PRE-SCHOOL

Our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs promote and support the spiritual, physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive development of young children by facilitating active learning experiences. We believe each child is unique in terms of developmental level, life experience and cultural heritage; and we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where all children can learn and grow. In addition, we believe itâ??s imperative that a partnership exists between school and families in order to provide the optimal learning experience. 

Our goal is to provide a Catholic environment where:

• each child can experience God's love and grow in a relationship with God
• each child's social and emotional development is fostered
• language, literacy and listening skills are developed and encouraged
• each child is exposed to the arts and sciences 
• each child can cultivate their fine motor skills
• opportunities are given for the development of large motor skills
• creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are fostered
• self-help skills and an awareness of health, nutrition and safety are taught
• each child'ss individuality with regard to life experiences and traditions is valued

St. Vincent de Paul School offers an all-day, five-day-a-week kindergarten program. Each day the students are provided opportunities to grow socially, academically and spiritually.

Students are engaged in hands-on activities throughout the day. The activities are included in curricular areas such as reading, math, science, social studies, and English. Music, art, physical education, computers, Spanish and library are also a special part of our weekly routine. In addition, we provide learning centers in many of these areas where students are able to work on skills independently.

God is an important part of our program. We include prayers and stories about God in our schedule each day and we go to Mass once a week. 

Information for New Kindergartners 2012-2013
2012-13 School Year Calendar
After School Care Registration
Kindergarten Handbook
Kindergarten Supply List
Handwriting Packet

FIRST GRADE

First grade is a year of change and transition. The children receive more responsibility by having their own desks, folders, books, etc.

We spend a great deal of time discussing the skills and strategies used in reading and math. Weekly spelling tests are given and students have the opportunity to write creatively in journals.  Reading and math will be the main focus of our curriculum, and we also explore these areas during Social Studies and Science as well.

The first grade team includes three teachers and three associates. Lois Nigrin has been at St. Vincent de Paul for 19 years and an educational professional for 25 years. Christy Kleffman has been at St. Vincent de Paul for nine of her twelve years in education. Judy Hermsen will be starting her fourth year at St. Vincent de Paul. She previously taught for many years at St. Bernard School.

First grade has three teacher associates, Ms. Kathie Onkka, Mrs. Paula Bastian and Mrs. Michelle Hedrick.

Weekly spelling list

Weekly reading vocabulary list

SECOND GRADE
Second grade is a fun-filled environment that allows children the opportunity to engage in learning through a variety of different experiences.

Second grade is a very exciting year as the students prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Throughout the subject areas students are challenged to learn new concepts.

Our classrooms each have a full-time teacher associate. They are essential to our program because they allow us to meet in small groups and give students more individual attention.

2nd Grade News

THIRD GRADE
In third grade, Science, English, and Social Studies are departmentalized. Ms. Ruelas, Room 31, teaches Science; Mrs. Baker, Room 32, teaches English; and Mrs. Schofield, Room 33, teaches Social Studies.

Third grade is the beginning of independent responsibility and homework. Your child, with our (parents' and teachers') guidance, will be moving toward self-management of his/her homework and time efficiency. Help your child establish good study habits and time management skills by reinforcing the use of their assignment notebook. An appropriate working environment at home and a secure a time each evening for him/her to complete assignments will also benefit your child.

A major event in third grade is Pioneer Days, which takes place at the beginning of May. Students are involved in two days of hands-on experiences and lifelong memories.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to teach and work with your children.

FOURTH GRADE
In religion in grade four we cover a variety of topics and our lessons are filled with scripture stories that your child will enjoy. The ten commandments are a focus in the textbook as well as how to pray the rosary. The students will focus on the rosary in October as that is the month of the rosary. They will learn how to pray this prayer, make their own rosaries and make one to donate. They will also be tested over how to pray the rosary and they will be able to list the 20 decades of the rosary. 

FIFTH GRADE
Fifth grade at St. Vincent de Paul is a transition year for students. As teachers we instill in our students skills to be as independent as possible. This year students begin carrying Code of Conduct cards with them to every class. Students are expected to always be prepared for class and using the Code of Conduct card helps us to hold them accountable for all of their actions. Students also carry an Exemplary Behavior card that we mark when we witness them showing random acts of kindness to their peers.