Religion

Non-Catholic students also participate in Religion classes at Saint Bridget School and are called upon to share their beliefs and insights in an effort to make students aware of the many religions of the world and foster tolerance of and respect for people of all backgrounds.

Program highlights:

• Liturgies as Saint Bridget Parish:  Attendance at and participation in weekly Mass, school-wide Masses, Holy Days of Obligation
• Sacramental Life:  Understanding of and preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion
• Prayer: Daily prayer to begin and end each day as well as before snacks and meals
• Community Service/Outreach:  Contributions to Food Pantry, fundraising for charitable organizations, adoption of families at Christmas, collecting “Coats for Kids”, sending holiday cards to nursing homes and veteran groups, required hours of community service for eighth graders, and more
• Virtues: The study of one virtue each month, with the goal of building awareness of how the virtues look and feel. Included are respect, responsibility, compassion, generosity, perseverance, honesty, self-discipline, citizenship, and tolerance.
• CARES: Conflict resolution and social competency program

Mathematics

The Elementary Mathematics curriculum at the Saint Bridget School builds strong foundations for future study.  Efficiency with basic math facts and computational strategies is emphasized along with basic algebraic reasoning and symbols.  These building blocks are utilized to develop an awareness of practical application of mathematics in all areas of life through word problems and mental math scenarios.

The students are expected to be able to explain their mathematical thinking in detail, which helps them build a strong mathematical vocabulary.  Emphasizing the basics of mathematics while teaching the concepts and thought processes behind the math is the way we have developed an excellent math program at our school.  Small class sizes enhance differentiated instruction and facilitate scaffolding.

Here are some highlights of our mathematics program that help us to scaffold learning to meet every child’s needs.

• Family Math nights
• Magnificent Multiplier sundae party
• Math Centers
• Math games
• Small group instruction

Language Arts

The English Language Arts curriculum at Saint Bridget School develops the skills of reading, written and oral expression, listening, and meaningful vocabulary development.  These are the tools that are essential for learning, personal expression, future education, and career success.  The objectives are to insure students achieve a grade appropriate level of competency.

Enrichment Activities:

• Latin and Greek Roots
• Literary Units
• Book Reports
• Reader’s Workshop Theater
• Pen Pals
• Vocabulary Series

Science

The Science curriculum at Saint Bridget School includes components of health, life, earth and physical science in a well-developed sequence. The students will become proficient in identifying and solving problems through observation, hypothesizing, hands-on experimentation, investigation and interpretation of results.  Students will develop a respect and appreciation for all creation.

• Students will develop knowledge of health and safety skills to be used throughout life.
• To promote scientific curiosity and imagination through hands-on experimentation and investigation.
• Students will demonstrate scientific inquiry skills by performing hands-on experiments in class and by creating various projects.
• Students will collaborate with other students to arrive at scientific conclusions.
• Students will be able to use the scientific method in a variety of projects and activities.
• Students will be able to integrate scientific themes and understandings with materials and skills learned in other subject areas.
• Students will learn about and practice stewardship for the environment through responsible behaviors, activities, reading, research and discussion.

Topics and Skills Taught in Grades 1-5

• Weather
• Ocean life
• Earth – physical features, plate tectonics
• Electricity
• Plant Life
• Animal Life
• Space
• Matter and Energy

Enrichment Activities

• Field Trips
• Labs
• In-School Enrichment Programs

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum at St. Bridget School develops themes of family, community, country, and world.  The curriculum incorporates the Eight Strands of Social Studies:  History, Geography, Economic, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science –Technology & Society and Social Studies Skills.  A primary goal is to insure that students function as concerned and involved members of society while achieving appropriate grade level of competency.

Enrichment Activities

• Scholastic News Magazine
• Field Trips
• International Dinner