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Academics

St. John faculty set goals for instruction and learning that that lead to a shining outcome for all students.

Through faith, community, and learning St. John the Evangelist School provides a pathway for every student’s success in the 21st century. We embrace every child as an individual with different learning needs, talents, and personalities.

We encourage students to be creative thinkers, leaders, problem solvers and effective communicators.

Saint John the Evangelist School follows Course of Study and Curriculum Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Baltimore based on National Standards and the State of Maryland.

  • Currently 1:1 iPad to student ratio schoolwide
  • SMARTboards in Pre-K through Grade 8 classrooms and other instructional rooms
  • Accelerated Math Courses
  • Learning Differences Program meets unique learning needs of all students
  • Teacher assistants in Grades Pre-K through 3rd grade
  • Daily instruction in math, science, social studies, language arts, and religion
  • Weekly instruction in art, music, physical education, computer, library, and Spanish
  • State of the art computer and science labs including 3D printer technology
  • Beginning in Grade 3, students are divided into three small groups for math instruction.
  • Grade 6 to 8 students are grouped by ability in literature.
  • Grade 7 math – pre-algebra, or algebra I
  • Grade 8 math – pre-algebra, algebra I, or honors algebra I. Geometry may be offered based on student ability.
  • Grade 6 Spanish – two days per week
  • Grades 7 & 8 Spanish – three days per week
  • MAP Standardized Test administered to Grades 1 – 8
  • Parent access to online progress reporting for students in Grades 3 – 8

Curriculum

Early education (PK)

CONTENT COMING SOON

Elementary (K-5th)

Kindergarten English Language Arts

The kindergarten English Language Arts curriculum is designed to support holistic language development through a structured literacy framework. This program incorporates evidence-based practices to enhance phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Central to the curriculum is a focus on language development, featuring activities and lessons that improve students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, which ultimately foster effective communication. The structured literacy approach utilizes a systematic and cumulative method for teaching reading, emphasizing phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, and writing.

Explicit instruction is a key element, providing clear and direct teaching methods that guide students step-by-step through essential literacy skills. The science of reading is integrated into the curriculum, employing research-based strategies that align with how students learn to read, ensuring that instruction is effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.

Kindergarten Math

Mathematics in kindergarten lays the essential groundwork for critical thinking skills that students will rely on throughout their lives. Throughout the school year, students explore key topics such as Algebraic Thinking, Measurement and Data, Numbers and Operations in Base Ten, Geometry, and Numbers and Operations.

Kindergarten students focus on mastering a variety of skills, including object classification, recognizing number names and sequences, basic addition and subtraction, and comparing measurable attributes. They will also engage in analyzing, comparing, and composing both 2D and 3D shapes.

To accommodate the diverse learning styles of our students, we employ a range of strategies that provide hands-on experiences, encourage interactive discussions, and foster a safe environment for inquiry.

1st Grade English Language Arts

The grade 1 English Language Arts curriculum is designed to build and strengthen literacy development in early learners. It emphasizes a balanced approach, with instruction focused on phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through a variety of engaging texts and multimedia resources. Students have opportunities for close reading and critical thinking through rich and diverse texts. Students strengthen understanding of concepts through hands-on activities and collaborative experiences with peers. The diverse needs of all learners are met through assessments and differentiated instruction options, fostering reading and overall learning growth.  

1st Grade Math

As first grade students explore operations and algebraic thinking, they students will utilize a three-step model of understanding. The concrete level empowers the children to utilize manipulatives to build and gain confidence, the representational level uses visuals and models, and the abstract level enables the children to write numbers and equations. This method helps meet the needs of all students as they practice addition and subtraction, learn about the properties of these operations, and explore how addition and subtraction are connected.

In the Number and Operations area, first graders will focus on the Base Ten counting system. They will learn to count correctly, understand place value, and solve addition and subtraction problems that involve two-digit numbers.

In Measurement and Data lessons, the students will learn to measure lengths with standard and non-standard units, as well as tell and write time to the hour and half hour.

2nd Grade English Language Arts

The second grade English Language Arts curriculum focuses on enhancing reading and writing skills through diverse instructional methods tailored to individual learning styles. Students will build on their phonics knowledge, expanding their understanding of vowel sounds and sound patterns, while also increasing their sight word vocabulary to boost fluency. Weekly reading assessments and trimester book reports will help track their progress and reflections on reading. Vocabulary instruction will be integrated throughout the curriculum, complemented by differentiated spelling lists to accommodate each student’s learning needs. By the end of the year, students will demonstrate proficiency in grammar and engage in comprehensive writing projects, reflecting increased confidence in their reading and writing abilities.

