Kindergarten Program
The Kindergarten Curriculum follows the New Jersey Student Learning Standards coupled with guidelines established by the Diocese of Metuchen.
Language Arts curriculum includes the Fundations for Phonics, which is a multisensory structured program. It provides students a systematic program in the foundational skills for reading and spelling, emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics-word study, high frequency word study, fluency, vocabulary, handwriting, and spelling. Lucy Calkin’s Readers and Writers Workshop is also included in the Language Arts curriculum. The Readers and Writers Workshop is a predictable five-part workshop framework, deliberately designed to offer a simple and predictable environment so teachers can focus on the complex work of observing students’ progress and teaching into their needs. This differentiated approach helps build choice and assessment-based learning into the very design of the curriculum. Journal writing, narrative writing, opinion, and informative writing are taught throughout the year. Our handwriting practice books are published by Zaner Bloser.
Math curriculum includes the Envision Math series by Scott Foresman based on the Common Core Standards. In this series, each unit is introduced using visual media followed by the use of Math mats and manipulatives to teach concepts. Individualized learning paths and practice are also supported through the Edmentum Exact Path Program.
Social Studies lessons follow a seasonal approach and are closely tied to the Family Life series as well as Weekly Reader newspapers. Science is based on Next Generation Science Standards, and involves hands on activities, Weekly Reader newspapers and activities, and STREAM lessons.
Social skills are developed through collaborative play in both the classroom and on the playground.
The God Loves Us series by Loyola Press is used as the basis for Religion lessons. Students practice prayers daily and learn a variety of hymns. Students also attend Mass weekly with their 8th grade buddies, as well as monthly, as a school community. Kindergarten students are responsible for the Thanksgiving Prayer Service. Each grade in the school takes a turn at preparing a liturgy throughout the year.
Weekly classes in Latin, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Media, round out the Kindergarten curriculum. As part of our Media/STREAM program, Kindergarten students are also introduced to Coding concepts. Each Kindergarten student is assigned an 8th grade buddy with whom they interact for a variety of activities throughout the school year.
There is one Kindergarten class with an average class size of 16. Uniforms are required for Kindergarten students. After school enrichment classes are offered periodically throughout the school year. Before and after school care is available.
