Overview

Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Religious Education
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Computer Science
World Language
Performing and Visual Arts
Physical Education
Extra-curricular Activities
REAP

            The curriculum of St. Mary Magdalen Regional School is developed and maintained through the use of core curriculum guides and standards as established by the Diocese of Camden.  Teachers attend workshops for improvement of instruction and program enhancement. Materials of instruction are selected, reviewed, and evaluated using the guidelines set forth by the Diocese of Camden.  Textbook series are selected for adoption from those approved by the diocese as well.

            Learning problems are identified by observation of student performance, review of standardized test scores, and child study team evaluation.  Learning problems are addressed by one on one instruction and by implementing accommodations recommended in Individual Education Plans provided by the child study team.  Basic skills classes and/or supplemental education are available to students who qualify for these programs.  The use of private tutors is sometimes suggested to parents.

            Christian attitudes and values, encouraging students to exercise responses of mutual respect, patience, encouragement, and appreciation of one another’s God given talents and cultural diversity, are vigorously fostered.  The will of God, prayerfulness, honesty and right moral judgment in all choices are actively inculcated, as are respect and care of the environment with its natural resources. Back to Top

            The strengths of the religious education program include the dedicated service of the Sisters, Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary; involvement in the religious formation of students by our parish priests; lay faculty who view their role as ministers in the educational mission of the Catholic Church; many and varied opportunities for religious experience, service, and fellowship; celebration of the weekly school Mass; orthodox religion textbook series and instruction; unmistakable Catholic identity of the school; and, support of devout and involved parents.  Other strengths include an emphasis on student understanding and memorization of basic Catholic teachings, catechism, articles of faith, and traditional prayers; extra-curricular programs to promote missionary zeal, church vocations, and Marian devotion in students. Back to Top

            A modified whole language approach is employed which uses whole group instruction as well as flexible grouping; literature anthologies; phonics instruction; an excellent spelling and vocabulary textbook program; and, basic English grammar instruction.  Teachers creatively integrate the numerous facets of language arts in the content areas.

            Over the last three years the various forms of writing and the use of literature anthologies that include classical writings have continued to be emphasized.  Recent additional changes include increased practice in the various writing forms and the implementation of a student portfolio program in all grades. Back to Top

            Standardized test scores indicate above average achievement in mathematics.  Other strengths include teacher expectations for student success in mathematics equally include girls and boys, integration of mathematics across the curriculum, the use of manipulatives to aid students in visualizing mathematical concepts, the availability of mathematics software, and an Algebra I program for advanced mathematics students in the eighth grade.  Strengths also   include the focus on building a strong foundation in basic skills through the use of drills where memorization coupled with the use of manipulatives and critical thinking activities increase student understanding of concepts. Back to Top

            The strengths of the science program at St. Mary Magdalen Regional School include the use of hands-on scientific methods; laboratory experiences to strengthen skills of observation, prediction, measurement, interpretation, collection of data, and drawing conclusions; and, lab reports or follow up written assignments to demonstrate comprehension of concepts and to  develop  critical  thinking,  and  creativity. Back to Top

            Additions to the science program over recent years include an independent science laboratory, furnishings, and storage facilities for science supplies.

            The strengths of the social studies program include the development and reinforcement of a variety of skills and knowledge; the integration of social studies with other subjects; the aim to produce a well-rounded and open-minded student; the encouragement of individuality; the development of thinking skills and research skills which prepare the student for self-accessed life-long learning; and, the encouragement of each student’s desire to become a responsible, well-informed citizen.

            The school has emphasized the optimal use of the media lending library.  And an important curriculum addition has been the school-wide participation of the school in events that foster historical and ethnic awareness and tolerance. Back to Top

            The strengths of the computer science program are individualized as well as small group instruction; content area related software; internet; a 20 station networked computer laboratory; and, computers in the classrooms.  Computer science classes cover issues of a technology-based society, correct care and use of computers, fundamental terms, identification of physical components of a computer system, proper keyboarding techniques (skill and accuracy) and use of mouse, word processing terms and functions, internet search engines and strategies to find information (online research), spreadsheet, spreadsheet terms and performing calculations on a spreadsheet, and using a graphing program.

