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St. John the Baptist Catholic School

New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Preschool - Grade 6

School Mascot - Bee

Elementary

Kindergarten through grade 6.

School Day Hours 8:40am - 3:15pm

Our Elementary School features a well-rounded curriculum with Catholic values integrated throughout. Our students are inspired to acquire an appetite for lifelong learning, a curiosity about the world, a heartfelt concern for others and a confidence in their own abilities and accomplishments.

Elementary Info

Diocesan Documents

Academic Standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education: All curriculum policies and procedures are established by the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Harrisburg and are voluntarily consistent with the requirements of the Academic Standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Diocese of Harrisburg: School Wellness Policy - promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education and promotion, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience.

Library

LIBRARY

The School Library is an integral part of our school’s program and serves as a central resource for both students and teachers. Its purpose is to assist its users to discover, evaluate, and apply information. Here, the student strengthens knowledge and skills in reading and other curriculum areas. Age-appropriate resource materials are available for all levels of interest, vocabulary, and ability. The library also provides additional materials for the pleasure and recreation of the student.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

At the core of each physical education class are three general objectives. First, class procedures and activities are designed to teach each student the importance of physical fitness and fair play. Second, class instruction is combined with opportunities to help students learn basic loco motor patterns, kinesthetic awareness, and age appropriate sport related skills. Finally, class sessions allow students to engage in positive social interaction in large and small group sessions. And most importantly, play is FUN!

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The school day begins and ends with community prayer. Students attend Mass every Friday and on Holy Days.

The Religion Curriculum for the Diocese of Harrisburg encompassed the study of Catholic doctrine and morality, the study and use of Sacred Scripture, the study and celebration of Liturgy, the practice of prayer, integration of the history and customs of the Church, including the lives of the Saints and development of Student spirituality. The formation of a faith community is an essential component of the Religion curriculum. Students are encouraged to participate in service to the parish and the community as an integral part of the Christian expression of faith. The unique character of the Catholic School offers the opportunity to infuse this message throughout the entire curriculum and its extended activities.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program brings together children as young as 3 years old into the presence of Jesus through his/her experiences in the Atrium. The Atrium is a carefully prepared room which is located in our school building. This program is based on the Montessori principles of educating the whole child, physically and spiritually.

Tablet Learning

TECHNOLOGY

The goal of computer education is to acquire the skills of computer literacy in order to integrate the use of the computer across the curriculum and in the ordinary applications of daily life. The computer should function as a tool in creative writing, math, science and social studies. The use of calculators should be integrated in Math and Science classes. All of our classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards and I-pads, plus the use of Document and Digital Cameras are integrated across curriculum areas where appropriate.

MUSIC

The music room at St. John the Baptist Catholic School is an engaging and active place where students are able to explore, share, and develop the musical talents and abilities God has blessed them with!

Students explore elements of music through singing, movement, listening, creating, instrument exploration, and more. Upper elementary students further develop and apply these skills while learning to play the recorder and ukulele. In addition to general music, St. John the Baptist students have the opportunity to participate in our two performance ensembles: Band & Choir.

Overall, the music department at St. John the Baptist seeks to provide a joyful experience with music so that our students develop a lifelong love of music making. It is our greatest hope that we are able to inspire them to continue to share their musical talents and abilities with the world long after they leave us.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Spanish is taught from kindergarten through sixth grade. Each year, students progress through appropriate studies with an emphasis on proper pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. Students begin verbs and sentence structure in third grade. Time in 3rd through 6th grade is spent on mastering subject and verb agreement as students navigate present tense verbs.

Currently, students in third through sixth grade explore Latin root words during foreign language instruction time. After discussing the meaning of these root words, students expand the discussion focusing on English words that have this “root word” in it. This exploration and discussion make students aware of the intentional and functional use of Latin root words in English.

Before/Afer Care Program

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