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• Curriculum
• Textbooks
• Homework
• Grading
• Honors
• Student Evaluations
• Deficiency Reports
• Promotion
• Standardized Testing
• Spiritual Instruction
Curriculum
The Academic Program
The curriculum followed at St. Jude Catholic School is prescribed by the Office of Education in the Archdiocese of Washington, and in accordance with the State of Maryland courses of instruction recommended for the elementary schools. The ultimate end of the entire curriculum is to bring the student to a better understanding of himself in relation to God and to the world in which he lives.The students in grades Kindergarten through 3 are grouped heterogeneously, and the departmental organization is used from grades 4 through 8.
- Reading: A basic phonetic approach is used in our program with concept and vocabulary building. Skills and strategies are taught to promote fluency and comprehension. There is an emphasis on outside reading and an introduction to literature.
- Science: A systematic development of concepts with a hands-on method is used in science to promote clear understanding of the major areas of science. Creative and critical thinking skills are utilized to formulate hypotheses and draw conclusions based on scientific principles.
- Math: Our program helps students keep pace with a changing technological society with emphasis on exploration, estimation, critical thinking and alternate methods of solutions. There is a special stress on building computational skills and problem-solving techniques.
- Language Arts: Writing is an integral part of our curriculum with a continuing emphasis on grammar, usage and mechanics. Related skills of literary appreciation, oral presentation, listening skills, vocabulary development, as well as research and study skills are stressed throughout the program.
- Social Studies: A structural interdisciplinary approach provides for an interrelated study of history, geography, economics, anthropology and sociology. Stress in grade 4 is on our State of Maryland, 5th and 6th graders study World Cultures. American History is the focus for the 7th and 8th graders. With an overview of the social sciences, students should mature into informed and responsible citizens.
Textbooks
The textbooks used in the school are selected from an approved list published by the Catholic Office of Education. The teachers also expand and enrich the subject matter contained in the basic tests throughout the use of supplementary material. Students are encouraged to take good care of the books and to keep them neatly covered. Any damage to books above and beyond normal wear and tear will result in the student being held responsible for the replacement cost of a new textbook.
Homework
Assignments are usually given in every class, every night, except holidays and weekends. However, this matter is within jurisdiction of the teacher and may be changed from time to time at her/his discretion. Parents are asked to check to make sure that assignments are completed, but not done for the student. They may help the student but should avoid giving too much help thus destroying a spirit of independence that is so necessary in the student's scholastic training.
The average pupil should devote to home assignments:
K - 2 (30 minutes)
3 - 5 (1 hours)
6 - 8 (1 1/2 to 2 hours)
Grading
We believe that grades are the result of learning, not the end product. They are based on the following factors: achievement in the classroom, involvement in the subject matter, test performance and general attitude toward class work. These factors are weighed by the teacher and their individual importance determined by the teacher's judgment. Excessive absence of a student is also taken into consideration for the determination of a grade.The following marking system is used:
93-100 (A)
85-92 (B)
77-84 (C)
70-76 (D)Honors
Honors are awarded to Grades 3 (Second Semester) through 8 as follows:Honors of Excellence (All A's)
Honors of Distinction (B's and above)A student is excluded from the Honor Roll if he/she has been suspended or received a detention during that academic quarter.
Student Evaluations
Student evaluations are given quarterly. St. Jude Catholic School uses the Archdiocesan grading scale. Kindergarten does not receive a report card until January.Deficiency Reports
In grades 3 through 8 reports will be given out at the midpoint of each quarter to students who are failing subjects or who are in danger of failing subjects at that time. These reports must be signed by the parents and returned to the school the next day. After this notice, it is the responsibility of the parents to check with the teacher on their student's progress. The receipt of a deficiency slip does not mean a failure for the next marking period nor does the absence of a deficiency slip guarantee the passing of a subject.Promotion
For promotion, students in grade 3 to 8 must attain a general average of C. Any student who has two or more failures for the year in major subjects must repeat the grade.The same marks required for promotion are also required for a student's completion of the eighth grade. A student who fails two or more subjects will receive a certificate and must attend summer school before receiving the diploma.
Standardized Testing
The Archdiocesan Testing Program takes place each Spring. Terra Nova, a testing program from CTB, McGraw Hill will be administered to students in grades 2-8 in April. Eighth grade students will also take the HSPT in December. After the tests are machine scored and returned to the school, parents will receive a comprehensive report.
St. Jude Catholic School • 4820 Walbridge Street • Rockville, Maryland 20853
Phone: (301) 946-7888 - Fax: (301) 929-8927
Contact the webmaster: webmaster@stjudesschool.org
Contact the school: stjudemain@yahoo.com
Copyright © St. Jude Catholic School/Rockville, Md ~ All Rights Reserved ~ January 8, 2005 6:37 PM