St. Lawrence Catholic School

Academic Objectives

 

Spiritual and Moral Development

 

• To encourage students to make wise, informed choices based on their Catholic faith and beliefs and to accept responsibility for their actions.
• To develop a global awareness for the principles of peace and justice by forming students who will assist with building God’s kingdom.
• To provide a Christ-centered environment in which the Gospel message is integrated throughout the curriculum at all levels.
• To provide students with biblical and sacramental based religious instruction.  To create liturgical and prayer experiences that will serve the students well in meeting everyday situations in a Christian manner.
• To foster a sense of self esteem by increasing the students’ understanding of their worth as children of God.
• To prepare the students to make intelligent and good moral decisions based on their Catholic faith.
• To encourage the faculty to be strong witnesses of faith through actions and deed, modeling the message of Jesus.
• To continue to inspire students, faculty, staff, and parents to seek and serve Christ in themselves and others.
• To help students grow in an understanding of fundamental truths based on faith, scripture, and tradition.
• To enhance students’ prayer life by participating in the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments.
• To develop a global awareness for the principles of peace and justice.

Intellectual Development

 

• To maintain high academic standards by updating curricular materials and teaching methods that compliment the program.
• To challenge students to expand their intellectual capacity through opportunities offered in the classroom, intra-school, and community competitions.
• To encourage students to reach a level of achievement based on his/her own level of ability.
• To stimulate an appreciation for art, music, drama, foreign language, technology and physical education.
• To foster the development and growth of school faculty as leaders committed to Catholic education.
• To establish benchmarks for using technology as a tool for learning so that students are well prepared for a continually changing technological world.
• To continue providing technology training for teachers.
• To look at assessment in terms of levels of performance relative to the knowledge specific to a subject area.
• To provide stimulation for critical thinking and the use of up-to-date technology.
• To recognize that learning is a lifelong process.

 

Personal Development

 

• To help students recognize their self worth and enhance their self esteem through an encouraging and loving approach.
• To offer opportunities of leadership and service so that the students may recognize their responsibility to serve others.
• To help students develop respect for themselves and others by demonstrating self control and appropriate development.

Social Development

 

• To give the students an awareness of other cultures by cultivating in them an appreciation for all God’s children.
• To promote an appreciation of the community by providing speakers, vocation programs, and educational field trips.
• To maintain St. Lawrence Catholic School as a drug free environment.
• To encourage the students to recognize their responsibility to the community by participating in outreach programs.
• To develop an appreciation of ethnic and cultural differences.
• To develop a sense of awareness for the Catholic world-view.
• To enable students to become well adjusted, confident contributors to society.
• To work for the common good of every person.

Physical Development

 

• To foster sportsmanship through age appropriate activities and after school sports.
• To provide before and after school activities assuring that they cover what is important to good health, sportsmanship, and loyalty.
• To establish programs that serve to build character, establish good nutrition, life long fitness, and a drug free life style.
• To develop a suitable level of physical fitness.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

 

 

Curriculum

 

 

The curriculum is designed to assist students in becoming actively involved in the learning process and in assuming greater responsibility for their own learning.  Critical and creative thinking skills, as well as competence in the basic skills, are integral parts of the curriculum.  The Diocesan curriculum guidelines, consistent with the Florida Department of Education guidelines and standards set forth by the Florida Catholic Conference are followed for the teaching of all subject areas.  St. Lawrence Catholic School is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference.

Teaching and learning are achieved within the content of an integrated curriculum.  The use of a holistic approach allows students to see the connections between bodies of knowledge within and across disciplines in order that learning not be fragmented.  Conceptual, categorical, and typical themes are used to help students make those connections.

Our goal is to enable our students to grow in their knowledge and love of God through the teachings of Christ and His Church.  It is also our intention to prepare them academically, socially, physically, emotionally, and morally to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

The daily academic areas offered at St. Lawrence are:  Religion, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.  Additional weekly subjects may include: Physical Education, Music, Art, Media, Technology, and Foreign Language.

RELIGION

Instruction in the truths of the Roman Catholic Church and development of these truths in each student are integral to the total academic program at St. Lawrence Catholic School.

The catechetical series used for formal instruction in the school are publications unsurpassed in lucidity of doctrine; in fidelity to God’s revelation; in pedagogical approach; in stimulation of real interest in, and love for the Faith; in application to daily Catholic living; and in true formation of young people.

The study of the Blessed Trinity, the doctrines, traditions, and scripture of the Church, the articles of faith, the lives of the saints, the sacraments, and the commandments enhances the development of our students’ sense of worship and spirit of prayer.  This enables them to become lifelong Christians and contributing members of the community.

The sharing of our faith is the primary reason for St. Lawrence Catholic School’s existence. The sacramental life of the children in the Catholic tradition is an important component of the religion program.  Religious instruction is part of each day.  Students attending our school are required to participate in all religious activities.  Religious practices in the family are also required.

