Curriculum

Religion

We strive to develop Catholic attitudes and principles within our students.  We are sensitive to meeting the needs of each student by providing opportunities for self-discipline and social responsibility.  Students voluntarily participate in numerous Christian service projects throughout each school year, and the Heartwood Character Education Program is utilized to reinforce our Catholic values and beliefs.  Daily religion instruction, as well as weekly Eucharistic celebrations, help create an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.

Mathematics

Based on the NCTM Principles and Standards as well as the Ohio Department of Education Academic Content Standards for Mathematics, St. James has created a rigorous math program.  Students are grouped by ability level allowing teachers to meet individual student needs through differentiated instruction.  Patterns, measurement, algebra, geometry, data analysis and probability are taught at every grade level.  Ultimately the math program develops students’ problem solving skills enabling them to compute as well as reason and communicate logically in mathematical terms.

Reading

St. James School uses a phonics-based, skills-driven reading curriculum that incorporates a progression from basic word recognition to literal and inferential meaning, and culminating with critical and analytical interpretation skills.  Students are ability grouped within a homeroom in grades 1-2 and tracked in grades 3-8.  To allow students to progress using materials that are within their ability range, an advanced fifth grade student will use a sixth grade text and a struggling fifth grade student will use a fifth grade text with modified pacing and instructional techniques.  Our basal textbook series is multi-leveled and features an excellent redundancy of reading and phonetic skills.  In grades 7 and 8 the textbooks change to a more literature based approach to reading, which reviews basic skills and stresses critical and analytical thinking skills.  Vocabulary books (assigned by ability levels) are integral to our program.  Independent novel reading programs exist at various grade levels and the Accelerated Reading Program is available at all levels.  Built into many of the weekly class schedules is time set aside for sustained silent reading.

Language Arts

The language arts curriculum focuses on mastery of fundamental grammar rules in order to improve written and oral communication skills.  A multi-sensory approach to grammar is used, which incorporates active oral participation, rhythm, and repetition.  Grammar skills are not taught in isolation; rather the curriculum is designed to maintain a spiral effect from year to year.  A common vocabulary and questioning process, which spans the grade levels, gives students the necessary tools to master and retain the numerous complex rules which apply to our language.  Students complete various oral presentations each year, and the Power Writing and Six-Trait Writing models are employed at all grade levels.

Science

St. James School’s science program is designed to give students at each grade level opportunities to participate in hands-on activities which allow them to utilize the scientific method.  In an effort to increase hands-on instruction, a central, fully-equipped science lab was created.  By building on children’s natural curiosity, as well as through investigation, making hypotheses, testing ideas, and drawing conclusions, students are able to make discoveries about their environment and themselves while developing skills in gathering, categorizing, quantifying and interpreting information.

Social Studies 

The social studies curriculum is rooted in the belief that students should explore their connection to the past, recognize their place in the present, and consider their impact on the future.  The program seeks to help students make discoveries about the world environment. Through the study of history, politics, government, economics, and geography, students learn to recognize their responsibility to respect and care for the world and empower them to become active members of the world community.

Specialty Programs

Through our fine arts program students develop an awareness and appreciation for the arts, thereby educating the whole student.  Music instruction stresses active participation in class while focusing on the basic elements of music using the Kodaly and Orff programs. Our full-time art teacher teaches students that art is a method of expression which can be utilized across the curriculum.  A thriving Art Awareness program involves parents in classroom activities. Physical Education and health programs emphasize the importance of maintaining both a healthy body and a healthy mind.

Spanish

The Spanish curriculum teaches students in grades 7 and 8 the fundamentals of speaking, reading, and writing in a second language.  Students acquire the vocabulary necessary to listen to and comprehend simple sentences and directions. Students have opportunities to develop their communication skills through both oral and written activities.  The program focuses on giving students a solid foundation for the study of a second language prior to high school.

Technology

Teachers are continuously exploring technology and finding new ways to utilize technology in their class.  Web Quests, SmartBoards, United Streaming, Inspiration activities, and PowerPoint presentations are just a few methods used by teachers to create interactive, exciting lessons.  In addition to classroom exposure, students attend a weekly technology class where they receive direct instruction on keyboarding, PowerPoint, Inspiration, Publisher, Excel, Microsoft Keys, and safe, ethical Internet usage.  Students employ these skills in their core classes aiding their learning and improving project production.