Academics  At All Saints Catholic School our kindergarten through grade eight faculty maintain State Teacher Certification. The curriculum is aligned with Maine's Learning Results. READING At All Saints Catholic School, students develop strong reading skills within a literature-rich environment. Working from a literature-based reading series, teachers go beyond the text to provide a strong foundation in decoding strategies, comprehension, study skills and writing. Included is a weekly school library program, during which students select books of interest and listen to stories read aloud. The curriculum is designed to help students develop higher level thinking skills, as well as a greater appreciation and understanding of the world of literature and ideas communicated through the written word. MATHEMATICS The instructional program used at All Saints Catholic School was developed according to the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Math. Strong practical and analytical skills in computation, concepts, reasoning, estimation, measurement, geometric concepts and problem-solving are taught. Algebra is offered to middle-school students ready for accelerated studies. SOCIAL STUDIES The social studies curriculum helps students develop an understanding of history, civics, geography and related skills. Students learn about the events and conditions that have influenced our state, nation and world. The social studies curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking, research and the application of course work to modern day situations and responsibilities. SCIENCE The science curriculum provides students with an understanding of the biological, physical and earth sciences. Students learn to approach science through grade-appropriate levels of investigation, experimentation and analysis. Our program includes a hands-on approach, fostering learning and discovery. ART Beginning with basic drawing, color and design skills and gradually progressing to more challenging media opportunities, students discover the joy of their own creativity. They also learn to appreciate art as a form of human communication and expression through the study of visual artists and their works. Keeping in mind that children are made in the image of God, their Creator, they are encouraged to discover their own individuality through art. COMPUTER All Saints Catholic School students use computers as basic and advanced tools for learning and analysis. Starting with basic keyboarding skills in grade one, age-appropriate student use of computers is integrated into the curriculum. Learning is enhanced though a variety of means such as creating presentations; taking digital photos and video; creating documents by means of word processing; making web pages with html codes and using online resources for research. These tasks are accomplished in three environments - Windows, Linux and Macintosh. Students also develop a basic understanding of how computer hardware works. Competency in computer skills and their application in a variety of situations helps students understand the importance and relevance of technology in society. FOREIGN LANGUAGE Because of its historical and modern day use throughout Maine, French is taught at All Saints Catholic School from PreK to grade 8. Students receive an introduction to the language as well as an exposure to world cultures. LIBRARY Our automated libraries offer students a variety of resources that support our curriculum, stimulate their imaginations and satisfy their reading pleasure. Library skills taught in the classroom reading program are reinforced in the library through group activities. In addition, students learn to appreciate many types of literature during weekly story times and have the opportunity to select books to read at home. MUSIC Through the music curriculum, students develop an understanding and appreciation of music as a creative form of expression with deep historical and cultural significance. Lessons are heavily interactive and focus on concepts and history, as well as performance. Students in all grades participate in at least two public performances each year. In addition, band and chorus are offered beginning in grade 5. PHYSICAL EDUCATION All Saints Catholic School's physical education program focuses on basic physical exercise, balance skills and motor coordination. As students progress through the grades, they learn the rules and techniques of competitive sports, as well as the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Eastern Maine Math League - Throughout the school year, students in grades 6-8 take Math League exams in the classroom. Top scorers represent All Saints Catholic School at the League Final Championship. Integrated Programs - Several programs are offered throughout the curriculum, which help students learn how to make healthy choices. Programs include DARE, Second Step, Think First Stay Safe and Life Skills Training. Online Grade Access - At the start of the school year, parents of children in grades 4-8 receive passwords for online access to their student's grades for assignments and exams in all subjects.