spiritual strength academic excellence

spiritual strength academic excellence

spiritual strength academic excellence

Spiritual Strength Academic Excellence

Spiritual Strength Academic Excellence

Spiritual Strength Academic Excellence

spiritual strength academic excellence

spiritual strength academic excellence

School of CathedralCathedral

School of Cathedral

spiritual strength academic excellence

TODAY WE LEARN.Tomorrow we lead.

Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly

with your God. — MICAH 6:8

OV E RV I E W

SPIRITUAL STRENGTHAt Cathedral, students develop spiritually through a variety of opportunities, including: service projects, weekly Liturgies, religion class, and integrated sacramental preparation.

All students in kindergarten through 2nd grade partner with a middle school student to become “prayer buddies.” This program provides the younger students with a mentor to help guide them and the older students with the opportunity to teach what they have learned from their experiences. Each pair of students participates in monthly activities and attends the weekly liturgy together.

Our school emphasizes the value of service in the development of our students. We offer service projects in conjunction with the Cathedral parish, including donation drives for those in need, a fund raising carnival for our sister parish in Haiti, breakfast bags for those who are hungry, casseroles for Our Daily Bread, and holiday gift collections for families in Baltimore. Middle school students also participate in a social justice program with weekly classes on poverty, ethics, and more.

Faith is woven into every student’s education at the School of the Cathedral in a way that ensures students will act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEThe School of the Cathedral, a Blue Ribbon School, provides students with a rigorous education from kindergarten through eighth grade. Our students are well prepared for the challenges of high school and develop the moral compass needed to live a purpose driven life. By continuing to implement new and challenging standards, we work to fulfill the promise of a quality Catholic education that supports the whole child: mind, body and soul.

Operating under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools, Cathedral School follows a carefully developed curriculum which exceeds the curriculum requirements for the Maryland State Department of Education. The Archdiocese of Baltimore reviews and updates the curriculum as necessary to best prepare students for a changing world. In addition, our teachers are encouraged to continue their professional development with the assistance of scholarships from the Teacher Excellence Fund.

• Cathedral’s graduates have received more than $1 million in high school scholarships over the past 4 years.

• Our students score in the top quartile on national standardized tests.

• 70% percent of our faculty have earned or are working toward an advanced degree.

21ST CENTURY LEARNINGState of the art facilities allow us to provide STEM and design centered curriculums. All grades have access to our contemporary science lab, flexible seating arrangements, interactive whiteboard technology, and 3D printers.

• Every middle school student receives a Chromebook.

• Our expanding 1:1 iPad program ensures that every student in the lower school has access to an iPad.

Teachers use these tools, along with Google Classroom, to create a 21ST century educational experience where students have the opportunity to collaborate, create, communicate, and become critical thinkers.

LOW E R S C H O O LThe kindergarten through fifth grade curriculum consists of English Language Arts (ELA), Math,

Science, Social Studies, Library, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Religion. In every grade, teachers

provide differentiated instruction, which allows students to work on skill appropriate tasks at their

readiness level. Students engage in various field trips for hands-on learning, school-wide assemblies,

and outreach projects to promote the development of the whole child. Featured activities for

out-of-classroom reinforcement include STEAM Night and Literacy Day, where students visit various

interactive stations to see how science, technology, engineering, art, and math, respectively, connect

to their everyday lives.

KINDERGARTENKindergarten students at Cathedral develop the fundamental skills in reading, writing, and math as they begin their academic journey. Students work toward becoming stronger readers and writers through their center based learning. The students are introduced to scientific inquiry and begin to explore geography, history, and civics. The Thanksgiving Feast is one of the most notable events for our Kindergarten students as they enjoy learning about the Native American culture, making foods, and performing holiday songs and poems. Other great moments in Kindergarten include the 100th Day of School celebration, participation in the Christmas convocation, and preparing for the Cardinal Cup 5K race.

PRE-FIRSTCathedral’s Pre-First curriculum is individualized to give extra support to students who need the gift of time to be successful in their academic and social/emotional journey.

Pre-first students continue to develop skills in phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, writing, and fluency.

They also make strong advancements in measurement and geometry, working towards a stronger number sense. One of Pre-First’s most prominent events is performing in their very own Christmas pageant.

