St. Bartholomew School is succeeding in our vital mission: To love, educate, and inspire our children to live the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are providers of quality education and character formation for students of all backgrounds. St. Bartholomew School students receive an academic program based on best practices that is integrated with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The rigorous academic program incorporates weekly instruction in Spanish, Latin, Art, Music, Technology, Library Science, Physical Education, and STREAM. Students engage in Project Based Learning. Together as a school community, we worship on Fridays with the celebration of the Eucharist, with students hosting the Liturgy. Another distinctive offering is our Student Leadership/Student Mentor and Service Learning Program. Students in grades seven and eight may qualify to be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. The learning continues with our numerous extracurricular activities. It is an exciting time for our school community, and our mission and values stay integrated into our core offerings. I encourage you to visit our school and experience the extraordinary learning environment that we offer.

We follow the Diocese of Metuchen Curriculum and focus on student learning. This is accomplished by addressing the social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of the student, as well as academic needs and exploring concepts through all key learning areas. The curriculum enriches and enhances St. Bartholomew School’s rigorous instructional programs. Highlights of our instructional programs are:

Literacy Block

Teachers plan for a daily literacy block which includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening to students, by students, and with students. The literacy block includes the following:

• Reading and Writing Workshop
• Guided Reading/Leveled Readers
• Read-aloud with modeling of reading strategies
• Literature study with reading related activities
• Independent reading with reading related activities
• Oral language activities
• Modeled writing
• Independent writing
• Literature enrichment: poetry, wisdom books
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Phonics
• Vocabulary
• Handwriting: Printing and Cursive
• Annual Literacy Fair
• Technology integration
• Interactive notebooks
• Library attendance weekly
• MAP Growth assessments
• IXL

Language Arts

Language is fundamental to learning and permeates all content areas. We nurture an appreciation of the richness of language and a love of all genres of literature. Students learn to understand:

• The reading process
• The writing process
• The effective use of language as a valuable life skill
• The structure of words
• Communicative competence
• Language as a means of reflection
• Circumstantial effects/changes (styles, audience, purpose)
• The value of literature as a way of understanding self and others
• Differences and similarities in literature

Mathematics

Mathematics provides the models, systems, and processes for handling data, making and comparing measurements, and solving spatial problems. Students will:

• Value mathematics and appreciate its relevance in daily life
• Recognize the relationship between mathematical ideas and apply them to real-life situations and other areas of the curriculum
• Exhibit confidence and competence in their application of mathematical skills and knowledge
• Use mathematical skills and understanding flexibly to solve problems
• Reason and communicate mathematically
• Apply ethical principles when formulating solutions to problems and communicating mathematical relationships
• Use technology mindfully and responsibly to deepen understanding of mathematical concepts and facilitate mathematical processes
• Guide students to develop a mathematical mindset

Students move through three stages when learning mathematics:

• Constructing meaning by using manipulatives and conversation
• Transferring meaning into signs and symbols by connecting the notation system with the concrete objects and the associated mathematical concepts
• Understanding and applying whereby students select and use appropriate symbolic notation to process and record their thinking

As they work through these stages, students use certain processes of mathematical reasoning:

• Use patterns and relationships to analyze the problem situations
• Make and evaluate their own and other’s ideas
• Use models, facts, properties, and relationships to explain thinking
• Justify answers and the processes by which they arrive at solutions

Students study the following mathematical content areas:

• Number sense
• Number concepts
• Number operations
• Fractions and decimals
• Data analysis
• Measurement
• Space and geometry
• Algebra
• IXL to enhance skills

Science

Science and technology are integrated. A digital microscope is a valuable tool in the Science Lab. Students engage in hands-on scientific investigations and experiments through weekly science labs and classroom collaboration by:

• Making accurate observations, handling tools, recording and comparing data, and formulating explanations
• Testing their own assumptions and thinking critically about the perspectives of others
• Annual Science Fair
• Rutgers Science Bus
• Interactive notebooks
• Completing laboratory reports
• State-of-the-art laboratory
• Innovative classroom design
• 3-D Printer

• Life Science
• Earth Science
• Physical Science

STREAM

Integrated science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts, math through the lens of Catholic faith.

