Curriculum

"Consecrate them in truth."
-John 17:17

Diocese of Phoenix Curriculum Guidelines Link: A Sharing Between Catholic Educators and Parents

Since 1953, MHT has provided an academically rigorous education rooted in the Gospel. Our Pastor, sisters, administrators, and faculty partner with families, teaching children to become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

As a small Catholic school, our lower student-teacher ratio means your child will learn in an atmosphere of increased individualized attention. Every student – and every family – is known here.

At MHT, you’ll find an environment that closely monitors student growth, and your child will have an opportunity to build their self-esteem and gain an understanding of their responsibility to the greater community.

The Most Holy Trinity Catholic School (MHT) curriculum develops Faith Followers by providing opportunities for the study of Catholic faith integrated across the curricular areas. Students plan and participate in a variety of prayer experiences: sacramental celebrations, weekly Masses, daily prayer, afternoon meditations, Stations of the Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and other celebrations of the Catholic faith related to the liturgical seasons. Students also participate in daily lessons based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The focus is to nurture the development of the students' spiritual journey with God. The religion and the family life curriculum are in alignment with the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office guidelines.

As Faith Followers in our Catholic Church, MHT students are called to be Responsible Citizens. Students in every grade level begin their service to the parish-school community by making cards and posters, and planning skits and other projects to show appreciation for administration, clergy, parish staff, and parishioners. Each grade level participates in at least one community service project per year, such as food drives, clothing drives, senior visits, cards for veterans, and the parish Advent Angel program, which provides clothing and toys for children.

MHT students become Active Learners through a sequential curriculum that facilitates self-awareness, and progresses to a knowledge and understanding of the community and ultimately the world at large. MHT provides education in music, Spanish, library science, physical education, and computers, in addition to the core subject areas of religion mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. The faculty reviews the curriculum, one subject area per year, following the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office schedule, to keep in alignment with the diocesan guidelines, new educational research, and the philosophy and mission statements of MHT.

Through the daily subject area activities and the Discipline With Purpose (DWP) Program, the students learn to be Effective Communicators. Students are required to use a variety of communication skills in all social and academic interactions. Students participate in oral, written, and dramatic presentations across the subject areas. The Spanish curriculum, which extends from third through eighth grade, integrates multicultural appreciation with a sequential foreign language acquisition approach.

With a variety of programs and activities that are integrated throughout the curriculum, students become Problem Solvers. Examples of programs that assist students in problem solving are the DWP Program and Benziger Family Life. The school counselor also facilitates classes on mediation skills for social situations, as well as personal sessions with individuals and groups. Activities are planned across all subject areas that will develop critical thinking and problem solving abilities. The physical education program also stresses cooperation and inclusive teamwork.

The faculty of Most Holy Trinity Catholic School strives to integrate the Student Learning Expectations (SLEs) in all areas of the curriculum. As such, assessment of the SLEs is based on subject area assessments and teacher observations.

SPECIALS

Students become familiar with the computers in Kindergarten and steadily increase their knowledge and skills throughout the years. We have one of the largest and most automated libraries of any elementary school in the Diocese. Singing, learning to play instruments and studying musical history engage students. Our Physical Education program instructs students on health, exercise and nutrition while learning the value of sportsmanship and character. Students receive Spanish language learning.

Computer Curriculum Students begin attending computer class in Kindergarten and continue through 8th grade. Students in Kindergarten learn the names of the hardware components and begin their technological awareness by discussing where computers are used in society. They begin to explore the keyboard and learn how to use the mouse.Starting in 1st and 2nd grades they are introduced to word processing and PowerPoint. They are introduced to basic keyboarding skills. In 3rd to 5th grade, students begin to develop more formal keyboarding skills. Internet searching skills are developed. They expand their word processing skills, desktop publishing skills, presentation skills and are introduced to spreadsheets. In 6th to 8th grade, students investigate the history of computers, discuss ethics in society and online safety. Databases are introduced. At all levels, the skills taught will assist students with their schoolwork and projects at home so they will discover how important computers are to daily lives.

Spanish Curriculum Students in 3rd through 8th grade embrace a broad spectrum of communication skills. Using four essential elements of learning: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing, we are able to broaden our awareness, acceptance and understanding of the Spanish language and culture. Students will acquire fundamental skills to comprehend and express ideas, feeling and thoughts using the Spanish language. Students will acquire an appropriate knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, syntax, pronunciation, intonation, and usage rules in the Spanish language. Respect for the personal and cultural differences of all people is taught along with special recognition for the many valuable contributions the Hispanic culture has made to our southwest community.

Library Curriculum Library skills are presented to students in a sequential manner when age-appropriate, and are built upon each year thereafter. Each grade level has specific skills to master and library terminology to learn and apply. Primary students participate in/author studies and story extension activities, while learning to be good library citizens. Middle grade students build upon primary skills and learn differences between types of books, how books are classified and shelved, card catalog use, and beginning concepts of the Dewey Decimal System. Upper grade students build upon primary and middle grade skills and are expected to have a thorough understanding of all concepts upon graduation. Students have opportunities to celebrate literacy by participating in Book Fairs, National Children’s Book Week, and Young People’s Poetry Week. Books are available for checkout by all students. The general goals for all students, is to read, think and discuss creatively, critically, and respectfully.

Music Curriculum Music skills are presented to students and are built upon each year. Each grade level has specific concepts to learn and apply as classes explore why there is music, where music can be heard, how music makes us feel, and the things that can be done while listening to music. Students have opportunities to celebrate music through singing, instruments, and movement. Primary students learn about beat, rhythm, and what sounds instruments make. Middle grade students build upon primary skills and explore orchestra instruments as well as their own musical inventions.

Physical Education Curriculum Students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade participate in physical activity along with learning fundamental skills in various sports. Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade learn and develop locomotor & nonlocomotor skills through different physical activities. Students in 3rd through 4th grade work on the fundamental skills of various sports and learn the rules. Students in 6th through 8th grade work on more advanced skill development with physical activities and work on the importance of teamwork and leadership that encourages the development of social skills. Some of the sports and activities students participate in are golf, basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, parachute games, bouncing, gymnastics, lacrosse, hiking, and track. All of these development skills benefit student education and encourage healthy lifestyles.