About Elementary School

Elementary School Information

Literacy (Groves & Wonders): Groves and Wonders Curriculum for Language Arts skills. Wonders integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening to build foundational literacy skills. The Groves approach to literacy is rooted in the Science of Reading, prioritizing explicit, systematic, and multi-modal instruction to ensure all children learn to read successfully by the third grade.

Groves Literacy includes a strong phonemic awareness and phonics component, as well as coordinated reading and spelling instruction. We teach spelling and reading as interwoven processes. When we teach a rule in reading, we also teach students to use it in spelling and writing.

Our teaching allows for deeper word learning that activates brain networks for long-term retrieval and usage of words in reading and spelling.  Our scope and sequence honors K-3 learners’ brain development and allows for explicit spelling instruction that takes place over time, with a logical and clear path forward.

We’re excited to teach spelling in a way that helps students understand words more deeply, piques curiosity, and fosters critical thinking.  We’re teaching students to spell beyond the test, for life.

Math (Math Expressions): Math Expressions is a research-backed elementary math program by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, developed by Dr. Karen Fuson and supported by the National Science Foundation. It blends conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world application through a student-centered "Math-Talk" community.

We place students in Math pacing groups beginning in 4th Grade. These pacing groups will meet their learning style and help encourage achievement. These placements are fluid in 4th and 5th grades. We monitor each student's growth through MAP testing in the fall and spring, allowing us to celebrate progress and provide individualized support where it's needed most. We use these MAP scores, teacher recommendations, and grades to support class placement.

Religion (Spirit of Truth & Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - “CGS”): Spirit of Truth invites students to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ while building a strong foundation in the teachings of the Catholic faith. During Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or “CGS”, students are invited to encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through scripture and the liturgy. The environment is based on a montessori philosophy of self discovery, evoking a sense of spiritual direction for children. Our students spend 90 minutes per week in the CGS space, called an “atrium”. The Atrium provides a quiet space for students to ponder, wonder, and awe at the goodness of God. Through our Virtues in Practice program, students focus each month on a specific virtue and the example of a saint, learning how to live the Gospel in their everyday lives.

Science (Science Dimensions): Our Science Program helps students to understand the working of the natural world God created. Through scientific inquiry, hands-on exploration, and experiments, students discover and understand the world around them.

Social Studies (Studies Weekly): Our Social Studies Program integrates geography, history, and current events to understand the world around them. More than learning facts about dates, places, and events, students learn the truth about humanity, as they acquire the skills to be informed citizens in our state, country, and world.

Testing: In Grades 1-3, Aimsweb assessments monitor progress of Literacy growth and identify students that may be struggling. These assessments are done during the school day 1:1 with our K-3 Groves Coach and Learning Specialist. We monitor each student’s growth through NWEA MAP testing in the Fall, Winter, and Spring in Reading and Math.

Enrichment: Saint Joseph Catholic School offers an Enrichment Program to enhance the curriculum for students in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The Enrichment Program is designed to challenge students who demonstrate advanced academic performance, with an average score at or above the 95th percentile on recent NWEA standardized assessments, along with consideration of teacher observations and recommendations. This program is a pull-out method offered two days per week.

Technology: Technology is an important tool for learning, not a replacement for quality instruction. Every classroom is equipped with Clevertouch technology, and grade levels share access to ipads for testing or supplemental support like IXL. We teach children not only how to use technology effectively but also safely and responsibly.

Movement: We understand that movement and play are important pieces of a child’s development - physical, intellectual, and social-emotional. Students regularly engaged in movement breaks, building physical strength, balance, and coordination. These breaks “supercharge” their brain growth, improve classroom focus, and lay the foundation for fine-motor tasks like handwriting. Our Elementary students also get the opportunity for recess everyday and attend Gym class weekly.