Academic Curriculum
As the famous educator Horace
Mann once remarked: “As
goes the teacher, so goes the school.” The teachers
at St. Pius X represent the very best of what a Catholic
education has to offer. With an average of more than fifteen
years teaching experience, our teachers provide students
with both the basic skills as well as a framework for problem
solving and critical thinking.
Curriculum Highlights
- The Indiana Academic Standards are used as the basis
for all curricular decision making.
- ISTEP+ results from the past several years reveal
consistent high-performance among our students. These
results have earned St. Pius X the highest rating of
excellence (“exemplary”)
from the Indiana Department of Education.
- Regular classroom instruction for grades K-5 is enhanced
by teachers specializing in art, music, physical education
and health, and library and media. Often, these grade
level and “special” teachers coordinate
integrated projects designed to engage and challenge
students.
- The 6-8th grade students are required to take separate
classes in English and literature each year. Teachers
often collaborate on writing projects to integrate the
two courses. This approach has proven very effective
in providing students foundational skills in writing
and grammar as well as cultivating a sincere love of
reading.
- Spanish is a curricular requirement for every student
in grades 1-8. While the time commitments differ according
to the grade level, this class is considered an important
part of a diversified curriculum.
- Technology and media are integrated in the curriculum,
with teachers utilizing the computer lab and library
for in-class projects and presentations.
- Several teachers are trained in the Orten-Gillingham
approach to reading, which takes a multi-faceted approach
to reading.
- As a simple way to encourage critical thinking, reading
and math skills, students participate in the following
weekly activities meant to enhance these skills and bring
the students in the school together around a common goal:
“Math Moment”—Each
week, the students in each class complete a grade-appropriate
math or logic problem that challenges their critical thinking
skills. Students must submit all work. Answers are scored
and “winning” classes
are recognized for their efforts.
“Monday Mystery”—Each Monday morning,
students are read a riddle-like scenario (often implicating
historical figures or events) then asked to determine what
is happening. Students place their guesses in the “Mystery
Fishbowl” at the front office and students’ answers
are randomly selected. Prizes are awarded to the winners.
Reading
Incentive Program—While the format of the
program has changed in each of the last two years, the
primary purpose of the program is to encourage a love of
reading among students. The students from each class calculate
the amount of time spent in recreational reading (this
includes time spent reading with a parent, friend or sibling)
and each class’ progress is charted. Incentives vary.
- Middle school students partner up with students from
lower grades for collaborative reading activities, tutoring
sessions, mass preparation experiences and other joint
events that bring our school together.
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