Academic Offerings
Early Childhood
At St. John the Evangelist School, the early childhood program includes Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Teachers minister to the whole child both spiritually and intellectually. Students are exposed to a variety of activities that stimulate interest and development in social, emotional, physical, technological and acacdemic growth. Our programs are guided by the Early Childhood Educattional Standards as prescribed by the Office of Catholic Schools.
Elementary Grades 1-3
The curriculum on grades 1-3 is all inclusive. Basic skills in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science/Health and Social Studies are introduced. A strong emphasis is placed on Religious formation. In addition to the basic curriculum, students also participate in Music, Art and Physical Education classes. Students are provided with opportunities to use the library and technology.
Language Arts
In order to function well in today's society, it is necessary to develop communication skills which are effective as well as correct. It is also necessary to know when to use such skills. Language that is clear, dynamic, imaginative and creative facilitates communication and allows the student to participate more fully in society.
Foreign Language
The Foreign Language program at Saint John the Evangelist School consists of Spanish offered to students in grades 6-8. Emphasis is placed on the development of the four essential skills of language: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Upon completion of the eighth grade Spanish, students will have completed the equivalent of a Spanish 1 high school course.
Mathematics
Saint John the Evangelist School offers Algebra to eighth grade students. The goal of the Kindergaten to Grade 8 Mathematics curriculum is to give all students the opportunity to appreciate the full power and beauty of Mathematics and to acquire the mathematical knowledge and intellectual tools necessary for its use in their lives. The Mathematics curriculum is guided by the findings of the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
Reading
Reading is the link between the past, present and future. Students' lives are shaped by stories of heroes, every day happenings, and what lies ahead. Their beliefs and feelings are encouraged or challenged through reading and they become independent searchers of the truth. As social beings, we need to be able to communicate with others and reading is one of the ways we can learn to communicate well. Students who become independent readers will embrace a lifelong pursuit of learning and enjoyment.
Religious Formation
The purpose of the Religion Curriculum is to prepare students to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action. The curriculum encourages social reform through the guidance of Christian values.
The following is a summary of the overall objectives of the Religion Curriculum:
1. To develop an awareness of God as Creator and humankind as His Creation.
2. To nurture a personal response to the call of Jesus in everyday living.
3. To foster a Gospel sense of love and respect which accepts responsibility for one's actions.
4. To develop a knowledge and appreciation of Christ as Mediator between God and humankind.
5. To develop an understanding of the Kingdom of God which is the central theme of Jesus' life and teaching.
6. To develop a sense of dedication to building up the Kingdom through service to humankind.
7. To teach students to know and recognize the Church as Christ present in the world today.
8. To develop in each student an awareness of his/her own dignity as a person and of the dignity of all people.
9. To develop a sense of hope in eternal life.
10. To develop an awareness in students that the concerns of the poor are our own.
Social Studies
Social Studies provides students with an awareness of our limited natural resources and the international need to develop ways to conserve these resources for future generations.
Social Studies will enrich the lives of students through knowledge of the multi cultured world in which they live, a greater appreciation of our planet and it's resources, an understanding of past governments and a commitment toward planning for future generations.
Health
The health currilcum is presented to students in grades K-8. Family Life is the main focus of our Health Program. The major priority of a Christian Health Program today is the preservation of the pupil's understanding that human life is one of God's greatest gifts. Recognizing this priority, teachers need to guide young people in their discovery of personal feelings, values, and respect for their bodies. Students must learn that health is a state of physical, mental, and social well being, all interacting upon each other. Students must also be taught that heredity and environment can influence health. The students should choose healthful actions based on the knowledge gained through instruction. These choices will contribute to a high level of "wellness".
Music
The Music program at Saint John School is offered to grades K-8. Music is an important part of our cultural heritage. A music curriculum should satisfy the same aesthetic and emotional needs that created our heritage. Students must be provided with opportunities to enjoy and understand music by participating in quality activities. The development of skills in listening to, performing, and reading music will help our students to become discriminating participants in, and appreciators of music. It will also contribute to richer lives, fuller participation in the Eucharist and a greater understanding of our culture.
Physical Education
Physical Education is an important part of the physical and social development of each individual. A physical education curriculum should attempt to satisfy the physical and social needs of each individual student. Students must be provided with the opportunities to develop physical skills in specific sports as well as the corresponding social skills. The development of physical skills gives students increasing self-confidence as they grow in muscle strength, flexibility and endurance. Social skills are learned in organized games, team playing and guidance toward good sportsmanship. These skills will contribute to the molding of physically and socially competent Christians.
Art
The Art program at Saint John School is offered to all our students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Work is displayed throughout the school year. The main purpose of the Art curriculum is to encourage students to develop a sense of their own creation through a love of art. It helps to give them a greater sense of who they are. Students will be challenged to explore art in two and three-dimensions, to sculpt, paint, draw and design original pieces using a variety of materials. Each year, students in Grades 5-8 also spend time exploring art history including noted artists and periods in art - Impressionism, Primitive Art, Pop Art, American Illustration. Field trips to museums, presentations by guest artists and professionals in the fields of architecture and engineering and other extracurricular activities further enhance the art offering at St. John School.
Technology
Saint John School maintains two distinct computer labs. At the Little School there is a mini lab for the Kindergarten and First Grade Programs. The children use various programs and they also learn basic technical computer terminology and skills. In the main school the children are exposed to various productivity software, internet research techniques and software utilities. The children also learn about proper internet safety & use. All classes meet once a week for 40 minutes. The class size is limited to 15 students at a time to allow for individualized attention when needed.
Beyond the basic skills, technology is fully integrated into the curriculum.
Science
Science classes in Grades Five through Eight are offered four days per week. The fifth day is set aside for the instruction of Health. A mix of Life, Physical and Earth Science comprises the curriculum for Grades Five and Six. Grade Seven focuses on Life Science, from the processes of one celled organisms to those of complex, many celled organisms. Grade Eight studies Physical Science, stressing the crucial concepts of matter and energy. In the Spring, Grades Six Through Eight participate in the school's Science Fair, with each student presenting a project to an independent judging committee. At each level, critical thinking and use of a logical, fact based approach to problem solving are encouraged.
Special Programs
The After School Program
The After School Program at St. John the Evangelist School is a service that is provided for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Eight who need to remain in school beyond the 2:15 p.m. dismissal. The program operates every school day from 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a structured program that allows for a short snack time, homework time, and play time that promotes exercise and socialization. All students in the program are encouraged to interact with each other allowing the older students to guide and hlep the younger ones. There is a daily charge for this service.