Home
School Profile
School Philosophy
Religion
Activities Guide
Library
Health & P.E.
Creative Arts
Computers
Homework Site
Music
Spanish

PK-3
PK-4
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Middle School




Fifth Grade English

The fifth grade English program is aligned with the Louisiana Content Standards and the Archdiocese of New Orleans' Grade Level Expectations. The text used is Voyages in English by Loyola University Press. The students master the concepts of grammar identification and parts of speech - nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.

Spelling is incorporated in the English curriculum using the Vocabulary Workshop Series Level Blue by Sadlier-Oxford. Spelling is studied in conjunction with the students' Reading Class.

Assessment takes the form of homework, quizzes, tests, and projects.


Sixth and Seventh Grade English

Text Book - Voyages In English

My focus in English class is to empower your child with the tools he or she needs to become a strong and confident writer. A command of syntax provides the basis for all future writing.

  • The English curriculum will focus on grammar, syntax, and writing.
  • English homework will be assigned daily and will be checked in class. (If the homework is not done, the student loses points from his/her conduct grade.) A homework slip will be given if the assignment is incomplete, and five points will be deducted from the student's homework grade.
  • English quizzes will be given weekly. (approximately)
  • Spelling quizzes will be administered weekly. They are administered in a context format.
  • "Caught Ya" (self editing exercises) will be graded each nine weeks
  • English tests will be given at the conclusion of an important topic or unit.
  • A composition project will be given each quarter.
  • Comprehensive English exams will be given at the end of each nine weeks.
  • Grading will be based on homework, English quizzes, spelling quizzes/tests and the nine weeks exam. A participation grade (G, N, or U) will also be given.
  • Research skills are taught and implemented. The students complete the grade appropriate skills and learn to implement them through writing a research report in the 7th grade.

Fifth Grade Reading & Vocabulary

  1. Reading will be covered by analysis of the various literature genres.
  2. Projects will be assigned during the year.
  3. Library will be scheduled weekly. Library skills will be reinforced during this period.
  4. Students will use the Vocabulary Workshop book and be tested on each unit.
  5. Grading will be based on homework, quizzes, tests, and special projects.

Sixth Grade Reading & Vocabulary

  1. Reading will be covered by analysis of the various literature genres.
  2. Projects may be assigned during the year including a research project done as a power point presentation.
  3. Library will be scheduled weekly. Library skills will be reinforced during this period.
  4. Students will use the Vocabulary Workshop book and be tested on each unit.
  5. Grading will be based on homework, quizzes, tests, special projects, and the quarter exam.

Seventh Grade Reading

Textbooks -  Prentice Hall Literature Silver (accelerated)
Prentice Hall Literature Bronze (regular)
Various novels
Vocabulary Workshop

  • Literature will be covered in detail by the analysis of the following genre: novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and nonfiction.
  • At least one special project will be required each nine weeks.
  • At least one novel will be read every nine weeks. The books will be discussed in class; however, most of the reading is expected to be accomplished independently.
  • Vocabulary enrichment and reading skills will be enhanced throughout the year.
  • Library is scheduled weekly. Library skills will be reinforced during this period. Additionally, the students will prepare for their year-end research paper during this time.
  • " Quizzes and tests will be given on any material covered in class and on Vocabulary Workshop.
  • Grading in literature will be based on novels, tests, quizzes, special projects, and the nine weeks exam. A participation grade (G, N, or U) will also be given.

Speech

The St. Pius X Speech Program strives to develop the students' ability to express and present themselves in public settings. The goal of the program is to teach students through classroom projects to be confident when placed in public speaking situations.

Through disciplined rehearsal and participation in public speaking activities and performances, student will develop a sense of confidence and poise.

A unique curriculum has been developed for each grade level to enhance the objectives and goals of the Speech Program.


Social Studies

In fifth grade, students study American history. Students complete a state project, which involves Internet research on laptop computers. Fifth grade students also participate in a Colonial Day project, which involves learning a trade practiced during the American Colonial period.

In sixth grade, students study World history. Students complete a country study, which is integrated with information technology. Students study fifteen cultures ranging from Ancient Egypt to contemporary world culture.

In seventh grade, students study American history. Students complete a study of a recent American President and present their findings to the class. Seventh grade students cover the complete history of America from Native Americans and geography to present-day America. Seventh grade history has an emphasis on the contemporary American history.


Science

The fifth, sixth, and seventh grades' science curriculum has been designed and correlated with the Archdiocese of New Orleans' Standards Based Education. All grades will study Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences. Each grade will focus on certain areas more than others. In order to meet all of the grade level expectations, other materials besides the text will be used. In some instances, another grade's textbook is used, however, the concepts will be presented at the level for your specific class.

