| We are pleased to offer a challenging and well-balanced academic program at Saint Joseph Elementary School. Our curriculum features a comprehensive program following both the curriculum standards of the State of Massachusetts and the Archdiocese of Boston. From the earliest grades, students are engaged in a balanced academic program, emphasizing both a structured approach to education and a creative and engaging style of teaching and learning. Attention is given to all different learning styles of the students. While close attention is given to the "basics" in education, students are also taught to have an appreciation for the fine arts and an understanding of technology as a tool for enhanced learning. Classes in Kindergarten through grade 4 are self-contained, that is to say, all "major" subject areas are taught by the homeroom teacher. In grade 5, students begin to change classes (and teachers) for three major subject areas: Social Studies, English and Science. Kindergarten and grade 1 class size cap at 20 students (with a teacher’s aide in Kindergarten). All others grades cap at 25 students per class. Over the past three years, our staff has received extensive Professional Development which has resulted in a newly designed, tightly coupled curriculum, specifically in the areas of Math, Science and Language Arts. New programs and materials enable our teachers to instruct with the very best resources available. We are particularly excited about developing our hands-on approach to Science, recognizing and emphasizing that in the Elementary grades, “Science is a Verb”! Our commitment to a strong, phonics-based reading approach in the early grades is reinforced by our implementation of the highly successful Wilson Reading Program called, “Fundations”. Homework reinforces material that was learned in the classroom. In addition, homework helps students learn responsibility and self-discipline to enable them to become independent learners. On average, students are expected to devote a certain amount of time on homework each night, based on the following guidelines: Grade 1 10-20 minutes Grade 2 20-30 minutes Grade 3 30-40 minutes Grade 4 40-50 minutes Grade 5 50-75 minutes In addition, students are taught to negotiate their study time to include nightly reading, math facts maintenance and attention to long-term assignments and projects. Educating the “Whole Person” At Saint Joseph Elementary School, we pride ourselves on educating the whole person. Daily Religion classes and school wide prayer provide a strong spiritual framework. Christian values are integrated into learning whenever possible. Music, Art and Computers begin in Kindergarten and Spanish classes begin in grade 1. Weekly Library and Gym classes round out our curriculum, helping to develop the whole person. Saint Joseph’s is also equipped with a state of the art technology lab and computers, with Internet access, in each classroom. Teachers are trained and assisted by our technology directors to integrate technology into the curriculum, supporting our philosophy that technology should serve as an enriching tool in the learning process. Teachers initiate cooperative learning, hands-on discovery, and class and group projects, while stressing inquiry, follow-through and research. These approaches foster decision-making skills, cooperation with peers, and study skills while making learning fun, relevant and creative. Homework reinforces material that was learned in the classroom. While helping students learn responsibility and self-discipline to enable them to become independent learners. At Saint Joe’s, we believe in helping the student’s reach their full potential be teaching them to “love to learn and learn to love”. | 