Sacramental preparation is handled at the parish level with supportive instruction in the school and religion classes.  The sacramental life of the student is fostered by:

• Catholic doctrine and tradition;
• Bible study;
• Social Justice teachings;
• Preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Preparations for two sacraments, Reconciliation and Eucharist, form the core of our efforts in the second grade.   In accordance with the diocesan guidelines, candidates for First Eucharist will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist.  Parents are required to be active partners in the preparation of their children for these sacraments including attendance at MANDATORY Parent Meetings.  Parent Meetings are announced at the beginning of each school year.  The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are only conferred to students baptized in the Roman Catholic tradition.

Confirmation is the Sacrament that gives a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  The Sacrament of Confirmation allows us to incorporate more firmly into Christ, strengthens our bond with the Church, associates us more closely with the Church’s mission, and helps us bear witness to the Faith in words and deeds.  Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints a spiritual mark on the Christian’s soul.  For this reason, a person can be Confirmed only once.

“Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit… A candidate for confirmation (confirmandi) who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ, both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs.”      CCC1319

As primary teachers of the Catholic faith, children look to their parents for spiritual guidance in word and deed. We supplement parental teachings through everyday lessons i.e. Religion class, weekly mass, adoration. The confirmandi will have faith building exercises to perform on their own time such as a letter to the pastor requesting Confirmation, community service hours, a saint report, and a MANDATORY retreat.  In this, the parish will have periodic parent and sponsor meetings. The purpose of the meetings is not only to provide the parent/sponsor with important details about the Confirmation ceremony itself, but also to help the parents and sponsors understand their roles in the sacramental process.  At least one parent and the sponsor, if chosen, are expected to participate.  Please contact the Parish Director of Formation, Service, and Liturgy in advance if the sponsor is not a resident of the Tampa Bay area.

Liturgical services are held on each Wednesday for the entire school community at 8:30AM.  Parents are encouraged to join us for the celebration of the Mass.  Additionally, students in grades K through eight may attend Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the first Friday of each Month.  Classes also recite the rosary frequently and retreat experiences are afforded to our 6th and 8th grade students.

Family Liturgies

 

The 9:00 Mass on both the first and second Sundays of each month will be celebrated as Family Liturgies.  Students from both our school and parish faith formation classes will serve during these liturgies as lectors, gift bearers, and more.  Part of the homily at these liturgies will be directed to the children present, allowing them to better connect with God’s Word. Please watch the church bulletin for more information.

Confessions

 

In the coming school year, students in grades 3 through 8 will have the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least twice during the year – once in the fall and once in the spring. Also, beginning in September, priests will be available on the first Friday of each month from 3:00 to 4:15 (right after dismissal) for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

LANGUAGE ARTS

The Language Arts curriculum follows a holistic approach to curriculum development.  The program is taught in blocks of time, which combine all the components of reading, writing, thinking, listening, and speaking.  These components are also integrated into the content areas of Religion, social studies, science, and mathematics.  Sustained silent reading, peer reading, and teacher read aloud are included in the program.  Language mechanics and conventions are developed through literary selections.  Process writing, a five-step program, is used throughout the grade levels.

The Reading Counts program in grades K – 6 is an integral part of the Language Arts program and has been implemented to foster a child’s love of reading and to enhance reading for comprehension.  Additionally, critical thinking skills are an essential part of one’s educational maturation.  This includes productive thinking, forecasting, communicating, planning, and decision-making.  These skills are applied to all areas of the curriculum.

Handwriting as a means of recording and communicating ideas is begun early in kindergarten.  D’Nealian handwriting is the model used in our school.  Manuscript writing is used until the second semester of grade two.  At this time there is a transition to the cursive form.  Neatness, legibility, and uniformity are stressed.

Students in grade 8 are required to successfully complete a research paper as part of our graduation requirements.  Students must use a variety of information sources in formulating the report.

MATHEMATICS

The mathematics curriculum equips students to successfully deal with the concepts and skills necessary to meet the needs of everyday life. Students come in contact with the basic foundations of mathematics followed by skill, practice, and application. The primary grades utilize “hands on” activities to help students build competence. Problem solving strategies and thinking skills are developed at each grade level. The curriculum begins with number readiness in early childhood classes and proceeds through the four fundamental operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Students then learn how to work with fractions, decimals, and percents.  Measurement, geometry, and graphs, and tables are also an integral part of the program.

Seventh grade students are usually eligible for Pre-Algebra provided each student meets a level of math proficiency determined by teacher input, ITBS scores, and general math skills developed over time.  Eighth grade students who continue to meet or exceed the above criteria will enroll in Algebra.

At each grade level there is grouping within the program.  Administration reserves the right to decide student placement for coursework.  Students participate in activities that include enrichment, practice, and remediation. Student progress in mathematics is carefully evaluated to ensure mastery and understanding.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies is the study of life and living.  It is a holistic discipline.  Students are provided with understanding, knowledge, and skills that will promote effective social behavior.  Students learn civic responsibilities.  Emphasis is placed on developing positive attitudes toward all people.  The social studies program including history, geography, economics, and civics demonstrates the need of interdependence among nations.

As the student develops the ability to understand people and the means by which cultures have adapted to their environment, one begins to appreciate the present through an understanding of the past, and in preparation for the future.

