The Mathematics curriculum is based on Archdiocese of Newark guidelines and New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. In the primary grades the following standards are taught: number sense and numerical operations; geometry and measurement; patterns and algebra; data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics; and mathematical processes. A new Math series with extensive online resources was obtained in the 2009-2010 school year for grades K-6. The vertical content alignment ensures students master concepts and sequence skills from grade to grade. Content and skills are introduced, reinforced, and assessed.

The strengths of the Mathematics curriculum include the use of technology and manipulatives to model skills and help students master abstract mathematical concepts. Mathematics is integrated across the curriculum as students are encouraged to apply mathematical reasoning and problem solving in all content areas, including special subjects. Cooperative learning and peer tutoring are also important components of the Mathematics curriculum.

The Math curriculum provides students with balanced in-depth content. On the elementary level, students learn Math concepts, skills, and problem solving within a proven Math Curriculum that provides a comprehensive scope and sequence. The curriculum targets skills that give students the most difficulty such as problem solving. Students learn Math facts, rules, and formulas and are able to apply this knowledge to real life situations. Emphasis is placed on fractions, decimals, measurement and statistics, algebra, data analysis, and probability.

The Math Program includes diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment to measure progress, as well as remediation and enrichment tools throughout the program. The Math Curriculum provides a comprehensive interactive program utilizing  Smart board technology.  Math online provides a wealth of resources convenient for students and parents. Online activities include self -check quizzes, personal tutors, and printable workbook pages. The textbook is also available as an eBook with links to online study tools and resources.

The Math curriculum provides students with a solid Math foundation and prepares them for transition to the next grade level. With a solid foundation, students at the junior high level are introduced to the higher level thinking, processing, and problem solving skills of Pre Algebra and Algebra.

The All Saints Catholic Academy Reading/Language Arts program meets both the Archdiocese of Newark Guidelines and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Developing effective communication skills in speaking, reading and writing are the ultimate objections of the program.

The Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs set the stage for success. At this level, students are provided opportunities for Phonemic Awareness in developing the skills necessary to communicate effectively.  Through listening activities the students learn to identify sounds spoken in words.  In Phonics students learn to recognize the relationship between the written letters and the spoken sounds. The students develop the ability to decode words, build a working vocabulary and use words to communicate effectively. Most importantly students learn to derive meaning and comprehend what they read. The final touches are added when the students hear and decode words creating their own written expressions and begin developing their writing skills.

The Macmillan Reading/Language Arts 2009 series that is currently used in Kindergarten through grade six builds on what the students learned previously. This new program is innovative.    It incorporates resources for Differential Instruction.  The text and leveled readers are both interesting and diverse.  The Literacy stations use a variety of cross-curricular activities where the students have the opportunity to share ideas and talents.  We have an excellent resource in technology with Smart Boards and computers with interactive software at our disposal in every classroom in grades one through eight.

The seventh and eighth grade Language Arts curriculum integrates the language arts skills into a program where students are immersed in rich literary texts, writing and grammar. During the study of literature, students develop an understanding of a variety of literary terms such as point of view, inference, context clues, characterization and foreshadowing.  Students learn to create summaries, identify main ideas and compare and contrast story elements with a plethora of literary genres including short stories, poetry, news articles and dramatic plays.  Every trimester, students are also assigned an independent novel study that includes the production of a written or oral report. In addition, students read and discuss full-length novels as a class. Critical thinking skills are consistently being reinforces during the course of study.  The writing aspect of the Language Arts curriculum focuses on the five stages of writing; prewriting, drafting, proofreading, and, finally, publishing. Correspondingly, the writing program is designed to encourage students to apply their knowledge and understanding of conventions and appropriate use of grammar.

It is our collective goal to prepare our students to communicate well in our 21^st century world.

The Science Program at All Saints Catholic Academy adheres to the Archdiocese of Newark Curriculum Guidelines and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards. The goal of the science program is to aid the students to move from concrete to abstract thinking through the use of hands-on manipulatives and gain solid decision making skills through the process of solving science experiments. Students are exploring a new way of thinking and investigating our world.

The students work with hands-on-tools that engage the students’ curiosity and encourage them to further explore the world around them. All classrooms in grades one through eight utilize Smart Board technology. Use of the Smart Board makes learning more innovative for students and also makes science lessons “come alive.”

