Admissions Guide

St. John Neumann Catholic School

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CATHOLIC FORMATION & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Saint John Neumann Catholic School provides a quality Catholic education, rooted in the Gospel, committed to academic excellence, faith formation, and service to others, developing active community members who model Christianity in both words and actions.

Accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference 12115 SW 107 Ave Miami, FL. 33176 main oďŹƒce : 305-255-7315

www.SJNCS.org

The GRAD @ Graduation DE M O NSTR A TE S A ND P E R SO NI FI E S THE SE QUA LI TI ES A ND C HA RA C TE RI STIC S

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SPI RI TUA LI TY A personal relationship with God Awareness that God is the source of all Awareness that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Develop an understanding of Catholic practice (through sacramental expressions), tradition and values Show awareness of God’s love by extending that love to self, family, friends and the community Respect the dignity of all human beings through charity and service Possess Christ-like qualities and accepts the gifts of others Make responsible decisions based on Christian values AC A DE M IC S Have the capacity for critical thinking and reflective problem solving Have a sense of personal organization including time management, prioritizing and the ability to implement a plan Use technology creatively and usefully Master the fundamental skills of language Master the fundamental skills of mathematics Develop mastery of logical skills and critical thinking Present convincing arguments in written and oral form

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L EA DE R SHIP Work collaboratively in small and large groups Develop strong interpersonal skills to build community Ability to set short and long term goals Demonstrate academic initiative Demonstrate reliability and responsibility

C HAR A C TE R Empathetic and especially accepting of diversity Learn to grow and learn from success and failure Ability to form lasting and respectful relationships with others Show love and respect for the environment Apply conflict resolution strategies to daily life Awareness of those in need Values of discipline, perseverance and courage

Tailored TO M E E T C HI L DR E N' S I NDI VI DU AL STR E NGTH S

Academics at St. John Neumann Catholic School take advantage of contemporary methodology, materials, and technology. However, our values are timeless. Critical and creative thinking are encouraged across the curriculum.

Teachers and teacher assistants are highly educated, skilled, caring and dedicated to their profession. Our staff believes in working collaboratively in providing differentiated instruction that stems from each child’s strengths and needs. Thus, striving to encourage each student’s unique talents while balancing his or her physical, spiritual and intellectual growth Our strong tradition of academic rigor shapes coursework that inspires motivation, interest, and ultimately a love and passion for learning.

I DE NT I F YI N G R E A DI N G G O A LS  G r ad e s K — 4  Gu i d e d r e ad i n g g r o u ps u p t o 7

st u d e nt s  I de n ti f y i n d i vi d u al l e ar n i n g t ar g et s  A c h i e v e h i g h e st p ot e n ti al i n r e ad i n g an d l an g u ag e ar t s

 Pk3 – 2nd Gr ade fu ll ti me te acher a ssistan ts  S mall gr ou ps in ki nder thr ou gh 5 th math and scie n ce  Mi ddle S chool core H on or s T r acks  Mi ddle S chool core Pr e p Tr ack s  I.D . pr ogr am  In clusi on ( W or k shop) Pr ogr am for ES E stu de n ts. W or k shop stu de n ts ar e pu lle d ou t for cli ni cal in te r ve n ti on .

LANGUAGE ARTS

SOCIAL STUDIES The Social Studies curriculum begins from the early grades emphasizing areas of civic competence, national and global awareness,. It fulfills the imperative of preparing students to participate successfully in the interconnected world of the 21st century. The program enhances student’s understanding of our nation and the world, and promotes opportunities for involving the students in inquiry and reflection. These are key elements needed to make informed and reasoned decisions throughout their lifetime.

The curriculum is designed to begin with the individual child and the student’s social needs and responsibilities, then continues on an ever widening sphere to the family, communities in our country and the world. It is followed by more specific local and national history up to the fifth grade.

The Eagle Prep social studies program goes on to explore in greater depth the history of the world, Civics and American History , linking history to present events and the future.

ACADEMIC AREAS

Early childhood incorporates two programs. Handwriting Without Tears in which children learn to print using hands-on materials and developmentally appropriate activities to build the child’s fine motor skills. The BELL (Building Early Language Literacy) program is taught through thematic units which actively involve the students in developing phonemic awareness through hands-on and cooperative activities.

