St. John's School Student Handbook
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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The Educational community of St. John the Evangelist School is committed to the total
Christian education of the child. It serves children from Kindergarten through eighth grade.
In addition to full time classroom teachers, (K-8), the faculty consists of full time
assistants in Kindergarten, and part time assistants in Grades 1-3, a
physical education teacher, music and art teacher, computer teacher, four Learning Differences teachers,
Spanish teacher, 2 librarians, and two nurses. In order to provide maximum opportunities for learning, the
academic structure allows for three divisions, primary grades (K-2),
intermediate grades (3-5) middle school grades (6-8). While each division
functions separately, unity in procedures and policies is maintained through monthly
department meetings, monthly faculty meetings and regularly scheduled curriculum meetings.
Kindergarten
The kindergarten program at St. John the Evangelist School will support the philosophy
which is stated in the school handbook. We want to make the child’s introduction to
Catholic education a positive experience. Therefore, we shall strive to make the classroom
a warm and welcome experience where each of the children will look forward to attending.
In keeping with this philosophy, the objectives of the kindergarten program are:
• to foster an understanding and appreciation of God’s love
• to nurture independence and responsibility
• to increase social and physical development
• to develop enjoyment and understanding of fundamental language, reading and math
skills
• to enhance appreciation of music, art and literature
Religious Education
The synopsis given here presents only the main thrust of each text. For a more
comprehensive view, please take the time to go through your child’s individual text.
BLEST ARE WE (Kindergarten) Through the year, the children are gathered together,
loved, told they are special and that God loves them. Story telling, role playing, and
hands-on projects reinforce the theme for each week.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade One) focuses on The theme of the Holy Trinity. The children are
taught that God, our creator, made each person special. They learn that Jesus, the Son of
God, is our friend and brother. They also learn that the Holy Spirit is our source of
strength, peace and joy.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade Two) helps the children become aware of the sacramental life of
the church as they review Baptism and prepare for the reception of Eucharist and
Reconciliation. The concept of church as a community expands as the children learn that
the Catholic Church is their special home within Christianity.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade Three) is the focus of study as students learn about the
traditional marks of the Catholic Church and some of the beliefs held by Catholics. The
Apostles Creed and all seven sacraments are studied.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade Four) focuses on the study of morality. This is accomplished
through an extension of the materials learned in third grade plus a study of the
Beatitudes. The sacrament emphasized in this grade is Reconciliation and the content deals
with our call to be healed. The students see God as merciful and—always ready to
forgive.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade Five) The Sacraments are the center of attraction. The
Sacramentals are presented as sacred signs as well as celebration. The persons of the
Trinity are presented as they relate to the sacraments. The fifth graders’
understanding of morality is strengthened as they learn what it means to live and love as
faithful followers of Jesus.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade Six) The old Testament is the basis for this curriculum. Students
learn that it is in the study of the Hebrew Scriptures that we find the roots of our
faith. A study of morality is woven throughout. The concept of Church is taught as a
continuation of the kingdom of God.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade Seven) helps to answer the question posed by Jesus, “And
you? Who do you say that I am.” The children are guided on the quest of the answer by
studying the life, values and teachings of Jesus. Hopefully by identifying with Christ the
students will be challenged to live Christ’s law of love.
BLEST ARE WE (Grade Eight) helps the student make the transition to a more mature faith.Students survey the major historical periods of the Church to better understand their heritage. In addition, students are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation under the intruction of the parish Religious Education Department.
Teacher, priests, Director of Religious Education, and principal participate in planning
and carrying out the religion curriculum. All grades have religion instruction and prayer
daily.
The Benzinger Family Life Program is included in the Religion curriculum. This program
develops a gradual, open and wholesome approach to the understanding of sexuality and its
place in Christian life.
Instruction will be given to students in grades K- 8 regarding the Christian response to
the transmission and prevention of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
The primary program to be used is “AIDS: A Catholic Educational Approach” which
is available through the National Catholic Educational Association.
Liturgy
The priests, in conjunction with the faculty of St. John the Evangelist endeavor to
provide meaningful liturgies for the children at various times during the year. Liturgies
commemorating the opening of the School Year, Catholic Schools’ Week and devotion to
Mary, the Mother of God, Weekly Class Masses, Penance Services and Prayer Services are
some of the ways we worship together as a Community of Faith. Parents are always invited
to attend these liturgies and prayerful celebrations
Academic Curriculum
Our Mathematics Program follows the Course of Study for the Archdiocese of
Baltimore, which was revised for school year 2005-06, and is based on the National
Mathematics Standards. In Grades 3-8 students are broken into one of three groups based on
academic testing and teacher judgment. Grades K-6 emphasize basic computation skills,
problem solving, reasoning, estimation an mental math. Grades 7 and 8 split into a two
track program: Basic 7th grade math followed by Pre Algebra in Grade 8; Pre Algebra
followed by Algebra 1 in Grade 8.
