CURRICULUM

►INFANT/TODDLER PROGRAM

Our Infant/Toddler program provides a loving and nurturing enviroment for 6 week to 18-month old children.This full time program allows the children to develop a sense of security with their environment.    

Parents and Caregivers work together on the child's Individual Plan from feeding schedules to diaper changing and naptime. At STS we provide a rich environment full of opportunities to actively explore and master their world.They are surrounded with attentive Caregivers who respond to their needs,fill their day with responsive interactions and language, and give each baby the nurturing so important to develop a sense of trust.Our infants are read to, held, played with, challenged and loved throughout the day.All babies explore texture,color patterns,size,shape,taste and weight. Throughout adult-child conversations, reading, fingerplay, songs and music the infants are immersed in a language rich environment.Infants explore art, movement, pretend play and role playing.Each infant's day is full of diverse,developmentally appropriate activities.Each child is provided with their own crib or cot depending on their age and readiness and private bathrooms for toilet training.

► EARLY CHILDHOOD
Our early childhood program provides a solid foundation for growing and learning. We provide a safe, caring environment. Our curriculum incorporates Reading and Math Readiness with numerous opportunities for students to express themselves and to be creative. Through our religious beliefs and values, we encourage awareness and sensitivity toward others. Students listen to Bible stories and reflect God’s love by engaging in activities which promote sharing and caring. We seek to instill in our students a lifelong love for learning and we believe all children can learn if we provide the motivation to try and to experiment. We encourage our children to be the best they can be.

► KINDERGARTEN
Our Kindergarten program uses a multidisciplinary approach. Our curriculum revolves around our beginning reading series. We stress the importance of phonetics and writing so as to become better readers. Our math program consists of numeration, time, money, simple addition and subtraction. We also participate in many hands on science and social studies experiences. In our Religion program, we focus on introducing Jesus as a friend who created each one of us as unique and special individuals with gifts and talents to be shared with others. Our goal is to teach the children to be independent learners who are eager to explore and accept one another. We assess the students both on an individual level as well as on their participation in group activities and their ability to work with others.

► GRADES 1-8 RELIGION
Religion is at the center of everything we do at St. Theresa School. Religion is not only treated as a major academic area, but also as an experience of God and His love for each of us. Therefore we begin each day with an assembly for the sharing of Scripture and morning prayer. Children are encouraged to live the “Law of Love” in all that they do throughout the day. Basic Catholic beliefs, the seven sacraments, prayer/worship and Scripture study are included in the religion curriculum. Classes plan and participate in Liturgies and Prayer Services. Catholic teachings are an integral part of our daily living and are incorporated into every area of the curriculum.

Grade 1 & 2 – Our curriculum begins a child’s personal relationship with Jesus. We study about Jesus’ life and His teachings. We also study the Sacraments of Baptism (first grade), Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist (second grade). The children learn about the Mass, the Holy Days and religious holidays throughout the year.

Grade3-5 – Our religion curriculum continues with an emphasis on Scripture, the 10 Commandments, the Beatitudes and on exploration of the Sacraments. Skits, Scripture reading, prayer experiences and the opportunity to be of service all enhance the curriculum.

Grade 6-8 – The students study Old Testament, Christ, Scripture, Church History, Morality and Sexuality. Each class has various opportunities for Scripture reading, reflection, liturgy preparation, faith sharing, community service and class projects. Focus on the 8th Grade curriculum is preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

► MATHEMATICS
Grades 1 & 2- Our curriculum includes addition and subtraction of single, double and triple digit numbers including regrouping and word problems. We also focus on time, money, measurement, and fractions. All topics include using a hands-on approach towards math through the use of manipulatives and teacher-designed activities. Second grade introduces multiplication up to the 5 times table.

Grades 3-5 – Our curriculum incorporates higher ordered thinking, specifically an enthusiastic approach to problem-solving, into all aspects of our program. Our concentration continues on whole numbers, and numeration, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as fractions and units of measurement.

Grades 6-8 – Students continue their exploration of basic operations, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, algebra and geometry. Mental math, number sense, probability and problem-solving are also stressed. Qualifying students in grades 6-8 are given the opportunity to participate in an advanced math program.

