• Religion (including prayer, liturgy, doctrine, devotions, scriptures study, etc.)
• Language Arts (English, Spelling, Handwriting, Composition, Phonics, Reading, Literature)
• Math (Saxon)
• Social Studies
• Science / Health

• D.A.R.E. Program Grade 6, once a week for one semester.
• D.A.R.E. Revised Grade 8, 10 weeks.
• Music, Grades K-8 once a week.
• Physical Education, Grades K-8 once or twice a week.
• Art, Grades K-8 once or twice a week.
• Computer, Grades K-8 once a week plus additional times.
• Library, Grades K-8 once a week.
• Spanish, Grades K-8 once a week.
• Band Grades 4-8 once a week.

1. No student may use the Internet unless the school has on file an Internet Access/Educational Use Agreement, which is signed by the student, the student's parent, and the teacher instructor. This agreement must be completed annually.

2. When using networks or computing resources of other organizations, students must observe the rules of that organization regarding such use.

3. Users should not reveal their personal addresses or phone number (s), and shall not reveal the personal address or phone number (s) of others without their authorization/permission.

4. Users are reminded that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Operators of the network/system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

5. Students shall immediately notify the system administrator/school administration if they suspect that a security problem with the system and/or the Internet exists.

6. Any attempt to log onto the Internet or the school's network/system as a systems administrator will result in a loss of user privileges at the school. Any user identified as a security risk by the school administration/systems administrator due to a history of actual or suspected unauthorized access to the school's computers, networks and/or systems.

7. Users shall abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette, which include but are not limited to:
a) Messages to others shall be polite and shall not be abusive.

b) Messages shall use appropriate language and shall not use obscenities, vulgarities or other inappropriate language.

c) Use of the network shall not disrupt use of the network by others.

8. There shall be no links from the school home page to a student's personal home page.

9. While the monitoring of a student's home use of the Internet is the responsibility of the parents, there are times when the results of home usage materially disrupts class work or involves substantial disorder. The school will use normal disciplinary procedures to deal with such situations. If the school becomes aware of criminal activity, the administration will report such activity to the appropriate authorities.

• Students in grades five and eight will take the Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education (ACRE).
• Students in grades two, four and seven will take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).
• Students in grades K, one, two, three, five and six will take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS).
• Students in grades three and five will take the Off-Grade Proficiency Test in Writing.
• Students in grades three and five will take the Off-Grade Proficiency Tests in Writing, Reading, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.

Grading System:
A 100-93
B 92-85
C 84-75
D 74-67
F Below 67

Codes for Religious and Social Development:
S Satisfactory
P Progressing
N Needs Improvement

• The final decision to promote or retain a student is based on the student's academic performance and best interest as determined by the principal.
• Teachers will notify parents if their child is not progressing satisfactorily toward a passing grade in the course.
• If a student does not meet the criteria for promotion, a conference will be held with the parents and appropriate school personnel in attendance. If it is determined that additional educational support may enable a child to be placed in the next grade, a program will be developed and agreed to that provides for the student to participate in various educational interventions, including, but not limited to tutoring, summer school, and/or instruction at a learning center. Satisfactory completion of this program serves as the condition for placement into the next grade.
• Students who have not successfully completed summer school or another program approved by the principal but would not benefit from being retained in the grade may be "placed" in the next grade level; however the school must prepare and implement a Minor Adjustment Plan for the student as a condition of placement.
  

Title I Tutoring - Available to students in grades 1-3 who score at or below the 35 percentile on qualifying tests.

Psychological Testing and Counseling - Provides individual and group counseling and/or guidance and multi-factored evaluation testing for those suspected of being challenged in some way.

Language and Speech Tutoring - Provides multi-factored evaluations and screens of all new students for speech and hearing needs.

Learning Disabilities - Provides support services for students with special learning needs.

Nursing Services - Checks all immunization records, emergency medical cards, does screening for vision, height, weight, lice, scoliosis, and all other mandated screenings and services. The nurse may also provide classroom instruction.

Clerical Services - Orders and keeps inventory on all auxiliary service books, equipment and services. Secretarial Services for all auxiliary personnel, Government program forms are also her/his responsibility.