GRADE 1The rigor in First grade increases for Cathedral students as they build upon the skills acquired in Kindergarten or Pre-First. Students use literacy centers and Reading A-Z to enhance reading and writing skills as they work towards achieving personalized goals. First grade students enjoy creating a book about themselves that they share with parents and family at the spring Celebration of Learning ceremony. Mathematics is presented in both whole and small group instruction using multiple resources to meet the AOB standards. Students begin to analyze and compare objects’ similarities and differences through scientific inquiry and questioning.

GRADE 2 Second grade is a time of transition for Cathedral students as they prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Students continue to expand their skills and knowledge with a heavy emphasis on Language Arts. By incorporating skills that students have learned in their earlier years, Second graders focus on becoming independent writers. Vocabulary and spelling increase in difficulty, as do reading and math. With the availability of 1:1 iPads, Second grade students begin to use technology more often in the classroom to complement the more traditional learning styles.

GRADE 3In third grade math, students work in small independent groups as they rotate through several math centers. These centers include a teacher directed center, a math writing center, a technology center and a hands-on learning center that uses manipulatives and fun math games to enhance student learning. Language Arts skills also continue to develop as the students complete a Roald Dahl author study and delve deeper into grammar and creative writing through the Words Their Way and Sadlier programs. Expectations for independence and organization are increased as students begin to master skills needed to become high-performers in academics and beyond. The use of technology continues to expand as the students are exposed to Google G-Suite to submit assignments and complete classwork.

GRADE 4Students read many wonderful novels, complete a Kate DiCamillo author study, and express themselves through writing. Students’ writing skills increase as they begin to learn how to include quotations and textual evidence in their writing. In math, students create Google Slide presentations at the end of each unit to demonstrate how the skill can be used outside of school. Such skills include multi-digit multiplication and division, understanding fractions and decimals, and 3D geometric figures. Students take an in-depth look at the natural resources, culture and history of the state of Maryland in their social studies classes. They continue to develop their scientific questioning and begin to develop their own experiments to test theories.

GRADE 5Reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar skills continue to develop through whole group and small group instruction through analyzing various novels, nonfiction reading passages, and the Sadlier writing and vocabulary programs. In math, students are asked to apply their knowledge to real-world situations that use a variety of skills, such as decimal and fraction computation. Other skills include adding and subtracting decimals, mixed number operations, and analyzing volume and area. In Science, students are exposed to Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences in order to prepare them for the middle school curriculum. In social studies, students study European explorers and the early colonization of America. Critical thinking and analytical skills of primary and secondary sources are taught, in addition to the development of their research skills and knowledge.

1:1 TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMSecond to Fifth grade students have a fully integrated one-to-one iPad program where the students have full access to technology. Teachers use Google’s G-Suite, Discovery Education, Reading A to Z, IXL Math and ELA, Prodigy, and many more online resources to supplement instruction. Technology use is part of all core academic subjects as well as several specialty subjects.

M I D D L E S C H O O LThe Middle School curriculum is designed to educate, develop, and guide students as they discover

their individual potential. Middle school students are able to grow as leaders through the social

justice curriculum, student council, the middle school play, prayer buddies, faith-based community

outreach, and a range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The combination of these

opportunities permit students to enhance their executive functioning skills, particularly in the areas

of time management, long-term planning, and self-advocacy. Our cohesive and challenging program

exceeds core standards and permits students to build extraordinary levels of confidence, integrity, and

academic success. Cathedral students are regularly accepted into premier private and Catholic high

schools, often with generous scholarships.

GRADE 6The first week of school begins with a special prayer service to welcome all sixth grade students into the Middle School. At this time, students are excited to be assigned to their Stars and Stripes teams, a student-led organization that focuses on building school spirit and providing service opportunities.

Students continue to deepen their questioning and text analysis skills through the use of the Novel Studies program and increase their vocabulary skills by identifying Greek and Latin root words. Sixth grade students delve into mathematical variables, expressions, and equations with emphasis on real-world problems. In Science, sixth grade students examine the Earth Sciences through hands-on investigation and discovery, while in Social Studies, the focus is on Ancient Civilizations. Students participate in National History Day, which allows them to continue to develop their research and presentation skills.

As a culmination of their Servant Leadership Study in Social Justice, all sixth grade students attend a three-day, two-night retreat. The focus of this retreat is to instill self confidence through a series of team-building exercises exercises at River Valley Ranch.

