CURRICULUM
The Kindergarten program shares the Pre-K philosophy of early childhood education concerned with the whole child, from development of physical and thinking ability to social skills and self -confidence. Since there is a wide range of academic readiness and achievement levels at this age activities and projects are designed with a wide range of available levels of participation, to meet the needs of each child. Students in kindergarten receive instruction in religion, readiness activities in handwriting, mathematics and reading (including phonics) as well as language arts, health, music, art , physical education, science and social studies.CLASS SIZE
Diocesan policy and accreditation standards limit class size to 35 students in grades 1-8 and 30 students in Kindergarten with a teacher and an aide; Pre-K 4 at 25 and Pre-K 3 at 20 with full time aides. Our intent is, when possible to keep K- 8 class sizes under 30, assigning an aide to Kindergarten, Grade1 and if the class is large grade 2.Grades One through Five: Students at each grade level receive instruction in religion, English language arts, mathematics, reading, science/health, and social studies . In addition, instruction is given weekly in areas of art, music, physical education , and library skills.
Grades Six through Eight: Students at each grade level receive instruction in religion, English language arts, mathematics, reading, science, social studies (including geography), Spanish, art, music, and physical education. The sixth grade receives a review of study skills in the first semester. Classes are taught on a departmental basis.
A variety of instructional methods are used at Our Lady of Lourdes School to meet individual student needs. Examples include but are not limited to : Individualization, small group instruction, large group instruction, departmentalization, self-contained classes, team teaching, computerized instruction, cooperative learning, mini-courses. All grouping arrangements are made in view of the learning needs of individual students.
If our academic program cannot meet the special needs of a child, we will confer with parents and help them find another school or program that can do so.
Textbooks in all subjects, including religion, are selected by the principal in consultation with the teachers. They are used as one of many means to meet the objectives of the Courses of Study. Textbooks in major subjects are kept as current as possible and updated on a rotating basis. An annual instructional fee helps cover the cost of purchasing new books.
Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum in all grades. Computers, VCR tapes, video laser discs and other forms of educational technology are available to enhance and aid instruction.
Our Lady of Lourdes Media Center-Library has a circulation of more than 4,000 volumes of books, periodicals and reference materials available for student and teacher use, as well as a computer center with access to CD-Rom reference materials and the Internet. All classes participate in a weekly library period during which they are instructed to develop, maintain and expand basic library skills and apply them to a variety of learning tasks on their grade level. Students are taught and encouraged to choose good literature and develop their background of leisure reading experiences. Library materials are selected that are consistent with the philosophy of Our Lady of Lourdes School. The Media Specialist, principal and teachers are involved with the selection of library materials. The Media center is also available to Middle School students during their lunchtime.
The following federal programs help support school activities. Title I - Remedial Reading and Math; Title VI - Instructional supplementary materials and Audio-Visual technology; Eisenhower Grant- Math and Science teacher training.
Field trips are a part of the educational experience and are scheduled at various times throughout the year. No student has an absolute right to a field trip. Because field trips are privileges, students can be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements. All trips are planned in advance and parental permission forms are required. All costs and fees are paid by parents. No overnight trips are permitted, in accordance with Diocesan policy.
Action Plan #1
Action Plan #2
Action Plan #3
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Tuition obligations are taken care of in accordance with the written information each family receives from the school office. Parents sign a form indicating the planned method of payment.
The school has two rates of tuition.
Category I – families registered in the parish, attend mass regularly and are involved in parish stewardship.
Category II – all others
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Book fees, and instructional fees are due by June 1st for the following school year.
SERVICE HOURS
In addition to payment of tuition, parents are required to
volunteer for 25 service hours, ten hours of which are dedicated to fundraising efforts. Families not meeting this obligation will be assessed $25.00 per hour totaling $625.00. The Home and School Association issues
a list of volunteer opportunities for service.
RAFFLE
Our Lady of Lourdes School requires its families to participate in its raffle. A packet of 10 tickets valued at $20 each is available for sale or purchase. Tickets may be turned in at the school office. Daily raffle prizes of $100 will be awarded. In addition, prizes of $300.00 will be awarded on November 4th and December 1st. Two grand prize drawings of $1,000 will take place on November 26th and December 19th. The seller of the winning ticket will receive 10% of the prize value.
