Academics

At St. Joseph we balance traditional studies with physical education,fine arts, and the Catholic faith to give our students a well rounded education that sets them on a path to excel in high school, college, and the real world. Explore our Academics section to see how technology plays a vital role in our students learning experience.

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Academic Achievement

Report Cards

Report cards are issued three times a year in Grades 1-8. (Kindergarten progress is discussed at the fall Parent-Teacher Conference.) Kindergarten students will receive report cards for the subsequent two trimesters. If a student is absent for 7 days during a quarter, all work must be made up in order to receive a report card. A student absent for 15 school days during a trimester may not have earned sufficient credit to receive a report card at all. Serious illness or other dire extenuating circumstances should always be addressed by the parents with the Principal. (Please also see financial responsibilities that may affect release of report cards).

Accessing Student Grades

Parents and students in grades 6-8 can view grades online using PowerSchool.

Diocesan Grading Scale/Standard Report Interpretation

Grades 6-8:

A (93-100) A- (90-92) B+ (87-89) B (83-86) B- (80-82)
C+ (77-79) C (73-76) C- (70-72) D+ (67-69) D (63-66)
D- (60-62) F (< 59) P (Pass) NP (No Pass)
A (Very Good) B (Good) C (Satisfactory) D (Unsatisfactory/Below Grade Level) F (Failed)
√ (Improvement needed in subsection checked) , NG (Not Graded). P (Pass) NP (No Pass)

Grades K-5:
Standards Based Report Card
5 – Exceeds end of year grade level expectations by independently applying and utilizing concepts and skills
4 – Consistently and independently demonstrates mastery of/proficiency in the grade level standard
3 – Progressing toward consistent and independent mastery of/proficiency in the grade level standard
2 – Beginning to show growth and progress with support
1 – Needs more time and support to develop

Awards

Awards are a means to recognize special achievements and instill motivation in students. As an academic institution, St. Joseph School awards various levels of performance with certificates, such as Honors, Principal’s List, and Perfect Attendance to students in grades 6 to 8. In addition to these awards, students have the opportunity to earn recognition for Christian service in the middle school Service Block for students in grades 5 to 8, and the Young Christian Award for students in Kindergarten to grade 8.

Young Christian Award (K-8)

  • given to students who embody our Catholic school philosophy and Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs)
  • students receive Young Christian Awards at the Thursday assembly following the end of each trimester

Perfect Attendance (6-8)

  • given to students who have no unexcused absences or unexcused tardies during the trimester.

Honors (6-8)

  • awarded to students who earn a 3.5-3.79 G.P.A. in Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies with no grade lower than a B-
  • a passing grade in P.E, Art and Music
  • Meets Expectations (M), Approaching Expectations (AE) in all General Behavior Expectations

Principal’s List (6-8)

  • awarded to students who earn a 3.8-4.0 G.P.A. in Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies with no grade lower than a A-
  • a passing grade in P.E., Art, and Music
  • Meets or Exceeds Expectations (M) in all General Behavior Expectations

The grade point scale for determining Honors and Principal’s List is as follows:

A  4.0      B+ 3.3      C+ 2.3      D+ 1.3

A- 3.7      B   3.0     C  2.0     D   1.0

B-  2.7     C- 1.7     D-   0.7

A student suspended during a trimester or on behavioral probation is not eligible for Honors, Principal’s List, or Young Christian Awards for that trimester.

California Junior Scholarship Federation

The California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF), an Honor Society, is a junior branch of the High School CSF. Membership is open to eligible eighth graders who have earned a minimum of 12 points in four out of the last six trimesters of school including the final trimester of Grade 8 in the following subjects: Religion, Reading/Literature, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. All academic grades must be at least a C- and conduct must be at least a B in order for the quarter to be considered. In determining eligibility, each A- or above is given 3 points, each B- or above equals 1 point. These criteria are posted in the Junior High classrooms. Students who have earned this honor will receive special recognition at graduation. The CJSF record will follow the student to the high school. CJSF is under the direction of the Principal.