The elementary reading program provides students with a variety of experiences in literature; using informational texts, novels, trade books, and basal readers. Cross-curricular instruction engages the students in a variety of topics creating curious readers interested in learning. Oral fluency, phonics, word recognition, vocabulary skills, and comprehension skills and strategies are emphasized to prepare our students to be effective life-long readers.

The Eagle Prep middle school LA program integrates a range of reading with extensive writing. The literature component includes novels, short stories, poetry, folktales, mythology, drama and non-fiction. The writing component involves writing in areas ranging from creative writing to research writing.

OF STUDY

EARLY CHILDHOOD PK3-1st Grades  Provides strong foundation to

EAGLE PRE P 6th–8th Grades  Honors & Prep tracks in

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Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

Concentration of special subjects in Music, Art, and Digital Design Writing for Success STREAM infused project based learning Robotics

MATHEMATICS

RELIGION

The mathematics curriculum follows the Common Core standards which encourages and provides students with the opportunity to see math in real world situations.

Students use manipulatives, games, technology and project based learning to understand concepts and problem solve.

Whether they are solving equations, measuring distance or learning the multiplication tables, students are always encouraged to see the purpose of their lesson in real-world situations. In order to differentiate instruction and lower teacher:student ratio, math classes are divided into two groups in Kinder to 5th grades. In addition, the G.A.P. (Gaining Arithmetic Power) program provides small group instruction of math concepts that students are struggling with to close any GAPS before moving to the next standard.

The goal of our Religion program is for our students to know Jesus and understand the importance of having Him as the center of their lives. Students are taught how to live out their faith using Scripture, Catholic doctrine and Tradition, and the Church’s social teachings. They are guided into a personal relationship with Christ through prayer. At SJNCS we partner with our parents to help foster, in our children, this personal relationship with Christ in our children. It is through this partnership that we encourage our students to:  Model the Gospel values, express their Faith, and instill a sense of community and service to others.  Participate in the preparation and celebration of the Sacraments, the Liturgy, and rituals in order to grasp the full meaning of their Faith.  Develop their unique gifts and abilities as they mature in their Faith.  Actively live out their Faith in the world.  Have an understanding of the Catholic Church’s past, present, and future.  See themselves as part of the Catholic community and come to know Jesus historically and in their Faith. Ultimately it is our goal to help them discover their love for God is demonstrated in their acts of kindness and service to others.

SCIENCE The Common Core science curriculum engages our students to analyze and solve problems through observation, making inferences and critical thinking. Science classes are infused with enrichment opportunities whereby students acquire in-depth knowledge through hands-on experiences, both in and out of the classroom setting. Students in 3rd-5th grades are divided into two groups to provide ample opportunity to acquire knowledge in this specialized format, and allowing for a small teacher: student ratio.

The same teaching methodology is used in the Eagle Prep program which is divided into two tracks and covers the disciplines of Earth, Life and Physical Sciences.

The Eagle Prep mathematics program has three tracks, culminating with the Honors Algebra 1 high school credit course.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS        

Art PK3-8th Grades Digital Design (8th grade) Enrichment Science and Math for qualifying students in K to 5 Music Physical Education World Language (Spanish for English & Spanish Speakers) Workshop/ESE Technology Skills

ignite a passion for learning  Faith and literacy infused  Focus on cognitive, social, physical and spiritual growth  Daily activities include guided and group play, differentiated instruction and hands-on learning .

ELEMENTARY 2nd-5th Grades  Identify with their Catholic faith  Focus on study skills  Cooperative group activities  Time management  Organization skills  Following multi-step directions  Move toward becoming

Independent learners and critical thinkers  Begin developing an understanding of concepts and the world around them.

TECHNOLOGY

Our Vi si on Our vision is that students will develop the skills they need to succeed as citizens in a global society in which information is growing at an incredible rate. Technology offers students an avenue to success.

Technology can improve communication, enhance thinking skills, make instruction more efficient and effective, and develop life skills critical to success. With the understanding that the use of technology will be an integral part of our students’ lives, it is our responsibility to prepare students for this future by stimulating curiosity and developing critical thinking skills that are required to become lifelong learners and productive global citizens.

