Religion:
All students have daily religion and participate in prayer (upon arrival, before lunch, before dismissal), weekly liturgies, masses, prayer services, service projects, reconciliation, Adoration, sacramental preparation, and praying of the Rosary. Curriculum includes study of Catholic faith, sacramental life, Biblical scripture, and lives of saints.
Language Arts:
The goal of the reading curriculum at Queen of the Rosary School is to foster a lifelong love of reading. This is achieved through reading instruction to endow learners with a firm foundation of skills and broad reading experiences. The reading curriculum includes multiple exposures to critical thinking skills and strategies. It provides instructional techniques to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of each student. Silent sustained reading is a a key component of the reading curriculum to help students develop comprehension and fluency. Instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics is taught in younger grades. Novel studies are provided for older students and supplement the textbook. English and Grammar are taught in grades 3 through 8. Vocabulary is taught in grades 6-8.
Math:
Queen of the Rosary's math curriculum is structured to help students recognize and appreciate the vital role mathematics play in the real world by demonstrating the usefulness and validity of mathematics to every student. It is also structured to help students explore and create algebraic and geometric patterns used as problem solving tools in real life situations. Furthermore, the math curriculum is structured to encourage students to reason and communicate with each other about skills and ideas that lead to conceptual and computational development. The curriculum includes numerical awareness, problem-solving strategies, estimation, and analysis of data, using graphs, statistics, and probability. Number theory is developed using place value, decimals, fractions, and real numbers. Measurement and geometry target spatial awareness. Upper grades complete instruction in pre-algebra and algebra, resulting in placement of algebra, advanced algebra and geometry in high school.
Science:
The science curriculum is based upon Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The standards are grouped into three dimensions: crosscutting; science and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas. Student learning is inquiry-based in earth science, life science, physical science, engineering and technology. It emphasizes the connections between what is learned in the classroom and what is happening in the world. We have adopted HMH Into Science for grades K-4 and HMH Science Dimensions for grades 5-8.
Social Studies:
Students learn about basic geographical themes, countries of the world and ancient civilizations. They study American history, which includes the first Americans, European exploration, the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Civil War, Reconstruction, WWII, and the Illinois Constitution are examined in eighth grade.
Spanish:
Students in grades six, seven, and eight have daily instruction in Spanish. Students in grade five study Spanish three times a week. The curriculum emphasizes conversation and incorporates newly learned vocabulary into real-life settings. Students study Hispanic culture, as well, focusing on celebrations such as Día de Los Muertos, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and Cinco de Mayo. Seventh and eighth grade students create shoebox altars for Día de los Muertos, and a school mass is held in honor of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Fine Arts:
Various media forms are experienced by students from preschool to eighth grade. Art appreciation is offered in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. The program exposes art prints that consist of painting, sculptures, photographs and collages from all eras.In music class, students have the opportunity to learn how to play the ukulele, read music notation, and develop their singing and ear training skills. Performance opportunities include a Christmas concert and spring musical. Junior high students are exposed to many musical genres and periods of history, and they learn how to analyze and discuss music in both an academic and personal way. Students also have the opportunity to sing at school masses and participate in the bell chimes choir and band. Physical Education/Health: Physical education and health is an integral piece in the educational process beginning in preschool through eighth grade. In accordance with state goals, we seek to develop a student's understanding of being a physcially educated person.
Social Emotional Learning:
Queen of the Rosary school has implemented the character development program called Friendzy. The Friendzy Curriculum teaches five core competencies of Social and Emotional Learning: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness and relationship skills. Each unit has a catchphrase that is a familiar, understandable way to communicate with others and remind everyone how to connect and become a community. We Need Each Other!