Father Kolbe School

Curriculum Core Subjects…

Father Kolbe School implements the Elementary Course of Study as prescribed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Content and skills are organized and presented in a logical, sequential manner that develops spirally. Teachers are committed to Catholic education and to the success of the children in their care. They are the planners, organizers, and managers of the learning experiences for their students.

Every effort is made to provide an academic experience that meets the needs of our students. An accelerated program in Reading and Math is available to students who meet the criteria. The Renzulli Enrichment Program is provided to all middle school students.

Religion
Developing our faith is central to the curriculum at Father Kolbe School, in partnership with St. Casimir’s Faith Community. Students model Christian behavior by learning to work cooperatively with one another. Regular classroom religious instruction is supplemented by a myriad of other activities including daily prayer, seasonal liturgical celebrations, Reconciliation services, and planning of and participation in monthly school Masses. Special opportunities for liturgical celebrations and immediate sacramental preparation for children of the parish are provided by St. Casimir’s Parish. Regular outreach opportunities allow students to put their faith into practice.

Language Arts
Language Arts consists of reading/literature, English grammar, composition, spelling/vocabulary, and in the primary grades, phonics and penmanship. Language Arts is taught in a larger language block of time to allow the integration of those areas in an effective manner. This structure also facilitates the planning of interdisciplinary activities. When appropriate, students are organized into flexible instructional language groups to utilize the most effective teaching strategies. The schedule is developed in a manner that allows students to be placed at the appropriate instructional level. Language Arts field trips, and essay and poetry contests supplement regular language instruction. New English materials were purchased for the 2002-2003 school year, and Reading was updated for the 2004-2005 School year.

Mathematics
Mathematics is a strong focus at Father Kolbe School. Instruction centers on mastery of basic skills and the integration of problem-solving applications and techniques. Math is taught in longer hour-length blocks of time to allow sufficient time for mastery of material. All teachers have computers in the classroom and access to the computer lab for technology applications. Students from grades 3-8 enjoy participating in our annual Math Mania competetion, and middle school students participate in math competitions held at local high schools. School-wide morning math drills during homeroom reinforce basic skills and concepts. New mathematics materials were purchased for the 2001-2002 school year.

Science
Father Kolbe School offers a general science program from grades K-8, which strives to give students a solid understanding of the world in which we live. In addition to regular classroom instruction, each class is scheduled weekly science lab time to allow for more effective "hands-on" learning. New science materials were purchased for the 2002-2003 school year. Middle school students make use of the Internet component of that series for tutorials, study-guides, and self-tests. Our proximity to the Canton Waterfront allows us to have a special focus on the Chesapeake Bay. Our school is a Partner School with the Chesapeake Bay Schooner Encounter as well as an annual participant in the Living Classrooms program, and aquarium habitat studies. Frequent guest speakers who bring the real world into the classroom supplement regular classroom instruction. An annual Science Fair introduces middle school students to the scientific method of inquiry.

Social Studies
The social studies program at Father Kolbe School is designed to give students the fundamentals necessary to prepare them for citizenship in today's society. Key components include history, geography, citizenship, and social issues. Fourth grade includes an in-depth study of Maryland and extensive use of outreach materials from the Maryland Historical Society. Field trips, guest speakers, and outreach programs enhance the social studies curriculum. New Social Studies materials were adopted for the 2003-2004 school year, and new maps, globes, and hands-on geography programs were purchased for 2005-2006.

Homework
Homework is an important component of instruction at Father Kolbe School. It provides essential reinforcement and processing time for material covered in school. It also parents with an opportunity to monitor their child’s learning in addition to what is seen on tests, quizzes, and projects. Finally, it promotes time management and a sense of responsibility, which are essential life skills.

Curriculum Special Area Subjects

Computer

Technology education is a focus at Father Kolbe School. Weekly computer instruction is offered to all students in our fully networked computer lab. The program is designed to provide students with the technical skill necessary to utilize technology in their other studies. Skill instruction is often done within the context of the content areas. The lab is available to teachers for class use to supplement regular classroom instruction with Microsoft Office applications and Internet curriculum connections.

In addition, Father Kolbe received a $51,800 grant from the Knott foundation to fund the addition of two mobile computer labs of 24 laptops each with projectors and printers on each cart. These mobile labs will triple our capacity for integrating Internet-based resources into our curriculum, and support the faculty in their on-going staff development efforts to integrate technology in service of curriculum.

Art

Weekly art instruction is provided to all students in our well-equipped art lab. Projects and activities are age and developmentally appropriate. Students are often involved in community endeavors, and art is displayed in neighborhood settings such as the Canton branch of the Pratt Library or Fells Point Gallery. An annual Art Fair showcases student work within the school. The art program supports the content instructional programs with interdisciplinary activities.

Music

Weekly music instruction is offered to all Father Kolbe students. In primary grades emphasis is placed on rhythm, movement, and song. Instruction for older students includes music notation and history as well. Chorus is offered to students beginning in grade 3. In addition, a pull-out instrumental band program is offered to students from grades 4-8 for a fee. Special school-wide music programs incude Caroling on O'Donnell Square and our Christmas program.

Physical Education

Students from pre-K to grade eight enjoy weekly physical education classes. Instruction focuses on skill development, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. An after school athletic program of sports is offered in soccer, basketball, track & field, softball, and baseball depending on the interest and participation of students. A Field Day and picnic is held each spring at nearby Merritt Point Park.

Library

Weekly library skills classes are scheduled for all students from Pre-K to grade five, and the library is available to middle school classes for content area research. Students learn appropriate library, study, and research skills. All students have the opportunity to check out library books. Classes also take advantage of the nearby Canton branch of the Pratt Library as well.

Spanish

Spanish is offered weekly to all students from Pre-K to grade 8. This conversational program offers students an exposure to both the language and culture of this growing segment of our society.

Enrichment

The Renzulli Enrichment Model, based on the premise that all children are gifted in some area if properly exposed, is offered in our Middle School. This weekly program for all middle school students offers students in smaller groups the opportunity to choose an activity of special interest to them from those offered, investigate it, and produce a final product appopriate to the activity. This cross-graded program is based on interest the interest of the students.