The Pre-Kindergarten class at St. Peter Claver is a full day program for four year olds characterized by readiness activities to encourage a life-long love of learning in a Catholic Christian environment. Recognizing that children grow in predictable stages, the Pre-K program treats each child as an individual, working from the level attained this far, allowing children to experience their own stages of development and helping them to feel success without pressure. A structured reading and math readiness program, activities to develop motor coordination, dramatic play, art and music are daily activities at this level so that intellectual, physical and social skill are enriched in the development of the total child.
The Kindergarten class at St. Peter Claver is a full day program for five year olds. The program provides a balance between academic, social and developmental needs.
Language Arts includes the exploration of the fundamentals by reviewing the letters of the alphabet and stressing phonemic awareness. A focus is placed on the initial and final consonant sounds as well as the long and short vowel sounds in words. The students are taught the basic word families, high frequency words, and are introduced to reading and sentence writing skills.
Math is an essential part of the curriculum where the students study sorting, patterns, number recognition, money, measurement and time as well as addition and subtraction skills.
Handwriting skills, along with spelling and oral communication are emphasized within the Kindergarten curriculum.
Religion is taught and lived throughout each day at SPC. In Kindergarten, the students learn about Gods creation and His love for all of us. The students are taught that they are not only members of their immediate family but also the family of God, the Church. Prayers are learned and said daily in Kindergarten.
Technology skills are used daily in the classroom and at scheduled times in the Computer Lab and Media Center.
Science and Social Studies are also taught throughout the year in Kindergarten.
Special events such as The Teddy Bear Picnic, Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Day, The Scholastic International Reading Day, The 100th Day of School, Read Across America (Dr. Seuss Birthday), Alleluia Celebration, are all celebrated and enjoyed by the students.
The First Grade is an exciting milestone for every child. Students begin to learn responsibility through class assignments and appropriate homework.
Language Arts places the focus on the vowels and consonants, sentence structure, writing paragraph summaries, spelling, handwriting, phonics and daily reading.
Math includes the study of addition and subtraction, multiplication, fractions, graphs, money and time as part of the daily curriculum.
Science includes the study of magnetism, plants, insects and nature.
Social Studies classes focus on communities, map skills, Black history and American history using written and oral projects.
The Second grade is a special year as the children learn about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Preparations for First Holy Communion are done in this grade that brings them closer to Christ.
Language Arts focuses on the study of sentence structure, parts of speech, correct paragraph form, verb usage, spelling and vocabulary, punctuation, letter writing, story writing, capitalization, basic grammar, and dictionary skills.
Reading is a very important part of the curriculum as well, the study of literature, critical thinking, comparison and analogy, and scooping sentences are all included.
Math focuses on addition and subtraction of 4-digit numerals, multiplication, fractions and division. Geometric shapes, measurements, weather, weights and measures, data, graphing and probability, money and time are all included in the study of mathematics.
Science includes the study of mass, liquids, solids, the human body, nutrition and health, energy and motion, machinery, changes of time, and interaction of living things.
Social Studies curriculum includes the study of the United States, colonial times, Black history, historic firsts and geography are all a part of the Social Studies curriculum.
The Third Grade curriculum provides more challenge. Students learn to be responsible for the quality of their work and become more accountable for their choices and behavior.
Language Arts covers letter writing, prefix and suffix, contractions, writing skills, comprehensive, sentence structure, drawing conclusion, prediction, poetry, critical thinking, chronological order, fiction fairy tales, homophones, dialogues, usage of the encyclopedia, Black American facts and artifacts, and reading.
Math includes addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, decimals, estimating, the grid, word problem solving, planes and solid figures, money, number concepts, whole numbers, round-off numbers, bar graphs, measurements and metric units.
Science begins the study of life cycles, animals and plants, matter, energy, change, focus, motion, machine, air and natural resources. The study of water, land and living organisms are also included throughout the year.
Social Studies is the study of maps and globes, charts and graphs, visual views, vocabulary usage, research skills, communities, economics, literature, government, cultures, customs and traditions, citizenship, time lines and atlas.
The Fourth Grade continues to use solid learning skills and the students learn their role in his or her own academic success.
Language Arts places the focus on comprehension skills/strategies, decoding longer words, spelling, vocabulary skills, grammar usage and mechanics, writing skills and reading skills.
Math includes the mastery of addition and subtraction of whole numbers, review of multiplication and division facts, the ability to understand numbers and place value through hundred thousands, compare, order, and estimate numbers, find elapsed time, collect, record, organize, and represent data, understand probability of simple events, analyze geometric figures, compare, order, add, and subtract fractions/decimals, measure using customary metric units.
Science students will learn about properties of matter, classifying lining things, magnetism and electricity, weather and climate.
Social Studies uses the study of states and regions. Each student will be a delegate from a particular state and will do various projects throughout the year.
Fifth Grade students enter into an academically challenging program whose mission is to prepare them with confidence and success for the Middle School.
Language Arts curriculum includes grammar, sentence structure and personal narrative. Reading focuses on fact and opinion, critical thinking skills, drawing conclusions and Venn diagramming.
