Curriculum Guide:

Philosophy

Holy Cross Episcopal School provides a liberal arts education in the tradition of Episcopal schools nationwide. With a commitment to educating the whole child - mind, body, and spirit - Holy Cross offers a broad educational experience through an academic program that integrates the various disciplines. The curriculum includes a strong sequential presentation of basic skills, enrichment opportunities, daily chapel, and outreach projects. Our goal is to help students realize their full potential, cultivate an enthusiasm for learning, and develop a sensitivity to the needs of others. Throughout this process, the individual child is paramount.

Pre-Kindergarten

Learning, love, and laughter describe our pre-kindergarten program. In a warm, nurturing environment children learn by exploring and discovering the world around them. Unit and theme activities are integrated with readiness skills, art, and music to provide a program that encourages a child's natural curiosity and fosters a love of learning. Daily centers, learning games, and structures as well as free-form play offer additional opportunities to develop skills in math and language arts readiness. Students also receive weekly instruction in Spanish, computer, library and music.  The development of a positive self-image is encouraged as each child is celebrated as a gift from God with a unique set of gifts and talents to be discovered and appreciated.

Kindergarten

The kindergarten program at Holy Cross is based on a developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates a variety of experiences and skills necessary for intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical growth. The foundations of kindergarten are learning to listen and follow directions and developing readiness skills in language arts and math. The curriculum is enhanced through science, social studies, fine arts, physical education, computer, Spanish, and library. Opportunities are provided for students to begin reading based on individual readiness. Varied approaches to learning, such as hands-on activities, field trips, and tactile manipulatives are used to create a positive and encouraging environment for our kindergartners.

First Grade

The philosophy in educating first grade students is to provide a classroom environment that generates a desire to learn, motivates students to be productive, and introduces them to a wide variety of activities.  Hands-on experiences provide a natural environment for acquiring and retaining knowledge.  Teachers stimulate students to reach their full potential while mastering essential first-grade skills in a nurturing environment. The course content of first grade builds on that of kindergarten.  The curriculum focuses on language arts, math, social studies, science and handwriting.  Immersing the students in the printed language, while teaching them phonics, fosters the development of reading and writing skills.  Math concepts are taught through the use of manipulatives, games, activities and directed instruction.  Art, music, computer, physical education, Spanish and library are essential to our first grade program. Classroom studies are enhanced through field trips, speakers and special projects.

Second Grade

Second grade further emphasizes the principles of the previous grades and adds a measure of increased responsibility and independence for the children. The goal is to help them become more self-sufficient and accountable students.

Through an integrated curriculum of language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, physical education, and the fine arts, development of the whole child is emphasized. Phonetically rooted basal readers and a variety of other books provide a rich literature experience to support the continued development of reading skills. Writing expands into another form of communication as students apply existing knowledge in composing paragraphs, letters, stories, and book reports, both written and oral. Cursive writing is introduced during the second semester. Basic math facts and skills continue to develop in an atmosphere that encourages logical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and practical application. Studying current events, taking field trips, and participating in hands-on projects complement and enhance the science and social studies curricula. Computer use and technology continue to be an integral part of the curriculum.

Third Grade

Third grade continues to develop the skills acquired in the primary grades with an increased emphasis on comprehension and critical thinking. Cooperative learning becomes increasingly important, allowing students immediate feedback through small group activities and guided self-correction. Teaching the students to think for themselves while being sensitive to the needs of others is key to the third grade experience. Students are encouraged to explore and test their capabilities through realistic challenges provided in a safe environment. In language arts, student writing includes: book reports with visual aids, creative writing with illustrations, poems, letters, and editing. Developing proficiency in basic math skills (including math facts for both multiplication and division) along with the practical application of math concepts, provides a solid foundation for future learning. A wide variety of guest speakers, many exciting projects, and numerous educational field trips make social studies and science come alive for the students. The use of technology to increase the students' learning experiences is emphasized.

