Lower School

Reading is one of our top academic priorities in kindergarten! We use the SuperKids Reading Program in Kindergarten-2nd grade. Throughout the school year we follow a group of friends called the Superkids, who walk us through the alphabet one letter at a time. We focus on the handwriting, sound(s) each letter makes, and more. As we develop through the units, students learn to blend learned letter sounds to read a variety of decodable words as well as segment letter sounds to spell the same words. 

We learn a plethora of high frequency/sight words in kindergarten, as well! We focus on a few new words each week, that, coupled with the variety of decodable words, provide our students with the tools needed to become confident readers, ready to further their reading fluency in first grade!

We put our handwriting to the test in daily routines such as signing in each morning, letter writing practice, spelling practice, and eventually sentence and short-story writing coupled with matching illustration drawing. 

Note: Monthly reading logs (10 minutes a day) are assigned to further reading exposure and practice at home. 

We use the Saxon 1 math program with Singapore math strategies. This program, coupled with lots of hands-on practice, assists students in strengthening their number sense, problem solving, and math facts. Some of the larger concepts we cover include counting, recognizing, and writing numbers to 100, identifying shapes, working with patterns and graphing, skip counting, addition and subtraction facts, measurement, telling time, counting coins, etc. 

We use the Nancy Larson science program. Throughout the year, students explore the following concepts: The Five Senses, Healthy Habits, Weather and The Seasons, Living and Non-Living Things, Examining Characteristics of Objects (materials and how they operate), Exploring Forces that Move Objects, and Observing the Growth of Plants. 

We use the Core Knowledge program for history and geography. Throughout the year, students explore the following units: Exploring our World (Maps and the globe. Locating where we live and exploring the seven continents), Native Americans, Exploring and Moving to America, and The Mount Rushmore Presidents. We also incorporate mini history units such as elections/voting, holidays, etc. 

• Music: Twice a week. 

• P.E.: Twice a week. Tennis shoes are required.

• Religion: Twice a week.

• Art: Once a week. 

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) : Once a week. The class is split into two groups who go into the atrium back-to-back. 

Predictable and consistent routines are key! In addition to our daily curriculum and specialist classes, each day in kindergarten we have morning meeting, read aloud, virtue work, recess, lunch, quiet time, afternoon snack, free play, prayer, and closing meeting. 

Text: God is Love (Spirit of Truth series – Sophia Institute Press)

Topics include: God as our loving Creator, the Trinity, The Sacraments, Saints, the Life of Jesus, Liturgical Seasons, and Prayer as a conversation with God. Students complete assignments in the workbook during class. No homework is given.

Students attend Mass on Thursdays and are encouraged to have a close relationship with Jesus through prayer. 

Latin: The student continues to learn Latin prayers, words, and Mass responses. There is no textbook. Printed materials are used.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS): “The focus of the Level II Atrium (ages 6-9) is the covenant and how God has revealed His self in relationship with us through time or ‘Salvation History’. This theme will be explored through the use of time lines of God’s saving presence, a deeper look at the sacraments, and work on the maxims and moral parables of Jesus with a particular emphasis on the question “How am I called to live in covenant relationship?”

It is very beneficial for incoming First Graders to have a variety of early literacy experiences at home each day as well as in previous school experiences. The experiences with being read to at home each day cannot be emphasized enough. Language is literacy! The more experience children have with language each day, the more successful and enjoyable learning to read will be for them. It is also helpful for incoming First Graders to know their letters, beginning and end letter sounds, and long and short vowel sounds.

First Graders participate in a weekly (Monday through Thursday)  reading homework program beginning in September with a fluency worksheet, guided reading book, and book review worksheet due each Friday that mirror what they are learning at school. Weekly spelling words help children master phonetic sounds and build their decoding skills. Spending 15 minutes each night on ELA homework helps foster academic growth in reading.

Shurley Grammar is based on the proven methods of rhythm, repetition, and student-teacher interactions. Students will learn many “jingles” to help them remember key grammatical terms and definitions. Students will be evaluated every lesson through their workbooks and chapter check-ups. We will begin this curriculum in January.

