Curriculum

St. Leander Catholic School provides a comprehensive and challenging PreK-8 curriculum as stipulated by the Diocese of Oakland in accordance with Common Core Standards. Our core curriculum focuses on Language Arts (Spelling, Reading & Writing), Math, Social Studies, Science and Religion.

Religion

The formal religion program establishes the heart of the curriculum. We follow the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary Schools. Priority is given to the comprehensive development of the subject not only through formal instruction, but, from religious experiences. The students practice their faith in the daily living of the Gospel message, frequent prayer and Christian service opportunities.

Family Life/Christian Sexuality

Maximizing the wholesome influences of the Catholic classroom requires an approach which integrates the Catholic value system and moral convictions throughout the curriculum.

The Oakland Diocesan Catholic elementary school program in human sexuality is an integral part of the education program planned for each student. The integration of Catholic values in human sexuality occurs as appropriate throughout the entire curriculum.

Mathematics

Including standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this comprehensive math program offers skill building and problem solving at each grade level. Calculators, computers and a variety of manipulatives allow for exploration, discovery and mastery of the prescribed strands in math.

Music

Music at St. Leander School reaches far beyond the classroom. Students perform in public twice yearly--once at the Christmas pageant, and again for our VIP (Special Persons ) Day in the spring. In addition, small groups have sung at the parish festival, local businesses, homes, and retirement centers. There is an array of on-campus options for extra-curricular instruction in both private and group settings. Another highlight of our year is the Talent Show, open to students from Kindergarten through Eighth Grades.

In primary classes, students learn to sing in tune and keep the beat. Later, we add instruments, movement, and creativity. As voices and musicianship grow, older classes take turns leading the community in song at monthly liturgies. Soloists often lead Psalms and hymns, always with additional, private coaching. Middle school students are introduced to the basics of harmony and composition, and spend much of their time collaborating on original work. The school's performing arts room (also home to the ever growing drama club and prop/costume library) houses a large collection of percussion and stringed instruments which students of every grade level have a chance to experience. Students gain the knowledge, tools, and resources to explore any and all avenues of music and performance.

Physical Education

Physical education focuses on game skills and fitness through a variety of drills and activities. Students in Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade improve their motor development by working with a variety of manipulative equipment (bouncy balls, bean bags, parachutes, scooters, hula hoops, soccer balls, etc.). Students learn how to throw, catch, run, jump, dribble, kick, skip and dance through interactive classes that get students up and moving. Students learn how to control their body and interact with the world around them in new ways.

Students in Third through Eighth Grades learn the basics of major sports in order to understand the way a game works, and the necessary skills involved. Students learn to play soccer, volleyball, football, hockey, basketball, and baseball. After students have acquired the basic skills (i.e. dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.), students compete in teams in tournament play, where students learn the rules and structure of the game and work together with classmates to do their best. Game skill classes are intermingled with fitness activities, to keep students’ bodies strong and healthy. Students participate in cardio, strength, and core fitness.

Students in Fifth through Eighth Grades work to build lifelong fitness habits outside the classroom. Students run the mile in class every month, keep track of their own fitness on a personal data chart, and make goals to improve their fitness inside and outside class. Students develop whole-body workout plans that are catered to their personal needs and abilities that they can take home with them.

I love teaching P.E. and getting to know my students through games and play. Teaching sports gives me the opportunity to also teach students how to be Christians. If someone falls down, check if they are okay and help them back on their feet. Find ways to motivate teammates that are not negative, but inspiring. We are St. Leander students in every aspect of life.