Fourth Grade

Decision making, problem solving, and purposeful learning characterize fourth grade. Fourth grade requires more independent study and is more intellectually demanding than the previous year. The ability to function effectively in a group while gaining confidence, self-discipline, and responsibility is developed. Focus on content areas continues to increase, building on the firm foundation of the previous years of learning. Alabama history is the focal point of the social studies curriculum with a wealth of opportunities to experience history through museums, historic sites, guest speakers, and activities. Students continue to select and experience literature for both pleasure and information. Correct grammar usage and language mechanics, along with developing composition and reference skills, are focal points of language arts. Reasoning and problem solving develop as students expand and apply mathematical skills and scientific knowledge through cooperative learning, directed instruction, and hands-on activities. A variety of projects, programs, and technology are used to enrich the curriculum and create an environment which enhances the classroom experience.

Fifth Grade

In the fifth grade, students grow in their ability to take the initiative for their own achievement, relying less on teachers and becoming more independent in their learning. They continue to refine their abilities to read critically, write effectively, reason logically, and speak articulately. English grammar skills are reviewed and expanded. Writing projects include essays, research papers, reports, short stories, journal writing, and poetry. The chronological development of the United States is studied, including history, geography, and economics as well as the political, social, and cultural perspectives. These are examined through American literature, art, and music. Math includes the study of the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, as well as problem solving, geometry, and measurement. Scientific thinking, discovery of scientific concepts, understanding the scientific process, and enjoyment of discovery are central to fifth grade science. Computer skills continue to develop as technology becomes an increasingly important tool for learning and research.

Sixth Grade

The sixth grade provides an atmosphere of reassurance and stability for students as they enter a period of growth and change. Our instructional program is designed to meet both academic and developmental needs, taking into consideration different learning styles. Students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning and to take risks in order to expand their knowledge and skills. Students will read across the curriculum and will read critically using writing skills as well as speaking skills to communicate effectively. Students will write five-paragraph essays, reports, journal entries, and research papers.  As students continue the study of the United States, they will explore geographical similarities and differences among regions of the United States, develop an understanding of the growth of economic systems, and explore the geopolitical changes brought by world and regional conflicts.  Math includes problem solving, conceptual understanding and skill proficiency in the areas of number sense, operations, fractions, geometry, statistics, graphing, equations, measurement, and integers. Analytical thinking, and critical reasoning are fundamental in math and science. Scientific technology, the scientific process, and cooperative learning with a hands-on approach are an integral part of the sixth grade experience. These opportunities to develop critical and creative thinking skills and to improve communication skills result in academic self-confidence and improved self-esteem.

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Enrichments:

Visual Arts

All Holy Cross students from kindergarten through sixth grade explore the exciting, multi-faceted world of art. They use hands-on activities in many (art) media to solve artistic problems, to think creatively and critically, to express ideas and feelings, and they learn to work successfully with others. Goals for personal fulfillment are a central part of the art program in all grades. Art provides an enjoyable and ongoing means for our students to develop skills and self-esteem, to learn to value beauty, and to realize their uniqueness and gifts as children of God. Many studies provide evidence of enhanced learning and achievement in schools where students are involved in a variety of arts experiences.

The art program progresses sequentially from year to year, encouraging students to build their own competence in art. Each year, students study the lives and artistic styles of the world's great artists. Age-appropriate projects and discussions introduce students to their own artistic heritage as well as artistic cultures from around the world. Even the youngest children are encouraged to delve into art criticism and aesthetics, activities they enjoy immensely. Field trips to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and other arts centers stimulate classroom discussion and bring art history to life. Further, thematic lessons in art often complement and enhance classroom topics of study, including language arts, mathematics, religion, science, social studies/history and Spanish.

Our students also enjoy the challenge of creating works to enter in area and regional art competitions. Their skills and hard work are evident in the awards and recognition many have achieved.

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Music

The music program is designed to develop an appreciation of music in worship and culture, vocal and instrumental skill, mechanical understanding and the application of acquired knowledge and skill. Students explore rhythm, melody, harmony, form, style and timbre through developmentally appropriate activities such as singing, playing classroom musical instruments, games, folk dancing, moving and creating. Our students are exposed to notable composers and their works. Our chorus, which is comprised of fifth and sixth graders, focuses on good choral technique and performs for special occasions at school as well as special events in the City of Montgomery. All students have the opportunity to perform at least once each year.

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Foreign Language

All students at Holy Cross are immersed into Spanish by attending class 3-4 times per week. When students come into the classroom, they enter by giving the Spanish password of the week. While in class, they become excited as they are totally absorbed in Spanish culture through multiple Spanish language references, including a replica of a typical Mexican market.