The Language Arts Curriculum provides reading programs to children in grades one
through eight. Students are grouped according to individuals need and ability. They can
enjoy the freedom to explore, to inquire, to discover, to improve reading skills and to
develop an appreciation of good literature. Sequential programs in spelling and English
are used to provide teaching of skills and to offer experiences in creative writing.
In Social Studies a sequential program is provided which focuses on building
concepts and values as well as imparting factual information. Projects, dramatization and
research reinforce classroom learning.
The Science Program enables us to educate the child through a contextual system of
teaching and learning which includes observation, investigation, interpretation, research
of appropriate literature and critical study of conclusions. Children also have
“hands on” experiences in the classroom.
Spanish: Students in Grades 1-6 receive exposure to the Spanish Language one
day a week as part of their Language Arts Class. Instruction is provided by our Spanish teacher. In Grades 7 & 8 students receive in-depth instruction days
a week. The listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of the Spanish language are
stressed, as well as basic grammar and the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Upon
graduation, students will have completed one year of Spanish.
Music/Art is an essential part of our educational enrichment program. The effort of
the school is to develop a love for beauty in all forms. It seeks to open a new awareness
of interest to the children and to deepen their appreciation of God’s world of beauty
around us.
Physical Education: The P.E. program is coordinated to provide progressive learning
experiences in each grade. Each level within the school is structured toward the needs of
that particular group. Full Day Kindergarten and Grades 1-4 use games, gymnastics, and
rhythm activities to teach basic movement skills. These activities are the means for
preparing students for more highly organized games in the intermediate level. Movement
education teaches the fundamental skills used in any game or physical activity in more
specialized ways. Concept development integrates intellectual development with motor
learning. In the intermediate grades, team games are introduced. Each year, specific new
skills are added to those developed the year before, and the way the game is played
becomes more challenging and complete. In the Junior High grades, team strategy,
organization and leadership development are added to enhance the learning of basic skills
through continued use in scrimmages.
Library: An attractive, pleasant, and “ever-expanding” library affords
the students at all levels the opportunity for independent study, research, and reading
enrichment and enjoyment. Interest and creativity are stimulated through the use of a
variety of texts, reference books, audio-visual materials, computer programs, CD ROMS and
numerous supplementary materials. Lessons in Library and Study Skills are provided for the
children as well as Story Time for Full Day Kindergarten and Grades 1-3.
Homework is an integral part of the instructional program. It provides practice and
reinforcement of skills taught in school and helps the student to acquire self-discipline.
Attitudes toward positive study habits must be developed early. If your child has too
little or too much homework, or has difficulty organizing his/ her time, please contact
his/her teacher or the principal for guidance.
Progress Reports are distributed three times during the school year. Grades in major
academic areas are determined by testing. Grades in art, music, and physical education are
determined by listening, participation, effort, cooperation and correct completion of
assignments.
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled after progress cards. Parents or teachers may
request conferences at other times during the school year.
HONOR ROLL
Principal’s List:
All A’s in the following major subjects: Religion, Reading/Literature,
English/Language Arts, Spelling/Vocabulary, Math, Social Studies, Science and Spanish (
Grades 7 & 8). Must have satisfactory grades or above in Conduct and all Standards.
Must have satisfactory grades or above in Art, Music, Physical Education, Library and
Computer Instruction.
First Honors:
Grades 5 - 6: All A's in five of the major subject areas. All other
major subjects a grade of B. Must have satisfactory grades or above in Spanish, Conduct
and all Standards.
Grades 7 - 8: All A's in six of the major subject areas. All other
major subjects a grade of B. Must have satisfactory grades or above in Conduct and all
Standards.
Must have satisfactory grades or above in Art, Music, Physical Education, Library and
Computer Instruction.
Second Honors:
Grades 5 – 6: All B’s in major subject areas. Must have
satisfactory grades or above in Spanish, Conduct and all Standards.
Grades 7 – 8: All B’s in major subject areas. Must have
satisfactory grades or above in Conduct and all Standards.
Must have satisfactory grades or above in Art, Music, Physical Education, Library and
Computer Instruction.
TESTING PROGRAM
The Archdiocesan Division of schools prescribe that the Stanford 10 AssessmentTest and
the OLSAT Cognitive Abilities Tests be administered to all students in grades 3-8 in the spring of each school year.Kindergarten children through grade 2 participate in a Develeopmental Assessment.
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