Saints John & Paul School is committed to academic excellence. Students are equipped with the necessary skills to realize their full potential by becoming self-motivated problem solvers and thus, lifelong learners.
The Kindergarten Program
Our Kindergarten Program is an exciting and dynamic introduction to elementary school. The students’ days are filled with learning in an environment that is positive, educational and fun. Our program is full day.
The curriculum includes Language Arts, Reading and Literature, Writing, Math, Social Studies and Religion. All areas of the curriculum are covered with thematic units which integrate learning and meaningful fun. The Kindergarteners attend weekly specials including Physical Education, Art and Art Enrichment, Music, Computer Class and Library.
The children look forward to an SJP Kindergarten tradition of “Star of the Week” where each child is assigned a week during which they can share their favorite stories and hobbies with the class. Parents are invited to make a visit to the class during this special week. Throughout the year the children celebrate learning through special days such as “Pajama Day” and “Beach Day.” In June, when the students graduate from the program they are fully prepared for the challenges of first grade.
Grades 1-4
The curriculum for these grades continues to place emphasis on developing reading, spelling, writing, and language arts skills. First and second graders are taught phonics and whole language, as well as: story mapping, learning to predict outcomes, and learning the main idea through inference and basic comprehension skills.
Students in grades one and two are taught lifelong math skills beginning with a hands-on approach in the early grades using blocks, money, graphing geometry and place value. Addition, subtraction, critical thinking, and word problems are also covered.
By grades three and four, the reading program becomes literature based with new vocabulary and comprehension skills taught with each story. Students are also taught the grammar of nouns, verbs, pronouns, adverbs and adjectives, as well as the process of writing a complete report. The writing process includes: brainstorming, taking notes, writing an outline, and editing before writing the final paper. Monthly book reports are assigned in both grades to help students practice and develop their writing skills.
Math in grades three and four includes more advanced work in addition and subtraction, as well as multiplication and division. The students learn to understand time, money, rounding money, and estimating dollars and cents. Fractions, decimals, and measuring are also covered.
Students in grades three and four are introduced to Science and Social Studies. Science subjects include: plant life, animals, nutrition, weather and healthy living. Earth Science and Physical Science are taught in the fourth grade. Field trips are used to enhance the children’s appreciation of the subjects they are studying.
In Social Studies, students study the 50 states and develop geography skills through an emphasis on community living. They also learn about early American history and the development and structure of the United States government.
All students in the first four grades, as well as the other classes at the school, receive daily religious instruction. Second graders in particular focus on coming to Jesus through the Sacraments as they prepare for their first Holy Communion. They also participate in an All Saints’ Day mass in November where they write a report about the Saint of their choice and dress up as that person for the mass. Third graders participate in the mass of the Epiphany by acting out the story of the three kings.
• Art & Art Enrichment: Starting in kindergarten the children are introduced to a variety of artists and their masterpieces through resource books, videos and copies of artists’ work. The childrens’ art lessons correspond to the artist they are learning about and current trends. • Computer Class: All grades attend weekly computer class in our recently completed state-of-the-art media center. • D.A.R.E.: Drug and alcohol awareness program taught by officers from the Mamaroneck Police Department. • Library: the newly expanded library is visited by students weekly for research and recreational reading. • Life Skills: special instruction by a social worker from the Mamaroneck counseling center for the 7th grade, emphasizing interpersonal skills, socially acceptable behavior, hygiene and relationships. • Math 9: Eighth graders are invited to participate in Math 9 Honors to further challenge their Math abilities. • Math Enrichment: This program supplements the NYS Core Curriculum by reinforcing and expanding upon math skills taught in the regular class. • Music: Our students in grades K through 5th enjoy weekly music lessons. These lessons include preparation for our annual Christmas Pageant and 5th grade play. • Story Time: Students in the lower grades get to enjoy a weekly story read to them by our Librarian • Supplemental Reading Program: Children in Kindergarten through grade four are offered this program based on teacher/parent recommendation and screening tests. • Teacher Aides: Kindergarten through grade 3 have teachers’ aides in each classroom.
Middle School (Grades 5 thru 8)
The Middle School Years at Sts. John & Paul are spent preparing our students for High School. The Middle School classes are separated departmentally. The students move from class to class for various subjects. The program emphasizes academics while helping the students to develop good study habits, personal responsibility and encourages leadership qualities. Our students are known for being well prepared, responsible young adults.
The Middle Schoolers participate in weekly specials including Physical Education, Art, Music (5th grade), Computers and Math Plus. Math Plus is taken in addition to their daily Math Class, to enhance our students Math skills. Our eighth graders are invited to participate in Math 9 Honors. Our students also enjoy hands-on experimentation in our Science Lab.
One of the most important goals of the program is to enable our students to make wise and intelligent decisions based on Christian values.
The class of 2007 and previous graduates were accepted into the region’s leading high schools, with many students admitted into honors programs. We have also had students attend Regis High School in New York City, whose admission is by invitation only based on high academic achievement.
Curriculum Enhancement
Saints John and Paul School offers a variety of programs designed to help strengthen the whole child. In addition, we continue to encourage respect for the changing needs of family and cultural diversity in our society.
• Field Trips: Our teachers plan class trips to enhance the learning experience for each student. These cross-curriculum trips have included: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters, Cathedral of Sts. John the Divine, The Botanical Gardens, Lincoln Center, Museum of Natural History, NY Historical Society, Holocaust Museum, and various Broadway plays. More extensive trips to Philadelphia, Boston and Nature’s Classroom are also offered.