Academics

Curriculum Overview 

In September 2004, Our Lady of the Lake Principal, with support from School Commission, organized a task force of School Commission and OLL staff members to study the OLL curriculum documents; compare them to the Archdiocesan Curriculum guidelines and the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements; and develop a means of communicating the excellence of the OLL program.   This final document was presented and accepted by the School Commission and Principal in June 2005.
 
Task Force Members:  James Harvey, Terri O'Sullivan, Ernie Tolentino, Ann Marie DeCaro, Joan Harvey, Patti Feeney, Bonnie Meyer.

 

Mission Statement

The school's mission is to carry out the teaching ministry of Our Lady of the Lake Parish by providing an excellent K-8 school program that provides a strong academic foundation and encourages OLL graduates to live out the values of the Catholic faith.


Philosophy

Together with the parents, we will build on the individual talents and needs of each child.
We believe that the formal education at
Our Lady of the Lake Parish School:
1. Offers a strong basic education
2. Promotes lifetime learning
3. Is value-based in Catholic beliefs
4. Provides the atmosphere that fosters
individual potential, self-sufficiency,
and self-esteem
5. Provides the atmosphere that fosters the development of social interaction skills.

 

Curriculum

The basic curriculum at Our Lady of the Lake Parish School complies with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines and provides for the development of the students' spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.
 
Our Lady of the Lake Parish School provides an academic program which includes classes in the following subject areas: religion, mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, science, music, physical education, library skills, art, computer education, family life, and substance abuse awareness. Outdoor education is offered to students in grades 4 and 5. A Learning Differences Specialist is on staff to identify and work with students who have learning differences.
 
Enrichment activities offered at Our Lady of the Lake Parish School are:

  • Student ministry
  • Science fair
  • Student government
  • Student crossing guard (grade 6)
  • Annual spring musical (grade 8)
  • Competitive speaking (grades 6 to 8)
  • Math Counts® (grades 6 to 8) per parent volunteer availability
  • Art docent program (classroom activities grades K to 8)
  • Band, (beginning and advanced) coordinated through Bishop Blanchet High School (grades 5 to 8)
  • Annual Talent Show

Field Trips

In compliance with Archdiocesan guidelines, "all field trips must have the enrichment of the curriculum as their core purpose." (Catholic School Policy Manual)
 
Field trips and outdoor education, as an extension of classroom experience, are encouraged provided that adequate supervision and insurance coverage are assured.
 

School "Families"

Each student is assigned to a "Family" of other students, usually one from each grade. An eighth grader heads each family.  They meet several times a year to work on community service projects, community building and other activities.  
 
 

Curriculum Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


How is the OLL curriculum determined?
The basics of the curriculum are laid out explicitly by the Archdiocese.  Specific learning expectations and benchmarks have been prepared for each grade level in the areas of science, mathematics, language arts, reading, social studies, physical education, technology and music.  They are in process for religion.  These expectations and benchmarks are based on recommendations set out by national and state educational standards.
 The teachers design the specific activities and assignments which enable students to reach the expectations and benchmarks.
 
Can I examine a copy of these learning expectations and benchmarks?
Certainly.  A copy is available at the school.  Do you realize that these documents contained detailed information in a language that can be overwhelming to readers without training in educational standards?
 
How are textbooks chosen?
The Archdiocese selects acceptable textbooks through a committee made up of professional educators.  The textbooks are chosen by the Archdiocese to enable teachers in a particular grade to cover the learning necessary to meet the learning expectations and benchmarks in that grade.
 
What should I do if I have concerns about my child's curriculum?
The first step will be for you to define clearly what your concern is and why you have developed that concern.  It will be important for you to put in writing the evidence that led you to develop your concern.
 
Next, schedule an appointment with your child's teacher.  Bring with you the things you have written down.  Recognize that the teacher has worked very hard to thoughtfully construct the learning activities, and that the learning environment is rarely ideal.  Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say.  Good listening and the ability to imagine oneself in the other's shoes is a vital component to a successful parent-teacher interaction.  Summarize in writing or verbally what you and the teacher agree to do as the next step.
 
If you feel that your needs are not adequately addressed by the teacher, and subsequent discussion does not improve the situation, schedule an appointment with the principal.  When you talk to the principal, be sure to note actions the teacher has taken as well as those concerns you still have.
 
You will notice that none of the steps outlined above include discussion of your concern with other parents.  This is because discussing your concerns with other parents is not a constructive way to address your concerns about your child's curriculum. 
 
When are updates made to the curriculum?
On a regular cycle the Archdiocese convenes a committee of educators to develop a list of approved textbooks for the Catholic schools.  At OLL, curriculum goals and expectations are reviewed on a regular basis by staff following this cycle. In depth curriculum studies occur in a regular cycle in conjunction with the accreditation/self-study process.