Curriculum
At St. Anthony School, we train the mind, heart, body and spirit of each child in order to present a well-developed person to the community upon graduation. Our curriculum is built in accordance with the guidelines of the Diocese of Paterson and the Common Core State Standards. Our classrooms cover the following subject areas:
- Religion
- Literacy (including reading, spelling, grammar, writing and penmanship)
- Social Studies
- STEM (encompassing science, technology, engineering and math)
- Specials (including physical education, computer literacy, music, visual and performing arts and foreign language)
We utilize a variety of instruction and assessment methods to accommodate the needs of diverse learners. Formative and evaluative assessments include written and oral quizzes and tests, independent study, projects, discussions, in-class participation, alternative assignments and cooperative learning opportunities. All students are expected to complete a minimum of twenty minutes of reading per night, and to complete summer reading assignments. Age-appropriate Holocaust studies are included at every grade level. Standardized tests are administered to students in Grades 1 to 8.
Specials
Literacy
Students have the opportunity to take out books from their classroom libraries, allowing them to apply their autonomy and responsibility while reading for pleasure. Students are given ample time daily to read in class, usually in excess of 20 minutes, so that their reading comprehension, speed, and general literacy continue to grow and develop during their time at St. Anthony School.
Music
Students have the opportunity to explore music through appreciation, history, singing, movement and rhythm. Once students enter Grade 4, they can begin practicing one of several band instruments, including drums, trombone, flute and saxophone. Various performances are scheduled during the school year to allow the students opportunities to showcase their musical talents.
Art
All students participate in art classes. Our curriculum includes art appreciation and history in addition to education in various media, including watercolor, sculpture and perspective sketching. These classes provide an excellent outlet for students to express themselves creatively.
Physical Education
Our physical education classes enhance physical, mental and social skills which enable students to achieve group goals and improve individual performance. Strength, endurance and general fitness are developed through games, sports and dance. The importance of a healthy body and lifestyle are emphasized at all ages.
Computer Education
Our Media Center is equipped with 28 personal computers which are connected to high speed Internet, document cameras and Epson interactive projectors. We have two carts with 24 laptops each that can travel to any classroom for use. Students in Grades 5 to 8 participate in a 1:1 iPad program. We have wi-fi throughout the entire building. Each classroom is equipped with a minimum of two Internet-capable computers and SmartBoards or Epson interactive projectors. This makes technology easily accessible for all students. Children receive weekly computer instruction to ensure their competency based on the Technology Curriculum Standards aligned to the International Society for Technology in Education. Students are taught a variety of skills and programs, including search competency, touch typing, word processors, spreadsheets, graphics and desktop publishing and database management.
Foreign Language
Students are taught Spanish lessons by a Foreign Language teacher until Grade 3. These lessons introduce students to the vocabulary and sentence structure of the language. From Grades 4 to 8, students use a Rosetta Stone program to continue their education in the language. Once they demonstrate proficiency in Spanish, students may begin studying one of 25 other languages offered by Rosetta Stone.
Curriculum
At St. Anthony School, we train the mind, heart, body and spirit of each child in order to present a well-developed person to the community upon graduation. Our curriculum is built in accordance with the guidelines of the Diocese of Paterson and the Common Core State Standards. Our classrooms cover the following subject areas:
- Religion
- Literacy (including reading, spelling, grammar, writing and penmanship)
- Social Studies
- STEM (encompassing science, technology, engineering and math)
- Specials (including physical education, computer literacy, music, visual and performing arts and foreign language)
We utilize a variety of instruction and assessment methods to accommodate the needs of diverse learners. Formative and evaluative assessments include written and oral quizzes and tests, independent study, projects, discussions, in-class participation, alternative assignments and cooperative learning opportunities. All students are expected to complete a minimum of twenty minutes of reading per night, and to complete summer reading assignments. Age-appropriate Holocaust studies are included at every grade level. Standardized tests are administered to students in Grades 1 to 8.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Our early childhood program provides a solid foundation for growth and learning through a safe and caring environment. The program is child-centered, allowing each student to work to his or her own ability. The teacher to student ratio is kept low enough that every child receives the encouragement and guidance they need.
