St. Rosalia Academy offers a strong traditional curriculum. In the
“Continuous Growth Program” of the Diocese of Pittsburgh students
advance through a defined curriculum according to their individual needs
and abilities. In addition to meeting all the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Department of Education, the curriculum gives special
attention to the integration of Gospel values.
Curriculum guidelines for all subject areas are utilized by the Catholic
elementary schools and provided through the Department for Catholic
Schools. The guidelines endeavor to give continuity to the
teaching/learning process, and are geared to meet the individual needs
of students and to guide the teaching/learning process.
All textbooks have been selected from the list of recommended texts
devised by the Curriculum Directors of the diocese. They are approved
because the philosophy is consistent with the Catholic philosophy of
education, the subject matter is adaptable to the Continuous Growth
Program and because there is sequential, consistent development of
material.
Catechetics
A formal catechetical program is taught
daily. The Diocesan Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines, “Growing in
God’s Covenant” contains a balance of doctrinal content, scriptural
understanding, faith formation, prayer and worship experiences. A
variety of materials are used to foster both spiritual growth and moral
development.
Computer
The computer curriculum in the primary
grades develops familiarity with functional uses of the computer through
the use of programmed software. In the upper grades, skills such as word
processing, database, composition and data entry, and the use of
spreadsheets are emphasized.
Fine Arts
Instruction in the Fine Arts contributes
to the development of the whole person, promotes individual expression,
allows experimentation with diverse materials and elements, enables
exploration and appreciation of the works of other students and major
artists, develops an awareness and sensitivity toward the environment
and finally promotes a deeper understanding of heritage and culture.
The Fine Arts Curriculum provides a holistic approach to education,
which incorporates many aspects of the core curriculum and can be
integrated into the total educational experience.
Health and Physical
Education
Health education, which leads to the
total well being of each student, is the goal of the Diocesan “Health
for Success” program. The program is a complete, comprehensive approach
to developing our students physically, mentally, emotionally,
spiritually, and socially. A health text, along with current periodicals
may be used. Guest speakers may be invited to speak to the students
about various health related topics.
A quality Physical Education program recognizes the value of teaching
students to stay physically active and develop skills needed for present
and future leisure. To achieve this goal, St. Rosalia Academy
incorporates the Department for Catholic Schools Curriculum, “Fit for
Life” into the program. This program assists students in identifying
their strengths, to build on their strengths, and to achieve personal
goals.
The health and physical education curriculums strive to establish
healthy, active students so that each child can develop to his or her
full potential. Students learn to respect the rights of others and to
follow rules through games and to be physically active. Learning to
constructively channel energies helps the student to develop a good
self-image. The skills, habits and attitudes developed within the
program provide opportunities for greater success in the students’
lives.
Language Arts
The Elementary Language Arts curriculum
for the Diocese of Pittsburgh has been developed to enable each student
to be introduced to language as a viable form of communication, as an
invaluable skill, and an art to be enjoyed. English classes center on
improving writing, grammar and speaking, as well as expanding vocabulary
and improving spelling.
Language, as a skill, provides the student with the important tools to
speak fluently, to read and comprehend, to compose, to write legibly and
to spell correctly. An awareness of the history of language and the
continuous development of vocabulary also are important phases of skill
development.
Students in grades K to 5 center on an integrated approach to Language
Arts developing the necessary skills essential for success including the
phonetic skills of the student. Students in grades 6 to 8 learn an
appreciation of literature with skillful authors who vicariously open
new worlds of adventure of far off places, times long past, and modern
trends of good reading. Having developed a love for good literature, the
aesthetic element overflows into the student’s personal, oral and
written expression.
Library
The school library exists primarily to
support and enrich the curriculum. It is a service and teaching agency
as well as a place of purposeful learning.