1. Request for services may come from the parent(s) and/or teacher in writing.
2. A conference with principal and the person making the request is held.
3. Observation form from clerk is completed and returned (teacher and parent).
4. Psychologist reviews the forms and asks clerk to schedule a team meeting (IAT).
5. Team meets to discuss the student's performance. Team then determines the procedure. [The team consists of the student's parent(s), teacher(s), psychologist, tutor, Title One teacher, speech pathologist (if applicable), and principal. Older students may be invited to the team meeting].

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SACRAMENTS, CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
Students are offered and encouraged to participate in a variety of extra activities to enhance their student life. For current news on these activities, please visit our School News Page.

Celebrated Holidays at SJS
The following holidays / holy days are celebrated with special activities: Advent, St. Nicholas, St. Valentine, Epiphany (Little Christmas), 50 Days of Easter, St. Joseph, Catholic Schools Week, Blessed Mother's Birthday, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis of Assisi, All Saints Day, All Souls Day.

Sacraments

First Reconciliation (Grade 2)
Students prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of their religion classes. For more details on sacrament celebrations at St. Joseph's, click here.

Jesus Day (Grade 2)
This is a special day for those making their First Communion with related activities & a "run through" for the group celebration at St. Joseph Church. For more details on sacrament celebrations at St. Joseph's, click here.

First Eucharist (Grade 2)
Students prepare to receive Jesus in the Sacrament of Eucharist as part of their religion classes. For more details on sacrament celebrations at St. Joseph's, click here.

Confirmation (Grade 8)
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every fall at St. Joseph's. Students in grade eight or older are invited to prepare for this sacrament. Preparation meetings for parents and candidates, practice, and celebration are held late summer through fall. For more details on sacrament celebrations at St. Joseph's, click here.

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Co-curricular and Extracurricular Activities

Participation
Participation in Co-curricular and extra curricular activities is a privilege, not a right. Students who successfully meet the school's academic requirements and adhere to the code of conduct will be given the privilege of participating in Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Students participating in school-sponsored team athletic activities must have proof of an annual physical and evidence of health insurance. While catastrophic health insurance is available through the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), this coverage begins after the first $25,000.00 of expenses. All 7-12 athletic programs of the Diocese are to be members of the OHSAA.

Transportation of Athletes
Schools may arrange for the transportation of student athletes by Ohio State Patrol inspected and approved school buses or by licensed public or private bus conveyance. Schools may not arrange for the transportation of student athletes by private cars, vans or other vehicles.

Power of the Pen (Grades 7 & 8)
This is a creative writing competition in which students are given 40 minutes to write an original story related to a prompt. Individual judges judge them holistically on their writing styles. Students participate in three rounds.

Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans (Grades 8 and . . .)
& Anthology of Short Stories by Young Americans
To encourage children to read and write poetry and short stories, students are invited to submit their creative works to these publications. A number of SJS students are now published authors of creative writing!

Spelling Bee (Grades 6-8)
Not only is spelling a part of every subject taught at SJS, it is highlighted so a student can represent our school at the District Tournament and possibly go on to the Regional and State Competitions. In order to determine who will represent SJS, the students in grades six, seven and eight hold classroom bees. The top three spellers plus an alternate are chosen to compete in the school competition.

Math-A-Thon (Grades 4-8)
St. Jude's Hospital benefits as students sharpen their math skills by collecting money through sponsors.

Read-A-Thon (Grades K-8)
Students show their love of reading and support the Muscular Dystrophy Association by soliciting donations through sponsorship.

Beta Club (Grades 5-8)
This is an academic excellence program for the junior high students similar to the National Honors Society for high school level. Students receive recognition for their achievements that is carried on throughout their academic career. It is open to all students who are in grades 5-8, are willing to be good leaders by word and action, can be of service to others, and carry a 3.4 average or better.

Chess Club
Students in grades 4-8 may join this club that began the Fall of 2005 to learn the basics of the game of chess. Three six-week sessions on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. are held. Plans are to open up the club to grades 2-3 if more instructors volunteer.

Knitting Club
Beginning in the Fall of 2005, students in grades 4-8 have been invited to join the Knitting Club where they will learn the basic steps of knitting. Led by Mrs. Kathy Cofojohn, the club has three six-week sessions held on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Plans are to open up the club to grades 2-3 if we can get more instructors.

"Where There's a Will There's an A" (Grades 6-8)
This junior high level aid to the basic skills of learning consists of six teaching videos. Students and their parents receive training on improving study habits, comprehension, and other helpful homework hints.