2nd Grade Math

Second grade students build on foundational math skills through exploration and hands-on activities. Students deepen their understanding of addition and subtraction, while mastering basic math facts to boost confidence and efficiency. They learn to identify coins and bills, tell time, explore measurement concepts, and engage in basic graphing using bar graphs and pictographs. As the year progresses, students are introduced to multiplication as repeated addition and participate in problem-solving activities that apply math concepts to real-world situations. By the end of the year, students have a solid foundation in essential math skills and an enthusiasm for learning mathematics.

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Science

The science curriculum requires students to engage in a process of exploring, hypothesizing, designing, testing, and reflecting. This approach fosters confidence in taking risks and effectively communicating their findings.

Younger students are introduced to a variety of topics, including plant and animal studies, engineering, space, and weather. As they progress, they explore these subjects in greater depth.

Students are equipped with critical thinking skills, real-world problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to revise their work. The St. John Environmental Education area, trails, and garden further enhance learning by allowing students to connect with their environment.

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Social Studies

Students in kindergarten through 2nd grade engage in a cumulative learning experience in social studies, progressively building on concepts and knowledge from previous years. Students explore units focused on civics, history, geography, economics, and culture.  They have opportunities to explore responsible citizenship, how individuals and events influenced societal change, landforms and weather patterns, goods and services, and cultural characteristics around the world. The curriculum fosters critical thinking skills and prepares students for more complex ideas in future grades.  

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Religion

The Religion Curriculum of the Archdiocese of Baltimore introduces students to core Catholic beliefs and helps form their Catholic identity through a focus on Prayer, Service, and the Liturgical Year. Younger students learn about God, the Bible, the creation story, and the Sacraments. Later grades build on this foundation by exploring the Trinity, Sacraments, morality, and family life. Each subsequent grade deepens understanding of the faith, culminating in lessons on discipleship and the impact of faith on daily life. Although teachers are encouraged to integrate sacramental preparation from local parishes, there is flexibility in the curriculum to accommodate liturgical celebrations and events, with recommended resources aligning with Archdiocesan standards.

3rd Grade English Language Arts

Third grade English Language Arts focuses on enhancing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students read a variety of texts, including stories and informational pieces, to build comprehension and vocabulary. They learn to summarize, identify main ideas, and make connections. Writing instruction emphasizes structure, including clear introductions, supporting details, and conclusions, while grammar and punctuation skills are also developed.

In addition to these skills, students often complete a classic book report, allowing them to explore and present their understanding of a beloved children’s book. They may also participate in a Famous American project, where they research and present information about a notable figure in American history. Both projects encourage creativity and improve research and presentation skills, fostering a love for reading and effective expression in writing.

3rd Grade Math

In the realm of Operations and Algebraic Thinking, students learn to represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division while also gaining an understanding of the properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division. They are expected to multiply and divide within 100 and tackle problems involving the four operations, identifying and explaining patterns in arithmetic. Within Number and Operations in Base Ten, learners utilize place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic. Fractions domain focuses on developing an understanding of fractions as numbers. In Measurement and Data, students solve problems related to measurement and estimation of time intervals, liquid volumes, and the masses of objects. They also explore geometric measurement by understanding area and its relationship to multiplication and addition, as well as recognizing perimeter as an attribute of plane figures and distinguishing between linear and area measures. Lastly, in Geometry, students reason with shapes and their attributes, enhancing their overall mathematical reasoning and understanding.

4th Grade English Language Arts

The 4th grade ELA curriculum encompasses and improves the skills needed for reading, writing, grammar, and speaking and listening. Instruction takes place in three groups: accelerated, grade level, and small groups.

Through literature-based instruction students are introduced to different types of genres. Two novel studies are added to the reading series. Through these novels students discover the diverse world around us and learn about different cultures. Several online resources allow students to practice higher level reading comprehension and grammar skills. Using the steps of the writing process students create narrative, opinion, and expository writing pieces, while also practicing proper research techniques and creative writing.

4th Grade Math

Fourth grade math includes a deep focus on Base Ten, Algebra, and operations.  The rigor needed to succeed in the fourth grade is based on conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and applying these skills in the real world.  Students will learn the importance of place value to be able to add and subtract bigger numbers.  They will also need to know and practice their multiplication facts using 2 digits or more in multiplication and long division.  The importance of multiplication is also explored as it pertains to fractions and decimals.  Finally, a fourth-grade student will be able to apply many of these skills in measurement and geometry.  