Our curriculum is informed by our religious beliefs and values, so we encourage students to show awareness and sensitivity toward others. We incorporate reading and math readiness with numerous opportunities for students to express themselves creatively. These lessons adhere to the Dale Avenue, NAEYC and Diocese of Paterson guidelines. They have been refined with the input of research on the physical and psychological development of young children.
Parents may choose 3 or 5 half or full day sessions per week in our PreK 3 program. Children may attend 5 full days in our PreK 4 program. Kindergarten children attend 5 full days.
PreK and Kindergarten
Students encounter religion in all subjects. They are taught family values, Bible stories, songs, prayers, and stories of the saints. They learn respect for others and how they should love God through their thoughts, words and actions. The children do many group activities that reinforce Biblical concepts and how Jesus would want them to live. They also participate in an annual Family Life program beginning in kindergarten.
Students learn literacy by building oral language skills through formal and informal discussions. They are encouraged to use full sentences, correct tenses of verbs, clear pronunciation, and to recognize the different types of sentences. Phonic awareness is emphasized, as well as tracking type from left to right, recognition of basic sight words, and letter formation, sounds and positions in words.
Social studies concepts are incorporated into all subject areas, including reading, writing and art. Topics such as family, communities and holidays are introduced through videos, stories, art projects, dramatic plays and worksheet activities. In addition, field trips and classroom visitors expand students’ understanding.
All students encounter STEM in projects designed to engage, inspire and prepare students to be the innovators of the future. In PreK and Kindergarten, this takes the form of activities that encourage exploration, investigation, observation and experimentation based around the five senses. Students are taught about the environment and their responsibility for its care.
Grades 1 to 3
Students expand their understanding of religion by becoming aware of the sacraments. They grow more familiar with the teachings of Jesus and discuss His role in their life as Savior and friend. Students learn about forgiveness and gain a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist and Church traditions.
Students are introduced to new elements of literacy including parts of speech, onsets and rhyme, word families and structure of sentences and paragraphs. Students begin to differentiate between the genres of fiction and non-fiction while developing strategies to become fluent readers. Previously learned skills are reinforced while honing written and oral expression.
New social studies concepts such as citizenship and map skills are introduced. Students begin learning how to interpret graphs and timelines while reinforcing their previously learned components such as family, community and culture.
In STEM, students learn about the world around them, including the science of all living things, the senses and the solar system. Group and individual projects are assigned that relate to the current unit of study. By the end of Grade 2, students understand place value and demonstrate fluency in math concepts such as addition and subtraction. They understand operations and are capable of solving one and two step problems. Analysis of data and graphs, as well as the use of appropriate tools, equips students to problem solve. They are also able to compare and contrast the attributes of two and three dimensional shapes.
Grades 4 to 5
Students are provided with frequent opportunities to apply their religion lessons through sacraments and prayer. They make connections between course material in all subjects and everyday life so as to develop an understanding of the integral nature of the Catholic faith. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of developing personal faith which is deepened through communal worship, prayer, song and service.
Students engage with literature in ever-expanding ways. The lessons include writing skills, grammar, linguistic mechanics, dictionary and library skills, and speaking and listening skills. In Grade 4, reading selections include international folk tales, biography and expository non-fiction. In Grade 5, student read both short stories and longer novels that encourage close reading and expressive oral reading. They are challenged to explore their world through various literary genres, to present that exploration to their peers, and to apply these skills in other disciplines.
Students focus on different geographical areas in social studies. In Grade 4, they learn about the history of the Diocese of Paterson, the state of New Jersey and the regions of the United States. In Grade 5, students learn about the Western Hemisphere and the history of the Church in the Americas. Through lessons which include maps, charts, graphs and geographic terminology, students will encounter the geography, economy, politics, history and cultures of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and West Indian, South American, and some Central American countries.
