctuation, capitalization, vocabulary and spelling). The students in all three levels will engage in the full writing process, from pre-writing through post-writing. They will develop their own personal style and voice while using the different writing genres, including expository, essay, narrative, letter writing and research reports. Students will use their computer skills in developing their published copies. A grade appropriate scoring rubric is used to evaluate student writing and all writings are collected in a literary folder, thus giving students the opportunity to reflect on their writing and to note strengths, weaknesses, and set goals for improvement. The writing process, grammar skills and vocabulary skills are interwoven, creating a curriculum to prepare students to write in the 21 st century.
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As mentioned earlier, the Math Curriculum includes 5 separate courses: Math 6, Math 7, Math 8, Pre-Algebra and Algebra. Math 6 includes an extensive study of decimals and percent, as well as topics in Geometry. These include the exploration of space figures, types of angles and polygons and the basics of coordinate Geometry. In grade 6, students also participate in an interdisciplinary activity involving a novel and explore important life skills. By incorporating the standards set up by The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the content of math 7 builds on the study of previous grades. Topics include problem solving using percents, fractions, ratio and proportions, number theory and a continuation of topics in Geometry, to name but a few. Grade 7 students participate in an interdisciplinary activity involving a map to scale project with their Social Studies class. Pre-Algebra is offered to grade 7 students who exhibit the ability to be successful in a challenging math course. It includes all the topics of Math 7, in addition to a full range of pre-algebra concepts and skills: working with variables, equation solving, and graphing. Successful completion of this course enables the student to progress into Algebra in grade 8. Math 8 continues an emphasis on strategies for problem solving, while exploring topics in data analysis, area and volume, algebraic equations, applications of percent and a more comprehensive study of real numbers. Math 8 students work cooperatively to use critical thinking in order to solve real life applications of the topics presented in the course. Grade 8 students chosen to continue on to the Algebra course cover all aspects of working with real numbers applicable to this grade level. The course includes a comprehensive study of polynomials, solving linear and quadratic equations and also introduces the concept of irrational numbers. All courses involve cooperative learning and real life applications of the material being presented.
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The Science Curriculum uses a laboratory-based approach which includes hands-on investigations and student self-directed projects on a variety of topics. All students in grades 6 – 8 are instructed in the operation of the compound microscope as well as various measuring instruments such as the triple-beam balance and the thermometer in order to become proficient in utilizing and handling scientific equipment. Grade 6 students study General Science, an integrated course divided into six modules covering earth, life, and physical science, as well as technology and health. Weekly lab activities are conducted by the students in order to apply and further emphasize key concepts outlined in each module. As part of their research, students participate in both a school and County Science Fair, where their work is exhibited and judged. Grade 7 students study Life Science, exploring various organisms and their interaction with other life forms and their environment. They begin their explorations with the basic unit of life, the cell, and continue their in-depth study of the cell’s processes, DNA replication and reproduction, and genetics. Students also study the modern classification system, including all five kingdoms, working their way up from single-celled organisms to multi-cellular animals. As part of their laboratory investigations, they conduct the dissection of a variety of organisms, ranging from the earthworm to the frog. Grade 8 students study Physical Science. The year is broken down into two units, one covering Physics and the other covering topics in chemistry. Their study takes a comprehensive look at what matter is made of and how it behaves through the use of real-life concepts. Major themes that are developed include Newton’s Laws of M, work and energy, specific heat, and the behavior of solids, liquids and gas. The Physics portion of the course culminates in the design and construction of a small-scale roller coaster, based on the Laws of Motion.
States of matter and their properties introduce the Chemistry portion of the coursework. This is used as background for a detailed study of the Periodic Table of the elements, which includes topics such as chemical symbols and atomic numbers, oxidation numbers, polyatomic ions, identification of compounds and writing chemical formulas.
The Social Studies Curriculum in grade 6 deals with ancient civilization, ranging from pre-historic times to the Middle Ages. Emphasis is placed on Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilization and there is an interdisciplinary project with the Latin class which culminates in a Roman banquet. Grade 7 begins the study of United States history, beginning with early native settlements and following the historical time-line until the Civil War. An emphasis is also placed on civics, government and the constitution. The interdisciplinary project in grade 7 is a cooperative Math project using map scale and measurement. Grade 8 students continue their study of US history from the Reconstruction to the present. Emphasis is placed on the Holocaust and interdisciplinary projects are planned in coordination with the Literature class. Reading and writing samples that deal with the Holocaust and the Civil War are used.