We implement the Saxon Math Program and Singapore Math Strategies in Grades K-6! This comprehensive program will assist our students in learning math facts, developing number sense, problem solving, measuring, telling time, learning geometric shapes and patterns, graphing, counting money, etc. The lessons are carefully crafted and scaffolded, so that throughout the year, students will be learning and practicing all these various math skills and strategies. Formal assessment is given every five lessons. Oral Assessments are completed about every ten lessons. Students will also build strong number sense with the additional math strategies encouraged through the Singapore methods.

Please expect that your child will have one side of math homework M-W There will be exceptions when we have certain assessments in class, but your child will bring a homework sheet most days.

This year we are using the Core Knowledge Sequence for instruction. Students will learn about Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Mexico Today, Early Civilizations of the Americas, Early Explorers and Explorers, From Colonies to Independence, and Exploring the West.

We are using Nancy Larson for science this year! Students will be learning about the following units: Life Stages of Human Beings; Trees; Sunlight, Water, and Soil; Animals and Their Habitats; The Human Body; Life Cycles of Insects.

This subject will be systematically taught through the Superkids Reading Program.

• Art (1 class/week),
• Physical Education (2 classes/week),
• Music (2 classes/week)
• Library (1 class/ week)
• Religion (4 classes/week)

The above classes are taught by Specialist Teachers in those areas of study. They will also attend Mass (1/week)

We use the Superkids phonics-based spelling program. There will be a spelling test every fifth lesson. This test will occur on the last day of the school week or if it is a short week it will be scheduled for the last day of the following week. Most weeks we send home a spelling packet along with the list a week before the test. Completing this packet is not a requirement. This can be used as a study guide. It includes a sample selection from our reader to practice reading aloud to you. This packet does not need to be returned. We encourage studying a little bit each day. If your child’s spelling grade falls below an S+ then it becomes a requirement until the grade rises to an S+.

Our daily newsletter will feature highlights and homework assignments from both the grade level math and advanced math classes. 

Grade-level math is not remedial math in any way. It combines Saxon math with elements of Singapore math. It is a Level 2 plus course as many aspects of third grade math are incorporated. Homework will often be side B of a fact sheet and side B of a concept sheet, memorizing the full set of addition and subtraction facts is important. Flash cards will be provided. Please help your child keep them organized in a baggie or small box and help them use them as the set grows. You as a parent are expected to check the homework daily. After lesson 10, there will be a fact and concept test every five days, a copy of the concept test will be sent home. Encourage your child to be independent in handling their blue folder by emptying it each night and making sure it contains the days homework before leaving for school.

Advanced math uses the Saxon math program in conjunction with Singapore Math. She will often use Singapore math to introduce the concept in the stages of concrete, pictorial, and then abstract. After a lesson is taught in Saxon math, we will complete side “A” in class. We will go over it in class to determine if there are any misunderstandings. Side “B” will go home for homework each night. There are usually two fact pages to complete in addition to the concept page. This page is usually timed. Like the concept page, side “A” will be completed in class and side “B” is homework. There is a fact and concept test about every tenth lesson. Periodically there will be Singapore-related homework. Advanced math tends to have more homework than grade-level math. Encourage your child to independently empty the side of the folder that contains corrected homework by giving it to you. The other side of the folder will contain homework to be completed and returned to school. Have your second grader utilize the newsletter to check for what needs to be completed and returned.

This year we will take the skills that your child has acquired and work toward greater reading fluency. It is exciting to see children transition from learning to read to reading to learn. We use the Superkids Reading Program. Along with the spelling program, it includes a decodable reader, grammar/spelling workbook, writing assignments, magazine issues, chapter books, and reflective discussions. For homework, we encourage reading for at least ten minutes a day.

In Shurley Grammar they will learn a well-defined system of classifying sentences, a clear and structured method for writing sentences, and definition jingles that will stay with them for life. We cover 10 chapters over the course of the year.

Starting with a correct pencil grip is extremely helpful. Pencil grips can be purchased to assist with this skill. 

