Academics - Middle States

Welcome Statement

  • Wyoming Area Catholic School provides a God-Centered environment for students in grades Pre-K-8. Our Philosophy: THEOS, which is God, centers on developing the whole child where we Teach, Help, Emphasize, Organize and Stimulate all students. We emphasize modeling of a Christian value system, creative response and self discovery, contribution to the moral environment of the whole community, acceptance and respect for all God’s creation, and the development of loyalty and pride in our school. Wyoming Area Catholic, Where We Live, Love and Learn by Faith.

  • Goals

    At W.A.C.S. our strategic plan is to strive to achieve and deepen students understanding of the value of service and respond to day to day situations with joy, compassion, love, and mercy. Our goal is to continue creating a faith-filled school community which includes: preaching the Gospel message, reaching out and sharing talents with others, accepting all challenges with Christ at our side, and yearning for self-fulfillment in all we do.
    Our service project is entitled: Continuing the Mission of Jesus into the 21st Century.
    In the first 3 years of the service project, clubs were established in each grade. Each club was guided through a spiral of service opportunities beginning in their homes, embarking on a journey of reaching out to others: their school community, church community, and neighborhood community. We are now ending the third year which provides services in our neighborhood community. Each club has kept to the timeline and has provided services in the school, in the church and now in the neighborhood. Since the project was implemented our school has undergone a change in administration and staff. We are looking forward to the final two areas of nationwide and worldwide service. Service clubs and groups are as follows:
    Food for the Hungry: Students collect food for a local food pantry.
    Angel for the Aged: Students visit nursing homes and bring projects on holidays.
    Workers for Dialysis: Students reach out to the population of people requiring dialysis.
    Children Caring About Children: Students provide support to the residence of St. Joseph Center, Scranton, PA and other children’s hospitals.
    Helping Hands: Students offer tutoring services.
    Keep It Clean (KIC): Students take responsibility and pride in helping to keep their home, school, and the communities clean, healthy and safe for people and animals.
    Random Acts of Kindness (RAK): Students will support and encourage others to practice random acts of kindness in their everyday lives.
    One World: Students will reach out to both the lower social and economic population and the immigrant people.
    Students for Social Justice: Students will contact local and state representatives to express social concerns.
    Students Against Destructive Decisions (“SADD”): Students will provide others with the prevention and intervention of tools necessary to avoid addictions, obsessions, and making destructive decisions.

    Our Apostolic Curriculum will remain our primary goal. We as a school community can make a difference in reaching out to others.

    New academic goals to enhance our present curriculum to meet Pennsylvania State Standards are as follows:

    Goal 1: To implement Pennsylvania Standards in all subjects at Wyoming Area Catholic School.
    Since the beginning of the year our faculty has been writing curriculum to meet all state standards. The Reading Curriculum is complete and a time-line has been established for the completion of all other subjects.

    Goal 2: To keep current in the advancement of technology.
    Currently our computer lab services 30 students with new Dell computers. Each classroom has two computers one of which is a new Dell. Every classroom has just received a brand new television and DVD player. Our Library is in the process of being automated.

    Goal 3: To improve our Science program. We are investing in a new Science series for grades K-8. We are in the process of updating our science lab to offer our students a competitive hands-on Science program.

    Maintaining a quality education for all our students will only be attained through the success of meeting all our goals.

    Where We Excel

  • W.A.C.S. strives to educate the whole the child enabling them to grow and develop academically and spiritually in a loving and nurturing Catholic School Environment. Our students are mainstreamed without learning support. We reach all ability levels.
  • W.A.C.S. provides academic excellence in all subjects. We are pioneers in updating our curriculum to meet all PA state standards. Included in our curriculum is our in-house advanced math programs and our newly established Spanish program. We anticipate furthering our present Spanish program into the primary grades. Technology at W.A.C.S. is state of the art. Our computer lab contains 30 workstations.

  • We also excel in the professional development of our faculty. Our experienced faculty attends many educational in-services to keep current on the latest educational trends. The faculty dedicates their time and they serve as facilitators of clubs, activities, sports and special events.
  • Wyoming Area Catholic is a family oriented school community, rooted in our faith, dedicated to the welfare and achievement of our students.

Governance

Wyoming Area Catholic School is sponsored by the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania. A board of Pastors administers the governance of the school. Fr. Daniel Hitchko serves as the President of the Board at this time and Mr. Thomas Killino serves as the Principal. The principal is directly responsible to the Board of Pastors for the daily operation.

Students

We have 236 girls and boys enrolled in Pre-K through 8 with approximately 23 students at each grade level. The ethnic makeup is primarily Caucasian with a populace of Asian, African American and Hispanic. The school is 100% Catholic. Within the student body about 70 students receive some form of remedial help or special services.

Curriculum and Methods

RELIGION
Religion at W.A.C.S. is a discipline taught in all subjects. We present a program centered on Jesus Christ. Our Religion program is designed to help our students see the connections between faith and life. They are challenged to think independently and creatively about whom they are and what gifts and talents they and their families can contribute as actively engaged Catholics. Our goals are for each student to love God, treat others with care and respect, and to carry out the Mission of Jesus in school, in our community and throughout the world.
The Religion series is Faith First developed by RCL (Resources for Christian Living) and is used in grades K-8. Our Religion program is based on beliefs, stories, and celebrations. It is a balance between doctrine, scripture, and the liturgical year.
Religious education in grades Pre K-3 is centered on the introduction of Scriptures, the learning of formal prayers, introduction to the saints and holy days and promoting a deep faith relationship with Christ. The third graders learn and recite the Rosary. They create their own Rosary Beads and develop a true reverence and devotion to the Rosary.
The fourth and fifth grade students continue learning formal prayers and focus on the importance of private prayer. Scripture and Doctrine are topics of major importance at this grade level. Students recognize what we believe, how we live, how we worship, and how we pray make a difference in our life.

