Grades 1-4

Roncalli Elementary School offers an excellent academic program in a caring, Christian environment. Our children learn the basics of Roman Catholicism and language arts (reading, language, spelling, and writing), mathematics, social studies, and science.

This core curriculum is enriched with classes in art, health, physical education, music, computer literacy and library/informational skills.
 
Providing each child with a positive educational experience and developing a good self-image is the goal of our program. We strive to build good attitudes in the children. We seek to help them be aware of the presence of God in their daily lives and to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially at their levels of learning.

Religion, The religious education of children, involves the teaching of doctrine, the modeling of Christian attitudes and the imparting of values. All three of these areas integrate and influence each other. Religious education programs for students offer experiences of faith, sharing, worship through liturgy and prayer, opportunities to be of service, and formal instruction within the context of the Christian community.

Liturgies

Liturgical experiences are one of the most critical dimensions of your child's faith life. All students in grades 4K-4 participate in weekly Eucharistic liturgies. The Eucharist is celebrated at 9 a.m. on Thursdays (except for special feast days and events) at the St. Francis of Assisi Waldo Site. Parents are welcome and encouraged to join our school communities in these liturgical celebrations.

Prayer Times

Prayer is an integral and essential part of the daily program at our school. Teachers provide time and opportunities for the children to nourish their faith through prayer and liturgy. The liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost are celebrated in special ways. Formal, informal and spontaneous prayer experiences are afforded to our students. The goal for our children is to build a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Language Arts

The study of the English language becomes the key to effective communication in the future. Our systematic study of the basic rudiments of this language enables children to become competent in the communication skills of listening, speaking, writing and the use of the media.
 
A holistic approach to language development provides our children with an understanding of language and integrates various communication elements with all disciplines. Our language arts curriculum fosters an appreciation of the beauty of the English language.

Reading is the most critical element of the entire curriculum. Our reading instruction utilizes Daily 5/Guided Reading that engages the reader in an interactive process. Reading instruction focuses on the comprehension and development of independent readers. The link and connectedness of reading, writing, and speaking is fostered in our classrooms. It reflects the integration of the entire curriculum. Ultimately, reading becomes a meaningful and enjoyable experience, which contributes to the development of Christian persons who think, choose and act as contributing members of society.

Mathematics

In the area of mathematics education, we strive to develop the critical thinking strategies necessary to solve problems for decision-making. Our students acquire computational skills and an understanding of the basic processes. Manipulatives are used to further their mastering of the concepts of number theory, fractions, measurements, the decimal system and geometry.

Social Studies
The goal of our social studies curriculum is to develop concerned, educated Christian citizens. We empower students with vision, values, attitudes and skills to become responsible stewards and peacemakers worldwide.
Our social studies curriculum provides students with basic life skills. Included are studies emphasizing citizenship,  map skills, geography, global awareness, economics, history, culture, and a study of Wisconsin.

Science

Our science program is permeated with a vision of faith. It creates a love for the natural world that leads to responsible stewardship and love for the Creator.

Our curriculum emphasizes moral and ethical decision-making. It includes the development of scientific knowledge and skills with an emphasis on hands-on experiences.

We encourage and enable children to observe, question, research and solve scientific problems.

Computer Education

RES is a 1:1 computing school for grades K-4.  Students in grades 1-4 are taught how to use and care for their assigned Chromebook. Technology is used to enhance reading, vocabulary, research and math skills. Additionally, students learn how to become responsible digital citizens. Students in grades 3 and 4 use the Google Classroom platform to participate in digital classroom communities.  

Music

Our program provides opportunities for children to perform, create and appreciate music. Classroom activities such as singing, moving, listening and playing instruments provide a variety of experiences.  

Our elementary school music program includes lessons on basic music theory and an understanding of music's aesthetic and cultural aspects. This foundation provides the context for a lifelong process of music appreciation.

Art

Visual art enables our students to learn to respond to the beauty of God's creation and to the dignity of the individual. Our art program provides teaching in four different areas: art production, aesthetics, art criticism and art history.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program is integral to our school program. Movement experiences help to improve physical skills and fitness.

Participation in physical activities contributes to developing self-confidence, cognitive skills, social skills and an appreciation of God's gift of life.
 

Social Emotional Learning and School Counseling Services

Social-emotional lessons are presented through the school counselor's classroom lessons. The lesson topics include anti-bullying, friendship skills, conflict resolution, emotion identification and regulation, and career exploration. 

The RES school counselor also provides 1:1 counseling services and partners with outside agencies to create plans for students who need extra social and emotional support.