Daily class activities will include all of the following:
  1. Text reading, answering selected questions, and note taking.
  2. 2. Labs and experiments
    • 5th grade reports to science lab on Mondays
    • 6th grade reports to science lab on Tuesdays
    • 7th grade reports to science lab on Fridays
    • There will also be posted days when the class will report to the science lab not originally scheduled.
  3. Quizzes, Tests, Lab Practicals, and Exams
  4. In-Class Projects and Field Observations
    • All science projects will be completed in class. (A $2.00 lab fee will be assessed from each student to cover project cost.) NO HOME PROJECTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE.
    • Some projects will be correlated with English, Library, Art, and Computer Classes.
    • Field Observations will be science lab classes conducted outside observing nature around St. Pius.
Grading: In order to achieve your best science grade, you need to keep an orderly notebook and lab binder. Extra Credit will be given on a weekly basis for neatness and order in note keeping, homework (text questions), lab drawings, and participation. These extra credit stickers can be used on science quizzes, tests, and exams to add points to quiz and test grades. However, the sticker MUST be placed on the paper before turning it in for a grade. There will be NO INDIVIDUAL EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS GIVEN BY THE TEACHER.

Your science grade will be derived in the following manner:
  • Homework and Class Participation => 1 Quiz Grade
  • Quiz Grades (including HW) => 1 Test Grade
  • Test Grades (including Quiz and Exam) => Final Grade
(Ex. HW = 100; Quizzes = 100(HW), 95, 90 =>95; Tests = 95(Quiz), 98, 90 => 93.6: Final Grade: 94)


Mathematics

The curriculum in Math will follow the Standards Based Education plan. Each grade level has a specific list of Grade Level Expectations that will be taught.

Grading will be based on the following:

1. Homework/Classwork 20%
2. Tests and/or project average    50%
3. Exams 20%
4. Quizzes 10%

**THERE WILL BE NO INDIVIDUAL EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS GIVEN BY THE TEACHER!!!**

Homework is most important because it allows the student to review the day's lesson and it gives me the necessary feedback to evaluate your child's performance. The students will start each nine weeks with a 100 for a homework grade. He or she will lose up to five points per day for homework deficiencies or a poor effort. Please review the homework daily with your child. Calculators MAY NOT be used for homework unless the assignment specifically says otherwise. I will expect to see work for each homework assignment, not just the answer. Some problems may be solved mentally but I encourage the use of pencil and paper. I will make every attempt to post homework assignments and the test schedule on the web site. Please remember that they are always subject to change. Students are responsible for any changes made to the assignments.

You have received a copy of the Middle School guidelines in respect to behavior and homework procedures. These rules will be enforced in my classroom. I will show your child proper respect and I expect the same in return. Your child should come to my class wearing the school uniform correctly and proudly and should be well behaved and attentive.

I look forward to working with your child(ren) this year and I wish for each of my students an adventurous and successful year of learning.


Spanish

Lower School Spanish K-4:
The Lower School curriculum provides students with a basic understanding of the language. This curriculum includes listening, speaking, reading,writing, and vocabulary. The goal is to teach the Spanish alphabet, numbers, colors, months of the year, days of the week, classroom objects, and common every day expressions. With the support of many audio-visual aids, songs, pair work, group work, listening writing, and game activities, these goals are achieved. Books are available for students in the Spanish classroom. Textbooks are provided for the 4th grade students.

Middle School Spanish 5-7:
Welcome to the world of Spanish. We have a very exciting book that we use Adelante for 5th grade and Ven Conmigo for 6-7th grade. These books are specifically created to address the unique needs and interests of Middle School students. The students will learn about Spanish culture and become more proficient in the Spanish language. The students will be encouraged to think critically and to take risks expressing themselves.

Daily classes will include:
  • Discussions and familiarization with Spanish-speaking countries ( maps, visual introduction through photos, videos, etc...)
  • Introduction to new vocabulary and grammar (activities in book, handouts, games, etc.)
  • Appreciation of culture (book, newspaper, computer, etc.)
  • Quizzes, tests
  • Text reading, class discussion
  • Projects
Grading:
  • Homework ( very important)
  • Quizzes, tests
  • Projects
I expect each student to follow school rules and I will enforce these rules in the classroom. A copy of the Middle School guidelines is given to each student at the beginning of the school year.

I am looking forward to teaching Spanish to your child (ren) and making this year an exciting adventure in the world of Spanish.


Guidance Program

St. Pius X's Guidance program offers full-time guidance and support services to its school community. The counselor provides individual counseling for students with personal or academic concerns. Students with serious personal or academic situations are referred for clinical intervention. The counselor also meets with each class to conduct psychoeducational groups that focus on prevention. Group topics include bullying, self-esteem, anger management, cliques, and conflict resolution.


 Back to Top

© 2005 St. Pius X School. All rights reserved.