Curriculum

 

The strength of any school lies mainly in its curriculum and the ability of its staff to affect specific learner outcomes. This challenge takes into account individual differences in learning styles and teaching styles. Holy Cross strives for excellence, and we are proud of the curriculum we have selected for the students.

We teach all of the following subjects:

• Religion
• Reading/Language Arts
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Computer Education
• Skills for Growing
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education

Religion
Faith is an important part of the curriculum at Holy Cross. The students are called upon to live it daily. Students work at developing their relationship with God, and all of our families are encouraged to participate as the major influence in developing this relationship on the part of their children. In addition to the classroom study of religion, students also experience liturgical planning and implementation on a weekly basis. The sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion are taught during the school year.  Our students also perform The Living Stations during each Lenten season. 

Reading / Language Arts
“Literacy Place”, the scholastic program , is a total reading and language arts program incorporating phonics, literature, writing, speaking, spelling, and grammar. Students have exposure and access to hundreds of pieces of great literature. Each promotes a broad range of interests and reading abilities. The program also features access through technology to skill building and mechanics.
Holy Cross School also provides an accelerated reading program. All students begin each school year at their own reading level and advance through the year at their own pace based on their reading comprehension. At the present time, Holy Cross offers over 3,000 books and quizzes for first grade through sixth grade.
The results of the 2006 Gate-MacGinitie Reading Tests indicate over 50% of the Holy Cross students scored significantly above their current grade level. In fact many scored at post-high school levels!

Math
An effective Math curriculum is one that provides students the basic math skills that allows the student to relate mathematics to their world. At Holy Cross we use Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Mathematics textbooks. This program is based on rigorous scientific research with lessons that build on previous lessons to ensure that all children learn the math skills and concepts they need for academic success and for everyday life.

Science
Holy Cross offers a science curriculum based on the text from Minnesota state curriculum guidelines.  The text is sourced from the Pearson/Scott Foresman series entitled “Science”. This is a complete program for children in K through sixth grades. It teaches important science concepts, has controlled experiments, and has some truly amazing photographs to enthrall the students. Critical thinking skills are developed as each of the sciences — life, earth and physical — are studied at each grade level.

Social Studies
Holy Cross has adopted a K through sixth grade curriculum based on Minnesota state and national standards.  We attempt to enlighten and empower our students to be respectful, humane, and active citizens in a multicultural and interdependent world.

Computer Education
Our school features a new media center completed during the summer of 2006. The media center provides each student with hands-on access to a computer during class. In addition, our media center includes a comprehensive library with many books for the children to read and use as resources.
 

Skills For Growing
At Holy Cross, The Lion’s Quest “Skills for Growing” program focuses on two main outcomes:

*Helping young people develop positive social behaviors, such as self-discipline, responsibility, good judgment, and the ability to get along with others.

*Helping young people develop positive commitments to their families, schools, peers, and communities, including a commitment to lead healthy, drug –free lives.

Art
Holy Cross School uses a discipline based art education program entitled “Portfolios”. This program stresses art creativity, art appreciation, and understanding art concepts. The children study various artists and their works and have many opportunities to demonstrate their creativity.
Music
The curriculum is taught by a music specialist and allows students to grow in their ability to understand and organize, as well as to interpret and express musical ideas. In addition to music class, 5th and 6th grade students may become involved with the Kimball band program. Additional musical opportunities include participation in special programs at various times during the school year.  We also have students who participate in local children's choirs.  

Physical Education
Students are introduced to a strong skill development program as well as our wellness program. Many opportunities for participation in elementary sports exist for our students through the Parochial Athletic Association (PAA). Students at Holy Cross may play volleyball, basketball, softball, football, baseball and tennis.