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Art

 

Our Art program is one of the best in the Diocese. Grades K-8  have art once a week. The students learn to make many different types of art such as ceramics, sketching,  water coloring, oil pastels, chalk pastels, printing, and much more. The art created by the students is always showcased throughout the school. We also display art at the Diocese of San Jose and the Mountain View Library.  In addition, some students’ art work is showcased at the Saratoga Rotary Fine Art Show in the spring.

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Foreign Language

Spansh

Spanish is taught in second through eight grades.

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Language Arts

Curriculum

Kindergarten

  • Learning A to Z”
  • Applications – Lexia and Razzkids

1st Grade

  • “Practice Book” Publisher – MacMillan
  • Learning A to Z
  • Applications – Lexia, Razzkids, and Read,Write & Type

2nd Grade

  • Spelling Sourcebook for 2nd Graders” Publisher – Egger Publishing
  • Learning A to Z
  • Applications – Lexia, Spelling City, Razzkids, and Read, Write & Type

3rd Grade

  • “Spelling Sourcebook for 3rd Graders” Publisher – Egger Publishing
  • “English Grammar and Workbook – Grade 3” Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
  • Learning A to Z
  • Applications – Lexia, Spelling City, ReadingPlus, Razzkids, and Read, Write & Type

4th Grade

  • “Spelling Sourcebook for 4th Graders” Publisher – Sadler
  • “English Grammar and Workbook – Grade 4” Publisher – Houghton Mufflin
  • Application – Lexia, Spelling City, and Reading Plus

5th Grade

  • “Vocabulary Workbook – Level Blue” Publisher – Sadler
  • ”Spelling Sourcebook for 5th Graders” Publisher – Egger Publishing
  • “English Grammar and Workbook – Grade 5” Publisher – Houghton Mifflin
  • Application – Lexia, and Reading Plus

6th Grade

  • “Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Book” Publisher – McDougal Little
  • “Spelling Sourcebook for 6th Graders” Publisher – Egger Publishing
  • “Vocabulary Workbook – Level A” Publisher – Sadler
  • Application – Lexia and Reading Plus

7th Grade

  • “Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Book” Publisher – McDougal Little
  • “Spelling Sourcebook for 7th Graders” Publisher – Egger Publishing
  • “Vocabulary Workbook – Level B” Publisher – Sadler
  • Application – Lexia, and Reading Plus

8th Grade

  • “Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Book” Publisher – McDougall Little
  • “Spelling Sourcebook for 8th Graders” Publisher – Egger Publishing
  • “Vocabulary Workbook – Level C” Publisher – Sadler
  • Application – Lexia, and Reading Plus

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Mathematics

Curriculum

1st Grade

  • “Envision Math” Publisher: Pearson
  • Application – ST Math

2nd Grade

  • “Envision Math” Publisher: Pearson
  • Application – ST Math

3rd Grade

  • “Envision Math” Publisher: Pearson
  • Application – ST Math

4th Grade

  • “Envision Math – 4th Grade” Publisher: Pearson
  • Application – ST Math

5th Grade

  • “Envision Math – 5th Grade” Publisher: Pearson
  • Application – ALEKS and Mathletics

6th Grade

  • 6th Grade General & Advancd Math – “Big Ideas Math” – Publisher – Big Ideas Learning, LLC.
  • Application – ALEKS and Mathletics

7th Grade

  • Grade 7 – “Big Ideas Math” – Publisher – Big Ideas Learning, LLC.
  • Application – ALEKS and Mathletics

8th Grade

  • Top five students go to Saint Francis High School Algebra 1 Honors
  • Algebra 1 – “Big Ideas Math: Algebra 1” – Publisher – Big Ideas Learning, LLC.
  • 8th Grade Math including Pre-Algebra – “Big Ideas Math: Course 3” – Publisher – Big Ideas Learning, LLC.
  • Application – ALEKS and Mathletics

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Music

Music

Available for all grades

Music is taught once a week to grades PK-5. They are taught rhythm, creativity of music, harmony, tempo, and various music genres. All students participate in two performances a year: one at Christmas and one in the Spring.

