Curriculum

CURRICULUM & PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The instructional program followed is the Course of Study required by the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the School of the Cathedral. Textbooks are selected from a recommended list contained in the Course of Study of the Archdiocese and are kept current. A list of textbooks used at Cathedral is available for review upon request from the Principal's Office.

Students are grouped heterogeneously, as is developmentally appropriate. Tests are sent home for parent signatures. The following subjects are included in the curriculum:


Religion	Art
Language Arts	Music
Social Studies	Physical Education
Science	Computer skills (Grades K-8)
Mathematics	Library Skills (Grades K-8)
Foreign Language--Spanish

Examinations are taken in all subjects in January and June (grades 4 - 8). The grades will be given to the parents at the second trimester and final progress report cards. They will be recorded in the student's cumulative record. Exams missed due to illness may be rescheduled with the teacher. Exams are an important part of the child's grade and school experience. Rescheduling of exams for any reason other than illness must be approved by the administration. Exams given in Grade 3 are for preparation for the upper grades. The marks received are not averaged into the overall grade. An 8th grader may be exempt from any January exam if an A has been received in that subject for the first trimester and as of the Friday prior to exams. A letter from the Principal stating such is given to eligible students the day before exams begin.

Awards Assemblies are held at the end of the school year. The Grade 8 Awards Assembly is held the Wednesday morning before graduation. Each 8th grader is recognized for his/her achievements and accomplishments. Outgoing families are also recognized. The Awards Assembly for Grades 1-7 is the Wednesday of the last week of school. Each student in Grades 1-3 receives a ribbon of achievement for the year.

Students in Grades 4-7 receive awards and recognition of academic achievement during the year. Perfect attendance (no absences or late arrivals) is recognized for all grades.

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A. Grading System

Grades K-2
I Independent	E Emerging
P Progressing	NA Not assessed at this time

Grades 3-8
A+ 97-100	C+ 80-84
A 93-96	C 75-79
B+ 89-92	D 70-74
B 85-88	E 69 and below

Effort and Conduct (Grades 1-8)
O Outstanding	I Improvement Needed
G Good	U Unsatisfactory
S Satisfactory

Achievement (Grades 3-8)
P Proficiency	S Satisfactory
V Very Good	I Improvement Needed
G Good	N Not Yet Determined

Further explanation of what each grade entails is explained at the September CASPA meetings and is available from teachers.

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B. Progress Report Cards/ Interim Reports

Progress Report Cards are issued on a trimester basis. Interim Reports are sent home midway through each marking period or at other times if deemed necessary. Grades 3-8 will be using the Parent Access beginning with the second trimester this school year- Interim Reports will not be sent home. The parent's signature on the Interim Report indicates that the report has been reviewed (after Parent Access is instituted, teachers will be able to determine whether parents have reviewed their child's grades.) The Progress Report Card is kept by the parent and the Progress Report Card Envelope is signed and returned to school each marking period. Parents or teachers may request a conference at progress report time. A grade of D or E requires a parent conference.

In grades 4-8, First Honor cards are presented for all As with no more than 2 Bs, and Second Honor cards for all As with no more than 3 Bs. Principal's List gives recognition for straight A Progress Report Cards. An I or U in effort or conduct, or and I in achievement areas prevents a student from achieving Honors or Principal's List Recognition.

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C. Religion

Religion is required for each year a student attends the School of the Cathedral. All students must attend religion classes and services.

The School Community participates in nine monthly Masses during the school year, prepared and planned by a grade. Class Masses are held twice a year. Paraliturgies are planned seasonally. Students in Grades 3-8 have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the fall and in the spring. Grades 2-8 take part in First Friday Adoration devotions.

Religion classes are taught daily, Grades K-8. Catechesis of the Gospel message, faith community experiences, liturgical experiences, and social outreach are components of the program in instruction in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Human sexuality, personal body safety and AIDS education are included in the Religion curriculum. Notification of the units on Human Sexuality is sent home to parents approximately 2 weeks before the classes begin. In Grades 3-8 the textbook is sent home for review. The material used in Grades K-2 as well as the AIDS Curriculum is available in the Nurse's Office for review. The Policy statement of the Archdiocese of Baltimore for Catechesis in Human Sexuality is also available for review in the Nurse's Office. As stated, "If, after (reviewing the materials), and expressing their concern to these leaders (principal), and discussing the situation thoroughly, parents/primary caretakers are still not willing to have their children participate, they have a right to withdraw their children from the learning sessions, taking care to cause as little embarrassment as possible. These parents/primary caretakers will be offered resources to provide catechesis for human sexuality at home. However, these parents should not let their feelings express themselves in indiscriminate opposition to all classroom instruction in sexuality, for that would not be consistent with the position of the Second Vatican Council and the Bishops of the United States" (Catechesis for Human Sexuality, pp. 19-20). Children excluded from the program will be properly supervised and given independent work when applicable.

