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Our Curriculum Palmer Catholic Academy is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic
Conference and follows the curriculum set forth by the Diocese of St. Augustine
and based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards. This curriculum is continually
refined through an interactive review process incorporating the input of Diocesan
teachers and administrators. Palmer Catholic Academy also has Vertical Teams consisting
of faculty and administrators which conduct regular evaluations of each core subject’s
curriculum, updating and tailoring our programs to insure a well-rounded and challenging
learning environment. Additionally, grades 3 through 8 participate annually in the
nationally recognized Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. In preparation for this, the students
are assigned a Summer Math Review in addition to a Summer Reading Project. Daily
Iowa Test practice problems are given in each core subject. The PSAT will be offered
starting in 2009 to 8th grade students. In the 7th and 8th grade, students are recommended
for the Johns Hopkins University CTY (Center for Talented Youth Program) and qualified
students in 7th grade are recommended for the DUKE TIP (Talent Identification Program).
Finally, Palmer offers the Criterion Writing Program in grades 7 and 8.
In the primary
level (K-2), the Language Arts program places a heavy emphasis on phonics while
blending whole language theories, evolving into literature during the intermediate
(3-5) and middle school (6-8) years. D’Nealian style handwriting is taught beginning
in kindergarten preparing the students for the future transition to cursive handwriting.
In addition, grade-appropriate reading, comprehension, speech, grammar usage and
written composition are parts of the whole lesson plan throughout all grades. The
Six Traits of Writing is implemented in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The middle
school has a well-rounded program integrating the analysis of the written word and
composition through novel studies. The use of the middle school MLA format is used
to prepare students for the transition to high school. A full time Reading Specialist
is on staff to assist students not only with remediation but also with enrichment.
We utilize SRA Real Math in Kindergarten through 6th grade. This program incorporates
grade-appropriate manipulatives and applied learning techniques. Critical thinking,
mathematic reasoning and problem solving skills are continually developed. Additional
enrichment programs include the Sunshine Math Program, math club, the Math Counts
competition (grades 6 - 8), St. Jude Math-A-Thon and remedial instruction. Seventh
and Eighth grade Math curriculum includes the study of Pre-Algebra and Algebra.
Our Social Studies programs utilize materials from the Houghton-Mifflin Company
as well as news publications and current event discussions to enforce curriculum
standards. Primary grades are introduced to the importance of neighborhood, community,
country and global awareness through theme related units. Intermediate and middle
school classes address the areas of history, geography, sociology, political science,
economics, humanities and ethics. Palmer Catholic Academy’s middle school social
studies classes focus on creating lesson plans that are graded on performance assessments
(oral presentations, group projects and web quests), as well as traditional assessment
(tests and formal writing assignments).
Our main goals are to make each one of our
students aware of the world around them in both terms of past and present and to
help them gain critical thinking skills and problem solving. Geography is emphasized
throughout the curriculum with an emphasis on absolute location, the five themes
of geography and the eastern and western hemisphere. In addition, the Middle School
curriculum is complemented by an enrichment program in the area of Geography.
Science
lessons provide a hands-on approach in demonstrating various scientific concepts.
Kindergarten thru 5th grade use Macmillan/Glencoe/McGraw-Hill and Middle School
students use Glencoe science texts and workbooks. The students learn the experimentation
process using the scientific method during the lab classes. The school’s science
lab is equipped with computers, an advanced microscope for each student as well
as a digital microscope for private instruction. Students learn how to create experiments
using various sensors to enhance their classroom instruction. The 6th grade focus
is on space exploration, chemistry as well as the study of the earth. In 7th grade,
students learn about the Five Kingdoms of Life, human impact on the planet, DNA,
genetics and systems of the body. Once in 8th grade, students delve into chemistry,
physics, formulas and detailed lab experimentation procedures. Both 7th and 8th
grade participate in a semester long health course.
Technology is an important part
of learning at Palmer Catholic Academy. Each classroom is equipped with networked
PCs and Internet access for students and faculty to conduct research, explore new
learning techniques and reinforce their studies. In addition, teachers are able
to access programs like Learning A-Z and United Streaming by the use of projectors
and Smart Boards. This allows for greater interactive learning in the classroom.
Keyboard skills are introduced as early as kindergarten and developed in an escalating
manner throughout the grades. A fully equipped computer lab is available to all
students and an up-to-date technology curriculum is followed. We are proud of our
state-of-the-art multi-media center complete with an over 10,000 volume library,
advanced computer lab with over 30 computers, art and music suites.
The Catholic
faith is taught daily to our students through a Diocesan-approved religious curriculum.
The children are introduced to the building blocks of our Eucharistic faith, the
importance of Mass, the experience and meaning of the sacraments, and how to develop
their relationship with the Blessed Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All students
attend weekly Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church and are participants
in grade level Masses held in the school chapel. The school wide Catholic Awareness
Project (C-Project and Bible Search) allows the student to expand their knowledge
and their understanding of the Catholic faith. The students in NJHS are also trained
as sacristans for the maintaining the school chapel in preparation for school Masses.
Grade appropriate discussions, activities and experiences help to shape their religious
formation. Our student body is encouraged to participate in service activities that
affect their community, their state and the global neighborhood.
Six different enrichment
programs are offered weekly to the students. Computer Science, Library, Spanish,
Art, Music and Physical Education provide the opportunity to express creativity,
experience diversity, and promote community and sportsmanship. Several of these
programs are also expanded into clubs, intramural and interscholastic activities.
Palmer has athletic teams in soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, flag football,
golf club, track, field hockey and lacrosse. Middle School students have the opportunity
to participate in exploratories which offer a course selection such as video production,
art, sign language, clowning, French club, yoga, football, photo shop, guitar and
dance. These course opportunities vary by semester. 6th grade participate in Middle
School 101 and 8th grade take part in High School 101 in order to better prepare
our students for new academic and social challenges.
Palmer Catholic Academy employs
a full-time guidance counselor five days a week during school hours. The counselor
is also available daily after school hours for parent or student conferences and
to moderate student clubs. The guidance counselor joined Palmer in July 2006 after
working for St. Johns Mental Health Department as a Children’s Therapist. The counselor’s
educational background includes a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology and Journalism
and a Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with current State
license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. At the beginning of each school year,
the guidance counselor attends each orientation to welcome the parents and students
to a new school year and inform them of any changes or additions to the guidance
program. The current services provided by the school counselor are as follows: individual
and group counseling, whole class instruction, standardized testing coordination
of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), educational screening and participation
in end-of-the-year review meetings for 8th grade students and their parents. Counseling
needs include: grief/loss and divorce counseling, social skills and independence
training, self-esteem improvement, study and organizational skills, test taking
anxiety, sibling rivalry/anger management strategies, setting goals for the future,
drug/safety awareness during Red Ribbon Week and individual emotional support. Whole
class instruction provided by the guidance counselor includes but not limited to:
a Middle School 101 class in the Fall for 6th graders as they enter middle school
and a High School 101 class in the Spring for 8th graders as they prepare to graduate.
Whole class instruction includes lessons on: recognizing individual strengths and
talents, giving thanks and respect to self and others, solving friendship issues,
standing up to bullying, saying kind words and compliments, and appreciating differences.
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View our Accreditation
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