Choir

Available for grades 4th – 8th

St. Joseph School has enjoyed a robust Choir program for many years. Mr. Joseph Pigg volunteers his time to work with and teach over 30 students, at 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 Friday mornings to help students with the complexities and beauty of Christian music. Our choir sings at all of the school Masses as well as once a month at the Family Mass held at our Parish, St. Joseph Church. They also compete in the Choir festival in April, held by the Diocese. Any 4th-8th student is welcome to join.

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Physical Education

Curriculum

“Why Teach Physical Education?

Physical education contributes significantly to every student’s health and well-being. Physical education is an instructional priority for California schools.  Every student—regardless of disability, ethnicity, gender, native language, race,religion, or sexual orientation—is entitled to a high-quality physical education program. Physical education is an integral part of the overall education program for every student and provides one of the few opportunities for every student to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to lead a physically active lifestyle. A high-quality physical education program promotes an active lifestyle and improved health, motor skill development, and better cognitive performance. (Etnier and Sibley 2003; Etnier et al. 1997).

Motor Skill Development

The proper development of movement and motor skills requires instruction, practice, and appropriate feedback. Most students do not develop the proper technique or understanding of movement and motor skills on their own. Proficiency in movement and motor skills allows greater enjoyment when one participates in individual and dual sports, combatives, aquatics, tumbling and gymnastics, rhythms and dance, and team sports. In addition, this proficiency carries over to life skills, such as safely walking and climbing and avoiding falls.

Academic Performance

Over 200 studies (Etnier and Sibley 2003) have addressed the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function. Meta-analyses have been applied to the studies in general (Etnier et al. 1997) and, more specifically, to children from elementary to high school age (Etnier and Sibley 2003). According to Etnier and associates (1997), the evidence consistently shows that despite study design, student health, or type of activity, exercise improves the cognitive performance of children. One study found that “devoting substantially increased school time to health-related physical education does not have detrimental effects on students’ academic achievement” (Sallis et al. 1999).  A Study of the Relationship Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement in California Using 2004 Test Results (2005) reports that while there is little research on the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement, the research that has been conducted indicates a positive correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement. As one rises, so does the other (A Study of the Relationship Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement 2005, 1). (Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Adopted by theCalifornia State Board of Education Published by the California Department of Education Sacramento, 2009)

Lesson Plan

FALL

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

  • Orientation
  • Games-Color Tag
  • Football, Throwing & Catching
  • Football, Punting, Kicking & Flag Pulling
  • Trash Can Football with Flags
  • Fort Knox, Capture the Chicken, Cat & Mouse Dodge ball

OCTOBER

  • Hot/Cold Water Dodge Ball
  • Softball, Throwing & Catching
  • Softball, Hitting Instructions, Tee Hitting
  • Softball Games

NOVEMBER

  • Soccer, Dribbling, Kicking, Throw-Ins, Passing
  • Soccer, Sharks & Minnows( K-4), KOC Free Throw Contest(5-8)
  • Soccer Games
  • Presidential Physical Fitness Testing I(Pull-ups) & Team Handball

WINTER

DECEMBER

  • Presidential Physical Fitness Testing II(Shuttle Run)
  • Giant Soccerball Soccer, 4 Goal Soccer

JANUARY

  • Basketball, Skills-Shooting, Dribbling & Passing
  • Basketball, Bowling Basketball, Team 21
  • Basketball, Numbers Basketball, Champion Basketball
  • Basketball, Around the World, Knockout

FEBRUARY

  • No Swipe Basketball (Standard Basketball)
  • No Swipe Basketball (Standard Basketball)
  • Kickball Basketball
  • Presidential Physical Fitness Testing-Part III(Sit-ups)

SPRING

MARCH

  • Presidential Physical Fitness Testing-Part IV(V-Sit)
  • Kickball – Long Base, Regular
  • Volleyball, Skills-Setting, Bumping, Serving
  • Volleyball Games – Regular & Beach Volleyball

APRIL

  • Presidential Physical Fitness Testing-Part V(Mile Run)
  • Track – 50 Meter, 100 Meter, 200 Meter, 400 Meter, Softball
  • Throw & Relays

MAY/JUNE

  • Track-Continued
  • Cross Country Running, Kickball-Standard
  • Polo
  • Tennis Baseball, Circuit Training, Musical Hoops
  • Students Favorites

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Religion

Curriculum

First Eucharist is offered to all students second through eighth grades.  Confirmation is offered to seventh and eighth students on even years.