Math includes the review of addition and subtraction, perimeter, angles and area geometry, fractions equivalency, comparing and ordering, decimals, circle graphs and bar graphs, and simple algebra.
Science studies oceanography, solar system, light and sound, and will conduct experiments in the science lab.
Social Studies uses the study of the Panama Canal, communism, U.S. and Canada regions, political maps, major platforms, population, and distribution among counties.
The sixth through eighth grades are organized using the Middle School concept, with an interdisciplinary team of teachers who work together to help develop the whole child. The middle school concept allows for flexiablity of scheduling of classes and provides a bride between elementary and high school. The team provides structure to support a plan which delivers a rigorous curriculum that balances academic and social factors. Parent participation is a integral part of the middle school concept.
Six core subjects are included in the curriculum; religion, math, language arts, reading, science and social studies. Students are also offered a variety of opportunities in the areas of Spanish, physical education, music, art, health, library skills and computer literacy.
Social Studies
The Social Studies curriculum prepares students to be productive citizens of the United States and Georgia while educating them about the global community in which they live. The foundation of this understanding is the awareness and application of the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
The curriculum is organized around the themes of Historical Understanding, Citizenship, Geography, and Economics. The curriculum is written to address both the foundational content knowledge students need and the skills necessary to mature as a learner in the 21st Century.
Sixth grade
The sixth grade curriculum includes Ancient History in the Eastern Hemisphere with concentration in early human communities, Mesopotamia and Egypt, China, India, Greece, Byzantium and Islam, Europe in the Middle Ages, History dkills, citizenship and Geography skills.
Seventh grade
The seventh grade curriculum is United States History prior to 1860, including Georgia History. Areas of study will include Pre-Historic Native Cultures, European Exploration and contact, colonization and Colonial America, foundations of the new nation, early republic (1789-1820s), Era of Expansion (1824-1860), Geography, citizenship and history skills.
Eighth grade
The eighth grade curriculum includes United States History including Georgia history, after 1860. Areas of study for eighth will include the Civil War, The American West 1860-1900, Gilded Age 1877-1900, Turn of the Century (1890-1917), Roaring Twenties, Great Depression and the New Deal, Post World War II United States and Georgia, civics, culture, map and Geography skills.
Science
The science curriculum provides students with the essential scientific knowledge they need to comprehend the basic underpinnings of science theory and fact and to be able to apply the scientific process in scientific inquiry. the expectation that students will gain an understanding and appreciation of life as Gods creation and how we can be better stewards of life and the world in which we live.
The Sixth grade curriculum focuses on Earth Science with special attention given to Scientific Inquiry, Environmental Science, composition and structure of the universe (space), features of the Earth and its processes, weather and the atmosphere, and Hydrosphere.
The seventh grade curriculum is Life Science including Scientific Inquiry, Environmental Science, cell structure, Genetics, diversity of life, characteristics of Invertebrates, organization of body systems, and evolution.
The eighth curriculum focus is Physical science with attention given to scientific inquiry, Environmental Science, structure of matter, principles of force and motion, and kinds of energy.
Math
The goal of the middle school mathematics program is to provide all students with a strong foundation in mathematics according to their academic abilities, needs and motivation. The middle school mathematics department recognizes the importance of mathematical computation at all levels. Students in the middle school are placed in an appropriate level of instruction according to Archdiocesan standards to ensure that students are both challenged and successful.
The 6th grade mathematics course is designed to integrate the students proficient elementary mathematical skills with the middle level of challenging concepts which will create the foundation for their algebraic experience. This course assists students to use mathematics in the world around them as well as connect mathematics to their other courses of study. Students are provided opportunities to explore, problem solve, create mathematical models and work cooperatively with a partner or group.
The 7th grade Pre-Algebra curriculum is designed to bridge from the concrete, number-oriented mathematics in elementary school to symbol-centered algebra and geometry in high school. This course provides experience that will prepare them for success in algebra and geometry.
The 8th grade Algebra curriculum is designed to build upon the students prior experience with problem solving and reasoning in order to promote mathematical communication skills and analyzing techniques. Students learn how to use their understanding of mathematical/algebraic expressions and equations to read, solve and express their own mathematical thoughts.
In addition to daily classroom instruction and practice, all middle school students engage in integrating technology into the mathematics curriculum through the use of graphic calculators and the use of student lap tops. Nightly homework, section quizzes, end of chapter tests and cumulative finals aid the assessment of the students ability to use mathematics proficiently.
Religion
Religion is the cornerstone subject for this Catholic School, and the center of the schools learning activities. Religion is approached as a holistic way of learning to live, challenged by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We examine the Old Testament Promises, pray the Psalms; study the life, ministry and mission of Jesus Christ; the beginnings of the Catholic Church; and how faith is played out in the life of people today.
Grade 6
In 6th Grade the class reflects on how God has worked in their lives, and follow the Old Testament stories of Gods faithfulness to a people He has chosen. We read and discuss the trials, joys, and sorrows as these people learn to rely on an all powerful God. Students explore the church seasons, and days, actively participate in the celebration of the liturgy and special days of the church; through activities and learning the history behind the feasts.
