CURRICULUM
The curriculum is a Diocesan approved course of study.
It includes:
Religious Education
Mathematics
Reading/Literature
Science
Spelling
Computer Science
English/Grammar
Social Studies/History
Phonics
Library Science
Handwriting
Physical Education
Art
Music
Health
Advanced Math (grades 6-8)
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious instruction according to doctrine of the Catholic Church is given top
priority. Our students pray together throughout the school day. Daily classes
about the Catholic faith are taught using The Loyola Series and the Diocesan
document “Handing on the Faith”. Children attend weekly Mass together where
liturgies are often planned by specific classes. In the spring students in
grades 5-8 participate in a Diocesan Religious Assessment.
The Sacramental Program is conducted by the Director of Religious Education.
Preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion are included in the daily
religious education program. Parents are required to attend informational
meetings and students are expected to attend parish-wide activities in
preparation for the sacraments.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education (P.E.) is part of a well-rounded education. Grades are based
on attitude, participation, physical skills and written tests, homework and
dressing out. Students are not allowed to miss P.E. in order to make up other
class work. Special situations may be worked out among the Principal, teachers
and students involved. A student must have permission from the Principal to miss
P.E. for any reason other than a doctor’s excuse.
No child may be excused indefinitely from P.E. with a note from parents. Parent
notes for minor illness/injury will remain in effect for two days. A doctor’s
note is required for a more lengthy absence from P.E.
P.E. clothes are required for grades three and above. Uniforms consist of an
official St. John’s gray gym shirt and navy knit gym shorts. Sweatshirt and
sweatpants are an option for a winter P.E. uniform. Navy or white socks and
athletic shoes are required. Without the proper uniform, which includes athletic
shoes for K -2, students will not be allowed to participate and will lose points
from their grade.
FIELD TRIPS
Educational field trips enhance classroom learning and students are expected to
attend just like any other school day. Students are expected to demonstrate
appropriate behavior on field trips as well as in the classroom prior to the
trip. Students that choose to challenge rules during the course of a normal day
may be denied the privilege of attending a field trip. Students that lose the
privilege of attending a field trip or are not given permission by the parent
may be required to complete an alternative assignment.
Proper permission according the procedures outlined by the Diocese of Birmingham
is required for students as well as parent drivers. Drivers must go directly to
and from destination with no additional stops. Drivers must also attend the
Youth Protection for Adults (part one) training. Additional fees will be
collected as needed for field trips.
FIELD TRIP REMINDERS:
• Make sure each student is buckled securely.
• Student may not ride in the front seat (except the child of the driver).
• Please make sure you have enough gas for the trip.
• Follow all speed limits.
• Please refrain from smoking at all times during the field trip.
• Drivers are not to use cell phones while driving.
• Teachers should provide each driver with a set of written directions and the
school phone number.
• During the program, please refrain from talking so the students may hear the
speaker.
LIBRARY
Kindergarten and First Grade students are given a thirty-minute library period
on a designated day each week in which to check out books and learn library
skills. The remaining classes follow an Open Library plan allowing students to
check out books as often as needed. The teachers schedule research opportunities
as needed. Internet access is available through the library or computer lab.
Students must adhere to the Internet Use policy to maintain computer privileges.
All students in grades 4 and up are encouraged to obtain an AVL (Alabama Virtual
Library) card through the public library.
Students should re-check their book each week should they need it for a longer
period of time. Students with lost or damaged books will be assessed a fee
according to the circumstance. Library fees follow the same procedures as other
fees and must be settled before report cards and records are issued.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
An “extracurricular activity” has the following characteristics:
Students in grades 5-8 must maintain at least a “C” average in all classes to be
eligible for “extracurricular activities”. In addition, good conduct in school
is required to participate. Eligibility is determined at each quarterly report
card (4 times a year). Ineligible students will be re-checked every two weeks
from the official marking period.
There are school activities that occur in whole or in part after school hours.
These activities are an extension of the basic curriculum and do not involve a
significant amount of time (i.e. PTO meeting presentations). Students are
expected to attend these events with extracurricular rules not applying. The
principal will make the final determination whether or not an activity is
defined as “extracurricular”. If an activity is classified as “extracurricular”
then the eligibility rules apply.
GRADUATION
St. John the Baptist Catholic School provides an education that is both
intellectual and spiritual. This instruction is a foundation for future studies
and instills in the students an awareness that they are made in the image and
likeness of God. In addition, the students, particularly those graduating from
8th grade, are a reflection of the entire St. John’s parish community. We expect
diligence and goodness in all they undertake. Participation in the eighth grade
graduation ceremony is a privilege and indicates a successful completion of all
requirements. Therefore, the Principal reserves the right to deny the privilege
of participating in the ceremony and associated activities to those who do not
complete these requirements.