St. Alban Roe Catholic School

Language Arts: 
We follow a Writer’s Workshop method-prewrite, draft, revise, proofread/edit, and publish. Some important writing projects include opinion pieces, informative/explanatory texts, narratives, poems, and a research piece. Grammar will be done in the Grammar Workshop workbook, but also applied in Writer’s Workshop. Handwriting  is a big focus. Students will be studying how to write in cursive. 

Reading: 
We follow the Journey’s curriculum. On Mondays we study vocabulary and spelling, Tuesdays we complete whole Group instruction, Wednesdays and Thursdays we complete small group and independent work to review the skills that we learned. Once those skills are mastered we apply them into our novel studies using literature circles. Accelerated Reading is a program that we use as well to help us grow in our reading and comprehension skills.

Math: 
We follow a Math Workshop method-15 minute whole group instruction and 30-40 minute of application broken into centers. We use Progressive Mathematics curriculum within our studies. Some important topics include: operations in Base 10 (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, algebraic thinking and relationships, fractions, geometry, and measurement. 

Religion: 
Our religion curriculum centers around understanding that God speaks to us through Jesus, through the Holy Scripture, and through the church. Some other topics include saints, understanding the bible, the human community, dignity of the human person, the sacraments, as well as the Eucharist. We also study REVEALED-God’s Plan for the Human Person (Theology of the Body) once a month, where we focus on us being a gift from God. One special element that third graders partake in is the Parade of Saints. Students get assigned a saint to research and then on our All Saints Day mass parade as that saint and read to the congregation about that saint as well.  

Science: 
We cover physical science (force/motion and magnets), life science (plant life cycle and ecosystem), and Earth and Space Science (weather conditions and solar system). Science is offered 2-3 times a week. We focus on note taking, however,  experiments and STEM applications will be done bi-weekly

Social Studies: 
We cover the following topics-Civics, Economics, Geography, History, and Social Science Inquiry. Social Studies is done 2-3 times a week. We focus on STEAM during our SS units. Students have the opportunity to apply the units to their everyday lives. 

• Develop practices to build an ongoing relationship with our loving God
• Understand how God speaks through Jesus, Scripture, and the Church.
• Identify key parts of the Bible, including how to find passages (chapter and verse).
• Describe the Old Testament as preparation for Jesus and the New Testament as its fulfillment.
• Understand Jesus’ mission to proclaim the Good News and bring about the Kingdom of God.
• Identify the Pope and bishops as leaders of the Catholic Church
• Recognize the role of saints and the qualities they model for Christians.
• Explore the Apostles’ Creed as a summary of belief in the Trinity – focusing especially on what is said about the Father and the Son.
• Understand that Mary was kept free of Original Sin through what we call the Immaculate Conception

• Exhibit reverence during church and understand the Liturgical Year.
• Recognize the Easter season and its primary events, including Palm Sunday, Triduum, Easter Sunday, and Pentecost.
• Identify and understand the meaning of sacraments as visible signs of grace.
• Recognize the roles of bishops, priests, and deacons in the Church.
• Learn the importance of regular participation in Sunday Mass and the Eucharist.

• Understand the dignity of every human as created in God’s image.
• Learn the Works of Mercy as acts of love for others.
• Identify and practice virtues like faith, hope, and charity.
• Understand sin and its effects, distinguishing between mortal and venial sins.
• Learn the Ten Commandments and how they guide love of God and neighbor.
• Follow the two Great Commandments as central to the Christian life.

• Recognize the importance of daily prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
• Understand different types of prayer, including The Angelus.
• Write and offer prayers of petition, thanksgiving, and praise.
• Participate in rites like the Stations of the Cross to connect with Jesus’ suffering and love.

• The instructional methods will include a variety of learning styles, visual and oral presentations, class discussions, and “hands-on” art production, but also reflective writings and quizzes. A portfolio of student assignments, sketches, and reflective writing will be kept by the student. These will be occasionally checked by the teacher for additional points. Artwork will be graded using scoring guides based on design interest, originality, craftsmanship, achievement of assignment goals and effort.  

• Third grade begins the year with singing songs utilizing the pentatonic scale and swiftly moves into reading note names on the treble clef. This is further emphasized as students learn how to play recorder in preparation for joining band in the 4th grade and enhancing their musicality with focus on dynamics.

