St. John Vianney School
Curriculum Offerings
St. John Vianney religious education program has a priority in the curriculum. The school religious education program is not just one class each day in religious studies. It is part of the complete fabric of the school with two major goals: religious instruction and religious formation.
Each day the children are taught the content of the Catholic religion. The purpose of these formal lessons is to inform and to form. This is why the content is appropriate to the age level of the students and is presented in a way to capture their attention and address their needs. Knowing the content of their religion should lead the children to act in a particular way, ie. according to the Gospel values.
Because the religious studies class is concerned with content, it is taught with the same professionalism as any other class and the students are held responsible for learning the content. Tests in religious studies are just as important as in other subjects.
The second aspect of the religious education program is concerned with formation and instruction. During the religious studies period, the students learn the principles of the Catholic religion, and in the other subjects they learn how to apply these principles to daily life. Thus, the integration of Christian values with all subject areas leads to religious formation.
Participation in liturgical celebrations adds a speciall dimension to the religious education program. Each week the students join in an all-school liturgy, celebrating Eucharist together. Special events are enhanced through these celebrations such as: Advent, Catholic Schools Week, Lent, Graduation, and others. These are times when the children's specific needs and joys need to be celebrated.
Another expression of the effect of the information on the students can be observed in their participation in various apostolic service projects. At various times students prepare and celebrate special liturgies with their families and parishioners. They sing for the senior citizens during holiday times and visit nursing homes to bring cheer to the sick and elderly. Other service experiences include the "Adopt-A-Highway" program and "Kid Kare Kits" program made for children in the hospital.
The children in turn experience the joy of giving happiness to others. The children collect food for the needy during Thanksgiving, toys and personal hygiene gifts at Christmas time, and participate in special mission projects.
All of the aspects mentioned above contribute to the formation of a supportive environment. We feel we have such an environment at St. John Vianney School. To have such a comprehensive religious education program, it is clear that it can only take place in a Catholic school.
In addition to the religious education program, a full academic program is carried out throughout the year in all areas of the curriculum. A complete list of test book series and time allotments per subject is attached. Subject areas are nurtured by field trip experiences which enhance the learning process.
The "Children's Kingdom" Preschool Program is available at St. John Vianney School, reaching out to children ages 3,4, and 5. At "Children's Kingdom", children can experience activities which build self-esteem, self confidence and an increased interest in books, numbers, hands-on activities and people; through science, creative art, music, and discovery. Children who attend "Children's Kingdom" learn to work alone and work with others, share and take turns, explore and expand abilities and their interests. They learn to express thoughts, listen to others and develop a sense of security, as well as success. Preschool activities take place in our science, creative arts, and housekeeping areas, as well as music, block corner, large muscle, manipulative and discovery table areas.
The reading program being used at this time was chosen because of the versatility in meeting the needs of all reading levels of our students, the high interest level of the stories, its strengths in teaching comprehension and its outstanding challenge of teaching and requiring students to express their ideas in complete sentences. Along with the reading program for grades K-6, phonics in grades 1-4, English in grades 1-6, spelling in grades 1-6, and handwriting in grades K-2 are sequentially taught to complete the language arts area. The Accelerated Reader program continues to be part of our program.
Math is taught using the latest methods including the use of calculators and computes. Students gifted in math have the opportunity to advance ahead on an individual basis and be eligible to participate at the advanced levels of the public school classes. The public school provides the same math tests for our advanced students as they do for their students.
Social Studies curriculum is taught in grades K-6. Emphasis is placed on active citizenship, geographic literacy and history past and present. Students in grades 4-6 may participate in the National Geographic Society's Geography Bee.
The K-6 Science program is a sequential program designed to develop the basic concept from the life, earth, physical and health sciences. Simultaneously the program provides an integration of scientific skills and facts. In addition, participation in the science fair begins at the 3rd grade level.
The computer program reaches all students in grades K-6. Individual teachers in grades K-4 work with their students in the computer lab weekly. Programs reinforcing math, social studies, phonics and writing are available. The upper grades have instruction in word processing and keyboarding. Programs are also available for reinforcement in math, social studies, and grammar.
Art classes are conducted throughout the week for all students, K-6. The K-4 students receive sequential art instruction through their individual teachers. Students in Grades 5-6 have the opportunity to explore a variety of art media and material as they develop an understanding of the elements and principles of art. Students also experience art history and how art relates to their everyday world in their lessons. An exhibition of the artwork is held at the end of the year.
The music program includes theory and singing, as well as instruction in the use of rhythm instruments, creative movement, and music appreciation. Starting in the 4th grade students begin playing the recorder. After 4th grade, if the students choose, they may play a band instrument with instruction at the public school system.
Phy-Ed classes are conducted on a developmental basis for all grades. Games, activities and competition are implemented to the students both individually as well as cooperatively. Health class will be incorporated with Science class. Health is designed to provide the accurate and thorough information young people need to make positive decisions about their health in light of current heath demands.
Along with academics, there are many opportunities for students to participate in civic writing contests, poster contests or essay writing contests. In addition, the older children are given opportunities to develop leadership skills as they plan and organize activities for the total school group.
Extra curricular activities are available to our students through the public school. Students in the 4th grade and older are able to participate in band and orchestra at the Five Lakes Elementary School. Students with special needs are able to receive services through the public school system.
The students of St. John Vianney School receive a well-rounded education in a comparatively protected environment. Parents are welcome in the school at all times. Teachers know individual students and are concerned about their needs. Thus, as we educate the children who come to us each day, we hope that we are forming the leaders of the future who will possess the values that will make a difference in transforming society. It is from our Catholic schools that we will find religious leaders, ministers and teachers for our Christian communities in the future.