Our grade school has a classical approach to our study of history. Therefore, as a school we cycle through the Ancient Civilizations. This gives our students a grounded understanding of how we have been shaped by the past. In second grade our biggest unit is on Ancient Greece. This will pick up momentum in the late winter and will culminate with a history day celebration, the Ancient Greece Symposium. Meanwhile, we will study topics such as geography, Ancient India, Ancient China, Americans moving west, the Civil War, and Civil Rights Leaders, making the Constitution, and the War of 1812.

We have a new science curriculum that features units on rocks and minerals, forces and work, simple machines, sound and light, and ornithology. Our Super magazine from Superkids always features many science and history related articles, as well.

This is an important year that includes the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Communion.

Religion

Text: Our Life in Jesus (Spirit of Truth series – Sophia institute Press) Students focus on how much children are loved by Jesus Christ, and how His death and Resurrection has opened the way to Heaven.

• The parts of the Mass
• Lives and lessons of the saints
• More ways to pray

There is a special focus on the Sacraments of Penance (Confession) and Holy Eucharist. Information is needed in order to receive these Sacraments. This includes a completed registration form, a copy of the Baptismal certificate, and permission from the pastor.

Latin

The student continues to master Latin prayers, chants and Mass responses. There is no textbook. Printed materials are used.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

We continue to use the Image of Jesus as the True Vine for our Sacramental Preparation and meditate on what it means to be a fruit bearing branch on the vine. What happens to us if we are not? Your second grader will also come to know that God is working from Creation, through Redemption, toward Parousia when God's love will be all in all. God calls us to participate in this plan. Jesus shows us the way to live together in peace and joy as we abide in Him through the Eucharist and Baptism.

P.E. class is twice a week. Tennis shoes are required. 

Music class twice a week. There will be a scheduled Christmas and Spring Concert.

Novels and Junior Great Books

Saxon with Singapore integration

Nancy Larson Science

World Rivers, Native Americans, Vikings, Ancient Rome

Shurley Grammar

Zaner Bloser

All About Spelling

Text: The Kingdom of God and the Church, Spirit of Truth series, Sophia Institute Press

Topics include:

• The Catholic Church, the Holy Spirit and how He guides Her, and how Jesus continues His mission through Her
• The Blessed Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• The Seven Sacraments
• Prayer and living as children of God
• Jesus’ Parables of the Kingdom
• Mary as the Mother of the Church

Students complete assignments in the workbook during class. Homework is sometimes given. It must be completed by the date given.

Latin

Third Grade has Latin 1 day a week on Wednesday.

Latin for Children: Primer A (Classical Academic Press)

Course Assignments 

• Academic Virtue - 30% of grade
  • Students receive credit in this category for active and cheerful participation, timely completion of homework, respectful behavior, etc.
• Homework - 30% of grade
  • Latin homework is assigned once a week and collected once a week.
  • It involves practicing vocabulary flashcards and either making new flashcards or completing worksheets which involve copying or occasionally looking up words in the glossary. As the content gets more challenging, students will also need to use the endings charts to help translate words, but most homework is just practicing. This is a great opportunity for your child to develop study skills that will assist them throughout the course of their school days.
  • Students should practice flashcards and chants daily. (In class we chant all the vocabulary, usually with hand motions, and I ask the students to chant out loud when they practice their vocabulary at home.) It is better to practice 5 minutes a day than 30 minutes once a week
• Course Grading 
  • Academic Virtue – 30%
  • Homework/Recitation – 30%
  • Quizzes/Test – 40%
• Latin Practical Information
  • Communication: I communicate grades and student progress primarily through Educate. I generally return tests and quizzes to students within a week. The best way to contact me is through email. If you prefer to speak by phone or in person, please email me your availability. madkins@saintagnesschool.org.
  • Missing/Late Homework: Students whose homework is missing may be required to stay in at recess to complete work. Late assignments will be accepted, but points will be deducted under 'Academic Virtue' (unless the assignment is late because of an absence). Missing assignments are marked zero until turned in.