• Demonstrate and identify critical elements for non-locomotor, locomotor and manipulative skills to be able to correctly perform these skills needed for game play
• Apply fundamental and specialized skills needed for individual and team activity sports including badminton, flag football, basketball, soccer, floor hockey, volleyball, and pickleball
• Identify simple offensive and defensive strategies and analyze which would best based on opponent’s strategies in team sports utilized through Ultimate Frisbee, flag football, team handball, basketball and soccer
• Identify and explain health related fitness components to set realistic personal fitness goals as part of the FitnessGram Test

• 3rd - 5th: We engage in a variety of activities using visual, auditory, and creative senses so that way by 5th grade, we can put all previous knowledge into practice with classes twice a week, and we begin to add grammar. This prepares students to enter middle school with a strong foundation in the Spanish language. In 4th grade, we start reading and writing in Spanish.
  

Language Arts: 
In fourth grade Language Arts, our weekly stories come from our Journeys textbook. The Journeys stories include vocabulary, phonics, literature, and spelling. Many novels are also studied in the fourth grade. Upon completion of the novels, students thoroughly study the novels, take spelling tests, and comprehension quizzes. Furthermore, a Grammar workbook is used often in the classroom. Grammar lessons include: types of sentences, proper/common nouns, plural/singular nouns, irregular nouns, possessive adjectives, linking verbs, and much more! Reading is a strong suit in the fourth grade. Students will have the opportunity to take an Accelerated Reading test upon completion of their book. The program encourages children to read and understand exactly what they are reading.

Math: 
In fourth grade Mathematics, skills are further developed and mastered. The year begins with place value then graduates to multiple digit addition and subtraction, leading into multiplication, fractions, division, measurement, algebra, and geometry. The pace of Mathematics in the fourth grade begins to accelerate. Children gain confidence in using their skills, allowing for a robust amount of new skills to be introduced. The year ends with geometric equations!

Religion: 
In fourth grade Religion, two textual materials are used: Theology of the Body and Christ Our Life. Theology of the Body is a new program this year; children learn about their Christ-given gifts and how to implement their Christ-given talents. Christ Our Life is part of the fourth grade weekly curriculum. The material guides the students through life situations, familial similarities and differences, importance of one’s faith, and emphasizes that our bodies are temples! Children and teachers attend Mass twice a week as a school–fourth grade worships on Mondays and on Wednesdays. 

Science: 
In fourth grade Science, the year begins with Life Cycles, dives into Responses of Living Things, and wraps up with Human Body Systems. Numerous projects are completed and hypotheses studied. Science is an implemental part of the fourth grade curriculum. In fourth grade, it is important to take the topics at hand and create testable questions in which the students can experiment with.

Social Studies: 
In fourth grade Social Studies, the grand project of the State Fair is presented. The students research a state and formulate a speech. The speech is given while the children are dressed in attire tailored to their state. It is an event that all enjoy. Audience members gain knowledge on the fifty states while students publicly speak. The fourth grade Social Studies textbook, Missouri Social Studies, States and Regions, focuses on the five regions of the United States in which the regions are thoroughly studied. The students create timelines, study maps, and learn the importance of United States official documents such as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

• Develop practices to build an ongoing relationship with our loving God
• Recognize how God reveals Himself gradually through creation, Scripture, and grace.
• Explore key Biblical passages, including the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, the Good Samaritan, and the Prodigal Son.
• Understand some of the major events and covenants that prepared for the coming of Christ – Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc.
• Understand the Trinitarian nature of faith as expressed in Baptism.
• Recognize Jesus as Savior, whose mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
• Learn about Mary as Mother of God and her appearances throughout history.
• Explore the lives of saints as models of love and mercy.

• Demonstrate reverence in church and understand the symbolism of liturgical seasons.
• Know the Holy Days of Obligation.
• Celebrate the sacraments as encounters with Christ, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist.
• Understand the importance of examining one’s conscience and expressing contrition.
• Recognize the unity of the Church in the celebration of the Eucharist.
• Understand the importance of regular participation in Sunday Eucharist.
• Join prayers during Mass with those of Mary and the saints in heaven.

