Corpus Christi School

Curriculum

The academic purpose of Corpus Christi School is to provide students with basic skills and knowledge that will foster problem solving in both academic situations and the challenges of life. Our primary concern as a school community is to instill in our students an acceptance of themselves and their responsibility in the learning process. Our hope is to train the mind, heart, body, and spirit of each child so that he/she may become a productive member of the community.

Early Childhood

Early childhood education at Corpus Christi School takes a holistic approach. Hands-on activities serve to stimulate and foster a unique educational experience. Believing that each child is capable of learning, we provide the foundation each student needs to develop an intrinsic love of education.

Children learn in a happy, fun way by means of small and large group instruction regarding Language, Math, Arts and Crafts, Readiness skills in Science and Nature, Fine Motor Development, Practical Life, Self Help, Housekeeping, Sensorial skills, Story time, Music, Community/Social Studies, Manipulative, Outdoor Playground/Indoor Physical Education, Creative Movement/Games.

By the end of Kindergarten or sooner, our children are able to read.

Teachers provide motivating opportunities. Lessons are developed thematically, and activities are often child initiated. Teachers continually assess learning and growth. Our curriculum is further enhanced by our religious instruction. Empathy and compassion, skills desperately needed in today's world, are stressed

Our Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten programs are full day programs.

RELIGION

Basic Catholic beliefs, the seven sacraments, and Scripture study are included in the religion curriculum. Classes participate in and prepare liturgies and prayer services. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available for the students about four times a year, including Advent and Lent. Catholic teachings are an integral part of our daily living and are incorporated in all disciplines. Projects, skits, role-playing, Scripture reading, and faith sharing enhance the curriculum. Students in Grades 3-8 take the Archdiocesan Religion Exam at the end of the school year.

Grades 1-2:

The primary grades study the miracles of Jesus, the Church, Mary, and the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and the Eucharist. The children learn about the Holy Days of obligation and religious holidays. Catholic second graders are prepared to receive their First Penance and First Communion.

Grades 3-5:

The curriculum continues with the study of the Liturgy, Scripture, the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. A deeper understanding of the basics is developed.

Grades 6-8:

A systematic study of the Bible begins in junior high. The students study the Old and New Testaments with special emphasis on the gospels and the life of Jesus. Students are introduced to Church history, and many issues of morality are discussed. Confirmation is received in grade 8 after a thorough preparation which includes participation in a service program throughout the year.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Grades 1 and 2:

The language arts curriculum teaches reading with a phonics approach. Language skills are explored through the reading series, journal and creative writing.

Grades 3-5:

The curriculum includes reading, phonics, listening skills, and grammar with special emphasis on writing skills. The program is enhanced by oral presentations, plays and projects.

Grades 6-8:

The program combines reading and writing skills with a strong grammar component. Students write in response to listening and reading selections and keep a comprehensive portfolio of their work. Editing and revision is emphasized even on the computer. Students read classic novels and attend plays outside of class.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Grades 1 and 2:

Neighborhoods, communities, countries (with a focus on the United States ) and continents are studied. Land and water formations are introduced. Students learn how their families are unique and special. American history is studied through holidays, American symbols and biographies of special Americans.

Grades 3-5:

The curriculum is comprised of communities past and present, New York state geography and history, American history including Native Americans, explorers, the colonies, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Constitution and the westward movement.

Grades 6-8:

Our 6th grade studies the history, life, geography and culture of the Ancient World through the Middles Ages. The focus of the 7 th grade starts from the end of the Middle Ages, through the discovery of America and onto the history of the U.S. until the Civil War; the 8th grade starts with the Civil War and continues through Modern times. Students are active participants in both individual and group projects throughout the year. Current events are addressed appropriately. The curriculum for all classes is enhanced through discussions, research reports, field trips, videos, role-playing, skits, time-lines and oral presentations. Understanding of maps, charts, and graphs is stressed. Our fifth grade classes prepare for the New York State Social Studies Test. Emphasis is placed on writing essay answers to document based questions.

MATH

Grades 1-3:

Our primary grades' curriculum includes addition, subtraction, measurement, fractions, time, money, problem solving, numeration, mental math, estimation, percent, probability, geometry, and fact families. Varieties of concepts are introduced and explained using a hands-on approach.

Grades 4-5:

Building on previous learning, student's study probability, fractions, perimeter, area, and volume, decimals, graphing, statistics, and solving word problems using various strategies. Emphasis is placed on reasoning and explanation of answers, and problem solving.

