Curriculum

Saint Andrew School offers a well-rounded grade school education to its students. Daily instruction includes the subjects of math, science, social studies, religion, reading, English, and spelling. Supplemental instruction is offered weekly in computer studies, physical education, music, art and Spanish. Saint Andrew School realizes that a one size curriculum does not fit all of our students. Our teachers will strive to implement the differentiated instruction philosophy in all of the classes. Saint Andrew School adopts the system wide curriculum developed by the Archdiocesan School Office.

The Excel Program enhances our curriculum by addressing the unique learning needs of high-ability children. The Excel Program enriches and accelerates Language Arts and Math to students in grades 3-8.

The following are the criteria used to place students in the program:

• Teacher recommendation
• Terra Nova scores
• Classroom performance (report card)
• Student motivation
• Parent approval

The identification process begins in the 2nd grade. Currently enrolled students in grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are considered based on teacher recommendations completed in April of each school year. The teacher recommendations are completed before Terra Nova test results are known. In March of every school year, the Terra Nova test is administered to grades 2-8. The test scores are used as criteria in placement in the Excel program.

Once teacher recommendations and test scores are received, the Excel committee will review each student’s application. The committee will complete the identification process after considering the additional criteria stated above.

The Excel program is flexible; students may be placed in Language Arts, Math or both. Students are consistently being assessed to ensure proper placement in the program. In the event a student is not meeting the expectations of the Excel program, the student may be placed in a more appropriate learning environment.

When a student begins to show signs of a learning issue, the classroom teacher begins to use research based interventions to help the student succeed. If the student continues to struggle, the SIT (Student Intervention Team) team will meet to discuss further interventions and possibly refer the student for a formal evaluation. Saint Andrew School employs a Special Education Case Manager who oversees the entire process from the identification of a student with a special need to the writing and implementation of an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and/or ICEP (Individual Catholic Education Plan). Students who are struggling with reading have the benefit of working with our Reading Specialist either individually or in a small group. The Reading Specialist provides assistance to the students in the regular classroom as well, and is a resource to our teachers when a child is having difficulty with reading. Prospective students with an IEP, 504 Plan, or ICEP will be referred to the SIT Team to determine the proper educational placement for that child prior to enrollment at Saint Andrew School.

In His Word and the Sacraments, Christ fulfills His promise to always sustain and guide the Church through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Participation in the Sacraments is essential to living and growing in our Catholic faith. Part of the mission of Catholic education is helping young men and women to appreciate the Sacraments, and to prepare for and celebrate them with reverence.

With parental permission, a baptized child who is enrolled in Saint Andrew School will prepare for and receive Reconciliation and Eucharist in Grade 2 and Confirmation in Grade 8. Non-baptized students will be offered the opportunity to be baptized each spring. If Baptism takes place before or during their second grade year, they will receive the other sacraments at the usual times. A child not baptized until after Grade 2 will be offered the opportunity to receive Reconciliation and Eucharist during the spring of the following year.

Homework is an integral part of the school experience. Through homework, the lifelong habit of study and responsibility can be established. In addition to reinforcing classroom learning, homework assignments help students develop independent study habits and give them opportunities to use their own learning styles. At the beginning of the school year, the teacher in each grade will send home information about homework requirements. Although it may not be a weekly practice, homework may be given on weekends. Students in grades 3-8 receive an assignment notebook which they are expected to use on a daily basis. Doing these tasks requires parental time and effort. It is well worth it to keep in touch with what your child is learning in school. Should parents/guardians ever have a question about school work or an assignment, please call the teacher at school, or write or e-mail the teacher.

Homework Center is available to Middle School students from 3-3:45 on designated days that will be announced at the start of the school year. Homework Center allows Middle School students the opportunity to receive additional help, complete assignments or to work with classmates. Any student who receives a U on a progress report or report card is required to attend Homework Center until the next issued progress report or report card. Younger siblings must report to extended day while their brother or sister attends Homework Center.

Inappropriate references to Saint Andrew School teachers, students and staff while using technology, inside or outside of school, may be subject to disciplinary action. Unauthorized costs incurred for online purchases charged to the school are the responsibility of the student and her/his family.

Saint Andrew School works to educate our students on correct ways of gathering and using information including citing sources and works, and giving credit to the author. Plagiarism is a serious offense. It can result in disciplinary action and/or reduction in grades.

Students are expected to complete their own work. Students who inappropriately use others work, or allow a student to copy their work are subject to disciplinary action.