The librarian and classroom teacher are partners in the instructional
process. They plan and implement these activities so that the goals of
both the content area and the library program are achieved.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum is designed
to help students meet the mathematical needs of the present and future,
to provide practice in logical reasoning, and to develop the ability to
find patterns and recognize structure in mathematics. Basic facts are
taught in the lower grades and must be memorized. Concepts are taught
sequentially. In primary grades, students are introduced to many ideas
that are foundational to understanding of algebra. Algebraic topics are
taught in the older grades and a full year of algebra is taught in the
eighth grade. Teachers promote problem solving skills and an exploratory
inquisitiveness in all students to assure critical thinking skills.
Cooperative learning in the classroom is essential to heighten student
awareness in the value of cooperation in group situations, to strengthen
communication skills in mathematics, and to promote a mathematically
literate society.
Science
The science curriculum is specifically
designed to develop a student’s understanding of science in human
experience and the individual’s role in the community and in society.
Examples of scientific phenomena are explained and demonstrated.
Students become scientists as they learn to understand and use the
scientific method to organize ways to solve problems, and to seek the
answers to the wonders of God’s world. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade
students study the basics of chemistry, biology and physical science
with hands on participation in a science lab. Students in grades 7 and 8
are offered the opportunity to join the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of
Science (PJAS).
Social
Studies
The Social Studies curriculum begins
with an introduction to community helpers. It progresses to the study of
family and friends, and later encompasses a more in-depth study of the
community. Beginning in fourth grade the curriculum focuses on the study
of the United States land regions and Pennsylvania. At the fifth grade
level, students study World Cultures and World Geography with an
emphasis on the countries of the Eastern hemisphere. Sixth grade
students study United States history through the Civil War and the
United States geographical regions are covered. Seventh grade studies
United States history to the Reconstruction and eighth grade studies
United States history beginning with the Reconstruction to the modern
day. Map and geography skills are taught at all levels. Values such as
social justice, peace, cooperation between states and governments’
opposition to the ”isms” such as racism, sexism, and materialism are
integrated in the Social Studies program.
World Language
Language students learn the sounds and
syntax of the language. Students are also introduced to culture. A
variety of materials and methods are used for instruction.
Students in grades K through 6 receive instruction in the Spanish
language, a minimum of sixty minutes a week. Students in grades 7 and 8
receive a minimum of two hours of instruction per week. Students are
working toward proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing
of the French language. Most students qualify for year two of the French
language in high school.
Auxiliary
Services
The following services are offered
through Pittsburgh - Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit II:
Remedial Reading and Math (Title I) The Title I program is designed to provide additional assistance
to students who are not demonstrating grade level proficiency in reading
and / or math. Funding for these services comes through the local public
school district. Referrals for the program are based on teacher
referrals, standardized test results, and parent approval. Alternate
strategies are planned for students in accordance with individual
instructional goals and in support of the classroom curriculum to help
students develop mastery of basic skills. While the primary focus is on
the student, the teacher is also available as a resource for families.
Parent involvement activities are an essential part of the Title I
Program.
A reasonable amount of homework,
according to grade level, is of great educational value and so is
assigned every day. Assignments are not always written. Study and memory
work are frequently assigned. Homework is assigned on a regular basis
to:
enrich school experiences
provide practice and review
develop good study habits
teach responsibility
foster
originality.
Parents can assist students with home assignments
in the following ways:
1. Provide a quiet spot away from the television, telephone, or other
distracting elements.
2. Check to see what was accomplished during the designated study time
regarding completeness, neatness and correctness.
3. Be willing to listen to reading, spelling, and math facts and to
explain procedures, but never do the assignment.
4. Consult the teacher if the child uses the excuse “no homework” too
often.
If for some reason, the child cannot complete an assignment, the parent
should inform the teacher by written note stating the reason.
Arrangements should be made as soon as possible to make up incomplete
assignments. The Diocese recommends the following time schedule for home
study:
Primary (levels 1 - 3) 30 minutes
Intermediate (levels 4 - 5) 45 minutes
Upper Elementary (levels 6 - 8) 1 to 1 1/2 hours
At the discretion of the teacher, homework is not generally assigned on
weekends. In case of a student’s absence, requests for homework should
be made by calling the school office before 10:30 am.