Grades 6-8:

Students continue their exploration of basic operations, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, algebra, and geometry. Estimation, probability and consumer math is also stressed. Applications of these concepts are taught through critical thinking and word problems. Students are prepared and familiarized with the format and concepts of different types of standardized testing.

Advanced Math Grades 7-8:

Students who meet the Archdiocesan guidelines for advanced placement are given the opportunity to complete the curriculum at an accelerated pace. The culmination of this program is the completion of two semesters of grade 9 math in preparation for the Math A assessment.

SCIENCE

Grades 1-3:

The curriculum introduces children to the world around them, including senses, matter, weather, animals, sound, space, measurement, plants, moon, and magnets. Children work on various projects and do experiments.

Grades 4:

Units in scientific method, plants, animals, matter, magnetism, electricity and rocks are studied. Demonstrations and student-performed experiments are done. Students work in partners and alone. Experiment write-ups are completed for each experiment.

Grade 5:

The curriculum includes animal classification, matter and its changes, weather and climate patterns, the human body systems, stars in the universe, earth's structure and surface changes, and energy. Use is made of experiments, demonstrations, research reports, and videos.

Grades 6-8:

Our junior high science program is comprised of earth, life, and physical science. Focus is on the scientific method with emphasis on drawing conclusions, logical reasoning and evaluating. Concept application is done through various activities including lab experiments, group projects, independent research, and current events.

ART

The art curriculum in pre-kindergarten through grade 2 is designed by the classroom teacher and provides students with developmentally age-appropriate activities. One Art Teacher instructs grades 3 to 5, while another instructs grades 6 to 8. The students in these grades receive instruction in art history, touching upon artists' cultural backgrounds, styles, influences, and various mediums used. Each lesson has an introduction followed by a spin off from each artist's technique, and experience in various art mediums. The art program enables teachers to integrate art in the various content areas. Seasonal and holiday projects allow for creative expression and facilitate the development of self-esteem. Religious themes and community sponsored art contests provide a springboard for many art projects.

TECHNOLOGY

Our computer lab is equipped with 31 IBM computers, whose hard drives have been replaced by new one; Last year, the internet access was upgraded to a faster access speed of broadband, networked to several printers. Students in grades Kindergarten through Eight are scheduled for two or more periods per week in computer/curriculum-integrated instruction. The students in our early childhood program explore the computer with reading and math readiness programs. The use and basic maintenance of hardware and software is taught, using appropriate terminology. Our "Safe and Acceptable Use Policy" on the Internet is taught and reinforced. Keyboarding and word processing skills are learned at all levels. Corpus Christi School realizes that technology is a pathway to the future for our students. Additional Macintosh computers are available to primary classes with software that reinforce subject area and thinking skills. In October, 2004, we installed 3 smartboards to assist teachers and students do a multitude of new learning methods. In January, we installed 2 more smartboards, as well as, one Dell Computer for teachers to use in their homerooms.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students at Corpus Christi School participate in two physical education classes weekly. Our program provides students with opportunities to develop physically, emotionally, and mentally through exercise, sports, and group games. This program is designed to develop a sense of self-worth, self-discipline, and fair play in a safe environment. The importance of a healthy body and lifestyle is emphasized at all age levels. After lunch, weather permitting, students have recreational time outside. When weather is inclement, students alternate their recreation periods either in the gym with movement opportunities, or in their classes or cafeteria with games or other activities.

LIBRARY

The library has become a haven of learning, in addition to the varied opportunities in the classroom. Equipped with ten state-of-the-art computers and three laser printers, students and staff have access to the Internet for research as well as over 7,000 shelved books. Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 6 meet with our librarian weekly. Teachers may sign up for additional library time when classes are not in session. Grades six through eight utilize the library for reference, research, and enrichment, including internet research under the guidance of the librarian or classroom teacher.

Food

Students have the option to bring their lunch or purchase hot lunch. The school participates in the Federal Milk Program, which allows students to buy milk at a reduced cost.

Extended

Day Program

This program is offered to working parents who need care for their children after school hours. This program runs from dismissal to 5:30 p.m. The children who attend have time for free play, homework, snack, and special activities depending on the season. There is an additional fee for this service.

Health

A registered nurse is on the premises three days a week. There are annual screenings in vision, hearing, and the detection of scoliosis.

Special Services

Government funding provides an on premises Title 1 teacher who is available for remedial reading for students in grades one through four. Students classified with an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may also receive specialized services through the school district, in addition to the accommodations recommended in the IEP for the classroom teacher.