Curriculum Summary
The MCES teachers are fully licensed by the State of Michigan and participate in ongoing professional development. All faculty members are dedicated, caring, and committed to the ministry of Catholic education. Our fine Catholic school educators make a difference in the students’ lives by integrating learning and living a commitment of faith.
Religion
Students attending Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools receive 30-50 minutes of daily instruction in religion. The goals of this instruction are to develop a knowledge of and devotion to the Catholic Church, her beliefs, traditions, and rituals, as well as to develop a thoughtful, committed Christian child. Parent support of the religious growth of his/her child is vital to the success of the program and is expected. Through consistent teaching, students come to know and understand scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church; experience a nurturing and loving Christian community; learn to serve and reach out to others in efforts toward peace and justice; and come together in prayer and worship.
Catholic beliefs and values are integrated in all aspects of the MCES educational program. Liturgical music practice, devotions, and prayer services are scheduled for all grades. Prayers (formal and informal) are said throughout the day. All grade levels incorporate service learning and experiences as part of the curriculum to foster in our children a sense of Christian responsibility and social justice. Families are always invited to attend our weekly school liturgies and prayer services at all three campuses.
Preschool
Preschool is a time of significant growth and exploration. The curriculum utilized in the Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools addresses the following key areas:
· Faith development.
The love of Jesus and the story of his life and family are taught. Faith concepts are developed through the liturgical seasons of the Church. Students learn and practice prayers.
· Pre-reading and readiness skills.
Students learn colors, shapes, counting, patterns, the alphabet and letter sounds through multi-media instruction. Students learn to take turns, listen and share. The environment is stimulating and interesting with varied repetition and exposure to readiness concepts.
· Fine and gross motor skill development and practice. Students have an array of opportunities to utilize, explore and develop their fine and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are developed using coloring, cutting, art activities and writing projects. Instruments and materials used reflect the learning and skill level of the child. Through creative play and formal instruction preschoolers gain skill in running, jumping, skipping, ball-handling and eye-hand coordination.
· Language skill development. Many of the preschool experiences are intensely language enriched. Students are exposed to new vocabulary and experiences through books, instruction, speakers, field trips, technology, taking turns and show and tell. Creative fun and play will assist students in socialization skills.
· Art, technology and music exploration. Each of these areas is explored to build skills and retain the interest of the preschool student. Art projects provide students an opportunity to practice their emerging skills. Technology enables our students to access tools to express themselves and extends their skill level. Music enriches the learning process with practice in listening, rhyming, patterns, and song.
Elementary (K – 6)
MCES students receive grade appropriate instruction in the areas of Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In addition to these core content areas, students receive instruction in Physical Education (K – 5), Visual Arts (K – 5), general music (1 – 4), instrumental music and technology (K – 5).
Academic Services (K – 8)
MCES are committed to providing educational services to all students; speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, remedial math and remedial reading are services provided to qualifying students. An accommodation plan is determined by academic services personnel, classroom teachers, along with parents. Academic services personnel work with teachers to ensure that these accommodations are carried out.
Middle School (6 – 8)
The students of St. Mary Middle School, grades 6 – 8, experience a schedule and curriculum designed to meet the intellectual and emotional needs of early adolescents. The middle school will academically challenge students in math, social studies, language arts, science and foreign language. While nurturing emotional and creative development through fine arts and physical education programs; character education and guidance curriculum, technology courses and religion.
The MCES teachers are fully licensed by the State of Michigan and participate in ongoing professional development. All faculty members are dedicated, caring, and committed to the ministry of Catholic education. Our fine Catholic school educators make a difference in the students’ lives by integrating learning and living a commitment of faith.
Religion
Students attending Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools receive 30-50 minutes of daily instruction in religion. The goals of this instruction are to develop a knowledge of and devotion to the Catholic Church, her beliefs, traditions, and rituals, as well as to develop a thoughtful, committed Christian child. Parent support of the religious growth of his/her child is vital to the success of the program and is expected. Through consistent teaching, students come to know and understand scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church; experience a nurturing and loving Christian community; learn to serve and reach out to others in efforts toward peace and justice; and come together in prayer and worship.
Catholic beliefs and values are integrated in all aspects of the MCES educational program. Liturgical music practice, devotions, and prayer services are scheduled for all grades. Prayers (formal and informal) are said throughout the day. All grade levels incorporate service learning and experiences as part of the curriculum to foster in our children a sense of Christian responsibility and social justice. Families are always invited to attend our weekly school liturgies and prayer services at all three campuses.
Preschool
Preschool is a time of significant growth and exploration. The curriculum utilized in the Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools addresses the following key areas:
· Faith development.
The love of Jesus and the story of his life and family are taught. Faith concepts are developed through the liturgical seasons of the Church. Students learn and practice prayers.
· Pre-reading and readiness skills.
Students learn colors, shapes, counting, patterns, the alphabet and letter sounds through multi-media instruction. Students learn to take turns, listen and share. The environment is stimulating and interesting with varied repetition and exposure to readiness concepts.
· Fine and gross motor skill development and practice. Students have an array of opportunities to utilize, explore and develop their fine and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are developed using coloring, cutting, art activities and writing projects. Instruments and materials used reflect the learning and skill level of the child. Through creative play and formal instruction preschoolers gain skill in running, jumping, skipping, ball-handling and eye-hand coordination.
· Language skill development. Many of the preschool experiences are intensely language enriched. Students are exposed to new vocabulary and experiences through books, instruction, speakers, field trips, technology, taking turns and show and tell. Creative fun and play will assist students in socialization skills.
· Art, technology and music exploration. Each of these areas is explored to build skills and retain the interest of the preschool student. Art projects provide students an opportunity to practice their emerging skills. Technology enables our students to access tools to express themselves and extends their skill level. Music enriches the learning process with practice in listening, rhyming, patterns, and song.
Elementary (K – 6)
MCES students receive grade appropriate instruction in the areas of Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In addition to these core content areas, students receive instruction in Physical Education (K – 5), Visual Arts (K – 5), general music (1 – 4), instrumental music and technology (K – 5).
Academic Services (K – 8)
MCES are committed to providing educational services to all students; speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, remedial math and remedial reading are services provided to qualifying students. An accommodation plan is determined by academic services personnel, classroom teachers, along with parents. Academic services personnel work with teachers to ensure that these accommodations are carried out.
Middle School (6 – 8)
The students of St. Mary Middle School, grades 6 – 8, experience a schedule and curriculum designed to meet the intellectual and emotional needs of early adolescents. The middle school will academically challenge students in math, social studies, language arts, science and foreign language. While nurturing emotional and creative development through fine arts and physical education programs; character education and guidance curriculum, technology courses and religion.
