Elementary Curriculum

The strength of our academic programs is in our ability to meet the needs of all learners. We have rigorous expectations in instruction with a curriculum that addresses faith development in addition to our traditional academic curriculum. Our students receive instruction in the areas of religion, language arts, math, science and social studies. In addition to these main content areas, students receive instruction in physical education, visual arts, vocal and instrumental music and technology.

Religion

Reading

Our program emphasizes a structured literacy foundation of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students develop reading skills and strategies through a balanced literacy approach that emphasizes foundational skills of literacy. Students learn through whole group reading instruction as well as small and large group directed lessons where they work on fluency, reading skills, writing and spelling. Students read a variety of genres that include rhymes, fables, realistic fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, folk tales, poems, and short biographies.

VoWac
The Sonday System

VoWac

The Sonday System

Math

Science

Social Studies

Arts

Band

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools offer a comprehensive band program to students in grades 5-6. They are taught the fundamentals of instrumental playing, develop music reading skills, and learn how to blend as an ensemble. Individual lessons and ensemble group Instruction is provided during the school day by certified instrumental music educators. Our bands have multiple performances throughout the year, and students are eligible to participate in local solo and ensemble contest and to audition for state-wide honor bands.

Orchestra

The Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools orchestra program provides 4th-6th grade students a high quality musical experience where they will learn to listen and play as an ensemble. The program provides a solid base of musical skills and techniques while providing an opportunity for students to have fun making music with others. This is accomplished through weekly lessons, large group rehearsals, recitals and concerts. Students will learn musical notation as it applies to their instrument, become increasingly familiar with simple rhythms, key signatures, dynamic markings and much more.

Visual Art

The Visual Arts program at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools helps students gain a better understanding of themselves and those around them. Projects are designed to connect the principle of visual arts with other subject areas and extend what is learned in the classroom. Focus is given to the basic elements and principles of art, such as line, shape, color, form, and texture.

Vocal

The music program cultivates creativity, collaboration, and confidence in each student through hands-on, interactive classes that include singing, instrument-playing, movement, and expressive speech. The curriculum draws from our vast repertoire of traditional American folk songs, song-games, and dances. Lessons lead students through the exploration of the basic elements of music including rhythm, melody, harmony, form, timbre, and expressive qualities.

Technology

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools incorporates a blended approach in regards to the use of technology by utilizing innovative tools to enhance traditional methods of instruction. Technology is integrated into the classroom to teach 21st Century skills and to differentiate instruction for students. Technology is brought into the classroom through:

Interactive Boards
Chromebooks
iPads
Computer Labs
Digital Citizenship Lessons (The responsible use of technology)

Understanding a Standards-based Report Card (PS-2nd Grade)

What are Standards?

What is Standards-based Grading?

The standards-based report card is designed to show what a student knows and can do. The purpose of the report card is to give parents and students a clear description of a child’s academic progress and growth in relationship to the course of study so that teachers can provide intervention or enrichment strategies to help each child learn. The report card provides for an on-going dialogue between students, teachers and parents about what is expected of our students.

Because this method emphasizes growth, it truly honors the dignity of each student as a child of God.

Principles of Standard-based Reporting

The primary purpose of the report card is to communicate to the student and parent what a student knows and is able to do based on the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Curriculum.
The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning.
Grades are assigned by demonstrated mastery of essential standards through evidence demonstrated.
Learning is a process. Where students finish is more important than where students start or how long it takes them to get there.

How Progress is Reported

Progress will be reported using marks that indicate a child’s development towards achieving specific grade level standards of the grade level course of study.

Performance Descriptors

0 = Insufficient Evidence to measure at this time

1 = On Grade-Level

The student has consistently met the standard taught and assessed. This mark indicates the child has consistent grade-level performance. A student can earn a “1” at any time throughout the school year.

2 = Approaching Grade-Level

The student is making progress toward the grade-level standard when assessed. The student will continue to grow until they have mastered the standard.

3 = Below Grade-Level

The student has not demonstrated mastery of the grade-level standard. This is usually given to students who are at the beginning stages in learning a new concept or are working below grade level to master previous grade-level standards.

How are Behaviors and Work Habits Reported?

FAQ's

Why would my child receive a 0 or a blank?

Because of the vast number of standards, not all standards will be assessed each quarter. If your child has a 0 or a blank, it simply indicates that your child did not receive an assessment, or there was not enough data to accurately report progress on that standard for the grading period.

What if my child receives all 2’s, does this mean he/she is failing?

No. Standards-based report cards are not about failing and passing. The 2’s show that a child is working towards proficiency. Even top students can earn a 2.

How will I know if my child is “on target” ?

A 1 shows that a student has reached or mastered grade-level expectations on a specific standard and is achieving at the appropriate level of expectations for that grade at the time of the reporting period. The report card measures how well an individual child is doing in relation to the grade-level standards, not the work of other children.

How is this different from grades for students in grades 3-6?

Grades 3-6 use traditional report cards where the numerical grade earned is converted into a letter grade.

Landing Navigation

In This Section

Breadcrumb