The weekly specialist schedule is as follows

• Monday: Religion and Music
• Tuesday: Phy Ed, Library, Art
• Wednesday: Phy Ed, Religion, Latin
• Thursday: K-6 Mass, Religion, Phy Ed
• Friday: Religion, Music

Our Spelling is derivative of students’ reading and is oriented toward better reading fluency and writing ability. We also use All About Spelling as a tool to teach phonological awareness and life-long spelling rules. Students will be tested on a short list of words every week. Student’s can expect some spelling homework to prepare for their test each week.

The study of mathematics in 4th grade will consist in the basics of Euclidean Geometry, the memorization of math facts and a deeper understanding of the practical uses of the four basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. We also initiate an exploration of the dynamic impact these basic operations have on early algebra. Students will be exposed to Saxon mathematics in sequence and content, while imploring Singapore math strategies to augment understanding in real world mathematics in concrete, pictorial, and abstract phases. Students can expect some mathematics homework each day to apply new concepts.

The novels we read in 4th grade correspond to our medieval history course, or to future studies in history. We read The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli, Saint Joan: The Girl Soldier by Louis de Wohl, The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green, and one of the Little House Books from the series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We also read the Junior Great Books Series, which uses short stories to teach students how to annotate a text, ask thoughtful questions as a reader, prepare and participate in class discussion, and use text evidence in writing. For some students, this year will demand  deeper reading of challenging content. If they approach reading and literature with a magnanimous and joyful spirit they will become life-long reader’s of true, good, and beautiful literature. Students will be exposed to great poems of the canon and will be challenged to memorize poetry.

Our English Grammar curriculum, Shurley Grammar, focuses on the parts of speech, parts of a sentence, and the steps in the formal writing process. Students will write paragraphs, stories, and essays throughout the year. The year will consist of memorization of basic parts of speech, and proper utilization of grammar, conventions, fluency, and vocabulary in writing multiple genres. Students will focus on notes, research reports, summaries, and formal essays.

We use a cursive workbook to continue to improve our slant, shape, size and spacing. Beginning the second quarter, 4th graders will be expected to write all work in neat, legible cursive. This year we will focus especially on neatness. Students will be expected to do all writing in legible and beautiful handwriting. Support will be given for struggling students, but only neat work will be accepted for grade.

Social Studies is a type of discipline that begins with the subject and branches out in skepticism to what is knowable and relevant to the subject alone. History, on the other hand, is the majestic story of our civilization, of the human story.  Students are reminded that they stand on the shoulders of giants and, in God’s providence, have a part to play in the unfolding of the great adventure of human flourishing through time. Students begin mastering skills in map and navigation skills, coordinate planes and orientation. They use their map skills to explore the zoology, and geography of the world’s mountains. Students then explore the rich story of the Middle Ages in Europe, and the Renaissance. Students are also exposed to the civilizations outside of the West, including ancient China, Africa, and the Middle East.  Students will be asked to do a research project at the end of the year for the History Day celebration.

The Nancy Larson Science Curriculum is steeped in rich vocabulary and content. Educator and writer Nancy Larson based her curriculum upon the idea that children’s exposure to and experience of the scientific world should not be watered down. The topics the fourth grade studies are Biology and Physics. The study of science awakens students to a deeper wonder and appreciation of the created world and introduces students to various methods in empirical examination and reasoning.

Our “Vocabulary from Classical Roots” curriculum builds spelling and vocabulary knowledge by teaching Greek and Latin roots. Students will learn roots and a spelling list of related words. Each week the students will have a practice packet to study for the test on Friday, and pages in their workbook to complete at home also due on Friday. Occasionally students will learn the spelling of themed words that relate to our history curriculum or our liturgical season.

Each day students begin class with a Power Up math fact drill.  Then we will correct the homework from the night before, teach a new lesson, and assign new homework. In Saxon Math, students should expect a test every five lessons. 

