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Our mission is to provide a Catholic-centered education consistent with the educational mission of the Church. We emphasize teaching basic skills through a blend of traditional and current teaching methods and the use of technology. A caring faculty and supportive parents and parishioners foster the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth of the whole child.
Students
St. Theresa School has students enrolled in preschool through grade eight. The preschool program includes 3 year-olds and 4 year-olds. There is an all day kindergarten with a full time aide. In grades 1 - 8, there is one classroom per grade with no classroom exceeding 20 pupils per room, an exceptional student teacher ratio. The student body reflects all ability levels within the normal range as well as being a diversified group. Although most of the students are members of the parish, we do have students from other parishes as well as non-Catholic students.
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Faculty
and Staff
The faculty and administrative staff of St. Theresa School consist of highly trained professional educators who have specific qualifications for the work they are asked to do with our students.
In addition to our preschool through grade eight teachers, a full-time Media Specialist and part-time Art, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education teachers are on
staff. Para-professionals assist in our kindergarten and preschool programs. Each one of our teachers has a school approved plan for continuous professional development. Our school regularly provides timely in-services on a variety of topics that enhance professional growth. This promotes productive learning in the classroom.
A full-time secretary and maintenance professional help keep the school running smoothly. An in-house cook provides nutritious meals for the students. All of these dedicated professionals work together to create a family-oriented environment committed to meeting the needs of all our students.
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Curriculum
and Methods
Religion: Our main focus of
religious instruction is not only to impart the knowledge of our faith, but
also to motivate our students to incorporate this knowledge into their daily
living. By following the example of our patron saint, Theresa of the Child
Jesus, we are led to see how “little ways” can make a difference. The
students are encouraged to reach out to others in their parish community, their
neighborhood, and their world through our outreach program.
Our kindergarten students are introduced to topics such as creation, types of
families, Jesus our friend, and how we can be friends with each other. In grade
one the children are introduced to Jesus as our Savior. Students in grade two
prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Holy
Eucharist. In grade three the children are introduced to the basic beliefs of
the Catholic Church. The Commandments and the Beatitudes are the focus of the
instruction in grade four. In grade five the focus of the curriculum is on the
Sacraments and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The focus in grade six is on the
Old Testament. In grade seven the focus is on Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and
the Light. The students in grade eight learn about the history of the Church.
Students in seventh and eighth grade also prepare for the Sacrament of
Confirmation.
Reading: Appreciating literature is a primary goal in all grade
levels. Flexible grouping is utilized to supply remedial support for developing
skills and extension activities to develop advanced readers.
Reading Readiness begins in kindergarten with letter recognition and letter
sounds. Basic sight vocabulary is introduced and begins to be developed in the
second semester of kindergarten and is built upon at each grade level through
grade six. Strong emphasis is placed on phonics in grades one through three as
well as on word recognition, basic skill development, improving comprehension
skills, and responding to literature.
While continuing skill development, the intermediate grades’ focus moves from
learning to read to reading to learn. The middle grades use a literature series
to support skill development and mastery of reading strategies as well as story
structure and writing techniques.
Mathematics: The mathematics program nurtures and develops
skills from the math readiness level through the algebra program. Problem
solving, reasoning, estimation, measurement, and critical thinking skills are
emphasized in all grade levels. All skills are introduced using manipulatives
then are developed, maintained and expanded upon.
In kindergarten, first, and second grade basic mathematical skills and concepts
are introduced where the major focus is on the addition and subtraction of
whole numbers, creating graphs, and estimating.
In third, fourth, and fifth grade skills are sharpened through oral drills,
written practice, and problem solving. The major focus is on multiplication,
division, and fractions.
In sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students are grouped based on mathematical
ability. The major focus at this level is decimals, probability, and
pre-algebra development. Students showing a strong aptitude are given the
opportunity to participate in an enrichment course. Pre-Algebra I and II are
offered in grades six and seven followed by Algebra in grade eight.
Language Arts: The language arts program teaches the techniques
necessary for good written and oral communication, while fostering creative
expression. The curriculum helps students acquire a command of English grammar,
while developing critical thinking and oral communication skills. A writing
portfolio is maintained from kindergarten through eighth grade. This portfolio
contains samples of the various writings that are emphasized in each grade
level.
In the primary grades basic skills in grammar, usage, mechanics, thinking
skills, writing skills, vocabulary and dictionary skills, and response to
literature are emphasized. Writing skills are developed through the use of
journals and creative writing.
In the intermediate and middle grades basic skills are expanded upon with an
emphasis on the writing process across the curriculum. Through writing, the
students further engage in higher level thinking skills, such as analyzing,
comparing, and making judgments.
Handwriting is emphasized at all grade levels. Proper writing position, size,
slant, spacing, letter formation, and neatness are taught. The students begin
to learn cursive writing in second grade.
Social Studies: The social studies program introduces our
students to the concepts that will shape and strengthen their perceptions of
self and others as children of God. Current events are an integral part of the
curriculum in each grade level as well as the development of map skills. The
goal is to educate our students to be socially conscious citizens who will work
to maintain the stability of family, protect the environment, and assure just
governmental systems for all.
In the primary grades lessons integrate the social sciences. The focus shifts
from self and the family to the community and the world.