In all three grades textbooks, videos, and interactive computer activities are used to gain knowledge of historical content. Geography is included as an integral component with maps, charts and graphs. Students are also versed in study skills through the use of graphic organizers and note taking. Students in all three grade levels also participate in oral presentations and classroom debates, as well as in projects requiring additional self-directed research. Every opportunity is taken to discuss social justice issues in both history and current events and cooperative activities are included to encourage ownership of knowledge and to foster team effort.
“Litera Scripta Manet” (the written word endures): an apt introduction to the section of our report dealing with the Reading Curriculum. The Reading curriculum has undergone recent revision and the textbooks updated to align with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and the new Archdiocesan Language Arts and Literacy curriculum. Sixth grade begins the process of transition from course work that hones the basic skills of reading to the in depth analysis of Literature that culminates in grade 8. All genres of fiction and non-fiction are utilized. The novel study incorporates a cross-curriculum study with Math. Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” completes the course of study. Continuing the goal to educate an intelligent, life-long reader, seventh grade builds upon sixth by stressing a close examination of the individual elements of fiction - how they operate separately and how they function together. The novel study highlights adolescent literature. The seventh grade also begins a two year program that introduces students to English derivatives of Latin through the examination of Roman culture. A Roman banquet is the culminating activity, which is done in cooperation with the Social Studies class. Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar” completes the Literature/Latin connection. By grade 8, students are in an academic position to lead group discussions. This independence allows them to develop group reaction statements based on assigned themes or topics that are then presented in the open forum of the classroom. The Civil War, the Holocaust and the Civil Rights movement are reading topics that form a cross-curriculum connection with Social Studies. Readings with an ethical thrust are shared with the Religion department. The novel study employs the deconstruction to reconstruction technique. The Latin program continues with an eye towards PSAT/SAT testing. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” culminates the program. Incorporated into the Reading curriculum is the spelling program, as well as structured reinforcement of the Language Arts curriculum, including emphasis on study skills, note taking and writing.
The curriculum for Spanish is designed to give students a basic proficiency in reading, speaking and writing in Spanish. That proficiency is developed through dialogues, games, hands-on activities songs and narratives. Students in grade 6 are introduced to beginning language patterns. Seventh grade students continue to develop proficiency via pattern drills and practice. In grade 8, language development continues in a sequential pattern from the verbal to the written form. As an extra-curricular activity, students may choose to participate in the Spanish Club, where they are exposed to the multitude of cultures of Spain and the other Spanish speaking countries in Latin America. This is done through music, food and literature.
Specialty Subjects for grades K - 8
The teaching of Religion and its appropriate inclusion into all of our other academic areas iswhat makes our school different from public schools. The fact that we have specialty teachers for Religion is one of the things that make us different from other Catholic schools. The Religion faculty teaches only Religion and they have a special certification in this area. There is a different teacher for each of the three major grade divisions: Primary, (grades K-1-2), Intermediate, (grades 3-4-5) and Junior High, (grades 6-7-8). Religion classes are held on a daily basis and vary in length from 30 minutes each to 42 minutes each, depending on grade level. The study of Family Life is also incorporated in an age appropriate manner at each grade level.
In Kindergarten, students learn about God’s love for all creation. In the Bible stories of Genesis and Exodus, in songs, original stories and craft activities, they come to realize and experience God’s wonderful gifts of family, of friends, ourselves and the world. God’s love is best expressed in the gift of Jesus. Students are invited to follow Jesus by learning to care, developing kindness and sharing love. Students participate in age-appropriate charitable service projects and learn to help others. Our Kindergartners also begin to develop their prayer life. They are introduced to traditional Catholic prayers and devotions. They celebrate the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter and come to know Mary, St. Joseph and other saints. As a significant part of our worshiping community, they attend monthly Mass and prayer services with the rest of the student body. In addition to their daily Religion class, classroom teachers incorporate the faith in all areas of the curriculum. A highlight is the annual Nativity pageant that allows each student to participate and to celebrate God’s great love for us.
Through activities, prayers, and practices, students in First Grade are invited to grow in their understanding of their Faith. They continue to explore the concept of God’s love, the life and teachings of Jesus, and what it means to belong to the Catholic Church. The children are introduced to the Blessed Trinity and the knowledge that God is with us always. They learn that Jesus is both human and divine and is our friend and teacher. They come to know Jesus through the stories of the New Testament. Activities, dramatization, song, art and prayer are all used to celebrate Jesus’ life and love for us. Additional Catholic prayers are presented. These include the rosary, the Act of Contrition, and especially the prayers and responses of the Mass. A strong introduction is given to the Mass and to the sacraments. First graders attend the monthly school liturgies and participate in the prayer services that are celebrated throughout the year. In their daily Religion class and throughout the day, students are encouraged to become true followers of Jesus as they pray, listen to God’s Word and perform acts of charity.