Kindergarten

  • “God Loves Us” Publisher – Loyola Press

1st Grade

  • “Finding God – Our Responses to God” Publisher – Loyola Press

2nd Grade

  • “The Sacrament of Reconciliation – Making Things Right” Publisher – One Sunday Invision, Inc.
  • “Finding God – Our Response to God’s Gifts” Publisher – Loyola Press

3rd Grade

  • “Finding God” Publisher – Loyola Press

4th Grade

  • “Finding God” Publisher – Loyola Press

5th Grade

  • “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts – Grade 5 Publisher – Loyola Press
  • “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts – Grade 5 – Workbook Publisher – Loyola Press

6th Grade

  • “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts – Grade 6 Publisher – Loyola Press
  • “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts – Grade 6 – Workbook Publisher – Loyola Press

7th Grade

  • “Finding God – Following Jesus – Grade 7” Publisher – Loyola Press
  • “Finding God – Following Jesus – Grade 7 Workbook” Publisher – Loyola Press

8th Grade

  • “Finding God – Celebrating Church – Grade 8” Publisher – Loyola Press
  • “Finding God – Celebrating Church – Grade 8 Workbook” Publisher – Loyola Press

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Science

Curriculum

1st Grade

  • “Discovery Works” Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Science

2nd Grade

  • “Discovery Works” Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Science

3rd Grade

  • “Discovery Works” Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Science

4th Grade

  • “Discovery Works – Grade 4” Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Science

5th Grade

  • “Discovery Works – Grade 5” Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Science

6th Grade

  • “Focus on Earth Science – 6th Grade” Publisher – Prentice Hall

7th Grade

  • “Focus on Life Science – 7th Grade” Publisher – Prentice Hall

8th Grade

  • “Focus on Physical Science – 8th Grade” Publisher – Prentice Hall

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Social Studies

Curriculum

2nd Grade

  • “Some People I Know” Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Social Studies

3rd Grade

  • ”History-Social Science for California – Our Communities” Publisher – Scott Foresman

4th Grade

  • ”History-Social Science for California – Our State” Publisher – Scott Foresman

5th Grade

  • ”History-Social Science for California – Our Nation” Publisher – Scott Foresman

6th Grade

  • “World History – Ancient Civilizations” Publisher – McDougal Littell

7th Grade

  • “World History – Medieval and Early Modern Times” Publisher – McDougal Littell

8th Grade

  • “United States History – Colonization to Reconstruction” Publisher – McDougal Littell

Our Staff

  • James Johnston

    Principal

  • Rich Stephens

    Senior Director / PE Instructor / Athletic Director

  • Amanda Lanoie

    Kindergarten

  • Elena Villagomez

    Grade 1 Homeroom

  • Victoria Aceves

    Grade 2 Homeroom

  • Paolo Madrid

    Grade 3 Homeroom

  • Mara Enea

    Grade 4 Homeroom / Student Council Moderator

  • Hannah Thompson

    5th Grade Homeroom

  • Grace Savinovich

    Grade 6 Homeroom / Student Council Moderator

  • Robert Keller

    Grade 7 Homeroom Teacher, 5th-8th Social Studies.

  • Leslie Edwards

    Grade 8 Homeroom / Math / Technology Coordinator

  • Brittany Olival

    Grade 8 Homeroom

  • John Polland

    Science Teacher

  • Seema Kashyap

    Preschool Director

  • Assal Triolo

    Art Instructor

  • Martha Sheridan

    Spanish

  • Peter Norona

    Technology Instructor / Yearbook Advisor

  • Amy Randazzo

    Music Teacher

  • Lenore Neal-Clark

    Resource Specialist

  • Dr. Joseph Pigg

    Choir Director

  • Michelle Placencia

    Office Manager

  • Renate Sanchez

    Extended Daycare Director

  • Kathy Harnett

    Aide

  • Belinda Van Kerschaver

    School Aide

  • Jody Bellomi

    Director of School Advancements and Finances, Admissions