In the intermediate grades the curriculum begins with the study of different
types of communities. The program then proceeds to regions of the United States
with a concentration on Pennsylvania history, geography, culture, and
economics. The program then moves to Canadian and early American history.
In the middle grades the curriculum focuses on ancient and world cultures, the
geography of the modern world, the study of the United States to 1867, and
current events.
Science: In our ever-changing world, it is imperative that our
students are prepared to face the challenge of living in a highly scientific
and technological society. To accomplish this task, topics are presented in a
logical and sequential manner.
The primary grades focus their instruction on animals, plants, health and
safety, and basic nutrition. The student’s understanding of these concepts is
enhanced by hands-on experiences.
The intermediate grades build and expand the concepts of the primary grades and
focus on the human body, simple machines, and weather. At this level the
students participate in hands-on experiments concentrating on the scientific
method.
At the middle grades the fields of study covered are specialized. Grade six
focuses on physical science, grade seven on life science, and grade eight on
the earth and space science. Using a combination of personal exploration and
discovery as well as hands-on demonstrations, the students continue to develop
their understanding of the scientific method.
Computer: Computers are located in each classroom as well as in
a school computer lab. The students utilize these computers for personalized
academic instruction as well as a word processing tool. In the primary grades
basic keyboarding skills are introduced. In the intermediate grades personal
typing and Internet research is developed. The middle grade students are
instructed on Power Point, Publisher, and Excel.
Music: Concepts and skills are taught through a consistent
learning sequence from kindergarten through grade eight. The goal is that
enjoyment of music class will lead to an appreciation and love for music. As
part of this program, all students participate in a winter and spring concert.
In grade three students learn how to play the recorder. Beginning in grade
four, students also have the opportunity to participate in an instrumental
program. The students receive weekly group instruction and may participate in a
band recital. There is a fee for the instrumental program.
Physical Education: The students are introduced to
age-appropriate games and sports. Physical education in the primary grades
emphasizes gross motor skills, rules of team games, good sportsmanship, and
basic skills of ball handling. In the intermediate and middle grades the
students develop good sportsmanship and respect for teammates. All grades
receive health instruction as part of this program.
Art: At all levels students are encouraged to express their
thoughts and feelings through their art and to develop an appreciation of art.
Concepts and skills are developed through age-appropriate art experiences. A
variety of art mediums is used at various grade levels.
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Student
Activities
The activities offered to our students add zest and interest to the school
year. These special events provide an avenue to promote school spirit and
bond together students, faculty, family, church, and community. The school
community participates in many religious activities that include: the
student choir, the Liturgy, the Living Stations, the Living Rosary, the
Cantata, the May Procession, and Eucharistic Adoration or 40 Hours.
Throughout the school, all grades are paired lower to upper level as “big
brother/sister” partners for various events during the school year such
as attending Mass together or reading stories on a weekly basis. The
purpose of this pairing is to foster a family-centered atmosphere in our
smaller school setting. Other school-wide activities have included
Christmas and Spring musical concerts, communication with the parish
homebound, and the CYO program, which includes cultural as well as sports
activities.
St. Theresa School participates in the National Catholic Schools Week.
Catholic Schools Week activities may include, but are not limited to, a
student day, a community day, a teacher day, a grandparents’ day, a
parents’ day. The week kicks off with a Sunday Liturgy where the school
children attend mass in their uniforms. The Liturgy is followed by a
family breakfast in Friendship Hall. Catholic Schools Week ends with a
liturgy in which the school community comes together and thanks God for
His many blessings.
Early in the school year all parents are strongly encouraged to attend a
school wide “Meet the Teacher Night.” The Home and School Association
communication is continually encouraged at all levels.
At the primary level, our student activity program stems from classroom
activities. Our religion and social studies lessons stress family values
and the community network. Holidays afford us the opportunity to
demonstrate how we celebrate important events in our lives. Some of the
ways we have celebrated in the past: at Thanksgiving, the first and second
graders assume the roles of Pilgrims and Native Americans to share a feast
together; the kindergarten class bakes cookies with relatives at Christmas
time; the first grade class has a Teddy Bear Celebration; and, third grade
class has a dramatic performance. Playground games help foster cooperation
among the students. Teachers assist in helping students structure their
games, take turns, and follow the agreed upon rules.
At the primary level, every student also has the opportunity to be “Student
of the Week” which involves a variety of activities to highlight the
featured student’s individuality. Students create posters to tell about
themselves. Special visitors and talents may be incorporated in the week’s
activities. The importance of family is a primary focus of this program.
At the intermediate and middle school levels our student activities shift
toward organized games, clubs, and publications. These activities are
geared toward developing the students creatively, socially, academically,
and athletically. The following activities have been offered: school
newspaper, yearbook, drama club, instrumental music, safety patrol, scrap
booking, and homework club.
Student Council representatives are selected from fourth through eighth
grades. Our Student Council is dedicated to the call of faith; seeks to
promote good citizenship; to encourage a high standard of scholarship and
leadership; to arouse a spirit of pride within our school; and contribute
to the general welfare of the school and the community.
A variety of competitions arise throughout the year where students can
participate in areas of interest to them. Some of these competitions have
included spelling bees, a geography bee, a science fair, writing contests,
art contests, Academic Bowl, Declamation, One Act Play, and the Challenge
24 Game.
Please click
here to visit our calendar of activities set up for the current
year.
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