Students in Second Grade are called to enter a sacramental relationship with Jesus and the Christian community in this very important year in their faith life. They prepare to receive two sacraments: First Reconciliation, or Penance and First Eucharist, or Holy Communion. The children are helped to understand the process of making moral choices and of asking and granting forgiveness. They learn the laws of the kingdom: the Great Commandment (or Law of Love), the Ten Commandments, and the Golden Rule. They are challenged to become both peacemakers and peacekeepers as they perform acts of charity and expand their prayer life. A special focus is the Mass as Jesus’ special meal and sacrifice. Students learn that Jesus is the Bread of Life. They explore the different parts of the Mass and continue to practice the prayers and responses. At each monthly school liturgy and in such devotions as the Advent wreath and the Stations of the Cross, they continue to form their Catholic faith.
The goal of the Religion curriculum in grades 3-4-5 is for all children to grow in their understanding of God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This continues to be accomplished through prayer and by continuing their study of the Catholic faith. The Third Grade curriculum focuses on the Trinity, Jesus as Savior, Lord and Friend, New Testament stories and parables, St. Paul’s journeys, the Sacraments, and ways that the students can live in accordance with Jesus’ Law of Love. The Fourth Grade curriculum continues to guide the children on the way of holiness. It includes additional coverage of the Ten Commandments and the sacraments, as well as the Beatitudes, the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, making choices, New Testament stories, and the Church. In the Fifth Grade curriculum, more in-depth work is done on the Sacraments, the Church, and Old and New Testament stories. Additional topics covered include the Liturgical Year, vocations, morality and justice. All grades participate in various types of prayer, including the Rosary, Litanies, meditative prayer, spontaneous prayer and the Mass. They study the lives of the Saints so that they have positive faith role models to follow. All students are encouraged to put their faith into action. We pray for those who need our prayers, make cards and spiritual bouquets for them and collection donations of goods or money when necessary. Family Life is covered in the spring and has a family cooperative component.
A way of life with Jesus as our role model is the key focus of the Religion curriculum for grades Six, Seven and Eight. Contemplative prayer (and a variety of other prayer forms with student involvement) is introduced and encouraged throughout this level. Family Life topics are also included at every grade level, as well as the keeping of a student journal. In grade 6, students undertake a thorough study of the Bible, with emphasis on the Old Testament. This is enhanced through the daily use and reading of the Bible. Students in grade 7 are exposed to the doctrine of knowing God in Christ through an in-depth study of the New Testament and the Gospels. The students at this grade level participate in a re-enactment of the Nativity at Christmas time, the year ends with an extensive review of the seven sacraments and importance they play in our lives as Catholics. In grade 8, the program develops a study of the history of the Church, including the Reformation and Vatican II. There is also a focus on young people and their role in the church today. Morality and its relationship to contemporary issues is included as well. Two special highlights of the eighth grade year are their participation in a Seder Meal and their involvement in putting on a Passion Play for the entire school community.
The music curriculum at St. Joseph School has been designed to provide students the opportunity to explore and experience music in a way that feels the most comfortable and natural for them, while meeting the MENC National Standards in Music education. The published music program that is used in class is Making Music, by Silver Burdett. It is supplemented at all grade levels with various songbooks and other music resources such as Music K-8 magazine. In the upper grades, it is supplemented with Music Alive, a junior high monthly magazine that highlights contemporary artists and issues in the music industry, as well as careers in music and articles on world music and music history. At each grade level, through age-appropriate activities and song, we explore the basic concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, tone color and form. There are multicultural and theme units at each grade level as well. The standard classroom rhythm instruments are used on the Primary level. Beginning at grade 2, music theory and notation is introduced through simple wind instruments, precorders and recorders. Hand Chimes are used beginning with grade 5. We begin composition as early as grade one, with music patterns and ostinatos, and students are encouraged to create original lyrics on a regular basis. Music appreciation is introduced at every level. Students are asked to listen, analyze and describe through age appropriate activities and journal entries. All musical styles are introduced as well as musical theater and dance. The major composers, classical and modern styles are also introduced. The goal of this curriculum is that it will serve as a stepping stone to a lifetime appreciation and love of Music.