5th English Language Arts

In 5th grade English/Language Arts, students begin with a focus on the everyday skills needed for writing, reading, language, and speaking and listening, and they learn to recognize the structures of a variety of genres of text. Next, students focus on narrative reading and writing and how the sequencing of events in text and writing enhances comprehension. As students progress, their focus shifts to learning strategies for reading and understanding informational text as they explore different genres of nonfiction text. Students learn to summarize and paraphrase text and make inferences. Fifth grade students then apply the many standards and skills that were introduced in the Narrative and Informational Text units. They also read and analyze opinion texts to be able to identify and evaluate the author’s arguments and evidence used in supporting those arguments. In the final unit of 5th grade, students focus on reading memoirs.

5th Grade Math

The 5th grade math curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation in mathematical operations while fostering curiosity and confidence in our students. Students will benefit from learning experiences that emphasize practical applications and critical thinking. Several areas of study are included, such as whole number operations, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry, data analysis, and algebraic concepts.

Throughout the year, students will apply their math skills to real-world scenarios, reinforcing their understanding and demonstrating the relevance of math in everyday life. By focusing on measurement and geometry, students will see how math connects to the world around them, from calculating areas for projects to estimating distances.

Students are encouraged to embrace challenges, persevere through difficult problems, and learn from mistakes.

3rd – 5th Grade Science

The Intermediate Elementary Science curriculum deepens the students’ knowledge of the Engineering Design Process and the Scientific Method. Through these processes and hands-on experiments students explore nature around themselves, make observations, ask questions, design solutions to problems. Students design and create several projects that are tied to the curriculum. Field trips are organized with a focus on the science curriculum in these grades. The curriculum is also enriched by an extra weekly Environmental Education class using the nature trails that are part of our campus.

In 3rd grade the focus is on life science. Students learn about animal and plant life cycles, and how living things interact within different ecosystems. Later, forces and motion are introduced. The last unit in the curriculum covers weather and climate.

The 4th grade science curriculum centers on physical science. After the first Earth science unit which covers slow and fast changes on the Earth’s surface, landforms, and fossils, students are introduced to different types of energy, more specifically electricity, sound, heat, and light energy.

5th graders learn about food chains and food webs. Later they study the different types of matter. The curriculum concludes with Earth systems and the Solar system.

3rd – 5th Grade Social Studies

The 3rd to 5th Grade Social Studies curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation of social studies concepts, geographical skills, and historical knowledge, progressing from general studies in early grades to more specific state and national history in later years. This progression encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, engage in hands-on learning experiences, and explore the cultural, economic, and political developments that influenced Maryland and the United States. In third grade, students develop a broad understanding of geography, culture, and economics, preparing students for more specific historical events. In fourth grade, students focus on Maryland’s history, applying geographic and historical thinking skills to understand the state’s development and role in American history. In fifth grade, students gain a thorough understanding of the colonial period and the American Revolution, and exploring how the United States developed as an independent nation. This development ensures that students are prepared to engage deeply with social studies subject matter, from understanding basic societal concepts to analyzing complex historical events.

3rd -5th Grade Religion

The 3rd to 5th Grade Religion curriculum builds upon the foundational elements of faith, focusing on prayer, service, and the liturgical year. As students’ progress, they continue to explore their relationship with God, their understanding of sacraments, and their roles as disciples of Christ. This curriculum emphasizes spiritual growth, moral development, and living out Christian values in daily life. In third grade, students build upon their foundational knowledge of faith, focusing on sacraments, prayer, and Christian morals, preparing them to take active roles as young disciples. In fourth grade, students deepen their understanding of Jesus’ teachings, through an in-depth exploration of the sacraments, scripture, as they begin exploring how to live as young disciples through prayer, service, and moral choices. In fifth grade, students engage with more complex aspects of the faith, including the sacraments, Church hierarchy, respect for other faiths, and living out their beliefs through works of mercy and service. This progression ensures that students develop a deep, thorough understanding of their faith, learning not only the teachings of the Church, but also how to apply them in their everyday lives and throughout the community.