The students in Kindergarten through Grade Six are equipped with the new 2010 Macmillan McGraw Hill Science Series, Science a Closer Look. Topics in Life, Earth, Space and Physical science are presented at each grade level. The curiosity of the students is engaged through a variety of whole class and small group activities. Each lesson is designed to introduce concepts and provides opportunities for the students to work together in investigating and communicating their ideas. In the younger grades, students are introduced to basic scientific inquiry skills and making predictions. These skills are developed throughout the years providing a practical understanding of deductive and inductive thinking skills and the process of the Scientific Method.

The Junior High level science covers ten areas including: the scientific processes, science and society, mathematical applications, the nature and process of technology, life science, physical science, earth science, astronomy/space and environmental studies. Hands on experiments and labs, Smart Board technology, textbooks and Science World Magazine are utilized while learning science.

The ultimate goal of science classes is to ensure that all students will develop problem solving, decision making, and inquiry skills.  These skills are developed by formulating usable questions and hypotheses, planning experiments, conducting systematic observations, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions and effectively communicating results. Each year, the students in grades five through eight become scientists by competing in the All Saints Catholic Academy Science Fair. Here students create scientific experiments which follow and adhere to the scientific method. The Science Fair provides an environment where students demonstrate their skills.

Students best learn science by actively participating in hands-on experiments and labs. These are the most powerful tools to educate young active minds. Students become aware of the world around them. Science is taught with an awareness of its connection to other subjects and the needs of society. Science is not merely a collection of facts and theories, but a process, a way of thinking about, investigating and caring for the world in which we live.

At All Saints Catholic Academy we are preparing the future leaders of our 21^st Century world who must be ready to be active, responsible, contributing members of society.

The Social Studies Curriculum is based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards as well as The Archdiocese of Newark Curriculum guidelines, which was recently updated.

The Social Studies Curriculum encourages the development of concepts and skills needed for an understanding of the many factors that have shaped our history such as economics, geography, society, religion, politics and culture. Students are taught to use Catholic moral principles to react to the global community, to appreciate diversity and to promote peace and justice.

In the primary grades, Pre-K to Grade 3, the Social Studies curriculum highlights Family, School and    Neighborhood Communities, as well as, Cultural Diversity in Our Communities, and Communities Across the United States and long ago. All of the primary grades are taught Map and Globe Skills and Environmental Awareness, which are built upon each year. Citizenship and Government are key to all levels, they help every child become an active, involved, and informed citizen. Hands-on activities and projects as well as interactive lessons and web sites on the Smart Board are also used to engage the students. The primary grade Social Studies curriculum provides a cross curriculum connection with Art, Music, Writing, Literature, Math, and Science.

The Social Studies curriculum in grade four encompasses all aspects of New Jersey and Regions of the United States are taught and examined. Supplementary materials such as a weekly newspaper on New Jersey are used throughout the year to enhance students’ learning. PowerPoint presentations and SmartBoard lessons help the material to come alive. United States government is introduced. The four Regions  of the United States and their diverse cultures are studied, map skills  are practiced and projects are assigned.

Fifth grade Social Studies covers European exploration, the founding of the United States and early American History. A variety of basic map skills are also covered throughout the year. Current events are covered through the use of Time for Kids.

Sixth grade Social Studies encompasses world cultures including those of Asia, the current day Middle East, and South America as well as North America.  Geography, culture, religious beliefs and social standing are all studied and examined. Map skills built upon the previous year are covered. Through the use of Time for Kids, current events on the national and world level are discussed and examined.

The Social Studies curriculum in grades seven and eight covers American History.  Seventh grade begins with a review of Early Explorers and ends with the Reconstruction period.  Eighth grade picks up with the Post- Reconstruction Era and ends with Post-World War II Era.   Aspects of Geography, Government, Political Science, Economics and Civics are taught throughout the program.  Current Events is a main focus in both grades.  Students become familiar with important issues through CNN Student News and frequent Current Events days. Catholic values such as respect and tolerance are infused into lessons. SmartBoard lessons enhance students’ learning. Students are assessed through written tests, essays, creative assignments, recitations and projects. Writing in Social Studies is of the utmost importance and is modeled regularly for students to develop their essay writing skills.

It is our goal at All Saints Catholic Academy to help mold our students into culturally aware, morally responsible individuals, conscious of the diversity in world around them. The life lessons they learn here are not only for today, but for a lifetime.

