INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT
GRADES
4-6
The Intermediate Department consists of two homeroom classes per grade level. Each student attends seven academic classes each day along with one “specials” class. Special classes include Spanish, computer, music and art; they rotate on a nine-week schedule.
Weekly, the Intermediate Department students attend a 50-minute physical education class, a supervised library class, and a keyboarding class.
RELIGION
All intermediate students attend Mass once a week, on Holy Days of Obligation, and each month on First Friday.
The fourth grade religion curriculum focuses on understanding the Ten Commandments and following the teachings of Jesus.
Fifth grade religion classes focus on meeting Jesus in the Sacraments by studying the sacraments of Confirmation, Eucharist, and healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick). The students also study how Jesus shares his life with us and how we can love and serve as Jesus did. Fifth grade students may also train for altar serving.
The sixth grade studies the Old Testament, reliance on Scripture, Catholic social teaching, stewardship, and vocation awareness.
MATHEMATICS
All Intermediate Department students are involved in an independent math program entitled, “Accelerated Math.”
Accelerated Math is a computer generated math program that monitors and manages students' mathematics practice.
This program provides individual student assignments, scoring, reports, and diagnostic information related to specific Math objectives.
It is aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards in Mathematics. The Intermediate Department uses this program as reinforcement as
well as extra practice on math objectives for 4th-6th grades.
Objectives covered in fourth grade mathematics are as follows: whole number operations, number sense and time, statistics, graphing, probability, geometry, multiplication and division, fractions and decimals, measurement, long division and graphing.
The fifth grade curriculum includes the following objectives: measurement (customary and metric), concepts of decimals (from addition thru division), multiplying by two digit numbers, analyzing and graphing data, probability, fractions/mixed numbers with addition and subtraction, and plane figures/polygons.
Sixth grade mathematics objectives include the following: statistics, patterns, algebraic thinking, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percent, geometry, measurement, metric, integers, graphing, and probability.
LANGUAGE ARTS
The Intermediate department’s language arts program consists of English, literature, vocabulary, grammar, and “6+1 Trait” writing. The 6 + 1 Trait curriculum provides a common language for teachers and students to communicate about the characteristics of writing and establishes a clear vision of what good writing looks like.
The fourth grade language arts curriculum focuses on writing and grammar. In Writing, emphasis is placed on poetry, and the 6+1 Traits of organization, word choice, similes and metaphors. In Grammar, students master the following grade level skills: types of sentences, transition words, nouns and verbs, pronouns, subjects and predicates, verb tenses, contractions and negatives, adjectives, prepositions and prepositional phrases, conjunctions, and punctuation.
Fifth grade students study Grammar, Reading, Spelling, and Writing. In Grammar, the emphasis is placed on the basics and grade level skills in grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. In the writing process, the focus is on the 6+1 Traits with importance placed on figurative language. Vital areas in Reading this year include comprehension, drawing inferences, and fluency.
Sixth grade language arts curriculum concentrates on grade level skills in literary response and analysis, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Writing skills are refined utilizing the 6+1 Trait Writing, which includes use of conventions, sentence fluency, word choice, voice, ideas, organization and presentation. Additionally, students develop reading skills and strategies with introductions to authors and differences in genres.
SCIENCE
Intermediate science begins with students learning how scientists do their work. Children plan scientific investigations, use science process skills, utilize numbers and the metric system, learn scientific writing skills, and understand and follow science safety rules. Science field trips and guest speakers help students master their science objectives.
Fourth grade’s focus is on Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. The program utilizes hands on activities and experiments with the use of science vocabulary.
Fifth grade science includes the study of life science, physical science, and earth science. The students explore the content thoroughly by conducting investigations and reading and discussing materials pertaining to the areas being studied.
Sixth grade science curriculum includes physical science and science in personal and social perspectives. Students begin the year with the study of weather and climate, progressing to units on the earth’s waters, the Inner Earth, and Astronomy. Finally, students learn about the space program and how it affects our lives.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Fourth grade classes study the Regions of the United States (Northeast, Southeast, Middle West, Southwest, West) and United States History in the context of the impact the past has on people of different communities and regions, our nation and the world. Fourth graders also learn geography, map skills, multiculturalism, humanities, traditions, citizenship, and basic government functions. Skills acquired: Reading and using maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, and time lines.
The Fifth grade social studies curriculum begins with a basic review of the geography of the United States followed by a more in-depth study of the development of the new country through the settling of the Americas by Early Man, Indians, Europeans, and the establishment of the colonies. The division of this nation, followed by the Civil War and how the Nation changed and responded to these changes, complete the yearly study.
The sixth grade focuses its studies on the Five Themes of Geography as it relates to the history and culture of Ancient Civilizations, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Exploration, and the Industrial Revolution.
Highlights in the Intermediate Department
- P.A.G.E Academic Team - Grade 6
- The opportunity to begin participating in extracurricular sports
- American Indian Projects
- Interdisciplinary Heritage Projects
- Morris Museum of Art Combining Voices Literary Contest
- CSRA Regional Science Fair
- National History Day History Fair
Intermediate Department Faculty
FOURTH GRADE FACULTY
Lori Serji, BS Early Childhood Education, 3 years experience
Cary Kata, BA Physical Education, Health, 6 years experience
FIFTH GRADE FACULTY
Sylvia Mozgowiec, BS Elementary Education, MS Psychology, 17 years experience
Summer Swenson, BS Education, 7 years experience
SIXTH GRADE FACULTY
Margie Mosner, BS Elementary Education, MA Education School Counseling,
Department Chair, 14 years experience
Nancy Stoner, BA Elementary Education, MA Education Curriculum and Technology, 7
years experience
MATH and LANGUAGE ARTS
Caroline Brady, BS Elementary Education, 21 years experience