We do a lot of excellent reading in 5^th grade! We use the Junior Great Books Series, which uses short stories to teach students how to annotate a text, ask thoughtful questions as a reader, prepare and participate in class discussion, and use text evidence in writing. We will also be reading four novels as a class: Tuck Everlasting, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Harriet Tubman. Each month, the students will read a novel independently and complete a book report about the plot and characters of the story.

Our English Grammar curriculum, Shurley Grammar, focuses on the parts of speech, parts of a sentence, and the steps in the formal writing process.

We use a cursive workbook to continue to improve our slant, shape, size and spacing. Students will review their cursive letters by practicing in their workbooks each night. Beginning the second quarter, 5th graders will be expected to write all their work in neat, legible cursive.

We use the Catholic textbook, From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America. We are beginning our study of American History with early explorers such as Leif Ericson, Christopher Columbus, and Hernan Cortes!  There are a several history and geography projects to look forward to in the spring.

We begin our year with the study of astronomy, Exploring the Universe, then move into such topics as Examining the Structure of Matter, Investigating Matter and Its Interactions, Examining the Interactions of the Earth’s Systems, Exploring Forces and Motion, and Investigating Tools and Machines  in the Nancy Larson Science Program.  In addition to hands on activities, students will complete note taking booklets for each section, complete review pages, and have an assessment at the end of each unit.

Mr. Tommy Boyd is our Lower School gym teacher. Girls have gym class on Monday’s and Wednesday’s, and boys have gym class on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. 5^th graders need gym uniform and athletic shoes in a labeled gym bag (See Mr. Boyd to purchase a gym uniform).  Gym clothes should be taken home and washed each weekend.

Art is on Monday and Choir & Band is every Monday and Thursday.  If your child is in band, he/she also has a sectional practice during the week.

Text: Saxon Math with Singapore Math Pedagogical Strategies

Students will take timed tests to increase math facts fluency before beginning each lesson.  We will also work on metal math and problem-solving strategies this year.

The science program is divided into study modules. We will have opportunities to engage in hands-on science experiments and labs.

Text: All Ye Lands (History of Christendom) – Catholic School Textbook Project

Topic: World History

• Intro to Geography/Map Reading
• Prehistory/ Ancient Cultures/ Ancient Egypt
• The Mission of Ancient Israel
• The Marvelous Greeks
• Eternal Rome
• Early Christianity
• Byzantium & the Rise of Islam
• The Middle Ages

Students will be expected to develop storytelling skills by giving in-class presentations on stories that they’ve learned about in their history textbook. Public speaking skills, confidence, and an understanding of the richness of history will develop through this practice. Students will also create and trace maps, and will be expected to memorize dates and key terminology/vocabulary.

Dear Parents, Welcome to the new school year at Saint Agnes! I am delighted to have your children in my classes this year. I hope this will be a year of much learning and of growing in virtue. May stories of Faith make it home to you!

Text: Spirit of Truth (Sophia Institute Press)
Grade 6: Sacred Scripture

Course Grading

• Academic Virtue – 15%
• Classwork/Homework – 20%
• Quizzes – 30%
• Tests – 35%

Communication

• I communicate grades and student progress primarily through Educate. I generally return tests and quizzes to students within three school days.
• If students do poorly on a test or quiz, I encourage them to correct it and return it to me to earn points they have missed. There are no retakes.

Study Resources

• Bi-weekly quizzes generally cover material we have worked on in class and are rarely announced beforehand, unless it covers spelling or memorization.

• Study guides for tests are handed out at least 3 days in advance: Students receive two days to complete the study guide and one day to review. Students are instructed to take home their workbook and notebook on those days. Study guides are graded as complete or incomplete.

Academic Virtue Grade

• Homework is assigned to help a student process what we are learning in class. Good, or conversely, poor study habits affect the overall grade; but how a student comprehends an assignment is graded separately. Therefore, you will see an academic virtue grade in addition to each homework grade.
• A 5 means it was on time, a 4 means late OR incomplete, a 3 means late AND incomplete, a 1 is entered after the unit test deadline for turning in late assignments and means missing.
•  Students whose homework is missing or incomplete may be required to stay in at recess to complete the work.
• Students have the potential to make up full points on homework and quizzes on late submissions or quiz retakes. Incomplete, late, or missing assignments without valid excuse will be graded as such under academic virtue.

