Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader is an assessment that primarily determines whether or not a child has read a book. The software provides additional information to teachers regarding reading rates, amount of reading, and other variables related to reading. Additionally, a number of other assessments are available to assess higher order thinking skills and vocabulary. Quizzes can be taken on fiction and non-fiction books. St. Joan of Arc school currently has 3800 books in the Accelerated Reader database. There are three steps to using Accelerated Reader. First, students choose and read a fiction or non-fiction book, textbook, or magazine. Teachers monitor reading including guided, paired, literature-based, and textbook reading. Second, students take a quiz. Teachers can create their own quizzes for those not available in Accelerated Reader. Third, the teacher receives information that is intended to assist, motivate reading, monitor progress, and target instruction. Reports regarding reading level and comprehension skills are available through the software.

Band/Piano

St Joan of Arc offer’s a band program through Band For Today to students in fourth through eight grades. Beginning band students will have recruiting every fall encompassing a demonstration and allowing students to try instruments to get the right “fit”. Lessons are provided for flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone and snare drum. During the fall recruiting is the opportunity for parents to sign up their child for band. This program is fee-based to parents.

St. Joan of Arc offers an after school piano program for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Students take a group class with keyboards and perform 2 recitals a year. They learn using Music For Little Mozart's piano method specifically designed for group lessons in this age range. Flyers are sent home to all students in September.

1. Lessons: Beginners and intermediates will get a half hour group lesson once a week and a full band rehearsal once a week. Advanced students will be involved in two full band rehearsals a week.

2. Performance Opportunities: Students will perform in two concerts at St. Joan’s, a Christmas and spring concert. They will also have the opportunity to attend our solo contest in March where students can with trophies and medals. Advanced students have the ability to be selected for an Honor Band and all students can play at a Cougar’s baseball game in front of thousands in May and at a Chicago Wolves Hockey game in January.

3. Rentals: Band For Today offers rental instruments for St. Joan students.

4. Communication: Band For Today sends E-News to parents. Using E-mail is another way to keep communications strong and to send additional articles and links to parents.

5. Progress Reports: Progress Reports go out twice a year to keep parents informed of their child’s progress.

For more information about these programs, go to the Band For Today website here:

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week always begins the last Sunday in January. Advancing the Educational and Catechetical Mission of the Church a week is set aside every year for teachers, students and parents to celebrate the facets of Catholic education that make Catholic schools identifiably unique. An open house, special speakers and        events are traditionally planned.

Cultural Arts

In grade one short stories are read to the children. Stories are of other places and cultures. Often a discussion ensues. The following step is to use the computer, Storybook Weaver or Student Writing Center, to retell the story.

In grade two the theme is traveling around the world through books. We read about other children in other countries and the children recreate what they’ve learned using the computer.

In grade three, we think like writers and write our own stories learning about the functions of the computer; adding clip art, using spell check and inserting maps.

Discovery Streaming

Launched in 2001 as unitedstreaming, Discovery Education streaming is now used in about half of U.S. schools. That adds up to about 1 million educators and 30 million students. The word "streaming" probably brings to mind streaming audio and video files that people can play on demand. But streaming videos are only one component of Discovery Education streaming. The program also includes lesson plans, curriculum materials and other tools for both teachers and students.

Teachers search for the videos they need using keywords, grade levels and other search parameters in an impressive database that includes all areas of the curriculum including our Catholic identity. After finding just the right video a teacher can download or stream live from the Discovery Streaming site through his/her laptop and projector onto the large screen bringing the topic of study to life.

Expanding curriculum materials allow teachers to move out of the walls of the classroom into the global classroom providing for more learning opportunities.

Project Eagle