St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy

2700 O Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020

Telephone (202) 581- 2010 Fax (202) 581-1142

Harold L. Thomas, Principal Rev. Jim Boccabella, Pastor

Grades 3rd – 8th Class Syllabus for 2016-2017

Religion

Teacher : James R Wills, Jr. E-mail:

Course overview:
Religion Grades 3rd – 8th
Our overall goal this year is to provide students with an understanding of God and their relationship to God and their neighbor. Through scripture, prayer, Christian living, and community outreach, students will be exposed to how sharing God’s love will bring them closer to God. A variety of experiences will be offered to reach each student. The ‘Faith Standards for the Archdiocese of Washington’ are the basis of instruction. The standards have grade appropriate indicators suitable for the growth of the students. Students will display skill mastery through assessments, projects, and demonstrating the presence of God in their life through interpersonal relationships and their response in faith based activities. Areas of focus for each grade level is as follows:
-  Grade 3 – The focus is on the Old Testament, Public Ministry of Jesus and the Early Church its development, structure & hierarchy.
-  Grade 4 – The focus is on Sin Reconciliation & the 10 Commandments.
-  Grade 5 – The focus is on Discipleship & the Sacraments.
-  Grade 6 – The focus is on the Old Testament.
-  Grade 7 – The focus is on Understanding God, Morality, & the Ten Commandments in relation to morality.
-  Grade 8 – Focuses on the history of the Early Church
Textbooks: Sadlier - Religion Series: ‘We Believe’ (Grades 3-6);
‘We Live Our Faith’ (Grades 7-8)
Resources:
-  Sadlier – ‘We Believe’ Religion Music CD
-  Sadlier Religion Test Generator: ‘We Believe’ (Grades 3-6);
‘We Live Our Faith’ (Grades 7–8)
-  Sadlier Religion Retreat Book: ‘We Believe’ (Grades 3-6);
‘We Live Our Faith’ (Grades 7–8)
-  Sadlier – We Believe website; Http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve (3rd–6th Grade)
-  Http://www.sadlierreligion.com/Weliveourfaith (7th–8th Grade
-  Catholic Bible
-  Catechism of the Catholic Church
-  US Conference of Catholic Bishops website; Http://www.usccb.org
-  Archdiocese website Http://www.adw.org
-  Vatican website Http://www.vatican.va
-  Other Relevant websites
-  Compendium of the Catholic Church
-  Catechist Magazine
-  Religious Art & Artifacts
-  Junior Saints
-  The Catholic Standard
-  Faith Videos
-  ‘Explaining God’s Word’ or ’Good News weekly’ worksheets
-  Art Supplies / Supplies:
Bible (for use as a reference at home)
Composition Book
Folder
Sharpened Pencils
Crayons
Scissors
Glue
Eraser
Standards Introduced
Knowledge of Faith
Standard 1
Creed: Understand, believe and proclaim the Triune and redeeming God as revealed in creation and human experience, in Apostolic Tradition and Sacred Scripture, and as entrusted to the teaching office of the Church.
Standard 2
Scripture: Read, comprehend and articulate salvation history as conveyed in God’s revelation through Sacred Scripture.
Liturgical Education: Helping to Celebrate
Standard 3
Sacraments: Understand and participate in the sacraments of the Church as effective signs of God's grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.
Standard 4
Liturgy: Understand and celebrate the liturgical rites of the Church as expressed in the Church Year and epitomized in the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
Moral Formation
Standard 5
Conscience: Develop a moral conscience informed by Church teachings.
Standard 6
Christian Living: Understand and live the moral teachings of the Church through a life of discipleship in Jesus Christ expressed in love for God, conversion, positive self-image, personal integrity, social justice, the dignity of the human person and love of neighbor.
Prayer
Standard 7
Prayer: Know and participate in the Catholic tradition of prayer and acknowledge prayer as the primary way we deepen our knowledge of God in the Community. / Education for Living in the Christian Community
Standard 8
Catholic Church: Understand and appreciate the mystery of the Church, the Body of Christ, the community of believers, as expressed in the Church’s origin, mission of evangelization, hierarchical structure, marks, charisms, members and the communion of saints.
Standard 9
Ecumenism: Understand and participate in the call of the Church to be a sign of unity in the world through knowledge of and collaboration with other Catholic (Eastern), Orthodox, and Christian churches.
Standard 10
Catholic Principles and Relationships: Apply Catholic
principles to interpersonal relations.
Standard 11
Vocations: Understand and undertake discipleship in Christ responding in faith by participating in the mission of the Church through living a specific call in the life of the Church.
Education for Evangelization and Apostolic Life
Standard 12
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: Know critique and apply social justice and stewardship principles to societal situations in a way that acknowledges and affirms the dignity of the human person and community.
Standard 13
INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: Understand and participate in the call of the Church to be a sign of unity in the world through knowledge of and collaboration with Jews, Muslims, and all faith traditions.
Standard 14
MISSIONARY VOCATION: Demonstrate an appreciation for Catholic missionary and evangelization efforts through our parish community, its culture, worship, sacramental life, and service.
Classroom Rules and Expectations
Rules:
Respect yourself
Respect others
Respect the environment / Student Responsibilities:
Be at school on time daily
Be prepared for learning
Listen carefully to your teachers
Participate in class
Ask for help when needed
Complete all assignments
Take care of all textbooks and any other materials that are borrowed from the school
Serve as a positive representation of your home / Parent Responsibilities:
Have students in school and on time
Check your child’s work daily
Check Rediker Weekly to see your child’s progress
Support your child’s learning
Participate in meetings with the teacher and HSA
Foster a positive relationship with all school stakeholders
Ensure that your child follows all school rules
Grading Scale
A= Excellent 93-100 B= Above Average 85-92 C= Average 77-84 D= Below Average Passing 70-76
F= Unsatisfactory Below 70
Homework = 10% of grade.
Participation = 10% of grade.
Test = 25% of grade.
Quizzes = 15% of grade
Projects = 25% of grade.
Classwork = 15% of grade.
Parental Communication
Parental Communication: I communicate with parents using several different modes. I can be reached by e mail, my address is The office telephone number is (202)581-2010. Please allow 24 hours for my response. Additionally I can hold meetings by appointment during my planning periods. I update Rediker weekly and you can feel free to message me on Rediker.