The social studies program is a multi-media program.  Maps, charts, graphs, films etc. enhance the basic text at each grade level.  The curriculum begins with topics of family and neighborhood in the primary grades and broadens into a study of states, regions, countries, hemispheres, and the world.

SCIENCE

The science curriculum helps students to develop an awareness of God’s creativity as evidenced throughout our vast universe.  Students are afforded the opportunity to observe, explore, discover, and experiment with the tremendous resources of the natural world.

The science program is designed to help students increase their thinking skills.  Students are able to determine cause and effect, apply known concepts to new situations, make inferences, and predict outcomes.  The curriculum provides for concept continuity by presenting a balanced and in-depth treatment of life science, earth science, physical science, and the human body at each grade level.  Content and activities in the primary grades focus on familiar, concrete experiences in the student’s immediate environment.  Students in the intermediate and middle school levels deal with concepts and activities requiring more abstract thinking.  They learn to solve problems through active investigation and discovery.

ART

Art is an integral part of learning.  Through art, students become more aware of the world.  Children learn to express themselves and take pride in the knowledge of their own creativity. A wide variety of experiences, methods, and materials give the student a strong appreciation of art in its many forms.  Students are provided opportunities for imaginative and creative art experiences that nurture self-expression.  As one progresses through St. Lawrence Catholic School, a student will learn to critique and judge the artwork encountered daily.

 

 

MUSIC

Music is a universal language.  Through music, students identify with people and places throughout the universe.  Music provides an opportunity for students to express rhythm and moods through sounds and movement, which will aid in the development of basic motor skills.  The music curriculum enables students to recognize musical instruments and periods of music.  Students grow in ability to enjoy music for its melody, tone, quality, harmony, and expression.  Students also develop an understanding of the importance and beauty of singing liturgical music as a form of worship.

REMEDIAL PROGRAM

We endeavor to meet the need of all our students as they attempt to develop their God-given talents.  We recognize that students have a variety of learning styles and we will provide opportunities to enhance various learning styles within our capabilities.  Students who need additional assistance to achieve desired learning outcomes will be accommodated by means of a Student Support Plan. Other services include Title 1 Program, a federally funded program, which is offered through Hillsborough County Schools.  Students requiring additional help in math and/or reading and live in designated geographic areas may receive this service.

Students meeting specific criteria for learning disabilities may be eligible for academic/behavioral testing through Hillsborough County Schools.  Parents may also seek private testing through an outside source.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER

In order to live and work successfully in the twenty first century, students will require varied knowledge and skill development.  Through the use of technology, students will be afforded many opportunities to enhance their learning. Students learn to use word processing and spreadsheet programs.  They also develop database skills and typing skills.  Multimedia software, including video and audio technologies are incorporated into various subject areas such as math, science, social studies, and language arts.

Students have access to computers in the media center as well as in the classrooms.  Many of the classrooms are equipped with student laptops. All classrooms, the media center and the Early Childhood Center are networked. Internet services are available to students.  Restrictive software limits Internet use to appropriate sites.

Smart Boards, network and Internet access have been added to the many tools that enhance and support the educational goals of St. Lawrence Catholic School.  We strive to equip our classrooms with the latest in educational technology. The use of these resources is a privilege, not a right.  Parents/Guardians and students must be familiar with the school’s Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Telecommunications.  A “Consent” form and a student agreement form must be signed and returned to school each school year.

MEDIA CENTER

Library skills are taught and alternated with special projects that correlate with pleasure reading and the development of research skills.  Emphasis is placed on reading motivation through the Reading Counts program, book talks, story times, displays, special class projects, and films on the best in children’s literature.  There exists a wealth of books and materials designed to stimulate the minds and interests of students.

Each class usually has the opportunity to check out books on a weekly basis.  Students are encouraged to use the media center facilities.  The media center is open for students when not in use by regularly scheduled classes.  Additionally, students and parents are invited to visit the media center with their children after school.

A school wide Book Fair is held at least one time per year.  Early childhood, kindergarten, first and second grade students enjoy story time, games, and songs that enhance their love of books.

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The physical education program performs an important role in the total education of each student at St. Lawrence.  Through well-balanced sequentially planned learning experiences the physical education program is designed to:

• provide for the development of basic motor skills, which will serve as a basis for lifetime physical activities.
• develop the components of physical fitness such as strength, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, agility, and balance.
• provide opportunities through the medium of physical education for the development of a positive self-concept and interaction with others.
• develop desirable health and safety attitudes and practices.

Provided a student is unable to participate in physical education class for a period of one or two days, he/she must have a written excuse from the parent; should non-participation extend to three consecutive days, the student must have a written excuse from a physician.

Students are expected to wear the proper PE uniform for physical education class; however, should a student come to class improperly attired, participation remains mandatory.  Exceptions to participation occur when a child is sick or injured.

SPANISH

Basic conversational Spanish is taught at St. Lawrence.  Throughout the program vocabulary building and pronunciation skills are achieved through specific vocabulary, songs, games, and short dialogues.  Each level builds on the previous level so that students are provided with a firm vocabulary and cultural base to carry them into their later formal language study.