Our School-Wide Learning Expectations

A St. John student is a student inspired by Christ who:

  1. Develops an understanding and reverence for the Christian faith and church teachings.
  2. Lives the Gospel message, participates in prayer and liturgical opportunities, and exhibits moral values and integrity.
  3. Establishes a personal relationship with Jesus and follows His example.
  4. Practices forgiveness.
  5. Shows respect for self, others, God, church, authority figures, nature, and property.

A St. John student is an effective communicator who:

  1. Listens critically and compassionately to the ideas of others.
  2. Accepts constructive criticism.
  3. Utilizes both written and oral expression, provides examples of organization, proper grammar mechanics and form.
  4. Uses current technology to acquire and disseminate information.
  5. Speaks comfortably and with poise to a variety of audiences.

A St. John student is a life-long learner who:

  1. Can work both cooperatively and independently to achieve a positive outcome.
  2. Exhibits a continuing curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
  3. Uses problem solving and critical thinking skills to learn from practice and experience.
  4. Demonstrates age-appropriate mastery of basic curriculum, skills, and concepts.
  5. Uses technology for learning and enjoyment.
  6. Is aware of current events and global issues.

A St. John student is a socially aware students who:

  1. Respects the life and dignity of the human person and understands, appreciates, and is tolerant of the diversity of others.
  2. Takes responsibility for his or her actions.
  3. Actively participates in the life of the community through stewardship activities.
  4. Practices environmental awareness as caretakers of God’s Earth.
  5. Develops a moral responsibility towards social justice, human rights, and is capable of resolving conflicts peacefully.

A St. John student is a healthy, well-rounded individual who:

  1. Recognizes and utilizes his/her unique skills and talents in meaningful ways and appreciates and values the skills and talents of others.
  2. Pursues physical fitness and incorporates good health habits into an everyday routine
  3. Maintains a balance between school, social, and personal time.

 

WCEA/WASC Accreditation

St. John Catholic School is proud to announce that it has once again been granted a full 6 year accreditation and certification by The Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school community is honored to earn this special recognition.

WASC is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. The chief function of the accrediting commission for schools is support of ongoing improvement of the educational program in each of the schools it serves. Certification and accreditation is a means used by WASC and WCEA to foster excellence in elementary and secondary education. It encourages improvements through the process of self-study and evaluation and assures the school and its public that the school has clearly defined appropriate educational goals and objectives, has established conditions under which their achievement can be expected, and appears to be accomplishing these goals substantially.

St. John Catholic School received a certificate and a WASC flag that will be displayed in our halls. The WCEA/WASC certification/accreditation provide a form of recognition by an external agency which assures a school and its community that they are associated with an educational institution committed to quality and ongoing school improvement based on self-assessment and planning. This is truly a great honor.

Our report from the Visiting Committee identified and lauded a plethora of our schoolwide gifts:

The Pastor, Principal, faculty, staff, students and parents are to be commended for their energy, dedication, hard work and commitment to the development of a family environment at St. John’s… specifically, schoolwide areas of strength include the following:
  • strong Catholic identity with a vibrant prayer life
  • clear mission, philosophy, and Schoolwide Learning Expectations
  • visible and supportive Pastor
  • strong and dedicated staff
  • the school has developed a strategic plan for comprehensive institutional advancement
  • a challenging and well-rounded academic curricular program
  • qualified Resource Facilitator
  • SEP provides a service to working parents and adds extra-curricular opportunities
  • Student Council takes a leadership role in organizing activities and outreach programs
  • positive, supportive relationship among all stakeholders
  • school involvement in parish and community service projects
Report of the Visiting Committee, March 16-18, 2005

 

Curriculum

Curriculum includes the totality of learning experiences.  At St. John Catholic School, our children are presented with a rich curriculum including updated textbooks and material and instruction that adheres to the Diocesan guidelines, state and national standards.  Our curriculum is enhanced by technology, field trips, service learning, our wonderful library, and a wide array of instructional strategies and support.   

Language Arts

Language Arts provide sequential development in four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Phonics is a strong element in the integrated language approach in grades Pre-K-2. Storytelling, creative drama, and play reading provide added enrichment throughout the grades.   

Social Studies

Social Studies include the study of people and communities, today and in the past, in the United States and other countries. The study of the United States and its government includes the cultures and political roots of people who make up the "American Mosaic". This multi-cultural approach provides an understanding and deep appreciation of American ideals, heritage and way of life.  Social Studies includes literacy, geography, and critical thinking skills.   

Math

Math is a developmental and sequential program. The study of mathematics involves drill as well as conceptualization and problem solving. Children learn to measure, quantify, reason, explore and make sense of math in our world.  Algebra is infused throughout the grades and is formally taught in eighth grade.  

Science

Science includes the study of our earth, all life in it, the properties that govern existence and the scientific method.  Students learn how to think scientifically and investigate things.  Our faculty utilizes experimentation and hands-on, inquiry-based methods in addition to our current textbooks to engage students and create analytical thinkers.   

Religion

Religion is an essential element of the curriculum. It is the perspective from which other subjects are taught. It is experienced through many dimensions of the Catholic Faith including classroom instruction, prayer, Scripture study, liturgy, the Sacraments, community and service. 

Religious instruction will be an integral and continuing element of the educational experiences of students in all grades. 

Family Life/Christian Sexuality: the Oakland Diocesan Catholic elementary school program in human sexuality is an integral part of the educational program planned for each student. The integration of Catholic values in human sexuality occurs as appropriate throughout the entire curriculum. Maximizing the wholesome influences of the Catholic classroom requires an approach which integrates the Catholic value system and moral convictions throughout the curriculum.

Other

Music & Art provide enrichment and are fully incorporated within the curriculum. In addition, children may participate in the school choir and Musical Theater program. 

Physical Education encourages physical fitness, confidence, appreciation for team play and self-expression while children enjoy outdoor and indoor recreation. Classes offer the development of age- appropriate motor skills as well as skills needed for participation in team sports including basketball, track, and volleyball. Children may participate in Running Club or Fitness Club.   

Technology, in many forms, enhances the curriculum. Our technology coordinator partners with our classroom teachers and students to integrate technology to make learning and assessment engaging and meaningful.  Students advance personally and academically as they apply skills they learn to their projects and research. Students benefit from technology all over our school - in our updated lab (which is open to students during and after school), classroom LED projectors, digital camcorders, and an array of educational media and software.  Catholic Telemedia Services provides further resources and enrichment for students and teachers alike.   

The course of study at St. John Catholic School is sequential and developmentally appropriate. Students are guided through the specified and adaptations are made when necessary.  Please visit our school to learn more about our curriculum.