Our Early Childhood Religion program is designed to develop a foundation for Christian values.  They are introduced to appropriate Scripture stories which tell of God’s love; these stories are connected to their own lives.  Prayers are taught and praying is encouraged throughout the day.  The program helps the child lay a positive foundation for faith formation and to help the child develop a positive view of themselves and others.  This is continued through the Kindergarten program.  They are introduced to beginning faith vocabulary and provided a readiness for future Catechesis in the faith of the Catholic Church.  A balance is provided among doctrine, Scripture, and the liturgical year.  Our goal is for the child to understand what Christians believe and discover how to live out these beliefs.

Religion in Grades First through Sixth is taught in a spiral approach to learning our Catholic faith.  The four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer – are taught and developed on every grade level every year.  This ensures that the beliefs of our faith are introduced to our young people and reinforced as they grow, develop, and mature in their faith.

In our text, chapters are categorized according to Doctrine, Scripture, and the Liturgical seasons.  Each chapter opens and ends with Scripture and prayers.  Saints and other faith-filled people are highlighted for their (eventual) exemplary lives so that our students have models.  The students’ Catholic literacy is built through the explaining of important faith terms and concepts.  Each chapter identifies ways students can put their faith in action, and encourages them to do so.  Finally, parents can be invited to partner with their children on their faith journeys through the family pages which offer meaningful opportunities for making faith come alive at home.  Our teachers are active role models of our Catholic faith and teachings of Jesus.

In Grades 7 and 8, the students use five different books for a comprehensive approach to their maturing faith.  Mystery of God discusses Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition as the source of the faith of the Church.  The students examine the Creed as a statement of beliefs.  Morality: Life in Christ reminds the students that each person is created in God’s image.  The principles of Catholic morality and the social teachings of the Catholic Church help our young teens make their daily, important life choices.  Church and Sacraments unfolds the mystery of the Church as the students discover how believers take on the responsibility of continuing Jesus’ work on Earth.  As the sacraments are studied, teachers stress that they bind us together as a faith community.  Jesus in the New Testament explores the life and message of Jesus as explained in the Gospels, emphasizing the importance of praying and understanding the Scriptures.  Students are also introduced to the writings of St. Paul, other New Testament letters, and the book of Revelation.  Church History introduces the students to the major themes, events, and people that have helped build the Church.  Every Christian participates in the journey of faith that began with Jesus and the Apostles; we are all guided by the Holy Spirit.

One important feature of our Religion curriculum across all grade levels is the presence and participation of our supporting parish’s priests as not only visitors but also teachers to our students.  Preparation for the reception of the sacraments, living out the Gospels, and concrete ways to lead a moral, Catholic life are only a few of the topics covered by our priests in the classrooms.

The Physical Education program at All Saints Catholic Academic follows the Archdiocese of Newark Guidelines which are based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The program recognizes the need for students in our society to become physically active in an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Students in grades Pre K 3 through Grade 8 learn the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities and participate in weekly classes centered around physical activities. Students learn the benefits from involvement in physical activity through active participation in warm up exercises. They experience their own grow in stamina and find they are able to complete an increasing number of exercises within a designated amount of time.

The students also learn health promotion, health enhancing behaviors and disease prevention concepts while being encouraged to participate in extra curricular sports, games and clubs. The students also participate in national fitness programs such as the President’s Council on Physical fitness, the American Red Cross Jump Rope for Heart Campaign and the NFL Fuel up for 60  eat healthy and exercise program.

It is the hope that through the Physical Education Program at All Saints Catholic Academy students will learn movement concepts and skills that will encourage continued participation in physical activities throughout their lives and an appreciation of team spirit, healthy competition, a sense of cooperation and an appreciation of the gifts and talents of each person they meet.

The ASCA library is utilized by the students in grades pre-kindergarten through eight. The library is available for the students in grades five through eight each morning before the start of class. The students in grades kindergarten through four have scheduled library class each week, and they select books to borrow. The pre-kindergarten classes attend story-time in the library in small groups each week.

Computer Technology Curriculum

The computer technology curriculum provides instruction from pre-K to the 8th grade. The majority of instruction takes place in the school’s state-of-the-art computer lab, which is outfitted with 28 networked desktop computers running Windows 7. The computer education curriculum at all levels begins with instruction on how to use the basic and more advanced functions of the operating system, with a focus on academic policies, procedures, and safety.