Students continue to engage in practical applications of STEM concepts. The scientific method is introduced while students explore the physical world and life sciences. Experiments, field trips, research projects and visual presentations enhance the classroom experience. Mathematics covers operations of whole numbers, fractions and decimals, as well as data analysis and interpretation of charts and graphs. Students are equipped to express mathematical reasoning in both words and symbols. They can analyze numerical patterns and relations, and address problems involving geometry and measurement.
Grades 6 to 8
Students deepen their understanding of the elements of religion including the commandments, morality, Church history, the life of Christ and the Old and New Testaments.
Students use literature as the basis for vocabulary expansion and writing education. They are encouraged to broaden their vocabulary range through reading, using a thesaurus and studying etymologies. They evaluate and analyze a wide range of media from videos to books. Students are encouraged to publish their personal writings; our students have been the recipients of awards for poetry and biography.
E-books bring social studies to life and incorporate art, literature and philosophy. In Grade 6, students learn about the geography and cultures of the Eastern hemisphere by using maps, globes, diagrams, charts and graphs. In Grades 7 and 8, students learn about the cultures, religions, ethics, history, economics and social structures ranging from Ancient Times through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to present-day.
Much of our STEM education uses our state-of-the-art science lab to allow students to apply the scientific method. They deepen their understanding of earth, life and physical sciences. They develop the math skills to analyze proportional relationships to solve problems. They can solve problems using algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, and apply exponents and real number operations. Students are able to interpret, analyze and create tables, graphs and functional relationship. They are adept at applying spatial relationships, formulas and geometric properties. Finally, students can compare and contrast statistical relationships, investigate change, and develop, use and evaluate probability models.
Specials
Library
Students in Grades PreK through 5 attend weekly library classes where appropriate skills are taught. Students have the opportunity to take out books, allowing them to apply their autonomy and responsibility while reading for pleasure. When there is not a specific class in session, our fully automated library is available for individual, group and class research.
Music
Students have the opportunity to explore music through appreciation, history, singing, movement and rhythm. Once students enter Grade 4, they can begin practicing one of several band instruments, including drums, trombone, flute and saxophone. Various performances are scheduled during the school year to allow the students opportunities to showcase their musical talents.
Art
All students participate in art classes. Our curriculum includes art appreciation and history in addition to education in various media, including watercolor, sculpture and perspective sketching. These classes provide an excellent outlet for students to express themselves creatively.
Physical Education
Our physical education classes enhance physical, mental and social skills which enable students to achieve group goals and improve individual performance. Strength, endurance and general fitness are developed through games, sports and dance. The importance of a healthy body and lifestyle are emphasized at all ages.
Computer Education
Our Media Center is equipped with 28 personal computers which are connected to high speed Internet, document cameras and Epson interactive projectors. We have two carts with 24 laptops each that can travel to any classroom for use. Students in Grades 5 to 8 participate in a 1:1 iPad program. We have wi-fi throughout the entire building. Each classroom is equipped with a minimum of two Internet-capable computers and SmartBoards or Epson interactive projectors. This makes technology easily accessible for all students. Children receive weekly computer instruction to ensure their competency based on the Technology Curriculum Standards aligned to the International Society for Technology in Education. Students are taught a variety of skills and programs, including search competency, touch typing, word processors, spreadsheets, graphics and desktop publishing and database management.
Foreign Language
Students are taught Spanish lessons by a Foreign Language teacher until Grade 3. These lessons introduce students to the vocabulary and sentence structure of the language. From Grades 4 to 8, students use a Rosetta Stone program to continue their education in the language. Once they demonstrate proficiency in Spanish, students may begin studying one of 25 other languages offered by Rosetta Stone.