GRADE 7Seventh grade marks a transition to a more focused preparation for high school. Students concentrate on different styles of essay writing and quantitative dimensions of text complexity as they read several classic novels throughout the year. In Math, students take Pre-Algebra or Algebra, while in Social Studies, students delve more deeply into World Government and Geography and participate in National History Day. Seventh grade students focus on Life Science as they conduct weekly experiments in the science lab and begin to write formal lab reports. Finally, at the end of the school year, students are given the opportunity to engage in a week-long mission trip to grow as stewards of our community.

GRADE 8Eighth grade students enjoy the benefit of being the leaders of the school. They begin to prepare for the high school application process by drafting and writing their high school essays and resumes. Students also partake in mock interviews in preparation for their high school shadow visits. In Math, students are placed in either Algebra I or an Algebra I/Geometry hybrid class. In Language Arts, students are exposed to more classic novels along with current well-written works that will boost their love of reading. In Social Studies, students focus on American History, and in Science, there is a focus on the Physical Sciences including real-life problem based learning through hands-on experiments and discussion.

The Cathedral Middle School

provides a supportive, yet challenging

environment where students realize their

own abilities and become confident,

lifelong learners and leaders.

The conclusion of the three-year Social Justice curriculum finishes with a year of research and prep when the eighth graders deliver their TED-style talks to the school community in the spring.

THE SOCIAL JUSTICE PROGRAM All middle school students engage in a weekly Social Justice class that is designed to teach students about social issues in today’s world, in addition to providing service opportunities that will prepare them as global citizens.

After completing Servant Leadership in sixth grade, our students take Introduction to Social Justice in seventh grade. They complete their experience in eighth grade by preparing for the Faith in Focus Leadership Conference during their Social Justice in Action course. The Conference is the culmination of Cathedral’s Social Justice program, the only program of its kind in the area. The conference’s mission is for “Cathedral eighth grade students to serve as leaders by inspiring members of the community to live their faith more intentionally.” A faith-related topic is selected every year as the theme of the conference. During Social Justice in Action, students research ideas related to the theme and develop a presentation (similar in style to TED Talks) that they then share during the end-of-year conference.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY PROGRAMBeginning in the sixth grade, students are paired with a middle school faculty advisor. The advisory program is designed to foster the development of academic and social skills. Advisory offers an array of experiences, including monthly activities with their prayer buddies, guest speakers on topics such as leadership and adversity, and academic skill development.

1:1 CHROMEBOOK PROGRAMCathedral’s middle school has a fully integrated one-to-one technology program using Google Chromebooks. Each sixth grader receives a Chromebook that is used throughout the next three years and will be taken home by the student after graduation. The use of technology is part of all core academic subjects as well as several specialty subjects. Teachers use Google’s G Suite, Discovery Education, video editing software, research databases through the Enoch Pratt Library, IXL Math and ELA, and many more online resources to supplement instruction.

S P EC I A LT Y S U B J EC T SStudents in every grade participate in specialty subjects—Art, Modern Language, Music, Library,

and Physical Education. Through these courses, students have the opportunity to expand their

education while:

• being creative and fine-tuning motor skills 

• building confidence

• improving decision-making abilities and developing perseverance and focus

• beginning to understand the importance of collaboration and accountability

Teachers work together to plan cross-curricular projects so that students continue similar themes as they reinforce skills.

ARTIn the art room, our students work creatively in a studio-like space. Here, all students are able to develop problem-solving, critical-thinking and self-reflective skills in a creative environment. The primary grades focus on building foundational skills, such as using materials correctly and incorporating all of the elements of art. In the intermediate grades, we expand on these skills and develop their knowledge of art history through our Mystery Artist activity. In middle school, students continue to build on their art history knowledge, but shift the focus to contemporary artists. Middle school students also discuss and analyze the Studio “Habits of Mind” that we are cultivating in each class. Additionally, middle school projects are often multi-media and incorporate technological aspects.

The media that students utilize during their time here at Cathedral include the following: drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, ceramics, and fiber arts (weaving and stitching). We also have an annual Fine Arts Day in the spring, in which students’ art is displayed. The Cathedral community is invited!

MODERN LANGUAGEOur modern language program enriches our curriculum while challenging our students to develop strong cognitive skills and cultural knowledge. Our exploratory program runs from grade one through grade three, as students learn basic principles of both the French and Spanish languages. In fourth grade, students will choose to focus on either French or Spanish. At this time, they focus on grammar and practical communication skills. All students will continue to study the language of their choice, through the end of eighth grade.

