CURRICULUM

Mary Star of the Sea Elementary faculty and staff strive for academic excellence through a standards-driven, assessment-based curriculum.  Students are challenged and guided towards achieving grade level expectations within their individual capacities by way of lessons that reflect cross-curricular connections with real-life applications.  By providing a strong foundation, students are prepared for the demands of high school and learning as a life-long process.  These guidelines for academic and personal development are listed as Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLE's).

Students develop and strengthen their Catholic identities through education, interaction, and practice of faith.  Religious education is very important to the faculty.  The faculty aims to guide by example and by class led discussions that focus on how to live a Christ-centered life.

All students receive instruction in the subjects of religion (including family life and Virtus Teaching Touching Safety,) Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Family Life, Science, Computer Literacy K - 8, Physical Education, and Art.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLE)
“What every student should know, understand, value, and be able to do by 8th Grade graduation.”

Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School graduates should…

FAITH

• Show appropriate participation in the Mass and the Parish community
• Know the foundations of the Catholic Church and its Catechism
• Understand and be able to use a variety of prayer forms
• Display strong moral values and faith-based decision making

COMMUNITY

• Be culturally aware, and show tolerance and appreciation for differences
• Participate in school traditions (i.e., Alma Mater, Pledge of Allegiance, etc.)
• Be able to lead by example within a community, by demonstrating teamwork and good sportsmanship
• Possess a working knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of being a Citizen of the United States

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE SKILLS

• Understand the concept of accountability both academically and personally
• Show the development of self identify, beliefs, and opinions
• Continue to nurture personal gifts and talents
• Demonstrate self-discipline and healthy choices

LIFE SKILLS

• Have developed solid work habits and study skills (organization, productivity, and time management)
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of personal financial management
• Have acquired proper handwriting skills
• Demonstrate computer literacy and technology skills

ACADEMICS

• Meet, if not exceed, grade level expectations
• Demonstrate proficiency in grammar, spelling, and use of the Writing Process
• Demonstrate comprehension of expository material
• Exhibit a working understanding of basic math operations

CRITICAL THINKING

• Be capable of deductive reasoning
• Be able to recognize and state fact versus opinion
• Demonstrate the ability to make inferences across the curriculum
• Ask questions – How, When, Why…