Faculty Commitment
All teachers at Archbishop Borders School support differentiated instruction. Teachers demand high-quality performance for all individuals, while giving students opportunity to develop their particular strengths. The teachers strive to see and serve individuals rather than groups, are organized yet flexible in their way of adjusting teaching and learning to meet the needs of the students.
Top of page
Curriculum
The curriculum is organized according to the Course of Study set forth by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Catholic Schools and the Maryland State Board of Education. Religion is an integral part of the instructional program. Religion is required for each year a student attends the school. All students enrolled in Archbishop Borders School must attend religion classes and services.
Religion is the focal point of our instructional program. It permeates all that is taught and is an integral part of the entire school program and day.
Click here to see the diocesan standardized test scores.
Top of page
Dual Language /Language Immersion Program
Archbishop Borders School offers a unique Dual Language Program. Starting in the Pre-K four year old program students will receive instruction in Spanish and English. This program will continue each year. The first class to receive dual language instruction is the 2010 Pre-k class. Students develop speaking, reading and writing ability in both English and Spanish with the goal of full fluency in both languages by the eighth grade. The program is active, multi-sensory, sequential, challenging and structured.
Top of page
Pre-K and Kindergarten
The environment fosters an atmosphere of learning, building of self-esteem, faith and community. A warm and caring staff guides these children in major areas of study. Pre-K students receive a structured program learning color, letters, shape and number recognition. Pre-K begins literacy skills in English and Spanish. Socialization skills are an integral part of the student’s education. Pre-K classes are full day, five days per week.
In Kindergarten students concentrate on further development of math, phonics and reading readiness skills. Students are introduced to the Open Court reading program, a comprehensive literacy program for emerging readers. Students are introduced to religion, science, social studies, music, computer and physical education. Kindergarten students begin literacy skills in both English and Spanish. Kindergarten students attend full day classes five days per week.
Top of page
Primary Grades 1-3
The primary grades are the foundational blocks for learning. The classroom environment is structured. Teachers provide challenging activities, board work, drills, games, hands-on activities, group work and remedial work as part of their daily routine.
Reading, phonics, English, spelling and penmanship completes the language arts block. Literacy skills in both English and Spanish are taught.
Teachers are skilled in addressing the literacy needs of each student.
Science and Social Studies are integrated into the curriculum. Physical Education, Computer and Art complete the primary program.
Top of page
Intermediate Grades 4-5
Students in grades 4 and 5 are preparing for their transition to the Middle School. These years are critical in the establishment of becoming a more independent learner. Students strengthen the skills introduced in the primary grades. Hour blocks of time are dedicated to the study of reading and math. The overall goal is to increase the level of comprehension in reading. Reading is an integral part of all areas of study. Students receive in-depth study in literature, vocabulary, spelling and skill development. Grammar and composition are added to the student’s daily schedule. Social Studies and Science places a strong emphasis on research. Computer technology begins to take an added importance for research and written reports. Art, physical education, Computer and Spanish add to the development of the whole child.
Top of page
Middle School Grades 6-8
Archbishop Borders School strives to foster independent and proactive learning, within a supportive environment. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills and personal responsibility. Students are taught in a departmentalized setting. They are accountable for organization and formation of proper study habits. Academic subjects, such as mathematics, literature, science, religion and social studies focus on developing logical reasoning, expanding global perspective, and advancing students’ ability to locate and analyze information. The curriculum addresses the individual developmental needs of each student. Stress is placed on personal discipline. Special attention is given to the understanding of the physical, social and spiritual development of the adolescent child. The middle school program is enhanced by field experiences. In addition to the traditional academic program Middle School students participate in Spanish, physical education, art and computer classes.
Top of page
Course on Family Life
The school curriculum provides a program of Catechesis for human sexuality in accordance with the Archdiocesan regulations and guidelines found in “Catechesis on Human Sexuality: Regulations and Guidelines.”
Curriculum programs in human sexuality are positive and prudent, and cover all dimensions of the topic: moral, spiritual, psychological, and emotional. Sexuality education is given with reverence and respect and in the context of religious values. A permission form is given to parents at the beginning of the year. Parents are given the opportunity to view all materials used in the curriculum at the Back to School night meeting.
Top of page
Sacramental Programs
Since it is within the jurisdiction of each parish to establish a program for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation, the school plays only a supportive role to the parents and the parishioners in preparing the children. Parents are informed by the appropriate parish personnel regarding the exact requirements involved for sacramental preparation. The school’s religion program supplements these activities.
Top of page
Summer School
Any student who receives a failing grade in religion for the year must complete a specific project as determined by the religion teacher in order to return to school the following year.
Any student who fails one major subject for the year will be required to attend summer school.
Elementary (Grades 1-8) summer school sessions must total a minimum of twenty-five hours. Official records of summer performance are to be forwarded to the school office no later than August 15th. Any student who fails to successfully complete summer requirements for promotion to the next grade will be retained.
Top of page
Federal Programs Archbishop Borders has access to federally funded programs to support the education of all students.
Title I -- Reading and Math services
Title IIA -- Improving Teacher Quality
Title IID -- Technology funding
Title III -- English Language Support Child Nutrition Program Breakfast and Hot Lunch Program
Top of page
Updated 10/11/2011
E-mail: principal@abbschool.com
|