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Curriculum
Holy Cross School encompasses Pre-Kindergarten through
Grade Eight. All
instruction adheres closely to the curriculum guidelines of the Archdiocese
of Washington and the state of Maryland. These guidelines are continually
revised and enhanced to meet the expanding needs of students as we begin this
new millennium. Creative and innovative lessons are designed by the teachers
to engage the students as they explore and discover the wonders of learning. Lessons
are presented through cooperative learning groups, class discussions, whole
group instruction, and telecommunications. Field trips, guest speakers,
videos, and other materials are used to support and enrich the curriculum.
Since technology is becoming an increasingly important tool in our society,
all teachers are continually searching for new and effective ways to integrate
various forms of technology into the classrooms. As a result our students participate
in many Internet activities that greatly extend their learning horizons.
Our textbooks are current and up to date. These
programs were carefully examined and the selection was made based on their
support of the Archdiocesan curriculum.
A Back to School Night takes place early in September. The teachers
give the parents a complete overview of the curriculum. They also explain
the discipline and homework procedures. Homework is given to
reinforce the concept and skills learned in the classroom. Students also
have long-range assignments that foster organization and responsibility. Parents
are encouraged to provide their children the necessary space, materials, time,
and support to complete their assignments. However, the children
are expected to do their work independently.
Religion is the focal point of our curriculum. Although,
we firmly believe that parents are the primary educators of their children,
Holy Cross School provides instruction in the basic tenets of the Catholic
Faith. Emphasis is placed on the study of Catholic doctrine, scripture, prayer,
worship, and the Gospel Values. This subject is taught primarily by the homeroom
teachers. The Director of Religious Education for Holy Cross Parish assists
with some classroom instruction as well. This person is also responsible
for assisting with the preparation of students in Grade 2 for the reception
of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. This individual
is also instrumental in helping to prepare the students in Grade 8 for the
reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Children and teachers in Grades 1-8 plan and participate
in the preparation of weekly Masses and a variety of Para-liturgical celebrations
throughout the year. Children
are taught the importance of prayer, respect, and service.
The Primary department comprises our Pre-Kindergarten
program and continues through Grade 2. Both Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten are developmental
in nature while the first and second grades are more academically oriented.
Since Holy Cross recognizes the growing trend of renewed commitment to the
young child, a hands-on, activity-based approach is emphasized. We strive
to enable each child to reach his / her full potential by enabling the student
in the teaching and learning process to recognize the relationships and connections
that exist among various subjects.
The teachers are responsible for the teaching of religion,
language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. Lessons are
carefully integrated to help students recognize the relationships and connections
that exist among the various subjects.
Grades 3, 4, and 5 build on the basics that were taught
in the primary grades. The Third and Fourth grade students change classes
for one hour every day for mathematics and reading. The students often
work in cooperative groups as they complete projects, solve problems, and research
on the Internet. Learning centers are created for constructive activities.
Four full-time teachers are responsible for the core subjects
of language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics. Most homeroom
teachers teach religion. A language arts teacher works closely with each
of the homeroom teachers in the middle school as well as the school librarian
to coordinate the written expression and literature across the curriculum. Teachers
meet regularly to coordinate the program.
There are three main components of the “Middle School
Science Program.” These are: Earth Science – Grade
6; Life Science – Grade 7; and Physical Science – Grade 8. A
fully equipped science lab enables the student to conduct experiments and investigations. A
complete laser disk science program supports all grade levels providing stimulating
visual enrichment. The Science coordinator oversees the entire science
curriculum to ensure that all content is covered effectively
The math curriculum is based on the standards of the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Students learn the basic concepts
and computational skills as well as problem solving strategies that enable
them to be confident and successful mathematicians. Math is presented
through a variety of methods to effectively reach all learners. The sizes of
the math classes have been reduced in the Middle School to better meet the
needs of the students. Math instruction also includes an optional, ability-based
high school algebra program for eighth graders.
The sixth grade Social Studies Program focuses on world
geography and ancient civilizations, whereas the concentration in Grades 7
and 8 centers on U.S. history. Students in Grade 7 cover American history,
beginning with explorers, through the westward expansion, while students in
Grade 8 concentrate on U.S. history from the Civil War to modern times. Students
complete multi-media reports on various topics. Software applications, such
as “Map Maker Toolkit”, “Adventures in Time”,
and “Decisions, Decisions” are used to enrich learning.