MUSICEvery student at Cathedral takes a music class, in which they learn music from different cultures, styles and time periods. Students get experience singing and playing a variety of percussion, string, and electronic instruments. Throughout their tenure at Cathedral, students learn about the instruments, musical theory and their relationship to Art History and Social Studies. A hands on approach is emphasized beginning with a study of the recorder in third grade and culminating in active participation in our band which is available as an elective class, for students in fourth through eighth grades.

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONAt Cathedral, we focus on daily activates to increase students’ movement, perspective on health, and athletic opportunities. Students are provided with health education which includes hands-on CPR in the fourth grade. The Physical Education program strives to provide a knowledge base that instills behaviors for active living in a fun environment. We work with our students to enhance their motor skills as well as improving physical fitness, sportsmanship, and self-confidence.

LIBRARYWe strive to develop self-assured, enthusiastic readers while encouraging a life-long love of learning and reading. We approach this objective by immersing our students in literature that is rich and engaging. Scheduled library classes provide opportunities for students to participate in educational activities that promote reading for pleasure and learning that satisfies their curiosities. Students also gain information and digital literacy skills through core-content, project-based learning.

COUNSELINGThe school counselor provides individual, short-term counseling, lunch bunch groups to develop social skills, developmental guidance classes and information/referral services based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model.

During guidance classes, the school counselor focuses on academic, social, and emotional development so students can achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of our society.

TUTORING The Regina Plan, a program unique to the School of the Cathedral, is designed to assist students with mild to moderate language-based differences. One-to-one tutoring is provided, as needed, by Orton-Gillingham trained tutors. The tutors teach phonics in an explicit, systematic, and sequential manner using multi-sensory techniques, and offer varying strategies to help the students succeed in reading, writing, and spelling.

POSITIVE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTA fundamental theme, in every classroom at Cathedral, is to teach behavioral expectations in a positive manner, the same way we would any core curriculum subject. All students are encouraged through positive reinforcement incentives, educational presentation, and staff support. We incorporate the PRAY motto (below) to cultivate an environment of respect and positivity.

At Cathedral, we PRAY:

Practice peace

Respect ourselves and others

Accept responsibility and

Your best effort always

SPORTSThe Athletic program is an integral part of the educational program at the School of the Cathedral. We offer both boys and girls the opportunity to participate in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. All students from Kindergarten through eighth grade can experience the joy and reward of teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship. Teams are coached by parent volunteers and faculty members.

YOUTH MINISTRYThe goal of Youth Ministry at Cathedral is to foster our young people’s spiritual strength through service, prayer, fun, and community. New this year—a Middle School youth group and youth prayer groups.

Youth Ministry activities include: Movie Nights, Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, Middle School mixers, Kids-Night-Out, Christmas tree lighting, retreats and during the summer months we offer vacation bible school and service learning camps.

MUSICALS Let your imagination and creativity run free as you discover new talents and experiences—acting, singing, dancing, set design, and backstage crew involvements. Past performances include Little Mermaid, Annie, Shrek Jr., Peter Pan Jr., and Willy Wonka.

ELECTIVE CLASSESTeachers engage with students in fifth through eighth grade in creative manners to focus on advanced academic topics. New classes are made available each trimester.

Classes include: Lego Robotics, Computer Graphics, Current Events, Drama, Band, Art Creations, Impressionism, Nature Drawing, Tech Tools, Yoga, Meteorology, Sports, Community Service, French Films, ELA Workshop, Knitting, Paintbrush, and more.

CLUBSParent volunteers and faculty members run an array of after-school clubs for students.

Clubs include: Robotics, Chess, Running, Mustang Messenger, Scouts, Digital Media, Gardening, Girls on the Run, Broadway Musical Workshop

B E YO N D AC A D E M I C SThe School of the Cathedral believes that students’ development continues outside the classroom.

Cathedral is a place where students benefit from more than education—Cathedral is a community.

Our close-knit community is fostered through the activities listed below by providing opportunities

for positive peer interaction, strong cultural understanding, and hands on experience gaining

trustworthiness and respect for one another.

OUR COMMUNITY

111 Amberly Way • Baltimore, Maryland 21210 • 410.464.4100

SchooloftheCathedral.org