I. Language Arts (Houghton – Mifflin Reading Series)

In order to achieve literacy success for all students, MHOC believes in using a variety of techniques and resources. Our language arts program includes small group instruction and independent skill practice and application. Beginning reading success is achieved through the development of oral language, phonemic awareness, letter recognition, phonics and blending skills, and high frequency vocabulary recognition.

Our reading program provides consistent development of comprehension strategies and skills. Skill instruction is reinforced and tailored to the learning style and needs of all students. A variety of literature resources are used to challenge and extend the independent reading and fluency development needs of students. Cross-curricular writing activities provide a content-area connection that ties in language arts with both science and social studies.

II. Mathematics (Houghton – Mifflin Mathematics Series)

Mathematics at MHOC is child centered and taught using a systematic step-by-step approach. The program emphasizes a balance of hands-on activities along with practice and problem solving opportunities to develop mathematical concepts and skills. Instruction is differentiated according to ability level. Manipulatives are used whenever possible to create a concrete understanding of skills and concepts. Cooperative learning is essential in developing key problem solving skills that are a pre-cursor to algebraic thinking. Students work together to apply skills and concepts to new situations. Problem solving and reasoning skills are integrated into every phase of instruction, i.e. explain thinking process or justify a solution to a problem.

III. Social Studies

The goal of Social Studies is to provide students with opportunities to acquire facts and concepts drawn from the chronology of our nation’s heritage. It also provides them with an understanding of democratic principles and ideals upon which good citizenship is founded. The MHOC Social Studies curriculum consists of a comprehensive study our community, nation and world, offering students the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly complex society. Maps and globes are studied as an integral part of understanding the student’s surroundings. Hands-on and cooperative learning activities are the modes of learning effectively used in the classroom. A rich abundance of materials and learning resources such as videos, computer software and reference books help to bring the content to life. Engaging activities and projects help the students internalize the concepts.

IV. Science

Students better understand science when they immerse themselves in the content using a hands-on approach. At MHOC, students have access to an extensive array of materials through which they can discover first hand the wonders of life and the world around them. Videos and laser discs add depth to each lesson and provide a clearer more extensive understanding of topics of study. Also on hand are a multitude of visual aids, such as experiments, fossils, magnets, and models, just to name a few. Students become the center of the lessons and investigate scientific concepts using the scientific method. They use higher order thinking and real-world applications throughout each unit. Reading, writing and math are integrated into the units, which allows students to successfully transfer skills and strategies across the content areas. Problem solving opportunities, vocabulary extensions and science related literature are integral parts of the curriculum.

V. Religion (Sadlier: We Believe)

Jesus calls to each child, “Follow me”(Luke 9:23). At MHOC, content is integrated that is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and that holistically embraces the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Moral Life and Prayer. Students participate in morning and afternoon prayers as well as prayers before meals. Weekly Mass is a time to come together as a school and rejoice in God’s blessings. Our goal is to nurture each child’s relationship with Jesus. This is achieved through both text and music in the curriculum area. Morals and values are integrated into the various content areas that further provide a firm foundation in faith.

VI. Special Activities