The Sacramental Program is special to our curriculum because it is a time of special grace for you and your child. The Program is designed to accommodate the needs of both parents and children for first reception of Reconciliation (Penance) and First Eucharist (First Communion) in Grade 2 and Confirmation in Grade 8. Catecheses for all sacraments take place during the school day. Parental involvement is paramount in the spiritual growth of each child. The Parish Office of Religious Education coordinates the sacramental programs for the parish school and the School of Religion for Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The Parish Office of Youth Ministry coordinates the Confirmation program.

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D. Art

The student is made aware of the "world of design" around him/her. The student is encouraged to be creative and is motivated toward original work. Students' artwork is displayed throughout the school year. A Fine Arts evening in the spring is an exhibit of artwork by all students. Students' artwork is chosen by Youth Art International for display around the world.

As a complement to the school's art instruction, CASPA supports an Art Appreciation Program that is designed to give students an introduction to a broad range of art forms, from ancient to modern times. This program is organized and staffed by parent volunteers.

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E. Drama

Opportunities are provided during the school year for students to display their talents for others. In the Fall of 2003, a "Drama Club" for after-school instruction was added. The goal of the Drama Club is to develop acting skills in interested students.

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F. Library/Media Center

The library is fully automated for circulation and cataloging of books. Multimedia computer equipment is available for student use. All students have a scheduled library time, and all children are encouraged to check out a book. If their previous week's book has not been returned they may still check out a book and return the other the next day. Children are instructed from where they may choose a book, but occasionally one may slip through that is not age appropriate- parents are asked to address this with their children, and to encourage them to bring home library books to be shared.

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G. Study Skills

The Harvard-Milton Academy Study Skills Program is an integral part of the curriculum. This systematic and organized way of teaching study skills enables the student in Grades 1-8 to direct his/her energy to the task at hand.

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H. Foreign Language

Spanish is offered at the School of the Cathedral from Grades 1 through 8, with greater concentration in Grades 5 through 8. Letter grades are given beginning in grade 5.

The program covers the equivalent of one year of high school Spanish by the end of Grade 8. The course develops skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and gives students an understanding of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.

Students receive visitors from various countries who may be visiting the United States. This gives the students the opportunity to experience other cultures right in their classroom. These visitors are welcome throughout the year. The Foreign Language teacher acts as the multi-cultural liaison.

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I. Music

The Music Department is concerned with providing each child with a basic knowledge of, and appreciation for, music. Through singing and a concentrated program on the fundamentals of music theory, a child will gradually develop the capacity for reading and interpreting the many symbols found in music making.

Special programs include the following:

1.	The Catthedral School Singers group is open to boys and girls in grades 4-8. Practices are during the school day with the school's music teacher.
2.	Band Program: Students in Grades 4 through 8 have an opportunity to participate in a Band Program during the school day. Parents contract directly with the Instrumental Music instructor for lessons and instruments.
3.	CMOQ Boys Choir: The CMOQ Boys Choir is for boys in grades 3-8. Auditions are required. Practices are Monday and Tuesday afternoons and Thursday evening in the Cathedral Choir Room. The Choir is under the supervision of the Music Department of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen and is directed by the Music Department of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.
4.	Cathedral Girl Choristers: Auditions are required. Practices are Monday and Tuesday afternoons. iThe Choir is under the supervision of the Music Department of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen and is directed by the Music Department of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

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J. Physical Education

The Physical Education program includes the following:

·	The fundamentals of indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball, gym, hockey, volleyball, and lacrosse. The Presidential Physical Fitness Test is administered in Grades 4-8.
·	In grades K-3 aerobic activities and exercises are presented in the form of organized games and activities.
·	Gym uniforms are required for all grades. The uniform consists of the Cathedral T-shirt and green shorts. The green mesh shorts are worn for physical education classes and for soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Tennis shoes must be worn or a student may not participate in class. In Grades 4-8 a written assignment will be given to a student who is unexcused from class. The Summer Uniform is the gym uniform during the warm months.
·	An after-school sports program of soccer, lacrosse, and basketball during the appropriate season coached by parents.