A.I.A. Competition (Grades K-8)
The American Institute of Architecture holds a competition annually in the areas of artistic creation, essay and t-shirt designing. SJS consistently has prize winners each year!

Catholic Schools Week (Grades K-8 & Families)
One of the most important decisions in a parent's life and in the lives of their children is that of choosing the education that will most benefit them. Catholic Schools Week is devoted to promoting and highlighting Catholic Schools. For this year's activities, please click here.

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Student Advisory Council (Grades K-8)
Each year SJS students nominate and vote for a class representative to the Student Advisory Council. These nine students work with a teacher representative and the principal to help SJS become more service oriented. Click here to learn more.

Yearbook (Grade 7)
Each year the school puts together a yearbook with class photos, everyday happenings and special events that take place during the school year.

Fine Arts Performance (Grades K-8)
St. Joseph School is blessed with a creative Fine Arts teacher who provides opportunities for the students to blossom through experiences of music, dance, movement, exercise, and creativity. Each year the students present a program that is more impressive than the year before!

St. Joseph School Band (Grades 4-8)
Students are offered the opportunity to participate in band instruction. Currently, our St. Joseph School Band Director is Mrs. Laura Volenik. The program provides individual/small group and full band instruction with two concert performances and opportunities for advanced students. The program gives students a life-long enjoyment and understanding of music, helps them to develop better mental, social and physical skills, gets them involved with students of similar interests, and builds self-discipline and self-confidence, which carry over into all aspects of a child's development.

Field Day (Grades K-8)
This end of the school year tradition allows students to participate in friendly competition in a variety of physical fitness activities.

Field Trips (Grades K-8)
Students travel to places that enhance their curriculum studies. Each class is scheduled for 1-3 off-campus trips per school year.

Camp Christopher Outdoor Experience (Grade 5)
Students spend three days and two nights exploring the outdoors. The focus is helping the whole child grow on God's beautiful earth.

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Junior High Dance (Grades 6-8)
Our junior high students annually host a dance for their peers from neighboring Catholic Schools.

8th Grade Graduates Retreat (Grade 8)
Students have a day-long or overnight religious experience at a retreat center.

Talent Show (Grades K-8)
Students share their gifts as they entertain their classmates, faculty and staff.

Red Ribbon Week (Grades K-8)
This week-long focus on drug awareness involves the students and faculty in a variety of activities.

Earth Day & Recycling Programs (Grades K-8)
Each year the school focuses on Mother Earth during Earth Day so that a loving and responsible awareness can be continued for the rest of our lives. In addition to various field trips for each class, students participated in a number of Earth Day contests including coloring contests, recycle creation contests, aluminum can collection contests.
Throughout the school year, students from the 5th grade class collect recyclable paper products from the classrooms and school and parish offices. In addition, computer printer inkjet cartridges are collected and recycled throughout the year.

Mission Awareness (Grades K-8)
SJS participates in a variety of programs to promote the Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy which include parish, county and diocesan activities.

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Related Organizations

Marketing Committee (Parents, Teachers & Staff)
Looking all aspects of St. Joseph School, helping it to be the best school that it can be, and getting the word out about our terrific St. Joseph School is the goal of this group! Click here to learn more.

Home & School Association (Parents, Teachers & Staff)
Our Home & School Association is the official school organization designated to support the school as well as provide opportunities for home and school communication. Click here to discover all the St. Joseph School's Home & School Association does.

Technology Committee (Parents, Teachers & Staff)
This group strives to keep the students and faculty up-to-date with the latest computer hardware, software and skills to work in this ever-changing area. Click here to learn more.

Grant Committee (Parents, Teachers & Staff)
The committee works hard to get monies from a variety of sources in order to further the level of learning of our students. Click here to learn more.

Wellness Committee (Parents, teachers & Staff)
Details coming soon.

C.Y.O. Athletics & Area Sports Opportunities (Grades K-8)
The Catholic Youth Organization, also known as C.Y.O., is very active at St. Joseph Parish. C.Y.O. Programs include Soccer, Basketball, Football (with Seton School in Hudson), Cross Country, Track, and Volleyball. For more information, contact Director, Mary Truax or click here.
The Mantua area also has several opportunities for the children to become involved in sports. For information about the Mantua Soccer Association, Crestwood Baseball and Crestwood Ponytail Softball, click here.

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