CURRICULUM FOR SUCCESS

Divine Mercy aligns with the curriculum standards of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Wisconsin Department of Instruction — and goes above the Common Core to give students a well-rounded, advanced education. Our teachers know what our students need for success, and we value their input when designing our curriculum for the year. In this way, we teach to the strengths of the Common Core by expanding upon its best and fill in by including what the Common Core lacks. Using a variety of materials and multimedia elements, teachers are able to deliver instruction that is engaging, student-centered, and personalized for their academic, personal growth and development.

Students are assessed both informally and formally using teacher-made benchmark assessments and standardized benchmark assessments (Measures of Academic Progress) three times a year. Outside of these standardized assessments, Divine Mercy holds students accountable to the goals and plans students set for themselves with the guidance of their teachers. This individualized learning model make students an active participant in both their education and their future.

One of the many benefits of Catholic education is the faith formation made possible throughout the school day.

Religion is taught in the classroom daily. Opportunities are provided to explore and think critically about how we worship, understand, and live out our faith.

Beyond daily classes, teachers at Divine Mercy bring elements of faith into the rest of the curriculum — this encourages students to not only understand the foundation of their faith, but challenges them to see the world through a Catholic lens.

CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO ACCOMPLISHED OBJECTIVES

Moral Objectives

  • Make Catholic Faith an integral part of the students’ lives by providing opportunities for growth in faith with prayer, regular attendance at Mass, special liturgies, religious ceremonies, reconciliation services, mission activities and Religion classes.
  • Provide drug prevention education by implementing drug programs aimed at appropriate grade levels, introducing positive role models, developing self-awareness, and teaching positive decision-making.
  • Develop attitudes, knowledge and skills for responsible moral decision-making concerning human growth and development.
  • Cultivate knowledge and appreciation of different races, cultures and religious beliefs.
  • Develop a Christian conscience, so when conflicts arise they are dealt with in a responsible, respectful and Christ-like manner.
  • Teach students to recognize and respect people in lawful authority in the Church, the state, the school, the parish and at home.

Academic Objectives

  • Give the students opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge of academic curricula through oral, written, artistic and other means of creative expression.
  • Maintain a working relationship of cooperation between Administration, parents and teachers through an active Home and School Association, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and a close relationship between Parish and School.
  • Demonstrate and develop academic progress commensurate with his/her abilities and talents.
  • Provide students with learning styles suited to the strength of the student.
  • Enable the students to develop their knowledge through a variety of teaching strategies, i.e., lecture-discussion, use of audio-visual aids, computers and large and small group instruction.
  • Provide assistance to students who need to be academically challenged, as well as providing additional academic help for those students who need it.

Social Objectives

  • Encourage the students to act in a respectful and Christ-like manner towards each other and toward those in authority.
  • Develop student leadership by providing opportunities to actively participate in school and community programs.
  • Provide the students with opportunities to become concerned and active citizens in their local communities through various assemblies and other extra-curricular activities such as community contests and field trips.
  • Help develop positive and enriching relationships and to resolve conflicts through respectful assertiveness and cooperation.
  • Create a cordial, caring and welcoming atmosphere within the school.

Emotional Objectives

  • Provide a safe, caring atmosphere so that all children, especially those from broken and hurting families, can find security in the school environment.
  • Develop a positive attitude towards classmates and to learn how to express feelings in an appropriate way.
  • Develop self discipline and learn to value the uniqueness of others.

Physical Objectives

  • Promote physical fitness and develop habits in the children that will build and maintain good health through a physical education program, available health services, and various athletic activities.
  • Help students respect their bodies as a Temple of the Holy Spirit by practicing proper hygiene and personal grooming.