Spanish speaking puppets like Roscoe the coyote, Dora the cow and Ramona the frog are used to teach greetings and other expressions. The puppets help the younger students feel more enthusiastic and comfortable about learning a new language. The students learn Spanish through games, role-playing, story books and videos. Learning songs with hand motions and dances like the Macarena and Mexican hat dance make Spanish fun. Art projects and and other kinesthetic activities are incorporated into the curriculum. Older students begin using workbooks to learn vocabulary units such as family, parts of the body, clothing and animals.

Many classroom activities are interdisciplinary, particularly in art and music, as students learn about the customs and cultures of Spanish speaking countries. Students enjoy celebrating holidays like Mexican Independence Day and "Cinco de Mayo." Older students look forward to eating out as a class at a Mexican restaurant where they practice Spanish in a realistic setting.

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Physical Education

Our physical education program emphasizes fitness, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. Students develop their physical coordination through games, exercises, and activities using a variety of equipment in their daily classes. Some of the weekly units taught include soccer, basketball, archery, pickleball (mini-tennis), and juggling. Students learn to work with partners, be valuable group members, and solve problems as they develop team spirit, good communication skills, and good sportsmanship. Health and the importance of physical fitness are incorporated into the program at all levels.

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Theater Production

The fourth through sixth grades will be involved in theater productions which will be produced by the fifth and sixth grades. These grades will each study a Shakespearean play which has been adapted for children through a program entitled Shakespeare Can Be Fun. The fourth grade class studies a play and concentrates on the technical aspects of a theater production, such as lighting, costuming and stage sets. They will also serve as the backstage crew for the productions of the fifth and sixth grades. The fifth grade class studies a different Shakespearean play which is produced in the spring for the students, parents and the other members of the Holy Cross family. They work on characterization, setting, and staging, costuming and acting as they work towards the culminating production. The sixth grade class also studies a play and works toward producing their play for the entire Montgomery community. By the time a student at Holy Cross has completed the sixth grade, he/she has studied and worked with the production of three Shakespearean plays.

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Technology

Our computer lab is equipped with Dell computers and a wall projector for large group training.  Students attend weekly classes in the computer lab with lessons designed to make them more proficient in using computers on and off-line.  We lease an outstanding curriculum with guides and teaching/learning materials from the University of Richmond and Boston University.  All students are taught to use Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint and Excel in an entertaining, age-appropriate manner.  In the past few years, students have "invested" in the stock market and charted the progress of their stock using Excel.  They have also completed projects such as creating a school newspaper using Publisher and presenting their autobiographies using PowerPoint.  In Pre K - first grade, students are taught basic computer skills using Kid Pix Deluxe and commercially prepared software.

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Library Media Services

The library facility has made great strides since moving into our new building. We currently have over 5,000 children's books and are constantly acquiring more. Reference materials, professional books, chapel books, videos and equipment are also available. We have purchased and installed the Athena circulation system. This system allows electronic checkout of materials and a computer generated card catalog system.

Students attend weekly classes where they are instructed in reference skills, library procedures, and appreciation of literature. General forms of literature studied are poem, plays, fairy tales, tall tales, myths, and novels.

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Christian Formation:

Our mission and ministry: Holy Cross is more than a great education for our children; it is a community grounded in the daily worship of God. Our chapel services include scripture readings with a lesson, prayers, lots of singing, and lots of fun---all within an age appropriate format, and guided by the liturgical seasons of the Christian year. We also celebrate the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) each Wednesday. Parents and other visitors are always welcome!

The Rt. Rev. Henry Parsley, Bishop of Alabama, has summed up Holy Cross in this way: "Holy Cross is a ministry and we must maintain a sense of mission by teaching the wisdom of the ages in the context of faith." With this goal in mind, we are constantly discovering new ways to incorporate lessons from Scripture and classic stories of faith with our daily curriculum. For instance, chapel lessons that teach about the beauty of God's creation easily translate into a study of plants and animals, stewardship of the earth's resources, a trip to the zoo, and an outreach project which helps provide livestock for people in need. Daily worship also "sets the tone" for what happens the rest of the day, as well as fostering a sense of community. All students participate in age appropriate outreach projects giving them the opportunity to live out those lessons taught in chapel.

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