Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Maple Shade, NJ

PreSchool - Kindergarten
The classroom environment is God-centered with the understanding that Jesus is our teacher. Children are welcomed into a loving, caring, developmentally appropriate environment. Throughout the early childhood program, activities and learning are age-appropriate, weaving the arts and hands-on manipulatives into all areas of the curriculum. The Pre-school program encourages creativity and discovery while building the skills necessary to begin formal education in Kindergarten. The Kindergarten students are immersed in an academically based program dedicated to creating an enthusiasm for learning. Parents may choose either half day or full day sessions for their Kindergarten student. Beginning in Kindergarten, time is devoted to social justice issues. At this level, the focus is on active listening and the development of self-esteem in addition to the skills necessary for conflict resolution. (top)

Primary Grades
In the primary grades our focus is to incorporate family, child, and school into a positive experience of faith and knowledge. In Religion, we develop our relationships with God, family, and the global community. The second grade students prepare and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Our Integrated Language Arts program encompasses basal-based instruction, which is enriched by literature, and is reinforced with phonics, spelling, and grammar. The writing process stimulates the child's creativity while encouraging correct grammar usage, sentence structure, paragraph writing and neat penmanship. In first, second, and third grade the children develop a foundation of number sense through the use of manipulatives and child-centered activities. Children are able to understand basic math facts and apply problem-solving strategies to everyday situations. Social Studies and Science in grades one and two are taught thematically throughout the year, and can be easily connected with our environment and community. In third grade, these areas of study become major subjects with an emphasis on independent study skills. Learning is achieved through a hands-on discovery approach. A variety of written and oral assessment instruments are used throughout the primary grades on a regular basis. A nurturing atmosphere inspires, challenges, and affirms the whole child. (top)

Intermediate Grades
In a religious atmosphere, the curriculum of the Intermediate grades encourages the children to develop a sense of independence and responsibility through critical thinking, problem solving, and cooperative learning. In Religion, the children focus on aspects of our faith with emphasis on the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and a more detailed study of the Sacraments as they apply to Christian living. In Integrated Language Arts, the children progress from the use of the basal reader to selected pieces of children's literature. The use of novels becomes the focal point in the fifth grade, with the use of short stories for supplemental reading instruction along with skills development. Language development is strengthened through the use of spelling, vocabulary and language texts. Students are also introduced to writing Science lab reports, Social Studies presentations, and various forms of poetry and creative writing pieces. In Mathematics, the children continue to build and develop number sense, problem solving, and an understanding of the importance of Math in their daily lives. Through the use of cooperative learning groups, study of current events, and activities that incorporate the use of the computer, the children have the opportunity to explore Social Studies topics. In the fourth grade, emphasis is placed on the state of New Jersey and the regions of the United States. In the fifth grade, students study the history and the resources of our Canadian and Latin American neighbors. In Science, the children develop skills to enhance curiosity and active inquiry through the exploration and investigation of Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. To meet the variety of learning styles, assessment at the intermediate level is based upon observations, class participation, written testing, oral presentations, and independent and group projects. (top)

Young Adolescents
Using a holistic philosophy, the goal of the Junior High team is to develop responsible, self-disciplined, Christian young adults. In our program, Religion is an action verb requiring service, worship, and morality. The study of Scripture in 6th grade is the basis for the emphasis on moral thought, and sacramental preparation for Confirmation in 7th and 8th grade. A multi-pronged, literature-based Integrated Language Arts program highlights quality literature as a basis for writing, and vocabulary instruction. Writing instruction varies across the curriculum from the expository to the creative. The study of spelling provides additional opportunity for vocabulary development. Building on a foundation of basic math skills, a comprehensive approach in the math curriculum challenges students with fundamental instruction in algebra, geometry, and problem solving. Use of calculators, computers, and hands on activities help to actualize the standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In Social Studies a multi-cultural, global outlook on world citizenship develops as students study World Cultures and American History. History comes to life through role-playing, the discussion of the relevance of current events, and group projects. A hands-on approach permeates our Science program. Beginning with the study of a variety of topics in 6th grade, students progress to an in-depth study of Life Science in 7th grade, and Earth Science in 8th grade. Unique to our school, our 7th and 8th Communications program integrates all subject areas with a strong emphasis on grammar, research, presentation, and study skills. In this program, a meta-cognitive approach encourages students to become responsible for their own learning. Multi-level thinking skills develop as students participate in group and individual projects across the curriculum. Assessment in all subject areas is varied to acknowledge the needs of multiple learning styles while maintaining high standards for all of our students. (top)

Special Curriculum Areas
Art, Music, Physical Education, Prayer Class, and Computers
The art, music, physical education, and prayer classes offered once a week at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School address the mind, body, spirit, and creative energies of each student.

