Curriculum And Methods
Grades One, Two, and Three
The primary grade curriculum is prefaced with establishing a comfort level of acceptance and learning style. Emphasis is given to the spiritual values practiced in the school through prayer, the study of scripture, and service learning projects. The skill and adaptation to good reading and phonics are the foundations for the learning that is to come. Reading and being read to are the skills that underlie education at Nazareth. Another focus at this level of studies is to build a sound foundation of basic mathematics and writing skills that will serve the student well in later years. The strategies and methods utilized lay the foundation for the development of cognitive skills. In addition, the children are prepared for the receptions of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Each of these grades is self-contained.
Grades Four and Five
At the intermediate level, organization and study skills are a central focus in the Integrated language Arts and Social Studies programs. The spiritual growth of the student continues in religion with the study of the liturgy and the sacraments, with a specific focus on the sacrament of Confirmation. Emphasis is placed on the enhancement of writing and speaking skills throughout the curriculum. Problem solving and analytical skills in mathematics and science are applied as the higher thinking processes continue to develop the child. Departmentalization begins at this level of instruction.
Grade Six, Seven, and Eight
At the junior high level, the Old Testament, the person of Jesus and His Church, sacraments, and morality are the highlights of the religion program. Nazareth focuses on teaching the children to find deeper meaning in the belilefs and practices of the faith and to develop their own personal spirituality. Effective communication skills and intrinsic creativity are developed more fully in the Integrated Language Arts program. By concentrating on the connection between reading, vocabulary, and grammar, the program allows students to develop good habits in speaking and writing. Science, mathematics, and social studies programs emphasize note taking, critical and deductive thinking, study skills and independent reading. Classes are fully departmentalized in all areas of study.
Specialized Areas
Specialized programs are Honors Mathematics (Grades 4-8), Technology, Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education. The Honors Math program is designed to challenge students to work at an accelerated pace. The program follows the seven strands of mathematics set by the National Council of Mathematics and concudes with a full course in Algebra I. Technology is a class filled with the thinkers, creators, and programmers of the future. The Spanish program is designed to introduce each student to vocabulary, culture, and conversation while building skills and language mechanics. Translation and comprehension are developed and the program culminates in the reading of a Spanish novel. These three specialized areas are highly developed to prepare each student for a successful high school career. The areas of Art, Music, and Physical Education complete the program of studies. Art awakens the child to an area of creativity yet to be discovered through varied art media. art inspires the free spirit in every child. Music presents its own language and its message is unique to each of us. In addition to class instruction, the music department promotes activities related to handbells, choir chimes, choir, band and talent shows. Physical Education gives the child the freedom and the discipline to develop an appreciation of a sound body through exercise, balance, health, sports, and coordination. The life skills provided by the art, music, and physical education classes complement the academic curriculum in developing each child.
Technology Program
Before any child is permitted to use the Internet,
both the student and his/her parents sign our
Acceptable Use policy recommended by the
Department of Education and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Student Access Contract:
I understand that when I am using the Internet or any other computer or telecommunications device, I must adhere to all rules of courtesy, etiquette and laws regarding the copying of information as prescribed by either Federal, State, or local laws, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Nazareth Academy Grade School.
Parent or Guardian:
I hereby release Nazareth Academy Grade School and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, its personnel and any other institutions with which it is affiliated, from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my child's use of, or inability to use, the Internet Access, including but not limited to claims that may arise from the unauthorized use of the system to purchase products or services.
I will instruct my child regarding any restrictions against accessing materials that are in addition to the rescrictions set forth by this Acceptable Use Policy. I will emphasize to my child the importance of following rules for personal safety.
As the parent/guardian of this student, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy for Nazareth Academy Grade School. I hereby give my permission for my child to use the Internet and will not ho ld Nazareth Academy Grade School or the Archdiocese of Philadelphia liable as a result of my daughter's / son's use of the Internet on school premises. I understand that my child has agreed not to access inappropriate material on the Internet.
The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is signed by each child
and parent at the beginning of the school year and
remains on file in the office of the Principal.
Consequences for Misuse
The Technology Coordinator and Principal will be responsible for reviewing all Internet offenses. The adult who discovers the Internet misuse will confiscate the student's license and document the details of the infraction in writing. These will be given to the Technology Coordinator in a timely manner, preferably before the end of the school day.
The disciplinary actions for misuse of Internet privileges are:
* Review of the proper usage of the Internet
* Conference with parents
* Non-participation in extracurricular activities for a period of time
* Loss of Internet Driver's License for a specified time
* Automatic Detention
