Academic Programs

School Curriculum

St. John Vianney School provides instruction for children four (4) years old through grade eight (8). Core academic areas include religion, math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. The SJV curriculum includes Exit Expectations (academic benchmarks) and standards created by Archdiocese of Milwaukee curriculum committees. Grade level Exit Expectations are based on state and national subject area academic standards.

The SJV curriculum undergoes continuous development and revision supervised by the school administration in cooperation with the faculty to ensure that the instructional program is adequate, current and geared to the academic skills needed for life-long learning. The curriculum acknowledges student’s various learning styles and abilities while providing an enriching environment that fosters positive self-esteem and allows students to perform to their potential.

SJV adheres to a cyclical plan for textbook replacement as approved by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee curriculum guidelines. 

Art                             

Technology is seen as an integral part of life in 21st century learning and is used to enhance the learning experience. Students in grades 5K through 8 receive weekly computer instruction in the newly updated computer lab. The curriculum is based upon the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and the DPI performance indicators. Lessons are project based and are cross-curricular with classroom teachers collaborating with the computer specialist in the planning. The lessons taught in the lab and used in the classroom include keyboarding skills, word processing, spreadsheet manipulation, Power Point creation, research, Web 2.0 and other on-line, collaborative activities designed to help children use the computer as a learning tool. The use of technology is also integrated across the curriculum. The new reading scheme, purchased in 2011, is fully integrated with the use of technology and provides on-line activities, text books and assessments. Parents can log on from home and complete an interactive reading lesson. All classrooms are equipped with a SMART board and workstation which are used daily. Teachers can utilize a complete mobile lab of laptop computers to enhance learning within the classroom. There is also a set of ™ PE interactive response system clickers that combine handheld wireless remotes (or clickers), a receiver and powerful assessment software that allows teachers to create tests and manage, track and evaluate the results, a great way to check for understanding. At SJV we value the importance of technology to today’s learners, and continue to evaluate and update it.

Class visits to places of cultural or educational significance give enrichment to the lessons of the classroom. Field trips shall provide learning activities related to the objectives of the program. Community service activities shall be considered as instruction and planned as such with definite objectives determined in advance. To ensure the desired outcomes of such trips, teachers should prepare the pupils for the place that is to be visited and the things that are to be seen. A discussion should be held regarding the purpose(s) and goal(s) of the trip. The administration may place restrictions upon a student’s participation in such programs. The written consent of parents must be obtained for every child participating in a field trip. No student may participate unless a signed parent permission slip for the specific event is on file with the pastor or principal. Bus transportation is the general mode of transportation.

Students in grades 1 through 8 receive weekly Spanish instruction. The instruction in Spanish classes is expository in nature focusing on grammar skills, oral communication and cultural awareness.

Students in grades 4K through 6 attend Library classes once a week for instruction in library skills, exposure to literary materials and book circulation. Grades 7 and 8 have access to the Library weekly for research and reference acquisition.

All students in grades 4K through 8 receive weekly general music instruction. Instruction includes exposure to music genres, music notation as well as vocal and instrumental performance skills.

All students in grades 4K through 8 receive physical education classes in accordance with the required stated requirements. Students will not be excused from physical education classes unless they present a doctor’s excuse or a parental/guardian excuse signed by the principal.

Required wear:

• All students (4K through grade 8) must keep clean tennis shoes for use on the gym floor. Slip-on shoes are not acceptable.
• Intermediate and Middle School students must wear the required gym uniform. 

Reading Teacher        

The Reading Teacher strives to meet the needs of students who need academic remediation, both short and long term, including but not limited to reading instruction.

Religion

The primary purpose of a Catholic school is to incorporate religion into the core of the curriculum. The SJV religion program reflects the authentic spirit of the Second Vatican Council which is incorporated into the religion teachings of the school. The teachings of the Church are reflected in the General Catechetical Directory; To Teach as Jesus Did, and the Basic Teachings for Catholic Religious Education. The current religion curriculum is a Grade Specific Religion Curriculum that is approved by the Archbishop of the Milwaukee Diocese which seeks to present our faith through doctrine, Church tradition, worship, sacramental experience and Christian action dimensions.

• All students of SJV are required to participate fully in religion classes and lessons

• Students plan and participate in the Liturgy on a regular basis.

• The influence of every teacher’s positive example and dedicated service combined with methodology serve as Christian guidelines for the students.

• The role of the priest in the school is to be first a pastor and shepherd of the children. Primary attention is given to the celebration of the Liturgy and sacramentsStudents of religions other than Catholicism are encouraged to share their particular religious beliefs in order to expand appreciation and understanding of other faith denominations.