Guida nc e & C ounseli ng Our counseling program focuses on meeting the developmental needs of students through the use of classroom guidance, small groups and individual counseling. The program is spiritually based, preventive, educational and comprehensive. Six main themes are reflected in the program:  Teaching students to recognize that they are temples of the Holy Spirit

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and that their bodies, minds, and spirits need to be cared for and treated with respect Teaching students to take responsibility for their actions Instilling the concept of mutual respect and tolerance Training in basic life-management skills: communication, decisionmaking, problem solving, and conflict resolution Training in study skills and learning strategies to help children experience success in school Passing on the belief that students who feel good about themselves and have positive relationships with others achieve more and are more successful both in and out of school

Social Physical Intellectual Religious Individual Traits

S.P.I.R.I.T. Program  Digital citizenship  Integrating technology skills classes two   

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times a week starting in Kinder Research /writing lab K-8, weekly double block 6-8 Wireless theatre presentation systems in all classrooms Student online subscriptions Accelerated Reader, Brain POP, ALEKS Math, and Gaggle student email 2:1 iPad sharing program in PK3-5th grades 1:1 Eagle Prep iPad take home program Coding for elementary students Robotics programming School-wide secure Wi-Fi School-wide security camera system CIPA compliant Internet filter

The mission of the S.P.I.R.I.T character education program is to promote the development and awareness of Catholic virtues in our students. The program begins in PK3 and culminates in 2nd grade with the sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion. Through play, stories and music throughout the day, S.P.I.R.I.T stresses physical, intellectual and religious formation with an emphasis on the virtues of:  Trustworthiness  Caring  Respect  Citizenship  Fairness  Self-Control  Responsibility  Courage

E.A.G.L.E. PREP Digi ta l Desi gn Students learn to manage and create digital media and effectively apply technologies on both Windows and IOS platforms. Students are exposed to the theory and function of various software programs and basic digital design principles utilized for the production of the school yearbook, semester newsletters, and promotional videos. Topics covered include photography, Microsoft Publisher, iMovie, Adobe Photoshop, operating systems, file management, page layout, PDF creation and editing, timeline-based video editing, file transfer and organization, emerging technologies, and other material relative to the digital visual arts workflow.

The SJNCS Eagle Prep program is for students in 6th-8th grades. The aim of the program is to create an atmosphere of a “true” middle school that is distinguished from that of the younger grades. Eagle Prep students are given more privileges and independence in order to promote student responsibility, ownership and goal setting. The ultimate goal of the Eagle Prep program is for the students to be prepared to enter the high school of their choice.

Evangelists Academic Global learners (who) Lead (with) Excellence PREP

CLUBS

 Catholic Schools Week  Parent Volunteers and Coaches  Family Mass & Brunch Event

 Art Club

 Grandparents & Special Friends Day

 Eagle Choir

 Alumni Masses

 Eagles Wings Musical Ensemble

 Community Reach Out

 Homework Club

 Golf & Fishing Tournament  Gift of Bethlehem

 Lego Club

 First Holy Communion

 Library Club

 Family Matters Ministry

 Robotics Club

 Homeless Ministry  Scouts

 Sign Language Club

 5K Family Day

 Tech Squad

 Parent Socials  Body, Mind and Spirit Prayer Group

At SJNCS, we understand that values are learned and reflected in the relationships of a community. We have been entrusted to assist parents in raising their children in the Faith and believe that one of the purposes of a Catholic education is to teach children to be servant leaders, and to instill in them an enjoyment of serving others. Our commitment to community life is reflected by:  Praying and worshiping together at weekly Friday school Mass, and other community celebrations.  Encouraging all community members to identify, nurture and celebrate students' gifts.  Creating numerous volunteer and service opportunities throughout the community.  Taking the time to teach children how to create, nurture, maintain and heal relationships.  Participating in learning opportunities to increase our understanding of our own community and capacity for serving each other.