In art class students are exposed to mediums such as watercolor, charcoal, and pencil drawing, pen and ink, printmaking, tempera paints, crayons, pastels, pottery, and various 3-D art forms such as papier-mâché, paper sculpture, and weaving. An art history lesson and/or multicultural awareness aspect is incorporated in each project. In addition, exploration of math and science principles occurs through art projects including photography and perspective. Art is a free and experimental time providing students with varied forms of self-expression.

The opportunity for self-expression continues in music class. Through singing, listening, recorder instruction, structured dance, and creative movement, our children learn universal concepts of music. Students are given the opportunity to perform in an annual Christmas and Spring production. A focus on Liturgical music enables students to participate more fully in worship experiences.

In physical education class the children are involved in team sports, dance, games, individual fitness testing, an annual Sports Night for each grade, and school-wide field day activities. Each class includes a prayer, warm up, and an activity. Sportsmanship and respect for one another is emphasized.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School also know the real value of being spiritually fit. Our prayer room, Heart Haven , builds upon the church's belief, traditions, and sacramental life. Students travel to Heart Haven once a week, as a class, to experience antiphonal, centering, shared, guided, and meditative/contemplative prayer. This unique class offers an opportunity for all students to nurture their personal prayer journey with Jesus.

In additon to working with clasroom computers, students in grades K-4 have computer classes once a week. They learn how to use the computer, and work with software programs that help them to develop reading, writing, and creative problem-solving skills. Students in grades 5-8 have computer class twice a week, one instructional class and one lab period. Students in these grades work on keyboarding technique and word processing skills. They have access to research materials, encyclopedias, atlases, and the Internet, which they use for projects in all subject areas. Students use spreadsheets and databases to organize information they are studying, and to generate graphs showing their findings. Most of the student projects in all grades are planned in conjunction with the classroom teachers, so that students are applying their computer skills to authentic learning activities. (top)

World Language - Spanish
World Language SpanishSpanish instruction takes place within the classroom environment in Kindergarten through grade 8. Instruction is facilitated by the classroom teacher and is sequential throughout the grades. Use of video resources motivates students and provides practice of basic vocabulary. Follow-up activities reinforce and enrich skills between weekly instructional sessions. Classroom and school-wide activities allow opportunity for exploration of world cultures so that students develop an appreciation and understanding of cultural heritage.(top)

Standardized Testing
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School administers tests as prescribed by the Diocese of Trenton. The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) is administered annually to all students in grades 2 through 7. Students are tested in areas of Reading, Language Arts, Spelling, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Study Skills. In addition, the test of Cognitive Skills (CogAt) is administered in grades 4 and 7. (top)

Homework Policy
For a student to meet success in school, homework must be seen as an integral component of the learning process and be completed daily. Homework assignments reinforce concepts taught in school, provide drill and practice in basic skills, and provide enrichment opportunities for the student to delve more deeply into the subject area he/she is learning in the classroom.

Two types of homework are given nightly in each grade: Written assignments and studied assignments. Written assignments ahould be completed neatly and carefully. A parent's signature is required on written assignments in grades K-5 (at teacher's discretion in grades 6-8). Studied assignments are to be complete nightly. The following recommendations represent the minimum times for nightly studied assignments:

Grade 1............................15 minutes
Grades 2 and 3 ...............30 minutes
Grades 4 and 5................45 minutes
Grades 6, 7, and 8............1 hour

Please note that these time allotments are in addition to the time required for written homework. Care should be taken that extracurricular activities do not detract from the time a student needs to satisfactorily complete homework.