The visual arts program strives to empower each student to express their own unique way of seeing the world around them. Through individual and group projects, students develop pride in their work and a feeling of self-worth. Students learn to appreciate culture and beauty in the world through age appropriate projects, through the study of art history, major artists and art movements. The art of different cultures and countries is also explored. Starting in grades one through four, art theory is introduced and incorporated into every lesson, based on the elements of art and principles of design. Students in grades five through eight delve into the complexities of perspective, color theory, composition, advanced drawing and painting skills as well as careers in art. Learning about art enhances the development of vocabulary and language skills, increases visual and tactile perception and develops problem solving skills. Lessons are often correlated to enhance work being done in other subject areas. Painting, drawing, pastels, collage, mixed media, fiber arts, printmaking, sculpture, mosaic, book arts, jewelry design, paper mache, stained glass, cartooning and other medium are included throughout the program. In the Spring, we hang an Art show comprised of hundreds of pieces of Art that the children have pre-selected from all of their projects. They title each piece and showcase their work with great pride.
The Physical Education and Health program conform to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and to the Archdiocese of Newark curriculum guidelines. Each grade level will be part of an overall program that covers concepts and principles related to the field. Activities are chosen that promote total participation rather than competition. Each class includes a warm-up period designed to incorporate aerobic activity for the promotion of good lung capacity, endurance and heart health.
Kindergarten will focus on the development of basic locomotor skills and movement concepts like running, skipping, fleeing, dodging, balancing and turning. Health will focus on personal hygiene and self-esteem. Students in grades One and Two will focus on skill development. This includes the concepts of throwing, catching, kicking, dribbling and volleyball. Health topics will focus on personal health, disease prevention and household safety. Students in grade Three will have lessons organized to foster participation and skill improvement. Leadership, teamwork and cooperation will also be the center of attention. During Health, students will learn about nutrition, see the importance of eating a healthy diet, and gain the knowledge they need to develop a healthy eating pattern for life. Sports will be introduced at the grade Four level, focusing on the components of the game, rules of play, fair play, and teamwork. There will also be a continuation of skill performance through drill and practice. In Health class, the students will be introduced to the effects of physical activity and continue their study of nutrition. In grades Five and Six the objective will be to introduce low impact exercise in order for students to improve their current level of physical fitness. Along with exercise, sport development and cooperative games are all part of the curriculum. Health issues will include anger management, violence and abuse prevention and units on the harmful effects of alcohol, drugs and smoking. Students in grades Seven and Eight develop an individual exercise program to help lead them on their way to a healthier lifestyle. Sports and cooperative games are also included in the curriculum. Health classes will continue to place an emphasis on being drug free and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Students receive weekly instruction in computer skills beginning in kindergarten. Besides high speed internet access and computers in each classroom, St. Joseph School maintains a full computer lab in both the lower and upper school.
We adhere to the Performance Indicators for Technology-Literate Students as set forth by the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). Prior to completion of Grade 2, students will:
- Use input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote control) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer) to successfully operate computers, VCR’s, and other technologies.
- Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.
- Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology.
- Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom.
- Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology.
- Practice responsible use of technology systems and software.
- Create developmentally appropriate multimedia projects with support from teachers, family members, or student partners.
- Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
In addition to the above, prior to the completion of Grade 5, students will:
- Use telecommunications efficiently to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests.
- Use telecommunications and online resources (e.g., e-mail, online discussions, Web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
- Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, and educational software) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.
- Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources.
In addition to the above, students in Grades 6-8 will:
- Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use.
- Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society
- Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.
- Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum.
- Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using telecommunications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
- Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving.
- Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems.
All students in grades Kindergarten through grade Eight have a Library period each week. Here, they are taught the basics of the classification system, how to use both print and computer media to locate books within the Library and given time to peruse the circulating collection to check a book out. The check out system is fully computerized, with each student having a bar code assigned to them alone. The stated objectives for our school library are as follows:
- To make the library an agency for curriculum enrichment, pupil enrichment and the dissemination of good literature.
- To provide materials on all subjects at the various age appropriate levels and covering the wide range of demands of the curriculum.
- To develop personal attributes of responsibility through the sharing of common property, the recognition of the rights of others and the observance of democratic principles.
- To arouse true intellectual curiosity and introduce the child to his/her rich cultural heritage as seen in literature.
- To introduce pupils to community libraries as early as possible and cooperate with those libraries in their efforts to encourage continuing education and cultural growth.
Homework
St. Joseph School provides every family with a written Homework Policy, listing the general requirements for various types of assignments and the average amount of homework time per grade. In general, homework is assigned 3 - 4 times per week for students in grades K-3 and it should take from 20-30 minutes to do, depending upon grade level. For the older students, homework is assigned 4 - 5 times per week, in amounts varying from 45-60 minutes for students in grade 4, up to 90-120 minutes for students in grades 7 and 8. Student report cards reflect homework completion and consequences are given at every grade level for missing or late assignments.