Curriculum
At St. Anthony School, we train the mind, heart, body and spirit of each child in order to present a well-developed person to the community upon graduation. Our curriculum is built in accordance with the guidelines of the Diocese of Paterson and the Common Core State Standards. Our classrooms cover the following subject areas:
- Religion
- Literacy (including reading, spelling, grammar, writing and penmanship)
- Social Studies
- STEM (encompassing science, technology, engineering and math)
- Specials (including physical education, computer literacy, music, visual and performing arts and foreign language)
We utilize a variety of instruction and assessment methods to accommodate the needs of diverse learners. Formative and evaluative assessments include written and oral quizzes and tests, independent study, projects, discussions, in-class participation, alternative assignments and cooperative learning opportunities. All students are expected to complete a minimum of twenty minutes of reading per night, and to complete summer reading assignments. Age-appropriate Holocaust studies are included at every grade level. Standardized tests are administered to students in Grades 1 to 8.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Our early childhood program provides a solid foundation for growth and learning through a safe and caring environment. The program is child-centered, allowing each student to work to his or her own ability. The teacher to student ratio is kept low enough that every child receives the encouragement and guidance they need.
Our curriculum is informed by our religious beliefs and values, so we encourage students to show awareness and sensitivity toward others. We incorporate reading and math readiness with numerous opportunities for students to express themselves creatively. These lessons adhere to the Dale Avenue, NAEYC and Diocese of Paterson guidelines. They have been refined with the input of research on the physical and psychological development of young children.
Parents may choose 3 or 5 half or full day sessions per week in our PreK 3 program. Children may attend 5 half or 5 whole days in our PreK 4 program. Kindergarten children attend 5 full days.
PreK and Kindergarten
Students encounter religion in all subjects. They are taught family values, Bible stories, songs, prayers, and stories of the saints. They learn respect for others and how they should love God through their thoughts, words and actions. The children do many group activities that reinforce Biblical concepts and how Jesus would want them to live. They also participate in an annual Family Life program beginning in kindergarten.
Students learn literacy by building oral language skills through formal and informal discussions. They are encouraged to use full sentences, correct tenses of verbs, clear pronunciation, and to recognize the different types of sentences. Phonic awareness is emphasized, as well as tracking type from left to right, recognition of basic sight words, and letter formation, sounds and positions in words.
Social studies concepts are incorporated into all subject areas, including reading, writing and art. Topics such as family, communities and holidays are introduced through videos, stories, art projects, dramatic plays and worksheet activities. In addition, field trips and classroom visitors expand students\’ understanding.
All students encounter STEM in projects designed to engage, inspire and prepare students to be the innovators of the future. In PreK and Kindergarten, this takes the form of activities that encourage exploration, investigation, observation and experimentation based around the five senses. Students are taught about the environment and their responsibility for its care.
Grades 1 to 3
Students expand their understanding of religion by becoming aware of the sacraments. They grow more familiar with the teachings of Jesus and discuss His role in their life as Savior and friend. Students learn about forgiveness and gain a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist and Church traditions.
Students are introduced to new elements of literacy including parts of speech, onsets and rhyme, word families and structure of sentences and paragraphs. Students begin to differentiate between the genres of fiction and non-fiction while developing strategies to become fluent readers. Previously learned skills are reinforced while honing written and oral expression.
New social studies concepts such as citizenship and map skills are introduced. Students begin learning how to interpret graphs and timelines while reinforcing their previously learned components such as family, community and culture.
In STEM, students learn about the world around them, including the science of all living things, the senses and the solar system. Group and individual projects are assigned that relate to the current unit of study. By the end of Grade 2, students understand place value and demonstrate fluency in math concepts such as addition and subtraction. They understand operations and are capable of solving one and two step problems. Analysis of data and graphs, as well as the use of appropriate tools, equips students to problem solve. They are also able to compare and contrast the attributes of two and three dimensional shapes.
Grades 4 to 5
Students are provided with frequent opportunities to apply their religion lessons through sacraments and prayer. They make connections between course material in all subjects and everyday life so as to develop an understanding of the integral nature of the Catholic faith. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of developing personal faith which is deepened through communal worship, prayer, song and service.
Students engage with literature in ever-expanding ways. The lessons include writing skills, grammar, linguistic mechanics, dictionary and library skills, and speaking and listening skills. In Grade 4, reading selections include international folk tales, biography and expository non-fiction. In Grade 5, student read both short stories and longer novels that encourage close reading and expressive oral reading. They are challenged to explore their world through various literary genres, to present that exploration to their peers, and to apply these skills in other disciplines.
