Language Arts: The primary grades present a language arts program that includes a curriculum that is balanced with phonics and literature which provides a strong base for each child's beginning reading experience. Commencing in kindergarten and continuing through fifth grade and beyond, the students are exposed to a wealth of reading material that is available in the individual classrooms as well as in the primary and upper grade libraries. Read alouds are a main part of the language arts program as well as leveled beginning literature selections.
Chapter books are integral to the curriculum where guided reading and literature circles deepen the students' understanding and experience of fiction and non-fiction selections. Writing is a major aspect of the learning program starting with inventive spelling that is eventually edited and creations are then ready for "publishing." The expression, sharing and celebration of ideas and experiences are major focuses of the program. Writing and vocabulary development is integrated into all areas of the curriculum. A professional storyteller visits each grade eight times a year which provides children with the opportunity to deepen their listening skills. Students are encouraged to share their writing aloud with members of their own class but also with others in the school community. It is common to find an enthusiastic second grader present his or her piece of fiction to the kindergarten class one day, then have an audience of one with the principal the next. We write, after all, to communicate our thoughts and ideas and it is important to share them with as wide an audience as possible.
Visiting authors: The librarian collaborates with a nearby bookstore to schedule author visits throughout the school year. Children at all grade levels have been treated to visits made to NDV by the likes of Lemony Snicket, the late Ruth Heller, P.J. Peterson, Marilyn Sachs, Dan Sansouci, Thacher Hurd just to name a few.
Mathematics: Basic skills are taught throughout the curriculum which includes the use of manipulatives to assist the students with developing a deeper understanding of the concepts presented. Through direct instruction, cooperative learning and one-to-one guidance from the teacher and or aide, students solve problems and apply mathematical skills to the real world. Students use a variety of strategies, such as estimation, data gathering and analysis, graphing, probability to solve problems. They investigate and learn to understand and apply the concepts of time, money and measurement. Students are taught the concepts of place value, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction of fractions and decimals. Understanding and solving word problems is integral to the math program. By the end of fifth grade, the students will have a solid foundation in the numbers system and understanding of the ways of representing numbers.
Science: Hands-on exploration brings the study of scientific concepts to life. Physical science includes activities related to forms of matter and patterns of change in our world and that energy comes in different forms. Children study the push-and-pull of magnets, the basic principles of sound and light, and that weather conditions change and can be measured. Earth science includes concepts that reveal that matter can be observed, classified and that there are observable changes on earth related to the study of rocks, crystals, water, volcanoes, earthquakes and general landforms. Life science study reflects that living things have observable characteristics that make them different from non-living things. This includes learning about the five senses, plants and animals, the caterpillar to butterfly life cycle, insects, dinosaurs and animal classification and their living habitats. Students also learn to celebrate the wonder of God's creation.
Social Studies: The theme of community is a large aspect of social studies in the early grades of elementary school. The study of world cultures and differing peoples' way of daily life gives way to learning about the early colonies of New England and various regions of our country including the plains and life as a Native American. California state history is studied in grade four and a greater depth of study in American history is continued in grade five. Field trips to nearby civic agencies, Bay Area museums and historical sites bring greater understanding to concepts learned in the formal classroom. Project work and hands-on activities enrich the children's experience.
Religion: Daily, formal religious instruction is an integral part of the students' education program. The students learn about the traditions and the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church. Formal prayers are taught, and all grades participate at the monthly school Masses. Students learn about various Bible stories and in second grade learn, in greater depth, about the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Formal reception of these two sacraments takes place in the second grade year. Daily prayer experiences are planned throughout the school year, and a Marist priest visits each class twice per month to provide additional background in the Catholic faith. Family Life instruction is integrated into the religion program as well.
French Language and Culture: The program includes daily French instruction from native French speakers. Grammar and conversation are integral to the program. Developing a proper accent and fluid speaking ability is a major goal. Skits, dramatization, songs and poetry recitation, seasonal vocabulary and a large variety of activities enrich the children's experience. Students regularly break into smaller groups to practice dialogues. More advanced French speaking students are provided with more challenging language development activities.
Technology: Students attend a formal computer technology class one day per week where they learn to become more proficient with keyboarding, applications associated with Kidpix, guided by the full time computer teacher. The school student newsletter is created and published with the supervision of the technology teacher. The students are focused and energetic with their use of the computer resources, and as their instruction grows into the need for deeper research, the students are also taught how to use the Internet as a research tool.
Physical Instruction: NDV values the need for children to run and jump and play. Physical education classes are taught on a weekly basis in the school gymnasium by a credentialed instructor whose lengthy tenure has produced an impressive learning program for our children as well as athletes who have gone on to be successful in competitive sports at the high school level. Each PE session opens with a period of exercise, and several invigorating laps around the upper level or lower track. Skills needed for specific sports are taught and team play is organized. Physical fitness and nutrition are important elements of the program. Participation in cross country and track events sponsored by Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) is strongly encouraged.
NDV celebrates its teams in basketball, volleyball and soccer. Parents are deeply involved as coaches or organizers in teams for each grade. Beginning at grade three, teams compete through the CYO. In grades K-2, parents can organize through other leagues such as the Viking League.
Relationship & Stewardship: The Big/Little Sister/Brother program pairs up students of the primary grades with students in the junior high. Activities shared includes a K & 8 trip to the pumpkin patch, caramel apple fest, pen pals, storytelling, oral interpretation of children's literature and other field trips during the year. All activities help to build bonds between the children and generally strengthens our school community. In addition, a sense of support and care is experienced by the students. Many of these relationship have become very special to students who have maintained deep bonds even after graduation.