Absent/Make-up work

Please communicate with me ahead of time if you expect your child to be absent. I will attempt to provide some work beforehand. The students know they are expected to inform their teachers if they know they will be gone. For unanticipated (sick) absences, students are expected to ask me for missed assignments as soon as they return.

Salvete, parentes!

It’s a great joy to be able to teach Latin to elementary students! The study of Latin will reinforce English word roots, spelling, and grammar. In addition to Latin being a major root of the English language, it is also the mother tongue of the Romance Languages: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and French. Finally, Latin remains the official language of the Catholic Church and we will begin class with prayers in Latin, starting with the Signum Crucis (sign of the cross). Please contact me if you have questions!

Valete, Magister Adkins

6th grade has Latin 1 day on week on Thursdays.

Text: Latin for Children (Classical Academic Press)
Grade 6: Primer A and Primer B

Course Assignments

Academic Virtue- 30% of grade

• Students receive credit in this category for active and cheerful participation, timely completion of homework, respectful behavior, etc.

Homework - 30% of grade

• Latin homework is assigned once a week and collected once a week.
• It involves practicing vocabulary flashcards and either making new flashcards or completing worksheets which involve copying or occasionally looking up words in the glossary. As the content gets more challenging, students will also need to use the endings charts to help translate words, but most homework is just practicing. This is a great opportunity for your child to develop study skills that will assist them throughout the course of their school days.
• Students should practice flashcards and chants daily. (In class we chant all the vocabulary, usually with hand motions, and I ask the students to chant out loud when they practice their vocabulary at home.) It is better to practice 5 minutes a day than 30 minutes once a week.

Course Grading Academic

• Academic Virtue – 30%

• Homework/Recitation – 30%
• Quizzes/Test – 40%

Latin Practical Information

• I communicate grades and student progress primarily through Educate. I generally return tests and quizzes to students within a week.

• The best way to contact me is through email: madkins@saintagnesschool.org. If you would prefer to speak by phone or in person, please email me your availability.

• Missing/Late Homework
  • Students whose homework is missing may also be required to stay in at recess to complete the work.
  • Late assignments will be accepted, but points will be deducted under ‘Academic Virtue’ (unless the assignment is late because of an absence).
  • Missing assignments are marked zero until turned in.    

In literature class, the students will read a wide variety of short stories, poems, and novels. Topics covered in literature will encompass the genres. The students will periodically take part in poetry forums, which will afford them an opportunity to develop their oral presentation skills and reading fluency. Students will practice seminar-based discussions that require respectful conversation and text-based presentation of evidence to support argument.

Reading:

• Junior Great Books Series: The Great Books Foundation Short Novels
• Shared Inquiry discussions for reading comprehension
• Works Covered throughout the Year:
  • Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
  • The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost
  • Tales from Shakespeare, Charles Lamb
  • Son of Charlemagne, Barbara Willard 
  • Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain
  • Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson OR - Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

Cursive: Handwriting, Zaner-Bloser

Students will develop their grammatical and linguistic skills through verbal, written, and discussion-based learning. Students will practice their writing skills, developing towards the completion of multiple drafts on a 5-paragraph essay and a critical analysis project. Students will practice handwriting skills, both cursive and manuscript.

English Grammar & Usage

Shurley English, Shurley Instructional Materials, and Grammar Revolution Videos/Instructional Materials

Physical Education

6^th graders need gym clothes and shoes on Physical Education Days (Girls: Mondays and Wednesdays; Boys: Tuesdays and Thursdays). Gym clothes should be taken home and washed each weekend.

Art/Choir/Band

Students will study Art weekly and Choir & Band twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays.  If your child is in band, he/she also has a sectional practice during the week.

Virtues

We will also be studying the virtues and learning how to cultivate these good habits, using the Disciple of Christ Education in Virtue Program: Openlight Media » Openlight Media by the Dominican Sisters of Mary