The language arts program is broken into two separate classes:
Literature and English. Literature focuses on reading strategies, comprehension,
and experiencing a variety of genres and authors. Vocabulary is also
studied in class including a structured program designed to prepare students
for SATs. The English program includes an integrated approach to writing
that includes a variety of topics and styles. The program also includes
a grammar study to help students improve the writing process.
As a 1999 winner of the Innovations in Technology award,
the Holy Cross technology program provides tools to enhance and extend the
curriculum. A full time technology coordinator conducts weekly classes
for each grade. Students use networked computers in the computer lab
and throughout the school to do Internet research, use cd-rom and on-line encyclopedias,
manipulate graphics, create word processing documents, and prepare electronic
presentations. The technology coordinator also works closely with all
of the teachers to ensure the meaningful integration of technology in the classroom. Regular
on-going staff development is an integral part of the technology program.
The school counselor, in cooperation with the faculty,
plans and implements character building themes and parent education. These
programs are developed through assemblies, visiting experts, and classroom
education. The counselor is available to children, teachers and parents. She
is a support staff member who works closely with the teachers to identify areas
of concern for individual students. Classroom, small group, and individual
counseling are also a part of her responsibilities.
The library serves as a resource for students giving them
a means to develop a love of reading and exposure to good writers and illustrators.
A librarian reads to the Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 1 students once a week
and also helps them select books to take home. Students in Grades 2 through
8 are taught library and research skills that are practiced through classroom
projects. The librarian works closely with the classroom teachers to coordinate
the library projects with the curriculum. Taking advantage of the fully
automated library, children learn to use the technology to conduct on-line
searches to complete their classroom assignments.
Holy Cross School is committed to meeting the academic needs
of all its children through a differentiated classroom environment. Keeping
in line with the academic philosophy of Holy Cross, the theory of Multiple
Intelligences is incorporated into the daily learning experience. In
order to accomplish this effectively, students in need of individualized attention
may be referred to the Learning Skills Program. The decision for this referral
may be made by the parents, or it may be suggested by the classroom teacher
upon assessment of the student’s academic performance. Services
may be provided in the classroom or, on a limited basis, in a separate academic
setting.
Art class meets on a regular, weekly basis for approximately
30 minutes to one hour. It is multimedia, sequential, cumulative and
geared to the to the various age levels of development and ability. Experiences
are in the basic areas of drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and three-dimensional
activities. Computer programs, videodiscs, CD-ROMs, the Internet, and other
technologies are used to sharpen their visual perceptions and expand their
creative expressions.
The
main goal of the Music Program is to convey enthusiasm for music. This
is accomplished through several means:
- Live and
video demonstrations of various instruments
- Hands-on
opportunities to experiment with sound and play different kinds of instruments.
- Preparation
and presentation of concerts and musical plays
Students
are learning basic musical concepts, such as time signatures, musical terms,
rhythm and tempo, and are encouraged to write their own compositions. Students
are becoming better singers by practicing good posture, diction, and dynamics
as they learn songs from many different cultures.
The Band program
at holy Cross is available to students in the fourth through eighth grade. Trumpet,
trombone, baritone, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and percussion are offered. First
year players have lessons each week during the school day in small groups. After
the first year, students play in after-school band while continuing lessons
during the school day. The award-winning band performs several concerts
each year both at Holy Cross and out in the community.
The Spanish program
at Holy Cross is an enriching experience for the students. Learning
a second language is important in a person’s development. The program
uses a simple approach to help the students master the basics of the Spanish
language including pronunciation, expressions, vocabulary, sentence structure,
verbs, and grammar. Students are also exposed to Spanish culture, art,
music, and traditions. The program begins in the Pre-Kindergarten and
continues through the Eighth Grade.
The objective in Physical Education is to introduce children
to physical activity through games, movement experience and sports. Included
are skill developments such as dribbling, throwing, and running. Gross
motor coordination and fitness, together make our children healthier. Finally
the importance of participation, cooperation, and sportsmanship is stressed
to teach the idea that just playing for fun can be enough. |
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