Grade 7
In 7th Grade the class is required to carefully scrutinize the life, times, cultural context, mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. Students analyze the Lords Prayer the Beatitudes, and the Mission of Jesus life on earth. Todays society is paralleled times in which Jesus lived; explain the challenges to live the commandments Jesus gave within our 21st century society. Self-critique on what has to be done so that each of us will gain eternal life.
Grade 8
8th Grade focus on the challenges of the mission Jesus left for His Disciples; what happened immediately after Jesus resurrection and the humble beginnings of the Catholic Church. The study of the Catholic Church includes the milestones, Rome as the seat of power, the early and middle church, as well as, the role of Vatican II for our faith today. Students also research religions that existed in the world in ancient times and modern times.
Language Arts & Reading
Sixth Grade
Sixth grade Language Arts program follows the curriculum of the Archdiocese and includes the areas of grammar, vocabulary development, and spelling. Sixth grade students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language. In English grammar and writing, students use the writing process, from pre-writing to publishing, to create and develop formal and informal pieces of writing.
Seventh Grade
Students in seventh grade follow a course of study which includes reading, writing, grammar, public speaking, and developing vocabulary. Literature covers the short story, drama, selected novels, non-fiction, and poetry. Seventh graders will also continue writing both formal and informal pieces.
Eighth Grade
Eighth graders continue to study grammar and usage including diagramming, the writing process, essays and short pieces of prose. Vocabulary study emphasizes usage and context of new words. Included as a major component of the eighth curriculum is the writing process with students writing narrative, expository, persuasive and literary papers.
Spanish
Students in Pre-kindergarten to eighth grade will develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of the Spanish language. An appreciation and understanding of Spanish-speaking people through the study of culture and civilization will be researched and developed.
Dramatizations, field trips, videos, literary selections, music, songs, games, current events, interviews with native speakers, and technology assignments related with Hispanic culture are some of the many activities incorporated into the Foreign Language curriculum.
Physical Education
Enhancing the motor skills and provide students with knowledge, skills, capacities, values, and the enthusiasm to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood are the cornerstones of the Physical Education program.
Students participate in team building activities to help them learn how to work together. Field Day is the ending activity that demonstrates how all the skills have come together.
Participation Jump Rope /Hoops for Heart by the American Heart Association engages all students in jumping rope or basketball drills while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research. This is takes place in the middle of the school year.
Art
At SPC, we believe that every childs life is enriched through a whole experience with art in which all subject areas are taught through visual expression. In connection with the Archdiocese of Atlanta, we also believe that the visual arts serve as a means of growth in the Catholic faith. Every child should have the opportunity to express his or her own ideas to their best creative ability. Developing a childs creative ability to its highest is facilitated through an exploration and study of the arts in relation to all areas of learning, including art history, current art movements, art careers, literary arts, and the beauty of Gods creation.
Music
Music at St. Peter Claver is a discovery of ones own ability to express oneself musically. Students raise their voices in praise of God as well as for their own enjoyment. Whether playing instruments, dancing or just keeping rhythm, students express their individuality in music class. An important part of music class is gaining an appreciation for many different types of music throughout the ages and around the world.
Media Center
The media center environment supports the community of St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School. In addition to checking out books and magazines from the library, our students use reference sources, which include on-line computer resources, to research projects. Presently, we have the OPAC library catalog, Grolier Online, World Book Online, ZIP ZAP MAP and word processing software. Classes regularly participate in structured library lessons, which include a variety of literature, research and reading lessons.
The media program also promotes literature through a variety of ongoing programs: Calico Cat and Independent Readers Genre award programs, Teen Read Week, Book Fairs, Middle School Genre Reading Program, Read Across America, TV TURN OFF WEEK, Battle of the Books competition, and Summer Reading programs with the public libraries. We support monthly national programs like Black History Month, Library Lovers Month, National Poetry Month and Get Caught Reading Month. We sponsor a middle school Media Club that promotes media services to our community.
Overdue books incur a fee of five cents per day per book. The replacement cost for a book damaged or lost is $20.00. The number of books loaned is at the discretion of the Media Specialist. Over due notices listing the books that are due with the associated fines will be sent home periodically.
Guidance Counselor
The guidance department offers a wide variety of programs designed to enrich the lives of students and families of the school. The counselor is committed to providing support for the personal, academic, social, emotional and spiritual development of each student.
Counseling Services provided include :
-Individual and small group counseling
-Referrals for educational evaluation
-Parent and teacher consultation
-Interpretation of assessment results
The School Counselor works with all students to create a school climate conducive to confident learning.
St. Peter Claver participates in the Power over Prejudice Summit under the direction of the counselor. An increased awareness of issues such as prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping and diversity is gained. The counselor also organizes the Annual Career Day for students in grades 4-8.
In cooperation with local vendors and volunteers, St. Peter Claver offers the following extracurricular after school activities. Extra fees may apply for these co-curricular activities.
Band
Dance
Taekwondo
Basketball
Baby Jags Basketball
Track
Junior Knights of Peter Claver
Tutoring