 Yearbook Club

RECOGNITIONS  National Junior Honor Society  Student Council  Honor Rolls  Eagle Virtue Awards  Duke / John Hopkins TIP  Academic Olympics

FAITH & SERVICE

“Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service”

Community Life

Altar Servers

ACTIVITIES

Lectors

 Literature Day

Prayer Services

 Kinder & 8 Grade Buddies

 Mother’s Day Tea

Retreats

 Annual Christmas Pageant

 100 Days of School

Ushers

 Cancer Awareness

 St. Francis Blessing of the Pets

 Middle School Dances

 Reach Out for Sacred Heart

 S.T.R.E.A.M EXPO

 Field Day

 Mardi Gras

 Middle School Youth Group

 Country Breakfast

 Book Fair

 Spelling Bee

 Future City

 Talent Show

 Thanksgiving Feast

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 Hispanic Heritage Expo

Student Life

CHALLENGED

SCIENCE | TECHNOLOGY | RELIGION ENGINEERING | ARTS | MATH SJNCS students in 1st through 8th grade are engaged in project-based cross-curricular learning. Our goal is that through practical applications of theoretical concepts, students will develop and practice skills that will enable them to succeed as lifelong learners while maintaining their Catholic identity. Teachers meet to collaboratively work on S.T.R.E.A.M. lessons in order to ensure that the objectives for each discipline are met.

All Catholic Conference (ACC) Competitive after school sports for students in 3rd-8th grades Primary, JV and Varsity

The Enrichment program offers fast-paced academic challenges for those students who meet certain criteria and who demonstrate advanced critical thinking abilities.

The program is offered in grades 2nd—5th. However, the identification process begins in Kinder, whereby the Enrichment teachers work in the classroom with small clusters of students , observing them for their potential acceptance into the program.

FALL SPORTS | SPRING SPORTS  Cross Country

 Softball / Baseball

 Volleyball

 Soccer

 Basketball

 Flag Football  Track & Field

Robotics class is offered to Eagle Prep students who have demonstrated problem solving and design abilities. It is also offered to elementary students as an after school club. The program fully engages and challenges students by learning to build and program robots with LEGO® bricks and software. Students discover how to apply computer programming concepts to find new ways to get their “bots” moving and following their commands.

Instructional non-competitive after school sports with a focus on training, fun and skills PK3—2nd Grades Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Golf

A T H L E T I C S

D.T.T.A.

A Message from the Principal…

DOOR TO THE ARTS

www.doortothearts.org

Mrs. Maria Elena Vilas I hope that you have enjoyed this brief, visual “walk“ through the faith filled and vibrant school community that is St. John Neumann Catholic School. We are proud of the work of the dedicated staff and the legacy of over 34 years of school parents who labored together to create the school we have today.

command to teach and serve, and we do it in the spirit of

ALL ABOUT D.T.T.A. Founded by SJNCS parent, Alina Trueba, as a non-profit organization for the purpose of bringing cultural arts enrichment programs to students. D.T.T.A. offers over 25 classes to choose from in 7 DTTA programs including Dance, Music, Language Arts, Visual Arts, C&C (Critical Thinking & Creativity), Chess, Life Skills, and Martial Arts - there is something for everyone. Each program is designed to enhance children’s awareness of the specific cultural art medium they are study-

We take seriously the Lord’s

St. John Neumann—with great joy.

Come and see! At SJNCS , we…

“Bringing the love of the arts to students though cultural arts enrichment programs”

 Celebrate our Catholic Faith through prayer, liturgies,

study and service.  Experience community that leads to strong bonds

among families and create life-long friendships; a community that spills over from gathering around the table of the Lord each Sunday.  Place the child at the center of the educational process.  Infuse the curriculum with rigor while providing the

necessary support that leads students to reach their personal best.  Commit to preparing academically excellent Catholic

young people who will impact our global society in a positive way.

You are invited to get to know us better. Join us and become a part of the St. John Neumann Catholic School tradition of faith, family, and excellence in education.

D.T.T.A at SJNCS  Convenience of classes at SJNCS alleviates

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schedules for working parents and children’s after school activities Classes for students in PK3 - 8 Limited number of students per class All D.T.T.A. teachers fingerprinted and Virtus trained No registration fees convenient payment plans End-of-year performances and parent observation classes

“As Christ has His work, we too have ours; as He rejoiced to do His work, we must rejoice in ours also.” ~St. John Neumann