Challenging Curriculum
The school provides a challenging curriculum for each student that fulfills the school's Philosophy and Mission. Included are enrichment activities that include various hands-on educational projects and curriculum related field trips.
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Activities Support The Curriculum
Each year, the school hosts a Multicultural Fair where all classrooms recreate a different country and students travel from country to country to learn about the food and heritage. The Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, and Knowledge Bowl are yearly events that challenge our students to test their knowledge in other than a traditional test setting. Our fourth grade students participate in California Days where they re-enact the Gold Rush using the curriculum learned in the classroom. Eighth grade performs the Passion Play for the school community during Holy Week.
Teachers Use A Variety of Teaching Methods
Teachers incorporate the use of Multiple Intelligence Theory, developmental
learning theories, and Bloom's Taxonomy across the grade levels. Higher thinking
and critical thinking skills are incorporated by asking open-ended questions,
requiring student verbal responses, and includes essay questions in chapter
tests. Hands-On activities and cooperative learning groups are employed by
teachers in different grades to enhance the curriculum and foster cooperation.
Individual class activities are provided to stimulate visual, auditory, and
kinesthetic learners.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The school provides a comprehensive curriculum for each student that fulfills the philosophy and mission. Teachers use state guidelines, diocesan guidelines, textbook scope and sequence, and student performance outcomes. Subjects are integrated across the curriculum. For example, math and science are integrated with social studies and literature, and religion is integrated through all subjects. In addition to the core subjects, students have instruction in art, physical education, computer, and drama teachers frequently modify the curriculum to meet students needs. There is open discussion between grade levels to ensure that students have met grade level expectations.
Relevant Curriculum
The
school's philosophy is made relevant by incorporating different grade levels in
learning activities. Our cross-grade programs interact
socially, academically, and spiritually.
Every child in kindergarten has a seventh grade "Pal" and every first
grader has an eighth grade "Buddy." The goal of the program is for the
younger students to have an upper grade role model who they can look to for
guidance and support. For the upper grade students, this program provides them
opportunities to build responsibility and leadership. They attend Mass and
prayer services together and celebrate holidays with social activities. Second
grade and sixth grade Reading Partners work together to provide reading,
writing, and oral language reinforcement and enrichment.
Our sixth grade students attend an
annual Science Camp, fifth grade students participate in conservation programs
sponsored by the Monte Vista Water District, sixth grade participates in D.A.R.E. Eighth grade students participate in community service hours, and the
entire school participates in giving to Holy Childhood.
The school holds assemblies in
literature, science, history, music, and performing arts. A
variety of community sources are used to provide our children with
interesting, exciting and educational experiences.
Curriculum Strengthens Catholic Identity
Our
Catholic identity is strengthened by our curriculum and the Diocesan guidelines
for religious instruction are met. There is prayer at
the beginning of each day, at lunch, and at the close of the day.
Additional prayer is said in the classrooms at appropriate times. St. Margaret
Mary School students attend a monthly school Mass, weekly prayer services,
Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
preparation for second graders, May Crowning, Passion Play, Stations of the
Cross, Seder/Agape meals during Lent and First Friday Eucharistic
Adoration.
Curriculum and Student Achievement
The
curriculum results in the achievement of the student learning expectations.
Lesson plans and teacher directed classroom activities are all focused on
achieving these learning expectations. Students become effective learners when
they obtain information using textbooks, note taking, worksheets, laboratory
observations, and outside resources.
Technology is integrated into the curriculum by having the students use word processing skills, educational software in the computer lab to reinforce classroom lessons, and look up information on the Internet. Students become effective communicators when they actively listen and articulate ideas such as oral reports, book reports, projects, and participate in weekly prayer services.
Preschool and primary grade students have numerous opportunities to share
information with their classmates on items that are special to them. Students
become responsible and goal oriented when they complete their daily work
and homework, show pride in their work, and take responsibility for their
actions. Students have different responsibilities in the classroom such as
collecting/handing out papers, flag and prayer leaders, line monitors, equipment
monitors, and other general classroom duties. Students participate in a Student
Council. Grades 4 through 8 can gain honor roll status. The computer lab and all
classrooms are linked to internet access. All classrooms have computers for
student use and have cable access.
Curriculum is a Continuum
The curriculum builds a continuum of learning for all students by having sequential
textbooks, and adhering to state and diocesan guidelines. Teachers assign
certain activities that can be done at a student's own pace. They communicate
formally and informally between grade levels on student progress.
The curriculum builds upon
itself and students learn in a sequential order that results in the cumulative
effect desired. We try to integrate subjects and have our curriculum
make sense for all our students. Student achievement and grades reflect
that we are doing a good job on this.
Students Achieve
Many of our students attain the Honor Roll and the majority of our eighth graders
pass the entrance tests for Catholic High School. Based on the results of SAT
tests, we have had students in grades 5-8 participate in the Johns Hopkins
University Talent Search and the UCI Academic Talent Search.
Teachers develop lesson plans
that are shaped by our broader vision of what needs to be accomplished, our set
of goals. St. Margaret Mary School's goals are our student learning expectations. One
of our expectations is that students become responsible people and understand
that they are accountable for their actions and their goal is to learn.
Global Awareness
St. Margaret Mary Students
become globally aware citizens by their experiences in our Multicultural Day,
Student Council Earth Day activities, participation in the Diocesan Mission assembly,
and giving to the missions and Holy Childhood. Our students are also aware of
the needs of local families and donate food, clothing, and other items
to Catholic Charities.