• STREAM habits of mind
• Inquiry-based learning
• 5-E Lesson model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate)
• Project-based Learning

Social Studies

Social Studies curriculum provides opportunities for students to look at and think about human behavior realistically, objectively, and with sensitivity. The curriculum aims to guide students to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others and of their place in an increasingly global society
• Develop an understanding of other cultural groups and an appreciation of other ideas and beliefs
• Promote an understanding of humankind’s role in and dependence on the natural world

The Social Studies curriculum will encompass three major strands:

• History: through the study of the human past, students develop an understanding of the past, its influences on the present, and its implication for the future.
• Geography: as students study the relationship between people and their environment, they develop a sense of place and an understanding of human interaction with the Earth’s surface and resources. They study people, places, and locations and how they relate to each other. Map studies and current events are studied.
• Society: students develop an understanding of the ways in which individuals, groups, and society interact with each other and how their values shape our social systems through the study of people and their relationships in society.
• Integration of literature and historical fiction to complement and elaborate on the stories of history.

Spanish

Students completing the elementary Spanish program will:

• Develop the basic skills to produce and receive messages in Spanish
• Practice the grammatical construction of the language
• Study Spanish culture
• Catholic prayers in Spanish are included
• Begin high school foreign language at an advantage

Latin

Latin is the language of the Catholic Church and all scholarship for hundreds of years. It is the basis for all the romance languages, giving students an advantage in learning French, Spanish, and Italian. Latin teaches English grammar and Latin students have higher SAT verbal scores and GPAs. Latin study helps students to acquire and retain English vocabulary based on Latin roots. Latin can be a vehicle for introducing critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. When translating from Latin to English, critical thinking is required. Students articulate their thoughts about history, culture, and mythology of the ancient world. Students collaborate to work on projects and presentations and utilize creativity. The study of Roman culture also serves as a springboard into analysis and reflection on the injustices of the past and present.

Technology

ISTE Standards are the standards for learning, teaching, and leading in the digital age. The ISTE Standards set the bar for excellence and best practices in learning, teaching, and leading with technology in education. The benefits include:

• Improving higher-order thinking skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity
• Preparing students for their future in an increasingly connected global and digital society
• Designing student-centered and online learning environments

Students are taught basic keyboarding, how to use various types of software, and how to access information from a variety of technological resources. Technology supports the instructional process. Students are involved in hands-on, problem-solving activities related to real-world issues through use of applications including spreadsheets, presentations, and word processing. Digital citizenship is also taught along with internet safety. Students attend weekly Technology classes in our state-of-the-art Technology Center. Additionally, technology is integrated throughout the curriculum using:

• Digital whiteboards in every classroom
• iPads
• Laptops, SurfacePros, 3-D Printer, V-Go Robot
• Projector System
• Robot for STREAM

St. Bartholomew School is a Common Sense Digital Citizenship certified school.

Music

Students will:

• Learn music as an applied curriculum
• Celebrate and preserve our cultural and religious heritages musically and learn about and appreciate other cultures
• Be stimulated intellectually and creatively
• Have the opportunity to participate in Band, Chorus, and Drama
• Small group instrumental instruction offered
• Recorders
• Digital whiteboard and software for instruction
• Updated Music Room

Physical Education

The goals of the Physical Education program are:

• Teach and practice a variety of different skills, games, activities, and sports
• Teach core values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, respect, and hard work
• Help students enjoy being active
• Learn the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle
• Brand new bleachers and gym floor

Library

The librarian ensures that students have access to books and other printed materials essential to the research process. Students are also read to and are encouraged to read for pleasure. Students attend library weekly and may borrow books. The library is fully automated.

Art

The art curriculum is designed to build students’ core knowledge in the arts. Art techniques, vocabulary, artists, and art history are taught in interactive ways, correlating with each grade level. The art environment also encourages students to develop an ethic of care as they learn to care for art supplies, ideas, and expressions. Students are exposed to a variety of visual media.

