In all curriculum areas, guidelines provided by the Archdiocese
of Philadelphia are the basis of instruction at Ss. Colman-John
Neumann School. In addition to textbooks approved by the archdiocesan
curriculum committees, many other techniques which are grade-appropriate
are used to provide our students with the means necessary to master
and apply the concepts that are taught: cross-curriculum computer
assignments, lab experiments, cooperative learning activities,
manipulatives, class discussions, videos, lessons obtained from
the Internet, and teacher-prepared lectures.
Because Ss. Colman-John Neumann School is a Catholic school, instruction
in Catholic doctrine is provided daily in many ways: adherence
to the archdiocesan Religion guidelines, morning prayer, seasonal
prayer, monthly liturgies, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament,
prayer services, Stations of the Cross, "Advent and Lenten
Afternoons", student retreat day, prayer partners between
grades, and a Social Justice Committee which allows the school
community to enact the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Kindergarten
The kindergarten program is dedicated to developing the whole
student; spiritually, physically, socially, and intellectually.
We offer a warm and caring environment that encourages Catholic
beliefs and values. The goal of the kindergarten classroom is
to prepare the child for a lifetime of learning.
The kindergarten curriculum offers studies in the following areas:
Religion--Kindergarten students are introduced to a love for God and his works.
Math--The kindergarten student is taught, through the five senses, about shape, color, numbers, time, and money.
Integrated Language Arts--The children are introduced to the primary reading series which focuses on letter sound recognition taught through rhyming as well as comprehension skills.
Science-- The kindergarten student is encouraged to observe and experiment with their environment and the program fosters a natural curiosity.
Social Studies--The social studies program is designed to help the children become aware of themselves as members of a community.
In addition, the Kindergarten students receive instruction in art, music, technology, library and physical education, provided by specialists in each area.
Emphasis is placed on preparing the child socially for group experiences and preparing the children emotionally for continued education.
Primary--Grades One to Three
Primary grades introduce the concepts necessary for young learners to facilitate a smooth transition into the Intermediate grades. A list of subscribed elementary-level concepts follows:
Religion--In the primary grades the students learn about God and living the message of the Gospel. The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are celebrated in third grade for the first time.
Integrated Language Arts--Integrated Language Arts which includes penmanship, grammar, writing, reading, and spelling is based on a literature anthology.
Mathematics--At the primary level, manipulatives are used to introduce the concepts of basic number facts, measurement, geometry, money, and time.
Science--Health, nutrition, earth and life sciences are introduced during the primary grades.
Social Studies--Curriculum in the early grades concentrates on map skills, neighborhoods, and communities.
In addition, the students receive instruction in art, music, technology, library and physical education, provided by specialists in each area.
Intermediate--Grades Four to Six
In grades four, five, and six the students are encouraged to be active learners. The teachers work to foster academic development which will enable the children to meet the responsibilities that lay ahead and to reach their highest potential.
Religion--In grade four emphasis is placed on the Beatitudes,
the Ten Commandments, and the Works of Mercy. In grade five. the
students study the seven sacraments. In grade six, the students
study Bible history and are
prepared to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
Integrated Language Arts--A literature-based program is used to teach reading, spelling, grammar, writing and speaking skills.
Mathematics--In grades four, five, and six, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals is taught with emphasis on problem solving.
Science--Using a science series approved by the Archdiocesan Curriculum Committee, a combination of physical, earth, and life science is taught, using hands-on experiments where students are required to state hypotheses and draw conclusions.
Social Studies--Social studies focuses on geography skills and moves from the study of Pennsylvania to the nations of the eastern and western hemispheres.
In addition, the students receive instruction in art, music, technology, library and physical education, provided by specialists in each area.
Junior High--Grades Seven and Eight
Grades seven and eight are viewed as a preparation for the high-school years. The students are guided through the steps necessary to acquire time management skills, self-discipline and study skills.The scope and sequence for the various curriculum areas are as follows:
Religion--In grade seven, the students study the life of Jesus and the New Testament; in grade eight, the history of the Catholic Church and morality are covered.
Integrated Language Arts--A literature anthology is used to teach reading skills. Spelling, grammar, usage, mechanics, and the writing process are the tools used to develop good writing skills.
Mathematics--Pre-algebra and algebra are the courses of study.
Science--Biology and earth science are the courses of study.
Social Studies--A survey of American history begins in grade seven with the pre-Columbian period and continues through grade eight to the present.
In addition, the students receive instruction in art, music, technology, library and physical education, provided by specialists in each area.
Homework Policy
Homework is a vital link between school and home, necessary to reinforce and support the concepts presented during school instruction time. It may be in written and/or study form or long-term projects. Reading for enjoyment is also assigned to develop a a love of reading. Parents are urged to foster good study habits in their children by providing a quiet atmosphere and by encouraging neatness, accuracy, and completeness before approving and/or signing assigned work.
Ss. Colman-John Neumann School subscribes to the following
time allotments for homework suggested by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia:
·Grades 1, 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
minutes
·Grades 3 ,4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
minutes
·Grades 5, 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
minutes
·Grades 7, 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
minutes