-
Curriculum Enrichment Program
The Curriculum Enrichment Program is designed to meet the needs of advanced students who satisfy the criteria as outlined in the Enrichment Group Placement Process.
SLCS Enrichment Group Placement ProcessSecond, third and fourth grade identified students will be pulled out of their core academic classes two times per week to participate in a complementary curriculum in a small group setting. Fifth through eighth-grade students will have an opportunity to experience a "working lunch" twice per week as well. In these groups, students will develop:
- critical thinking skills
- problem-solving skills
- collaborative learning strategies
- interpersonal skills
- higher-level learning through Bloom's taxonomy
- time management
Much of the curriculum will be experienced through project-based learning activities such as STREAM projects and authentic application projects.
While participation in the Curriculum Enrichment Program is voluntary, there is an expectation that students will maintain exemplary grades, complete all classroom assigned homework, and exhibit appropriate behavior. Students who do not meet these expectations may be removed from the program.Lastly, students are screened each year based on the most recent data available. Prior year placement does not guarantee future placement. -
STREAM Lab
STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - in a cross-curricular and hands-on inquiry approach. Here at St. Laurence Catholic School we will also be adding religion and art to the acronym producing STREAM.
Why STREAM? Science is everywhere and technology is changing almost as soon as it is available and affordable. Math is used in every occupation and engineering is the design process to solve problems. Students will have the opportunity to participate in engaging activities using 21st Century learning skills of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” (National Science Foundation)
Students in grades 1 through 8 will visit the STREAM Lab once every two weeks. In grades 1 - 4, this will occur during their regular science class. In grades 5 - 8, students will participate in activities in the STREAM Lab every other week from one of their core academic classes. For example, middle school students will come to the STREAM Lab once from English, literature, science, social studies, math, and religion on a rotating schedule approximately every two weeks.
Click HERE for an interesting blog post on the "A" in STEAM