We Hold The Bar High and Teach Our Students to Leap!
We pride ourselves on our proven excellence in education. Our students are held to high standards and they live up to them. We feature an education that focuses on the basics of Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts, including vocabulary and grammar as well as reading and writing. These subjects are enhanced by Latin, Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education. We also work with Junior Achievement to have programs in all grades K-8. We teach writing and reading in cursive when many public schools have decided to stop teaching this skill. We give all students many opportunities to speak in public during church masses, readings and other speaking assignments at school. Children as early as pre-kindergarten love to be heard during our assemblies.
CURRICULUM
Classes at Holy Cross School are designed to meet the student’s fundamental academic needs. The major subjects included in the curriculum are Religious Studies, Reading and Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Latin, Computer Technology, Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education. Our strong curriculum is enhanced by providing both advanced and remedial programs. Our students develop self-confidence, self respect, acquire strong academic skills and are very well-prepared for high school.
Our Faculty’s goal is to create the best possible atmosphere for learning using a variety of techniques to meet each student’s learning styles and needs. Each student is expected to participate in all class activities, projects and assignments. We incorporate the South Portland Library facilities, located across the street, as an additional resource for learning.
FACULTY
The Faculty at Holy Cross School is made up of highly experienced and dedicated State of Maine Certified Professionals. They continue their professional growth with recertification programs and are members of the National Catholic Teachers Association. Their faith, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence are truly outstanding.
GRADING / PROGRESS REPORTS
Students in Grades 5-8 receive a written Progress Report midway through each trimester. Parents are asked to sign the Progress Report and return it to school as soon as possible. Parents are encouraged to contact the appropriate teacher if they have a question about the Progress Report.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are given out each trimester, in November, January/February, April and June. Report cards are a means of evaluating not only the academic growth, but also the social and personal growth of each child. Report cards are to be signed by the parents and returned to the school within 1 week of school.
THE GRADING SYSTEM AND HONOR ROLL
Grading System and Honor Roll: The marking system consists of letter grades for fourth through eighth grades and a learning key for Grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3:
Grade Scale Grades 4-8:
A = 95-100 B+ = 90-94 B = 85-89 C+ = 80-84 C = 75-79 D = 70-74 F = Below 70
Honor Roll = A's and B's or 85 and above for students in grades 5 - 8.
High Honors= All A’s Students must maintain an effort grade of 1-2 in all subjects and a grade of Satisfactory in all areas of "Work Study and Personal Development" to achieve honor roll status.
LEARNING KEY
Grades 1-3: VG - Very Good, G - Good, S - Satisfactory, N - Needs Improvement.
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten: S - Strength Demonstrated, N - Needs Improvement, U - Unevaluated At This Time
EXTRA-CURRICULAR INELIGIBILITY
Any student who receives a failing grade is any class is subject to a review by that teacher and the Principal at which time a plan will be implemented for further participation in any extra-curricular activity. Students determined to be ineligible, will be excluded from any and all participation in these activities until cleared.
HOMEWORK
Classwork & Homework: Teachers must establish and enforce standards for work that encourage students to put forth their best effort. A student's attitude is reflected in the appearance of his/her work. Neatness is expected!
• The following are approximate guidelines for homework times:
• Grades 6-8: 1.5 - 2 hours per night (Combined subjects)
• Grades 4-5: 65-75 minutes per night
• Grades 2-3: 30-45 minutes per night
• Grade 1: 20-30 minutes per night
• Grades PreK and K: "Reading to or with parents weekly is encouraged!”
• Homework is generally not assigned over weekends or school vacations except for long- range
ooo assignments, make-up work, or studying for exams.
RETENTION
Parents will be notified of any serious difficulty that their child may be having. Some factors which may make it necessary for a child to repeat a grade are:
Failure to achieve academic potential at grade level
Frequent absenteeism and/or tardiness
Lack of social, emotional or physical development which affects learning performance
In order for retention to be effective, parents, teachers and administration, should be in agreement that this is the appropriate action for the student.
