Curriculum – Core Subjects
St. Casimir Catholic School implements the Archdiocesan Course of Study—a rigorous academic program that is based on National Standards. Materials are kept current using a five year replacement cycle. Content and skills are organized and presented in a logical, sequential manner that develops spirally. Teachers are committed to Catholic education and to the success of the children in their care. They are the planners, organizers, and managers of the learning experiences for their students.
Religion
Fostering our Catholic Identity and developing our faith is central to all that we do at St. Casimir Catholic School and is at the heart of our curriculum. Along with regular classroom religious instruction, students are directed to model Christian behavior by learning to work cooperatively with one another and participate in the many spiritual and liturgical activities offered by our Faith Community, such as daily prayer, participation in and planning of a monthly school Mass, seasonal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, etc. The students are encouraged to put their faith into action through the available opportunities for service and outreach to others. Please note that the preparation for the Sacraments takes place at the individual parishes of which the students and their families are members.
Language Arts
Language Arts consists of reading/literature, English grammar, composition, spelling/vocabulary, and in the primary grades, phonics and penmanship. Language Arts is taught in a larger language block of time to allow the integration of those areas in an effective manner. This structure also facilitates the planning of interdisciplinary activities. When appropriate, students are organized into flexible instructional language groups to utilize the most effective teaching strategies. The schedule is developed in a manner that allows students to be placed at the appropriate instructional level. Language Arts field trips, and essay and poetry contests supplement regular language instruction.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a strong focus at St. Casimir Catholic School. Instruction centers on mastery of basic skills and the integration of problem-solving applications and techniques. Math is taught in longer hour-length blocks of time to allow sufficient time for mastery of material. All teachers have computers in the classroom and access to the computer lab for technology applications. School-wide morning math drills during homeroom reinforce basic skills and concepts.
Science
St. Casimir Catholic School offers a general science program from grades K-8, which strives to give students a solid understanding of the world in which we live. In addition to regular classroom instruction, each class is scheduled weekly science lab time to allow for more effective “hands-on” learning. Middle school students make use of the Internet component of our textbook series for tutorials, study-guides, and self-test. Our proximity to the Baltimore Harbor allows us to have a special focus on the Chesapeake Bay. We are proud to have earned the distinction of being named as a recipient of the 2004 and 2008 Maryland Green School Award. Our school participates in the Living Classrooms program and aquarium habitat studies. Frequent guest speakers who bring the real world into the classroom supplement regular classroom instruction. An annual Science Fair introduces middle school students to the scientific method of inquiry.
Social Studies
The social studies program at St. Casimir Catholic School is designed to give students the fundamentals necessary to prepare them for citizenship in today’s society. Key components include history, geography, citizenship, and social issues. Fourth grade includes an in-depth study of Maryland and extensive use of outreach materials from the Maryland Historical Society. Field trips, guest speakers, and outreach programs enhance the social studies curriculum.
Renzulli Enrichment Program for Middle School
Renzulli took the position that all students are gifted in some area, By exposing them to a variety of small group activities based on interest rather than grade level, students have an opportunity to take ownership of the learning process and allow their gifts to develop. Several activity choices are offered each trimester, and students sign up for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice. Weekly activity period classes include teacher and student directed learning activities with a final real-world project completed at the end. Recent Activity Period choices have included Home Economics, Drama, Heart-Health Physical Fitness, Chorus, Electronic & Board Games, Gardening, Rocketering, Chess, Juggling, Dance, Environmental Green School/Recycling, and other hands-on learning.
Homework
Homework is an important component of instruction at St. Casimir Catholic School. It provides essential reinforcement and processing time for material covered in school. It also provides parents with an opportunity to monitor their child’s learning in addition to what is seen on tests, quizzes, and projects. Finally, it promotes time management and a sense of responsibility, which are essential life skills.
2008 Test Scores