academic formation
At SJMV, we believe in fostering a culture for learning where students are actively engaged in the learning process.
Teachers develop learning progressions using the California state standards to provide students with a cohesive learning journey from TK-8th grade.
Religion
Daily lessons to foster students’ faith and understanding of the Catholic teachings. Lessons are thoughtfully designed to ensure all faith backgrounds are supported. Our Pastor prioritizes visiting campus to share in the learning of Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
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Standards follow grade level expectations appointed by the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops and adapted by the curriculum development committee of the Diocese of San Jose.
Lesson resources: Finding God Textbook from Loyola Press, Children’s Bibles, Prayers
Language Arts
Reading and writing lessons are designed following the California State Standards. Every unit integrates conventions of language, as well speaking and listening skills. Mastery of spelling, grammar, and vocabulary increases through the integration of these skills with reading and writing rather than in isolation.
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Lesson resources: Magnetic Foundations for TK-2 to support Phonics Skills. A variety of novels for every grade level are used to apply reading skills. Writing prompts to support the writing process through multiple genres such as narrative, opinion, and informational.
Adaptive software to support differentiated learning: Lexia
MATH
Math lessons are aligned with following the California Common Core State Standards. Every lesson provides students with multiple opportunities to master the daily objective, while also spiraling back to previous skills. Every lesson includes a fluency practice to keep computation skills strong.
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Lesson resources: Eureka Math
Adaptive software to support differentiated learning: St Math for lower elementary, Mathletics for upper elementary, Aleks for 5th-8th grade
Social Studies
Social Studies lessons are aligned with following the California State Standards. Lessons are designed to integrate the historical content to reading and writing skills. TK-2nd Grade standards focus on concepts of community and roles of citizens in their communities. Exploration of American Symbols and early exploration are also introduced. Third Grade transitions to a more local approach to government and early exploration. A deeper look at City Hall and the Ohlone Tribe is essential at this grade level. Fourth Grade focuses on California History. Students enjoy learning about the Missions and Gold Rush. Students revisit US history to further deepen their understanding of it in 5th and 8th grade. Sixth and 7th Grade takes students back to important Ancient Civilizations.
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Lesson resources: Elevate Textbooks and Practice Activities aligned to the standards
Technology to enhance learning: 4th-8th Grade: Google classroom (Word Documents, Excel, Powerpoints, Research Engines)
SCIENCE
Science lessons are aligned with following the Next Generation Science Standards. Lessons are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of a variety of science phenomena through hands-on learning and integrating stem. Students learn concepts of physical science, life science, and earth science. Starting in 6th grade students develop their literacy skills through science too.
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Lesson resources: Elevate Textbooks and Practice Activities aligned to the standards. Hands on labs and stem building challenges; Science Fair Projects presented at Art and Science Night
Technology to enhance learning: 4th-8th Grade: Google classroom (Word Documents, Excel, Powerpoints, Research Engines)
Art
Art lessons are creatively designed to support students with developing their perceptual skills, critical thinking, and ability to access their imagination. Students learn how to use a variety of art materials and specific art and design techniques.
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Student work is presented at our Spring Art and Science Night.
Music
Music lessons introduce students to the basics of music theory, composition, and history. Students also develop their instrumental and vocal performance skills.
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Lesson resources: McGraw-Hill’s Spotlight on Music, which uses music from around the world to teach music concepts and standards.
Choir Program available for students in 4th-8th Grade. They participate in the Annual Diocesan Choir Festival and sign at the school Masses.
Spanish
Spanish lessons utilize the same natural process in which the mother tongue was learned. Through engaging activities, the language is kept alive and active. Additional games, songs, poems, and riddles are integrated to joyfully reinforce the language application. Students first communicate in single words, progressing to very simple sentences, and finally complex sentences.
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Technology to enhance learning: 4th-8th Grade: Google classroom (Word Documents, Excel, Powerpoints, Research Engines)
Physical Education
PE lessons are designed to teach students successful ways of moving so they enjoy physical activity while learning that being physically fit and healthy is good for their physical, emotional and social well-being.
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Health and fitness concepts are introduced throughout each unit, focusing on individual health and fitness that will enhance performance of the specific movement or sport being taught.
Model for teaching sport skills and concepts include: Invasion Games: Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Lacrosse, Football and Handball; Net/Wall Games: Volleyball, Racket sports, Pickleball; Striking and Fielding Games: Softball, Cricket, Kickball, Baseball; Target Games: Bowling, Frisbee; Individual Pursuits: Tumbling, Dance, Fitness and Track
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