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Home >> About Holy Ghost Curriculum

Mathematics | Science |  Social Studies | Language and Arts |  Religion | Spanish |  Computer Literacy | Arts and Music |  Physical Education | Guidance and School Counseling | 

Mathematics

The foundation of the math curriculum is the National Standard for Mathematics published by the National Council for the Teaching of Mathematics (NCTM) and is focused on the five NCTM goals:

  1. Students learn to value mathematics.
  2. Students become confident in their ability to do mathematics.
  3. Students become mathematical problem solvers.
  4. Students learn to communicate mathematically.
  5. Students learn to reason mathematically.

In order to help parents learn about the national standards and what they mean for their children, Holy Ghost sponsors Family Math sessions. These give parents experience with the renewed emphasis on problem solving, reasoning and communicating about mathematics.

Middle school students voluntarily participate in Math Counts, a city wide contest which tests problem solving skills.

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Science

Critical thinking and hands-on learning are central to the school's science instruction in all grades.

The focus for students in Pre-K thru third grade is on providing developmentally appropriate, kinesthetic experiences in all the scientific disciplines.

From fourth grade thru eighth, the students focus on an in-depth study of different scientific concepts and processes. These are: Fourth - Life and some Physical Science; Fifth - a continuation of Physical Science as well as a study of Space and Earth Science; Sixth - Earth and Environmental Science; Seventh and Eighth - Life and Physical Science taught in alternate years.

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Social Studies

The emphasis in Social Studies is on understanding and appreciation of the richness all cultures as well as preparing students to participate fully in our democracy. Geography and its relationship to the history of people is also an essential part of the curriculum.

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Language and Arts

Reading, writing, listening and speaking are emphasized in the Language Arts curriculum. Writing, language mechanics and grammar are taught across all grade levels. Students write daily in all subjects.
Reading in the primary grades is a mixture of phonics, direct reading instruction and guided independent reading practice. These grades also use a spelling program that helps them recognize patterns in English and expand their vocabulary.
Students in grades 3 - 5 study the elements of story as well as how to read and comprehend non-fiction.
Students in grades 5 - 8 study a rigorous vocabulary program. They learn the meanings of new words as well as antonyms, synonyms and parts of speech.
Guided independent reading is practiced daily. Students read for 30 minutes daily. After completing a book, students take a comprehension test using the Accelerated Reading (AR) Information Management System. Students are expected to score a minimum of 85% on all AR tests. Students track their progress toward achieving their individual reading goal each quarter.

 

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Religion

Five main areas form the school's religion curriculum. Students are expected to:
  1. Form a Christian community
  2. Pray communally, individually and through liturgy
  3. Obtain knowledge of the current and past history and teachings of the Catholic Church
  4. Gain an understanding of the teachings of Jesus through Scriptures and apply them to their own lives
  5. Serve others in the name of Jesus through the school's Service Learning Project.
In addition, the development of ethical values is a primary goal of the religion curriculum. Monthly, the Holy Ghost school community focuses on putting into practice one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: Self-control, Joy, Goodness, Faithfulness, Love, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness or Peace.

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Spanish

Spanish is taught from Pre-K through eighth grade. Students learn the Spanish language and culture through such hands-on activities as games, puppetry, listening activities, plays, cooking, and others as well as writing and memorization.
Middle school students learn vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure.

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Computer

Holy Ghost maintains a computer network of more than 60 computers that includes two computer labs and PCs in every classroom. All students receive at least 1 hour of computer instruction each week. Computer literacy is integrated into classroom instruction and supports school-wide goals. For example, students utilize computers to complete science fair project, Power Point presentations, Internet research, and participate in an ongoing reading literacy program. The comprehensive curriculum for mid-school students includes training in typing, spreadsheets, word processing, databases, Powerpoint and the Internet. All mid-school student papers over one page are typed.

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Art and Music

  1. Students receive a formal art and music lessons weekly from our qualified Fine Arts teachers.
  2. The Art teacher works collaboratively with all the classroom teachers to relate topics in art to the content areas which the students are currently studying. Student art has been exhibited at the New Mexico State Fair and community buildings as well as during the school's annual art and talent show.
In regular Music classes, students learn how to play Orff instruments, read music, sing and gain an appreciation of different kinds of music and their composers. All third through fifth grade students are members of the school choir and students in grades 3, 4, and 5 learn to play the recorder. The school band is comprised of students from the fourth through eighth grades.

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Physcial Education

Promotion of healthy living is the focus of the physical education curriculum at Holy Ghost. The PE program teaches the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating habits. In addition, it stresses cooperation among the students and the development of the students' coordination and individual skills.

All students receive a minimum of two 45 minute classes weekly

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Guidance and School Counseling

The school counselor conducts regular classes called "Super Self" for students in grades K - 5. "Super Self" addresses the following topics;
  1. bullying,
  2. conflict resolution,
  3. making healthy choices,
  4. friendships, etc.
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