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Athletics are an integral part of the educational program at the School of the Cathedral. The athletic program offers both boys and girls an opportunity to participate in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Students from kindergarten through 8th grade can experience the joy and reward of teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

The athletic program also offers parents the opportunity to make a valuable and direct contribution to their children by participating as coaches for the various sports.

Primary emphasis is placed on giving all students a chance to participate on an equal basis in a team environment. Of course, each player, parent, and coach is expected to show a Christian attitude and good sportsmanship toward their own team members and their opponents. Any variance from this standard may result in suspension or expulsion from the team by the Athletic Director.

For more information regarding the rules of the athletic program, including participation, establishment of the teams, and playing time, please request a copy of the CASPA Athletic Policy from the Athletics Office. A full-time Athletic Director coordinates the after-school sports program in conjunction with a large cadre of parent volunteers. The age groups are as follows:

·	Clinic - Grades K-2 - co-ed teams
·	Teams - Grades 3-5 - by age, single sex teams, CYO or Catholic War Veterans
·	Teams - Grades 6-8 - by age, single sex teams, more competitive, no cuts, CYO or private school league

The School of the Cathedral has a signed License Agreement with St. Mary's Seminary. This is the document that defines our privilege to use the Seminary athletic fields for the next year. The license agreement requires all of our parents to become familiar with its terms. This way, all parents have the same information, at the same time, and have no excuses for failing to abide by the terms of the license agreement. On game days at the Seminary, we will again employ a security guard to enforce the various restrictions set forth in the license agreement. Please be courteous with him, and follow his direction. He is there to assist in our compliance with the terms of the license agreement.

The school also rents the University of Baltimore fields in Mount Washington for soccer and lacrosse. Follow the directions given for parking. We are guests of the University of Baltimore. During basketball season we rent a gym at Bryn Mawr School. Once again, we are guests at this facility.

An Athletic Awards Assembly is held at the end of each sport season of Soccer, Basketball and Lacrosse. These take place at 8:00 a.m. in the gym. (MWP awards are at 8:15 a.m. in the Faculty Room). The date is stated in the Wednesday Bulletin. Each student is recognized for his/her participation on the team in Grades K-8. Members of the 8th grade teams may be recognized with special awards.

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K. Chess Club

The Chess Club was established in the 2000-2001 school year. It is held one afternoon a week, from 3:00 to 4:00. Students learn from a Chess Master and participate in tournaments.

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L. Cathedral Extended Day (CED) Program

A child must be enrolled in CED if he or she is to remain at school after 3:00 p.m. Monthly, weekly, or hourly charges will apply, depending on the individual child's schedule.

·	CED begins first full week of school and runs until June.
·	Operating hours 2:45-6:00 p.m.; early dismissal days 11:45-6:00 p.m.
·	NO child may use the CED program unless prior arrangements have been made with the CED Director.

After 4:15 p.m., pick up for CED children is at Amberly Way door only.

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M. Monsignor Thomas Whelan Program (MWP)

The Monsignor Thomas Whelan Program (MWP) was established in 1986. The Program was named in honor of the first Rector of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. It is a developmental learning experience for the total child. Individual needs are addressed in a secure and comfortable atmosphere, providing a sound foundation for future academic experience. To attend, all students must be 5 years old by August 31.

The school day is 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Children wear the Summer Uniform in September and May. October through April, Cathedral sweat suits are worn as the uniform. Gym uniforms are required for Physical Education classes and are worn to school under the sweat suits. A backpack and painting smock are necessary. The snow policy for the MWP is the same as for Grades 1-8 (see the "Snow and Inclement Weather" section in this Handbook for detailed information).

The MWP is closed for one week in January on the testing days for prospective MWP and Grade 1 students. Please see the School Calendar in this Handbook for the specific dates.

The Closing Ceremony for the Monsignor Whelan Program takes place the day before 8th grade graduation.

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School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen
111 Amberly Way
Baltimore, Maryland 21210
410-464-4100 Fax: 410-464-4137