• Recognize the Beatitudes as a way of life modeled by Christ for true happiness.
• Practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy as ways to serve others.
• Explore the Cardinal Virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude) and seven lively virtues, as well as the seven capital sins.
• Understand sin, including mortal and venial sins, and the need for God’s mercy.
• Practice examining conscience and following the Ten Commandments to live God’s love.

• Compare communal prayer, private prayer, and formal and informal prayer.
• Recite prayers like the Hail, Holy Queen and Mysteries of the Rosary.
• Understand the Creeds as statements of Catholic faith.
• Recognize Jesus as a model of prayer and build a daily prayer life.
• Participate in devotions like the Stations of the Cross.

• The instructional methods will include a variety of learning styles, visual and oral presentations, class discussions, and “hands-on” art production, but also reflective writings and quizzes. A portfolio of student assignments, sketches, and reflective writing will be kept by the student. These will be occasionally checked by the teacher for additional points. Artwork will be graded using scoring guides based on design interest, originality, craftsmanship, achievement of assignment goals and effort.  

• Students in fourth grade continue to focus on singing songs utilizing the pentatonic scale while further developing their ability to sing in canon as well as branching into partner songs. They enhance their musicality with additional emphasis on dynamics as well as introductions to tempo and a brief overview of modality. 

• Dribble in self-space and general space increasing and decreasing speed with both preferred and non-preferred hands or feet using proper technique during game play of basketball and soccer
• Kick a ground ball, lofted ball and punt using proper technique while playing kickball, soccer and football
• Strike and volley underhand using a mature pattern in a dynamic environment for individual and team sports while playing 4 square, volleyball and Team Handball
• Create a jump rope routine with a short rope being able to execute and perform different kinds of jumps and tricks
• Identify opportunities to participate in physical activity outside of physical education class

• 3rd - 5th: We engage in a variety of activities using visual, auditory, and creative senses so that way by 5th grade, we can put all previous knowledge into practice with classes twice a week, and we begin to add grammar. This prepares students to enter middle school with a strong foundation in the Spanish language. In 4th grade, we start reading and writing in Spanis
  

• Grammar - parts of speech, punctuation, sentence structure
• Writing - various types of writing including, journaling, reports, essays, letters, narratives, and poetry
• Reading -  Journeys Series Anthology, plus 4 novels (one per quarter), and student led book clubs. Includes vocabulary, literary elements, specific reading skills and AR for each quarter
  
  

• Whole Numbers
• Decimals
• Fractions
• Intro to integers
• Intro to geometry
• Intro to basic algebra

• Physical Science: 
  • Students will identify forces and how forces affect motion. 
  • Students will investigate energy conversions and describe how the transfer of energy affects the particles in matter.
  • Students will explore the three states of matter and arrangement of its particles.
  • Students will be introduced to physical and chemical properties and changes of matter.
  • Simple Machines
• Life Science:
  • Describe how Plant Systems get the materials they need for survival.
• Earth Science:
  • Interaction between the Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere and Atmosphere
  • Oceans and Freshwater Systems
• Engineering Design:
  • Students will design a simple process with specified criteria for success but with constraints on materials. 

• American History 
• European explorations
• Colonization
• American Revolution
• Our Constitutions

• Develop practices to build an ongoing relationship with our loving God
• Understand that God is the Creator who made the world good and entrusted it to us.
• Learn how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.
• Recognize the Holy Trinity in our lives and the Holy Spirit as Sanctifier.
• Acknowledge Jesus as Redeemer and the Word Made Flesh.
• Explore titles and roles of Mary, such as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.
• Understand the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds as expressions of Catholic belief.

• Demonstrate reverence in church and recognize the significance of liturgical seasons.
• Identify the meaning and celebration of the Triduum and Easter.
• Learn the signs, gestures, and symbols of the sacraments and their connection to grace.
• Recognize Christ’s presence in the Mass: in the assembly, the Word, and the Eucharist.
• Understand the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
• Explore the importance of Holy Orders and Matrimony in the life of the Church.

• Understand that mercy and justice are essential to Christian living.
• Practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in daily life.
• Recognize sin and its effects, distinguishing between mortal and venial sins.
• Learn how choices reflect Gospel values and bring consequences.
• Follow the Ten Commandments as guides for honoring God and others.
• Act with respect for the unborn, sick, and all who are vulnerable.