Kindergarten – 5th Grade Spanish

The Spanish curriculum for grades K-5 focuses on building vocabulary, communication skills, and introducing basic grammar concepts. Students engage with the language through a variety of hands-on activities and resources such as writing practice, educational games, and interactive learning experiences. The goal is to create a fun, engaging environment where our students can begin to understand and use the Spanish language. Vocabulary development covers common words and phrases related to everyday topics, while simple grammar instruction lays the foundation for more complex language skills. Throughout the curriculum, the emphasis is on encouraging communication and practical application of the material learned. This approach helps students develop a solid base in Spanish that they can build upon in their middle school years.

Middle school (6-8)

Middle School English Language Arts (ELA)

6th Grade ELA:

In 6th grade English Language Arts, students embark on an engaging journey through a diverse range of writing and literary studies designed to enhance their skills and critical thinking. The curriculum begins with a unit on narrative writing, where students learn to craft compelling stories by exploring character development, plot structure, and descriptive language. Following this, the focus shifts to persuasive writing and informative writing, enabling students to express their viewpoints effectively and practice researching and presenting facts clearly and coherently. The exploration of mythology helps students begin to foster analytical thinking and creativity, while poetry encourages 6th grade students to experiment with various poetic forms and devices. In each of these units, students will be engaged in a novel study that coincides with the writing scope. These novels are selected with the idea that students will find themselves exploring different topics and following the journey of unique characters in each story. Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of grammar and vocabulary, equipping students with essential tools for effective communication and enhancing their overall writing proficiency.

7th Grade ELA:

In 7th grade English Language Arts, students continue to engage in learning that helps further develop their writing, reading, and critical thinking skills through a dynamic and multi-faceted curriculum. The year begins with an in-depth exploration of narrative writing, where students experiment with various perspectives and elements such as character motivations and conflict resolution to create engaging stories. This leads into a unit on persuasive writing, where learners enhance their abilities to formulate compelling arguments, while also critically evaluating sources and counterarguments. The informative writing unit encourages students to investigate topics of interest, fostering research skills and the ability to synthesize information clearly and effectively. Students will also engage with diverse literary genres, including classic and contemporary works of mythology, to analyze themes, character archetypes, and moral lessons. The poetry unit encourages students to appreciate rhythm, imagery, and sound devices, allowing for personal expression and interpretation through their own poetic creations. Alongside each of these writing units, the students will be immersed in a novel study that captures characters in situations and journeys that help cultivate a deeper understanding of the unit. Additionally, throughout the year, a strong emphasis on grammar and vocabulary development ensures that students can articulate their thoughts with clarity and sophistication.

8th Grade ELA:

In 8th grade English Language Arts (ELA), students prepare for high school-level literacy by engaging in an advanced curriculum designed to refine their writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. The year begins with a focus on narrative writing, where students experiment with complex character development, narrative voice, and thematic depth, laying the groundwork for more sophisticated storytelling. This is followed by a rigorous unit on persuasive writing, where learners apply advanced writing to craft compelling arguments, while also honing their skills in research and source evaluation to strengthen their positions. As students transition to the unit on informative writing, they are encouraged to explore complex topics, emphasizing clear organization and the synthesis of information to convey these ideas effectively. The study of literature includes a diverse selection of novels and texts with a special unit that emphasizes mythology. This allows students to be immersed in diverse platforms of literature while also connecting to writing. In the poetry unit, students delve further into both the analysis and creation of poetry, while also exploring form, structure, and figurative language to enhance their expressive capabilities. Throughout the curriculum, a strong focus on grammar and vocabulary ensures that students gain the precision and sophistication needed for high school writing standards. Collectively, these units equip 8th grade students with the critical tools and confidence necessary for success in high school ELA and beyond.

Middle School Math

6th Grade Math (two options):

Grade Level Course

The 6th-grade math curriculum introduces foundational pre-algebra concepts. Students begin developing their understanding of variables, expressions, and simple equations. They focus on number sense, including fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, and basic geometry to include area, surface area and volume. Problem-solving, statistics and data displays, and understanding relationships between numbers are emphasized to prepare students for more complex algebraic reasoning.

Accelerated Course

This is the second half of a two-year pre-algebra curriculum. Topics from the grade level course are integrated throughout the year. Some other focuses include integers and rational numbers, expressions and equations, proportions and percentage, circles, surface area and volume of prisms, pyramids, and cylinders, probability, angles and triangles, linear equations, and Pythagorean Theorem.