At the pre-kindergarten level, students are taught the very basics of using a computer. Specifically, students at this level are taught the parts of a computer (screen, monitor, keyboard and mouse). Students practice navigating simple menus in a safe web browsing environment, with a strong focus on improving dexterity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination (such activities include using the keyboard to type one’s name or a sight word or manipulating the mouse to draw an on-screen picture). Students at this level also receive basic phonics and reading practice through the use of popular websites Starfall.com and OneMoreStory.com.

At the primary (K-2) level, students continue improving fine motor skills and dexterity, and learn how to navigate menus on a web browser and on a variety of educational websites. Some of the websites and software that is used at this level include Tux Paint, Starfall.com, OneMoreStory.com, ABCya.com, UEN.org/k-2interactives, and other websites that enhance whole class or individual instruction. Towards the end of the year, students in 2nd grade begin to explore Microsoft PowerPoint, and create short presentations that allow them to learn simple functions such as saving a file, typing text and formatting font size, colors and type, formatting background colors and designs for slides, selecting and formatting clip art and photos, and presenting a unique slideshow on the interactive whiteboard.

At the elementary (3-5) level, students begin to learn advanced web browsing and online research skills. Students at this level learn and practice the basics of Microsoft Office software PowerPoint and Word. More than simply creating basic slideshows, students practice key skills of summary and synthesis when asked to research a topic and present that information in a slideshow. Students work individually on some projects and collaboratively on others, allowing for wider learning possibilities. Some of the specific computer skills taught at this level include typing, formatting fonts, objects (photos, clip art, textboxes), copying & pasting objects, inserting transitions and animations, spell checking, and researching and citing online sources the proper way (for example, best practices of online academic research recommends students use keywords and accurate search engines as opposed to searching direct questions or overreliance on Wikipedia).

At the intermediate level (6-8), students learn how to use the advanced functions of Microsoft Office software Word, Excel and PowerPoint. In addition, students practice higher-order research skills and critical thinking, both individually and collaboratively. Internet research is a major focus of the curriculum, and students are taught the best practices of online research. Students at this level are required to complete at least 6 major projects throughout the school year and demonstrate a mastery of basic computer skills. A second major focus at this level is exploring the many academic tools available on the internet. (One of these tools, for example, is called Prezi, which is a new ‘zooming’ presentation editor). Students are asked to think critically about evolving technologies and engage in discussion of current events concerning technology and its complex, ever-changing role in society. While social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are prohibited in school, their impact and role in students’ lives are addressed. Students are taught how to be safe online and protect themselves and their identities as citizens of online communities. Cyber-bullying, copyright laws, net neutrality and careers in technology also are topics that are addressed in connected lessons throughout the school year. Above all, students at this level are prepared for future experiences in high school and beyond, and to become responsible users of computer technologies.

To discover a second language is to discover the world, and knowing Spanish will open doors around the world and will be a source of lifelong enrichment. Individuals who effectively communicate in more than one language, with an appropriate understanding of cultural context, are globally literate and more competitive to confront the global challenges in the 21st century. A world language is crucial for expanding career opportunities. A language will also aid in developing responsible citizens of the world community who will learn to accept, understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures. Thinking globally will help to promote world peace.

All Saints Catholic Academy’s mission is to prepare students to live in a global community with multiple opportunities to communicate with others in culturally appropriate ways. Introduction to World Language is a program that prepares all students to communicate successfully in Spanish that provides a variety of benefits and strengthens cognitive thinking skills. The curriculum criteria are designed, as much as possible, to meet the needs of students and is offered to them in as compelling a manner as possible. The World Language curriculum is designed to teach listening, speaking, writing, and culture with emphasis on communication, exposing students to the beauty and richness of Spanish and its civilizations. Students will also reinforce the concepts and themes taught in other subject areas by providing them with authentic, real life context to develop their language skills. Through interactions with others, students will acquire the ability to understand and to be understood in Spanish. To reach an acceptable level of language proficiency, children begin learning Spanish an early age (PK 3), because at this young age the child will have an easier time of learning and retaining the language. As students study Spanish, they will come to understand and appreciate the way of life, customs, values, and cultures of people from many different Spanish speaking countries. Introduction to World Language is a great and wonderful opportunity to enhance student learning and growth.