Students 4 to 8 years of age require developmentally appropriate teaching practices which encompasses meeting children where they are and recognizing that each child is a unique individual. Providing activities and curriculum appropriate to each child's age and developmental status and ensuring that goals are both challenging and achievable, is the best practice for primary students.

Teachers provide a balance of large and small group activities and one-to-one activities, to encourage both group and individual relationships. Children have opportunities to play and interact with other children, which builds friendships and develops social skills, such as working together and taking turns.

Research tells us that the human brain grows as a result of learning and experience. When a new skill or concept is internalized, a  brain connection is formed. In order for a connection to become permanent the learning must be reinforced using different learning modalities. Each child learns differently. Some learn best by listening (auditory learners) while others have to handle something physically (visual learners) before they can understand it. Others learn best by moving (kinesthetic learners). Touching and feeling things and transforming ideas into movement boosts memory and understanding. Our approach in the lower grades to maximize learning is to provide learning opportunities for children with every learning style. This approach allows all children (listeners, lookers, and movers) to be successful learners.

MONTH OF FEBRUARY - VIRTUE OF LEADERSHIP:

Kindergarten (Mrs.Boatner) - Isabel Casanovas-Martino
Kindergarten (Mrs. Redig)-   A.J. Melton
Grade 1 - Araix Romero
Grade 2 - Anabel Garcia

MONTH OF JANUARY -VIRTUE OF PEACEMAKER:

Kindergarten ( Mrs. Boatner) - Nikalena Dethomas
Kindergarten ( Mrs. Redig) - Gianna Dethomas
Grade 1 - Sergio Gallegos
Grade 2 - Alexis Kolad

MONTH OF SEPTEMBER -VIRTUE OF KINDNESS:

Kindness was the virtue for September and is part of the theme for September, Call to Family, Community and Participation.  Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as exhibiting the virtue of kindness:

Kindergarten A - Ella Gaines
Kindergarten B - Mary Grace Montgomery
Gr. 1 - Yosvanni Gonzalez
Gr. 2 - Seth Watts

CORE CURRICULUM

St. Joseph’s Academy Gets Ready for Common Core Initiative
Lana Swartzwelder, Principal

As Principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, there are so many things to be proud of; our students, our faculty and the ministry we provide to our community, to name a few. Today I am proud to share with you that SJA is one of nine Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando that is piloting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Language Arts and Math. As you learn more about CCSS, you may realize that our teachers already implement the key strategies of critical thinking and problem solving, a major part of the Core Curriculum. In the coming school year, SJA is taking things to the next level, integrating the core subjects to teach the 21st century skills using CCSS.

The Mission Statement and highlights I share below best explain Core Curriculum. To learn more about this approach to teaching, just call or stop by, my door is always open.

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

The Common Core Curriculum:

• Is aligned with college and work expectations
• Ensures consistent expectations regardless of where the student lives
• Provides educators, parents, and students with clear, focused guideposts

The standards:

• Are aligned with college and work expectations
• Are clear, understandable and consistent      
• Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills
• Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards
• Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society
• Are based on evidence and research

Reference: http://www.corestandards.org/

VOLUNTARY PRE-K

We are offering FREE Voluntary Pre-K (VPK)

8:00 - 3:00 pm	Full Day VPK (Family must pay for additional 1/2 day and perform service hours)
8:00 -11:00 am	1/2 Day Morning VPK (Fully paid for by State of Florida)
12:00- 3:00 pm	1/2 Day Afternoon VPK (Fully paid for by State of Florida)

4 Easy Steps to VPK Registration

Child must be 4 years old on or before September 1 for the program year.

1.  Complete and sign the application.

2. Attach a copy of proof of the child’s age.  Acceptable documents include:  birth certificate, passport, valid military dependent ID  card, immunization record signed by physician, INS Certificate of Arrival in US.  

3. Attach a copy of proof of Florida residency.  Proof must match the name and physical address on your VPK application.  Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to:  Driver’s License, utility bill, bank statement, insurance policy, pay stubs, valid Florida or govt. documents.  A post office box address
is not sufficient proof.

4. Take completed application and attachments to an Early Learning Coalition location.  See the website at http://www.elcpolk.org/ and click on Calendar of Events for times, dates and available locations.  Parents will be issued an Eligibility Certificate after the application has been approved.  To enroll a child into a VPK program, parents must take the Eligibility Certificate to an eligible VPK provider (school or daycare) to see if space is available.
Certificates should be available in mid April.