7th Grade Math (two options):

Grade Level Course

In 7th grade, students continue their pre-algebra journey by building on the skills learned in 6th grade. They delve deeper into equations, inequalities, proportional relationships, and functions. A major focus is on working with integers and rational numbers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of both. Students also explore geometry concepts such as area, volume, and surface area, as well as an introduction to probability and statistics. This year focuses on solidifying problem-solving strategies and prepares students for the transition to algebra.

Algebra:

Successful completion of the accelerated sixth grade curriculum focuses transitions entirely to algebra, where students apply pre-algebra concepts to more complex problems. Topics include solving linear equations and inequalities, working with exponents and polynomials, graphing linear equations and systems, and understanding quadratic equations. Students learn to model real-world situations using algebraic expressions and functions. The goal is to develop a strong foundation for future high school math courses, including geometry and advanced algebra.

8th Grade Math (three options):

Introduction to Algebra and Geometry:

This is a single year curriculum that provides an introductory algebra experience as well as an option to cover the advanced Algebra objectives. Topics include: Solving and Graphing Equations, Transformations, Angles and Triangles, Systems of Linear Equations, Functions, Real Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem, Volume and Similar Solids, Data Analysis and Displays, and Exponents and Scientific Notation. Factoring and Quadratic exposure will vary.

Algebra:

This is a single year curriculum where students apply pre-algebra concepts to more complex problems. Topics include solving linear equations and inequalities, working with exponents and polynomials, graphing linear equations and systems, and understanding quadratic equations. Students learn to model real-world situations using algebraic expressions and functions. The goal is to develop a strong foundation for future high school math courses, including geometry and advanced algebra.

Geometry:

This is a single year curriculum following the successful completion of Algebra in 7th grade. Topics include tools of geometry, reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships in triangles, quadrilaterals, proportions and similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, transformations and symmetry, circles, areas of polygons and circles, extending surface area and volume, and probability and measurement.

Middle School Science

The science curriculum is a data based, hands-on, constructivist introduction to the skills and big ideas necessary to inspire curiosity and investigation into each of the four major branches of science. Students are encouraged to take risks, build and experiment, solve problems, and debate using their knowledge of science. The main goal is to create confident scientists that know their way around the science lab and can make connections between science topics, allowing them to enter high school science courses (such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics) prepared and ready to shine.

6th Grade Science:

Sixth grade scientists will investigate the NGSS Cross Cutting Concepts that connect Earth Science and Physical Science, while learning how to use the Scientific Method to experiment in their first year of the Science Lab. Hands-on constructivist learning will dominate the science lab as students manipulate tools and test theories and predictions. They will learn to implement the Practices of Scientists and Engineers (NGSS) like measurement, data analysis, hypothesizing, etc. while developing their scientific writing, moving toward a full digital lab report. The Key Disciplinary Core Ideas include Earth history, Forces and Motion, Rocks and Minerals, and Weather and Seasons. 

7th Grade Science:

Seventh grade biologists will delve into the realm of Life Science and its connections to the beautiful living Biosphere given to us by God.  Exploration of bioethics and current science topics in society will be introduced. Crosscutting Concepts will tie their Physical Science previous knowledge to the biotic organisms in our ecosystems. Hands on use of tools like microscopes, petri dishes, and stethoscopes will help us to continue to develop the Practices of Scientists while we collect data and take our digital lab reports to the next level to ready students for high school Biology. Dissections and discovery of human bodies allows the hands-on constructivist learning that permits students’ scientific curiosity to flourish. Disciplinary Core Ideas (NGSS) include Ecology, Human Body Systems, Genetics, Viruses and Bacteria, Cells, Classification, and Adaptation and Evolution. 

8th Grade Science:

In this culminating middle school science course, students will take on the challenging Cross Cutting Concepts and connections between Chemistry and basic Physics. As they explore more challenging measurement and manipulation scientific tools and high-level thinking and laboratory experiments, they make concrete connections to Matter and its interactions at the atomic and molecular level. Students will take their lab report writing skills to the next level, citing sources and adding university level research, readying them for high school expectations. Disciplinary Core Ideas will focus on the Periodic Table, Chemical and Physical Changes, Chemical Formulas and Equations, pH and types of Chemical Reactions as well as Electricity and Magnetism and Newton’s Laws of Motion and Gravity.