► LANGUAGE ARTS
Our language arts curriculum is a comprehensive program that includes the study of all communication skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Grammar is taught to improve writing and speaking skills. Literary magazines, writing and performing their own plays, creative literature-based presentations, cooperative groups and peer editing all enhance our language arts program.

Grade 1 & 2 – Our language arts curriculum incorporates reading (using literature based readers) and a phonetic approach. It is comprised of phonics, listening skills, grammar, including basic parts of speech, and writing skills, including sentence structure, sequence, main idea and details. We also utilize weekly spelling lists, and creative story writing.

Grade 3-5 – Our curriculum is comprised of phonics, grammar- with an emphasis on vocabulary usage. Writing skills are heavily reinforced through such activities as writing centers, book reports, classroom newspapers, creative story writing and plays. Comprehension is a fundamental component of our program and is taught through the use of novels and anthologies on a continual basis.

Grade 6-8- The Language Arts program combines reading and writing skills with a strong Grammar component. Students produce writing portfolios that demonstrate growth over the course of the year. Reading comprehension, literary skills, and vocabulary are taught in conjunction with full-length classic novels.

► SCIENCE
Grade 1 & 2 – In the primary grades, the science curriculum introduces the children to the world around them. We study living things such as animals and plant life, the senses, and the solar system. Students work on group and individual projects related to the current unit of study.

Grade 3-5 – Our curriculum stresses the Scientific method in all units. We explore the physical world as well as life sciences. All units are reinforced through the use of experiments in an equipped Science Lab, field trips, research projects, videos and an annual Science Fair for grades 4-8.

Grade 6-8 – Our curriculum includes the study of earth, life, and physical sciences. Our science lab enables students to carry out many hands-on experiments and projects. Our annual science fair educates students in classifying, predicting, hypothesizing, estimating, and problem solving.

► SOCIAL STUDIES
Our Social Studies curriculum focuses on global studies, Western Hemisphere and the United States. Our program utilizes maps (individual as well as class maps), graphs, charts, cooperative learning activities, audio visual materials, and field trips which enhance our curriculum.

Grade 1&2 – Our Social Studies curriculum encompasses many topics. We learn about types of land and water formations. We study neighborhoods, communities, countries, and continents with a focus on the United States. Children also learn how their families are unique and special and they deepen their understanding of their place in these aforementioned groups. American History is studied through units on American holidays, symbols of America and Special Americans.

Grade 3-5 – Our Social Studies curriculum comprises the study of communities, New Jersey history and geography, and American History, stressing the colonies, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and the Constitution. All lessons are reinforced through the use of performed plays, guest speakers, research projects, field trips and videos.

Grade 6-8 – Our 6th grade studies the history and culture of the Western Hemisphere. The focus of our 7-8 grade is on American History. Students become active participants in their learning as they engage in group projects and American history simulations. Students read, review, respond to, and present current events articles on a weekly basis.

► COMPUTER
Our Computer curriculum begins in Kindergarten with one period a week. Keyboarding,math and reading readiness programs complement classroom instruction and provide fun and engaging work for students.

Grade 1-8 - have two computer periods a week. Topics include word processing, keyboarding, drawing and computer literacy. Students are enriched by over 100 CD ROM programs which reinforce, enhance or extend lessons taught in their classrooms.

Grade 5 – 8 – work with word processing programs to create reports, flyers and newsletters. Grade 8 is taught Microsoft Power Point and is required to use it in classroom presentations.

The Internet and its proper use is taught on the fifth grade level and is deepened throughout the student’s junior high years. Students become familiar with Internet vocabulary, are introduced to various search engines and are assigned projects which require them to use the internet as a researching tool.

► MUSIC
Our Music curriculum for Grades 1 – 6 provides an appreciation for music through singing, movement and rhythm. Music history and the methods of music are also taught.

For an additional fee, instrumental music, including guitar, drums, keyboard and flute, is taught once a week to those students who desire it.

► ART
Our Art curriculum includes painting, sketching and art history. It introduces students to the works of famous artists and provides an appreciation of various art mediums, including pastels and charcoals. We exhibit student artwork throughout the school and encourage students to participate in local art contests.

► PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Our Physical Education curriculum develops strength, endurance and fitness through exercise, games and team sports. Sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle are all emphasized.

*For more detailed descriptions of our curriculum according to the Middle 5tates Accreditation please go to Middle States Website