Students focus on different geographical areas in social studies. In Grade 4, they learn about the history of the Diocese of Paterson, the state of New Jersey and the regions of the United States. In Grade 5, students learn about the Western Hemisphere and the history of the Church in the Americas. Through lessons which include maps, charts, graphs and geographic terminology, students will encounter the geography, economy, politics, history and cultures of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and West Indian, South American, and some Central American countries.
Students continue to engage in practical applications of STEM concepts. The scientific method is introduced while students explore the physical world and life sciences. Experiments, field trips, research projects and visual presentations enhance the classroom experience. Mathematics covers operations of whole numbers, fractions and decimals, as well as data analysis and interpretation of charts and graphs. Students are equipped to express mathematical reasoning in both words and symbols. They can analyze numerical patterns and relations, and address problems involving geometry and measurement.
Grades 6 to 8
Students deepen their understanding of the elements of religion including the commandments, morality, Church history, the life of Christ and the Old and New Testaments.
Students use literature as the basis for vocabulary expansion and writing education. They are encouraged to broaden their vocabulary range through reading, using a thesaurus and studying etymologies. They evaluate and analyze a wide range of media from videos to books. Students are encouraged to publish their personal writings; our students have been the recipients of awards for poetry and biography.
E-books bring social studies to life and incorporate art, literature and philosophy. In Grade 6, students learn about the geography and cultures of the Eastern hemisphere by using maps, globes, diagrams, charts and graphs. In Grades 7 and 8, students learn about the cultures, religions, ethics, history, economics and social structures ranging from Ancient Times through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to present-day.
Much of our STEM education uses our state-of-the-art science lab to allow students to apply the scientific method. They deepen their understanding of earth, life and physical sciences. They develop the math skills to analyze proportional relationships to solve problems. They can solve problems using algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, and apply exponents and real number operations. Students are able to interpret, analyze and create tables, graphs and functional relationship. They are adept at applying spatial relationships, formulas and geometric properties. Finally, students can compare and contrast statistical relationships, investigate change, and develop, use and evaluate probability models.
Specials
Library
Students in Grades PreK through 5 attend weekly library classes where appropriate skills are taught. Students have the opportunity to take out books, allowing them to apply their autonomy and responsibility while reading for pleasure. When there is not a specific class in session, our fully automated library is available for individual, group and class research.
Music
Students have the opportunity to explore music through appreciation, history, singing, movement and rhythm. Once students enter Grade 4, they can begin practicing one of several band instruments, including drums, trombone, flute and saxophone. Various performances are scheduled during the school year to allow the students opportunities to showcase their musical talents.
Art
All students participate in art classes. Our curriculum includes art appreciation and history in addition to education in various media, including watercolor, sculpture and perspective sketching. These classes provide an excellent outlet for students to express themselves creatively.
Physical Education
Our physical education classes enhance physical, mental and social skills which enable students to achieve group goals and improve individual performance. Strength, endurance and general fitness are developed through games, sports and dance. The importance of a healthy body and lifestyle are emphasized at all ages.
Computer Education
Our Media Center is equipped with 28 personal computers which are connected to high speed Internet, document cameras and Epson interactive projectors. We have two carts with 24 laptops each that can travel to any classroom for use. Students in Grades 5 to 8 participate in a 1:1 iPad program. We have wi-fi throughout the entire building. Each classroom is equipped with a minimum of two Internet-capable computers and SmartBoards or Epson interactive projectors. This makes technology easily accessible for all students. Children receive weekly computer instruction to ensure their competency based on the Technology Curriculum Standards aligned to the International Society for Technology in Education. Students are taught a variety of skills and programs, including search competency, touch typing, word processors, spreadsheets, graphics and desktop publishing and database management.
Foreign Language
Students are taught Spanish lessons by a Foreign Language teacher until Grade 3. These lessons introduce students to the vocabulary and sentence structure of the language. From Grades 4 to 8, students use a Rosetta Stone program to continue their education in the language. Once they demonstrate proficiency in Spanish, students may begin studying one of 25 other languages offered by Rosetta Stone.