            Recent additions to the computer science program include a power point projector and lap top for use in the classrooms; new design software, new printers for all classrooms; digital camera, scanner, cable TV access, and a new server to provide network capability to all classroom computers with the laboratory.  Other improvements include the replacement of all laboratory computers with new computers having  XP Windows and greater memory; and, the addition of virus protection and filtering on all computers. Back to Top

            The strengths of the world language program at St. Mary Magdalen Regional School are the  presentation of conversational Spanish in an enjoyable manner, with the goal of awakening in students an interest and liking for the language and cultures of Hispanic peoples; emphasis on developing the students’ oral vocabulary, pronunciation technique, and conversational skills; instruction that begins at the pre-kindergarten level when children are able to learn a language with the least difficulty and best aptitude for duplicating correct pronunciation; emphasis on conversational Spanish to a greater degree than written Spanish; a teacher who is a native speaker and who models correctly spoken Spanish and provides students with a direct experience of Mexican  culture.

            The conjugation and correct usage of verbs in the eighth grade, in preparation for high school and the opportunity for advanced placement, continues to be especially stressed.  An addition at the eighth grade level has been the effort of the homeroom teacher who is also the Spanish teacher to teach Spanish to eighth graders whenever possible two times per week. Back to Top

            The strengths of the visual and performing arts program are that students receive visual and performing arts education from pre-kindergarten through grade eight, and acquire a foundation in the basic elements and hands-on experience using different venues, mediums, and materials; lessons are well-planned and delivered in a manner appropriate to the abilities, ages, and interest of students; students’ work and talents are appreciated and displayed via exhibits, concerts, and theatrical performances; and the Christmas musical, which discovers the latent talents of so many children, has become an identifying feature and hallmark of the school.

            Over the last three years, the visual and performing arts curriculum guide has continued to be referred to in planning.  The school now enjoys the presence on the faculty of a teacher who majored in theater and whose expertise has greatly improved the annual production of our Christmas musical.  Thanks to the outstanding generosity and interest of our music teacher, the school has been able to offer students a greater variety of materials and equipment for instruction and enrichment experiences that include attendance at the annual Bay-Atlantic Symphony Concert for children.

Enhancing the curriculum are lessons that appeal to the interest of the students and after school activities: Art Club, Multicultural Folklore Dance and Food Festival, Arts and Crafts Club, School Choir, and School Band.  The school enjoys featuring students’ accomplishments and participation in a variety of activities on the school’s bulletin boards.  The annual school musical at the community college theater, of which the school is especially proud, is an on-going display in the main foyer. Back to Top

            The strengths of the St. Mary Magdalen Regional School’s physical education program include an indoor gymnasium, a variety of fitness activities and games; lessons in accord with the diocesan physical education curriculum guide; participation in city field-day by all fourth and fifth graders; and, the basketball after school program.

            A principal improvement is the employment of a certified physical education teacher who provides students with skills in classic team sports, fitness activities, and formal assessment of student performance. Back to Top

            Excellent additions to the extra-curricular activities offered at the school have been made, facilitating after school activities/clubs in specific areas of student interest, such as world language, voice/music, faith development, service, writing skills, science, art, computer science, basketball skills, and higher order thinking.  A wider involvement of teachers and parent volunteers enhanced existing clubs while making the establishment of new clubs possible.

            Existing extracurricular activities/clubs included CYO Basketball (4th-8th grade boys and girls), Marian Club, Missionary Club, School Choir, Art Club, Computer Club, Safety Patrol, Student Council, and National Junior Honor Society.  New clubs added over the last three years include:  Chess Club, Newspaper Club, Arts and Crafts Club, Spanish Club, and the “Lab Rats” Science Club.  Also, regular Altar Boy Meetings were resumed and basketball training was initiated for first through third grade boys and girls.  Safety Patrol membership was increased to include sixth graders, as well as new areas of service and responsibility overall.  Another recent addition was that participation by all sixth through eighth grade students in school government via Student Council was made a mandatory experience. Back to Top