Middle School Social Studies

6th Grade Social Studies:

The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s 6th Grade Social Studies Curriculum is the first half of the World Culture course of study.  This course focuses on the Ancient World through an examination of geography, culture, economics and political organizations and institutions.  Throughout the course students are engaged in rigorous learning experiences that both develop and challenge their thinking skills.  Students begin the year with an introduction to social studies skills and processes and continue to apply them throughout the course.  The course continues with a geographic study of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.  The students will explore the cultures of India and China.  An examination of government in Ancient Greece and Rome as the foundation of government in western society follows.  The course concludes with a view of life during the Middle Ages in Europe.

7th Grade Social Studies:

The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s 7th Grade Social Studies Curriculum is the second half of the World Culture course of study.  This course focuses on the development of the Modern World, political systems and citizenship, geography, culture, and how people fulfill their economic needs.  The course is designed to provide students with knowledge of how modern political and economic institutions have developed and how culture, conflict, and change have impacted that development.  Students begin the year with an introduction to social skills and processes and continue to apply them throughout the course.  The course examines how humans have worked together to form societies and live together.  Students will also learn about the economic impact of globalization and interdependence of modern nations and regions of the world.  The course concludes with a cultural focus on how the struggle between conflict and continuity has changed the world since the Middle Ages.

8th Grade Social Studies:

The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s 8th Grade Social Studies Curriculum focuses on United States history from its colonial roots to the Civil War.  It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of how the United States developed as a democratic society in the modern world.  Students begin the year with an introduction to social studies skills and processes and continue to apply them throughout the course.  Students will learn how the nation broke away from Great Britain and established a revolutionary government.  The course examines the challenges the founders faced as they sought to stabilize the fledgling republic through the early national period. The course continues through the antebellum era focusing on the issues that would ultimately lead to the Civil War (slavery, state’s rights, sectionalism, abolitions, etc.).  The course concludes with students investigating the Civil War and how the nation attempted to reunite during Reconstruction.

Middle School Religion

Middle School Religion aligns with the Archdiocese of Baltimore Curriculum Key Indicators and Standards. Students deepen their understanding of the importance of prayer, highlighting the flow of the different liturgical seasons of the church. They are introduced to Scripture study, faith formation, moral formation, and church teachings. In 6th grade the focus is on the journey of the Jews and many patriarchs of our faith. Students explore God’s covenant of love and promises throughout the Old Testament while exploring lessons in empathy, respect, and love to relationships within families and larger communities. In the 7th grade the focus expands to the ministry of Jesus and the Good News of salvation. The 8th grade curriculum seeks to identify the themes in the Catechism of the Catholic Church with Catholic Social Teachings. Prayer, morality, the Sacraments, Scripture, and Church Tradition are integrated in the lessons that encourage a lifelong relationship with God and ongoing service to others.

Middle School Spanish

In middle school Spanish, students will develop a strong foundation in the language through the exploration of key grammar concepts and practical vocabulary. They by examining cognates, subject pronouns, verbs, adjectives and prepositions – building blocks that will enable students to engage in more complex communication. The vocabulary covered will span a wide range of useful topics, including likes and dislikes, physical/emotional/personality descriptions, school, ordinal numbers, food, games, sports, community places, family, home, restaurants, clothing and chores. Students will have the opportunity to apply these skills through interactive dialogues, oral presentations, and written projects. Additionally, students explore cultural traditions of the Spanish-speaking world, studying the unique holidays celebrated across different countries. By the end of eighth grade, students will complete Level One of Spanish, positioning them for success as they enter high school. Our goal is to create confident, culturally aware communicators in this language.

Learning differences

St. John the Evangelist School has resources to engage students of a broad range of abilities because of our Learning Differences and Enrichment programs. Not only does the faculty engage children in the larger classroom setting according to individual needs, but with a special educator and enrichment coordinator, the faculty creates small group instructional experiences for approaching as well as gifted learners from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

The Student Advocacy Team includes a special educator, guidance counselor, lead teacher, nurse and the school administration. Our team works with parents, teachers, and students to ensure children with academic differences are supported in their learning and that everyone works collaboratively for the benefit of each student.

Technology

With an emphasis on the tools needed to prepare students for future academic endeavors, St. John regularly incorporates the thoughtful use of technology into classroom teaching. In conjunction with textbooks, iPads are utilized to enhance the level of instruction and learning experiences for all students, as well as to provide access to references and other digital resources developed for the classroom. By incorporating lessons on digital citizenship and laying a foundation of technological literacy, St. John provides our students with the skills that will allow them to shine in classrooms and work environments.

Saint John has made strides to increase the number of technology devices accessible to students in the classroom. Currently the school has more than 600 devices including over 500  iPads (1:1 Ratio) schoolwide.