Curriculum Overview

The goal of St. Patrick School is to empower children as active agents in their own learning and to establish themselves as successful lifelong learners.  At all levels parents are encouraged to take part in their children’s education through appropriate homework, active involvement in the school, and in modeling an enthusiasm for learning in the home.

The St. Patrick School curriculum follows National, State and Diocesan guidelines and offers an integrated and critical thinking approach to subject matter.  The following is a generalized overview of the scope of the subjects offered.  Specifics for each grade level are explained at Back-to-School Night.

 

Religion

Religious instruction is an integral and continuing element of the educational experiences of students in all grades.  The Religion program includes the study of Scripture, participation in the Liturgy with emphasis on the Mass and Sacraments, and the importance of personal prayer life.  Preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist and Reconciliation are a part of the Religion curriculum.  Parents are involved as active partners in both preparations and celebrations, along with the parish Religious Education Program.

The students participate and help plan liturgies, prayer services, reconciliation services and celebrations to increase their active participation in their faith life development.  These are done both within the school community and in partnership with the larger parish community.  Children and their families are expected to attend mass on a regular basis in order to support this commitment and model enthusiasm for an active faith life.

The Oakland Diocesan Catholic elementary school program in human sexuality is an integral part of the educational program planned for each student.  The integration of Catholic values in human sexuality occurs as appropriate throughout the entire curriculum.  The ultimate goal of the series is to provide children with an understanding of the nature and importance of human sexuality as faithful Christians.

Conflict Resolution and problem solving are also a part of the program designed to help children develop the skills to deal with others with respect and responsibility.

 

Language Arts

The goal of the Language Arts program is to develop effective communicators who will function as informed, moral decision-making, participating citizens in society.  This means that all instruction will be with intent to empower literate, fluent and life-long readers and writers. Kindergarten through 2nd Grade use SuperKids as the foundation for their reading program and students in grades 3-8 use Engage NY Expeditionary Learning ELA program.  All students in grades K-8 use Lucy Caulkins Writers Workshop.

 

Social Studies

The Social Studies program emphasizes the value of the diversity of our heritages. It is designed to promote awareness of the world around us, help students gain knowledge, and create responsible citizens who can make sound decisions in the future.  The Social Studies program includes the study of: People and Communities, California, United States, Cultures of the world - ancient and modern, and the United States Constitution and Government.

 

Mathematics

The Mathematics program is designed to provide a meaningful understanding of facts and the application of processes. It includes Problem Solving, Estimation and Mental Arithmetic, Numbers and Operations, Geometry, Measurement, Relations and Functions, Probability and Statistics, and Logical Thinking.  The program incorporates active learning centers and application to other areas of the curriculum.  All students in grades K-8 use the Engage NY Math curriculum.  During the 8th grade year, students who qualify may take the Algebra course offered by the teacher. The extra work for this program is done at home.

 

Science

The Science program is designed to develop in the students the skills necessary for observing, communicating, comparing, measuring, organizing, relating, inferring and applying.  The emphasis is on hands-on learning, which incorporates lab experiences and creative challenges.  It encompasses life, physical, and earth sciences.  The school offers a Science Faire for grades 6-8 as an important part of this program. In grades K-5 students use the TCI online science curriculum and in 6-8 students us FOSS, IntoScience, Robotics, and Raspberry Pi to learn about Earth, Life and Physical Science.  All curriculum is based on the Next Gen Science Standards (NGSS).

 

Caritas

As part of the Science curriculum, eighth grade students attend Caritas Camp in the fall as a part of Environmental Science.  Caritas is a five-day outdoor education camp experience that incorporates religion and science education. Students learn about SONG (Self, Others, Nature, God.)  An extra fee for Caritas is charged to parents during the eighth grade year.  Scholarships are available to families in financial need.  Students who do not attend camp are expected to attend school and will be accountable for related curriculum.  Students will be marked absent for any days missed from school when their class is away at camp.

 

Physical Education

 The Physical Education program provides the students with the opportunity to acquire and develop physical skills, confidence, camaraderie and physical and mental well-being daily. Motor development, eye-hand coordination and physical fitness are emphasized as well as seasonal, life sports and first aid.

 

Spanish

The Spanish program is designed to develop conversational, written and verbal skills and develop an awareness and appreciation for the Spanish speaking cultures.  Upon successful completion of the program, credit is given for year 1 Spanish.  Upon entering high school, students may be placed in Spanish or Honors Spanish II.  Colleges and universities recognize this as equivalent to a high school course.  (Students may be asked to take a special examination before placement in high school is determined).

 

Music

The objective of the music program is to increase sensitivity to music as an art through understanding of its elements.  The program encompasses listening, reacting, singing, performing, instruments, playing games, and dancing.  Students have the opportuntity to performs the skills they are learning through Liturgy Band and Choir, Christmas Shows, K-2 Earth Day Musical, 3-5 Glee Club Musical, and in the Middle School Musical.

 

Art

The objective of the Art program is to develop and encourage creative expression. Different media are introduce and appreciation for different artists and art forms is encouraged.  Art is integrated across the curriculum. Students in grades 5-8 have art as one of their co-curricular subjects.

 

Spring Musical

The objective of the Spring Musical program is to develop and encourage creative expression.  Students will explore different methods and techniques including public speaking, monologues, dialogues, dance, mime and scene performances.  Students will also have the opportunity to work on sets and practice other skills needed to put on a production.

 

Library

All K-5 classes have assigned library times each week with a librarian on duty.  The library is used as a valuable resource for developing library and research skills.  The librarian works closely with teachers and students to provide needed materials.  Students are encouraged to use our school library for an appreciation of books, and their suggestions for new books to enhance and expand our library are always welcome.

We encourage parents and students to use their local public library to enhance their opportunities to discover and appreciate the beauty and knowledge found in books.

 

Tutoring

After school tutoring is open to all students at St. Patrick School.  Tutoring is provided from 3:15-4:15 p.m. as arranged by the classroom teacher.  Extended Care students may attend tutoring after signing into Extended Care.  Tutoring for grades 6-8 take place one day a week with each of the Middle School teachers.  For emergency and accountability purposes all students must sign in and out of the tutoring room upon entering and exiting.

 

Technology Program

The mission of Saint Patrick School is to educate students to become self-directed, continuous learners and ethical, responsible citizens prepared to meet the increasing challenges of a global, technological society.  In addition, the school believes that technology should be used as a vehicle of communication, analysis, and research in light of Catholic values and moral decision-making.

Therefore, the school is committed to the integration and effective use of current and future technology to further the educational mission of the school and the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel to all people.  The Bishops of the United States have supported the use of technology as a means of evangelization. By integrating the current curriculum with skills and information that are based on and utilize computer technology, students learn to apply technology skills to real life situations.