• Understand the forms of prayer: Mass, communal, and private.
• Cultivate devotion to Mary and the saints and ask for their intercession.
• Participate in prayer services, including the Rosary and Stations of the Cross.
• Compose prayers of praise, petition, and thanksgiving.
• Recite traditional prayers like the Memorare and St. Michael the Archangel.
• Analyze the Lord’s Prayer and its seven petitions.

• The instructional methods will include a variety of learning styles, visual and oral presentations, class discussions, and “hands-on” art production, but also reflective writings and quizzes. A portfolio of student assignments, sketches, and reflective writing will be kept by the student. These will be occasionally checked by the teacher for additional points. Artwork will be graded using scoring guides based on design interest, originality, craftsmanship, achievement of assignment goals and effort.  

• Students in fifth grade focus on learning keyboards, ukuleles, and bucket drums. They explore major and minor tonality, different rhythms and articulation, and the beginning of chord playing. The year culminates in a fun video game composition exercise where students can use the different instruments they’ve learned to create melodic character motifs that affect their story line.

• Demonstrate mature patterns of locomotor skills and movement concepts in dance and aerobics
• Combine locomotor and manipulative skills in variety of game situations and sports environments including execution to a target needed for passing or scoring in team activities
• Analyze the impact of the MyPlate food chart diagram and how food choices have an impact on physical activity, sports, and personal health
• Engage in physical activity using responsible interpersonal behavior towards peers, teacher or referee in order to follow rules and display appropriate positive sportsmanship

• 3rd - 5th: We engage in a variety of activities using visual, auditory, and creative senses so that way by 5th grade, we can put all previous knowledge into practice with classes twice a week, and we begin to add grammar. This prepares students to enter middle school with a strong foundation in the Spanish language. In 4th grade, we start reading and writing in Spanish.

Mrs. Ali BiegEducation: Graduated Cum Laude from Missouri State with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, and an emphasis in Child Family Development. Graduated with a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Kansas. 
Total Years Teaching: 5 Years

Years at SAR: 4 Years

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? I love the family atmosphere here at St. Alban Roe. It is such a special place. 

How has working at St. Alban impacted your faith? I am grateful to grow in my faith every week by receiving the Eucharist twice a week and listening to homilies that will fill my soul. We complete many acts of service and attend wonderful events centering around Jesus. 

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, spending time with family, crafting, and traveling.

Ms. Kennedy KohlEducation: Graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia, teaching certification, and a certificate in Multicultural Studies.Total Years Teaching: 3 Years

Years at SAR: 3 Years

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? Teaching at St. Alban Roe has strengthened not only who I am as an individual teacher, but also who I am as an individual person. 

How has working at St. Alban Roe impacted your faith? Working at St. Alban Roe Catholic School has inspired me to follow my faith fearlessly. 

Hobbies: Reading, puzzling, watching soccer, walking outside, and building legos.

Ms. Mia SantilliEducation: Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary EducationTotal Years Teaching: 3 Years

Total Years at SAR: 3 Years

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? I am originally from Chicago and the amazing people, students, and community keep me in St. Louis. I keep coming back because of YOU!

How has working at St. Alban Roe impacted your faith? Children always have had creative imaginations and it is the same for their views on faith. Every time we discuss religion in class, students' responses bring me more and more inspiration to dig deeper in my own journey. 

Hobbies: I love reading, running, string/yarn crafts, and trying new restaurants with my friends!

Mrs. Patty Grimsley
Teacher Assistant (3rd - 5th)
Bio Coming Soon!

Mrs. Liz Leahy
Teacher Assistant (3rd - 5th)Total Years at SAR: 2 Years. I have lots of experience helping around the school because my daughter graduated from here in 2011 and my son in 2016.

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? I love being here to help and support our teachers.  They have a tremendous responsibility to help our students meet their learning objectives.  The teachers have an endless list of responsibilities and the TA’s are ready to back them up.

How has working at St. Alban Roe impacted your faith? SAR helped our family build a strong faith foundation for our family.  I pray the students at SAR not only get a good education but also form a strong foundation in their Catholic faith.