Religion

The following are included in the Religion curriculum:

• Respect-Life Curriculum
• Catholic Social Teachings
• God, Father, and Creator of the World
• Jesus, Son of God and Our Friend
• The Holy Spirit, giver of strength and joy
• The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
• Jesus, Model for Christian Living
• The Traditions and Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church
• The Apostles Creed and the Seven Sacraments
• The Beatitudes
• Catholic Christian Moral Values
• The Sacramental Life of the Church
• God’s Plan of Salvation as recorded in the Bible
• Mystagogy
• Family Life
• The Commandments
• The Synthesis of Catholic Beliefs: Trinity, Christian Community, Sacraments, The Sacrament of Confirmation, The Church in the Modern World, Catholic Christian Morality, Ecumenism
• Annual ACRE testing in Grades 5 and 8
• Service Projects including, but not limited to, St. Vincent DePaul Food Drive, Soup-er Bowl, Coat Drive, Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Schools Week Project, and various projects in individual classrooms
• Service Projects with Catholic Charities

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities offered include:

• Chorus
• Band
• Drama
• Latin
• Mad Science
• Yearbook
• Challenge Island
• Newspaper
• Cross Country
• Spring Track
• Basketball
• Scouting
• STEM
• Student-led Clubs
• Homework Club
• Art Club
• Coding
• Mentoring/ Leadership
• Sewing Club
• Reading Club
• Robotics
• Chess Club
• Bricks4Kidz

Before and After School Care

Free before school care for students in Grades Kindergarten through 8 is offered beginning at 6:45 a.m. Before school care is offered for students in our Pre-K program for a fee. After school care is available for students in Pre-K 3 through eighth grade. Our program has been enhanced by the following:

• Pre-K and Kindergarten students attend a program managed by a certified teacher who designs enrichment activities
• Students in Grades 1 through 8 may attend Homework Club where a certified teacher monitors and assists students to complete homework
• Activity Club for specific grade level managed by a certified teacher that incorporates etiquette, manners, crafts, games, drama, and social skills

Guidance Counselor

The guidance counselor is a Licensed Social Worker and a certified School Social Worker. In addition to counseling services, the guidance counselor:

• Conducts a Student Mentoring and Services Program
• Hosts Lunch Bunch to enhance leadership and social skills
• Presentations on relevant topics
• Good God Choices Program
• Catholic Charities liaison
• Private counseling sessions
• 7 Habits of Healthy Kids
• Virtus Training/Protecting God’s Children

Educational Services Commission of New Jersey

Auxiliary Services provide St. Bartholomew School students with services including compensatory education, English as a second language, home instruction, remedial services, evaluation-determination of eligibility for special education and related services, supplementary instruction, and speech-language services, loan of textbooks, transportation, and nursing.

Nursing

At St. Bartholomew School, we have a full-time nurse. Nursing services include:

• Assistance with medical exams
• Screening of hearing
• Maintenance of student health records
• Scoliosis exams
• Emergency care/injury care
• Annual in-service about asthma, blood-borne pathogens, epinephrine protocols
• Asthma and Diabetes Care
• First aid

International Thespian Honor Society, Junior Troupe

The International Thespian Society (ITS), founded in 1929, is an honorary organization for high school and middle school theatre students located at more than 4,900 affiliated secondary schools across America and abroad. The mission of ITS is to honor student achievement in the theatre arts. Students in grade eight are eligible for membership if they participate in Drama Club. Middle school inductees are known as Junior Thespians. ITS is a division of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

National Junior Honor Society

The purpose of the Ave Maria Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society is to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership and citizenship, and to encourage the development of character in the students of St. Bartholomew School. Students in grades seven and eight are eligible for membership. Eligibility is based on a minimum cumulative grade point average of 93. Upon meeting the grade level and GPA standards, candidates shall then be considered based on their service, leadership, citizenship, and character.