Saint Joseph School - Fairhaven, Massachusetts

LEARNING FOR LIFE SINCE 1908

CURRICULUM: Building Blocks of Education

All teachers have copies of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks as well as the Diocesan Standards and work to integrate these standards in their teaching.

Religion:

The Silver Burdett Ginn Blest Are We (2004) Religious Education Program provides daily instruction in the Catholic faith with application to everyday life. Children attend Mass monthly, participate in Liturgical Celebrations, sacramental programs and prayer. Children develop an understanding of Scripture to learn God's faithfulness and love and understand the values inherent in the charism of the Sacred Hearts Congregation.

Reading/Language Arts:

The Scott Foresman Reading Program (2002) encourages independent reading and provides phonics and literature based instruction. A grammatical foundation and beginning writing skills are developed in the lower grades and are further developed through the middle school. The middle school Prentice Hall Literature Program (2005) is used along with the Holt Language Handbook (2005).

Mathematics:

The Scott Foresman Mathematics Program (2005) develops critical thinking skills, problem solving strategies, mathematical principles, and real life applications. Middle School students are preparing for accelerated high school curricula with the Prentice Hall (2008) Mathematics Program.

Science:

The Scott Foresman Hands on Science Kits for grades K-2 (2007) Science Program (2003) for grades 3-5. The program includes four areas of study- Life, Physical, Earth, and Human Body Science. Middle School students prepare for advanced high school curricula with Science Explorer (2002) from Prentice Hall.

Social Studies:

Elementary students learn about Community, Regions, the Ancients, and the United States using Scott Foresman Social Studies (2007). Middle school students focus on World Geography, Ancient History, and American History. Textbooks from Holt, Rinehart & Winston (2003), Houghton Mifflin and Prentice Hall (2006) and. Scott Foresman (2007)

Computer Literacy:

A computer lab with individual workstations offers opportunity for hands on learning and discovery for all our students with instruction once a week. A computer is also located in each classroom. St. Joseph School is connected to the Internet.

Physical Education:

All students are provided the opportunity to improve their motor skills and body coordination to learn and apply rules of good sportsmanship. Students in preschool through grade 8 participate weekly in physical education. Students on the elementary and middle school level participate in the presidential fitness award program.

Art:

Students in grades Preschool through 8 participate weekly in creative and artistic experiences. These experiences are closely connected with the curriculum to expand the learning process.

French:

Students in grades Preschool through 8 participate weekly in foreign language education. Students are gradually introduced to the French language and culture through hands on learning activities, stories, and curriculum.

Music:

Students in grades Preschool through 8 participate weekly in music theory and movement. Students perform in our annual Christmas program and spring concert to showcase what they have learned.