ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

St. Ambrose Catholic School follows the Course of Study prescribed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore updated in 2005. It complies with the Maryland State Standards for Education. A copy is available in the school office for parent review. Technology assisted instruction and a variety of instructional methods are implemented in the individual classrooms. Remedial assistance is available by individual teachers and through the Title I Program. However, no facilities are available for special education or learning disabled students. If the school suspects a disability, the procedures for evaluating the student through Baltimore City Public Schools will be followed.

TESTING

The Stanford 10 is administered yearly in the spring to all students in grades three through eight.. Parents will receive written copies of the test results. New students are given a test designed by the school in reading, math, and writing to facilitate proper placement in the school. Teacher made tests are administered on a regular basis to monitor student progress. Final exams are given at the end of the school year.

REPORTING ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Students are evaluated by their teachers throughout the year. Class work, tests, etc. are sent home on a weekly basis for review. Midterm progress reports are given at 6 week intervals. Progress Reports are issued every 12 weeks. Parent/teacher conferences are required at the first interim report in October and are recommended frequently during the school year. Additionally, Parent Access through Power School is available to parents of students in grades 3-8. This Web based program allows monitoring of academic progress and attendance weekly on the internet. See Ms. Townsend for training and a password.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

All students are involved in the religious education program of the school. Religion is regarded as both an academic discipline and a lifestyle. Therefore, all students will attend religion classes and liturgical celebrations as well as participate fully in the religious activities of the school.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICIES

Academic progress, maturity level, and attendance are the criteria used in promotion and retention. Any student in grades 3-5 who fails (grade of E) two or more major subjects will be retained in the same grade for the following school year. The major subjects are as follows: language arts and math, hi grades K — 2, teacher recommendation will determine promotion or retention.

Middle school students who fail two or more subject areas (language arts, math, science, social studies) will be retained in the same grade for the following year.

To retain a student in the same grade for a second year, the following procedures are followed:

• February 1 - Teacher and principal notify the parent in writing that the student is in danger of being retained. A parent/teacher conference is held and parents must sign a statement indicating the possibility of retention.
• April 15 - A second notice is given to the parent and a second conference is held. Parents must again sign an acknowledgement statement.
• After April 15 - parents may review the decision with the principal.

For 8th grade graduation: Students must receive a passing grade in every subject in order to participate in the graduation exercises and activities at the end of the school year.

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS AND PRAYER SERVICES:

Students will attend mass on the last Wednesday of each month unless a religious holiday dictates otherwise.
Prayer service is held every Friday. Student attendance is rotated by grade level beginning with students in grades 4-8 followed by students in kindergarten through grade 3. Prayer service is conducted by the students and is a direct outgrowth of the religion program that is conducted in the classroom. Parents are welcome to attend all liturgies and prayer services which begin at 9:00 a.m. on the scheduled day.

Activities

5th Annual African American History Blacks In Wax Museum Presentation - Slideshow