St Pius X Regional Schoole-mail: office@stpiusbowie.org
Aug 28, 2008
Phone: (301) 262-0203
Fax: (301) 805-8875
14710 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715


Curriculum and Methods
The St. Pius X Regional School curriculum follows the guidelines provided by the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Teaching gospel values and instilling in each child the desire to learn, to explore and to further his or her relationship with God and others is our basis of education.
 
 Religion 
Religion is taught daily through scripture and tradition. The religion program encourages students to develop a value system that can be internalized, based on gospel values. Prayer and worship help students develop a deeper appreciation for sacramental and prayer life. Grades one through eight plan and take part in prayer services and weekly masses. Each day opens with a Morning Prayer service led by the Principal. All classes participate in formal and spontaneous daily prayer.
Our school services the wider community by participating in many outreach programs thus enabling students to develop a concern for others.

Sacramental programs are especially emphasized in second and eighth grades. These preparation programs include parents. The reception of the sacraments is directed by the DRE of the student's individual parishes.

Our Family Life Program is incorporated in our religion program from grades one through eight. Our program is based on Guidelines by the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
 
 Language Arts 
The language arts curriculum includes reading, writing, English, spelling and phonics. Grammar aids in the effective use of real expression and communication. Spelling and handwriting compliment written expression. The teaching of creative writing as a form of self-expression, which fosters imagination and individuality.

Reading is taught using flexible grouping with emphasis on comprehension, skill building and vocabulary development.

Students learn to appreciate literature through developing original work and through reading various types of literature for knowledge and personal enjoyment. In the lower and middle grades, classes provide opportunities for children to work in groups or individually.
 
 Social Studies 
In the primary grades, the Social Studies program focuses on the community how it relates to family, neighborhood and the world around us. The awareness of cultural diversity is stressed on all levels.

In the middle grades, critical thinking is fostered by providing students opportunities for written and oral presentations. The seventh grade program focuses on geography. In all grades the program emphasizes a respect for the students' future roles as citizens of their church, school, town and national communities.
 
 Mathematics 
The mathematics program in grades 1-8 is based on the NCTM Standards. Classes provide opportunities for all children to be actively involved in learning experiences. Problem solving and number sense are emphasized on all grade levels. Math classes stress connections to both everyday life and other areas of math. Children learn to communicate math reasoning, concepts, and algorithms.   Lower grade classes stress basic facts and computation skills and introduce the children to various companion methods such as mental math, paper and pencil math and calculator use. Classes provide opportunities for children to work in groups, pairs or individually. Manipulatives are used when appropriate to enhance student understanding. Computer lab experiences are used to reinforce math skills.   The Middle School math program reinforces all basic skills taught in the lower grades. Topics include but are not limited to all operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and integers, measurements, geometry, ratio and percent, probability and data analysis. Both procedural proficiency and understanding of concepts are emphasis. Students in Grades 7 and 8 are grouped to best meet their individual abilities and learning styles. Pre-algebra is offered to students in grade 7 and Algebra to students in grade 8.
 
 Science Program 
The primary science program capitalizes on the child's natural curiosity and generates an excitement for learning. It supports a continuum of skill development that is challenging, age appropriate, and closely connected to the beliefs of our Catholic faith. Cooperative learning, lab work and the developing Outdoor Education Center permit students to become familiar with the tools and processes of science.   The middle school program builds on the earlier program to produce active learners who use processes of science to learn about their world. Weekly hands-on opportunities in our science lab allow students to connect the natural world with text-based study. As scientifically literate individuals, students develop logical, critical, rational and creative thinking skills. Thus, they can become responsible, creative, citizens.
 
 Technology Curriculum 
In the primary grades the technology education curriculum focuses on computer assisted instruction that correlates with classroom instruction at each grade level. Students have two computer labs available with software programs in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and learning skills. Students have access to the Internet for research. Word processing is introduced as an adjunct to computer research.

In the middle grades the technology education curriculum is sequential. Students are scheduled as a class twice a week in the computer lab. Keyboarding, word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software programs are introduced, reviewed, and augmented at each grade level. The Internet is utilized as a tool of research. Technology is integrated into classroom instruction in all content areas.

Students receive weekly instruction in the following subjects: Art, Library, Music and Physical Education. These programs are based on the student level of social, emotional, intellectual and psychomotor development.
 
 
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