At the junior high level students begin to apply their knowledge as Catholic Christians by sharing their Christian vision and faith with others. Scripture is used extensively, doctrine is taught and liturgical seasons are discussed. Students study the growth of the Catholic Church, the importance of the Sacraments, the significance of the Ten Commandments and their own vocation. Such topics as world issues, peace, justice, ethical and moral decisions, human rights and poverty are interwoven throughout their formal instruction of Religion.
Prayer is very important to us at W.A.C.S. We begin each day with prayers as a school community. Prayer corners are an essential part of each classroom. All students also participate in all school Liturgies, Prayer Services, Station of the Cross, and the Saying of the Rosary. Students serve as lectors, altar servers and choir members. Other special celebrations are held throughout the year. They include the beginning of the school year, advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, October (Month of the Rosary), May (May Crowning) and a special Graduation Mass.
Students in the Second Grade prepare intensively for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Students receive in their own parishes, but we also have a special communion Mass to celebrate this special sacrament in our school.
Confirmation is celebrated every three years. We prepare students in the 6-8th grades for the sacrament of Confirmation. Our students use the text “Christ Our Life Confirmed in the Spirit”. The program of preparation begins with the introduction of the Holy Spirit in their lives, explores the rite of Confirmation, and concludes with the spiritual growth after the sacrament. Each student is required to commit several service hours at home, at school, in their parish or in the community.

W.A.C.S. students become aware of their personal obligation for all of God’s creation. Our Apostolic Community Service Clubs encourage students to live, love and learn their faith by continuing the Mission of Jesus in the 21st century.

Mathematics
The high-quality Mathematics program helps all of our students learn Math Skills and concepts they need for academic success. Technology in Math is also used to add a new dimension to our Math instruction. The PA Scott Foresman Addison Wesley Series is used in grades K-6.
Our preschool students are provided with many hands-on-activities, games and visual materials used to explore Math.
At the Kindergarten level students are introduced to basic sorting, classifying, numbers, patterns, fractions, time and money and readiness of addition and subtraction.
Grades 1-6 focus on introducing, reinforcing and mastering all skills that meet the PA Academic Standards for each grade level.
The Math program emphasizes the mastery of all facts, systemic and explicit problem solving application, graphs, charts, maps, fractions, decimals, probability, percent and geometry. Critical thinking and writing in math enhances our program.
At the junior high level, students use the Prentice Hall Series. A variety of methods are used to introduce and reinforce pre-algebra, geometry and trigonometry skills. Students utilize Reading and Writing Skills along with real-world problem solving. Various technology activities are used throughout the year.
In addition to our regular Math program, we offer Advanced Math in Grades 6-8 it is departmentalized and offered on site with 8th grade participating in Algebra I. It uses the Prentice Hall Advanced Math series. NCTM standards are included in the Advanced Courses and the effectiveness of Mathematics is evident by results in contests, placement tests, and standardized tests along with overall success our students experience in High School.

Language Arts
The Language Arts program is designed to provide the WRITE way to communicate. Students will learn the fundamentals for effective oral and written communication. In grades K-1 Language Arts is incorporated in our reading and phonics programs. In these grades alphabet letter recognition, all sounds and blends are taught and mastered.
The McGraw Hill English series is used in grades 2-5. McGraw Hill Language Arts provides a balance approach to grammar and writing.
In grades 6-8 the Writer’s Choice and Composition by Glencoe/McGraw is used. This program offers our students proficiency in oral and written communication. Students are taught principle rules and mechanics of the writing process are reinforced and advanced at each grade level. Written and oral reports and research papers provide opportunities for our students to apply the knowledge they have learned. It is our goal at W.A.C.S. to achieve student proficiency in writing and in all subject areas.
Finally along with out English series, a spelling or vocabulary series is used in grades 1-8th. Grades 1-5 use Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary. Grades 6-8 use the Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary Workshop series. Both of these series build upon a word list complied to provide students with new vocabulary and vocabulary skills in order to achieve higher-level reading proficiency and also success with standardized testing.

Reading
The reading curriculum emphasizes reading comprehension, vocabulary development, oral and silent reading, group discussion and story related activities. All national and state requirements are built into the program’s scope and sequence of skills and strategies.
The reading text in grades K-5 is the Scott Foresman Literary-Based Reading Series. Educator’s Publishing Service Inc. and Modern Press Phonics are also used in grades K-3. Our Reading program is designed to include exposure to critical skills strategies, and instructional techniques to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of all students. Skills are taught, reinforced and expanded at each grade level.
In Pre-K and K students are introduced to basic sounds and the ability to manipulate sounds. Language development is the core to reading comprehension. Phonemic awareness and a variety of hands-on materials enable students to develop the skills necessary to learn to read. Students begin with letter and sound recognition, follow by basic site words, reading sentences, and finally achieving the challenge of reading short readers.
At the primary level, decoding of words, the use of context clues for word development, and speaking and listening strategies develop the mastery of comprehension skills essential for future reading success.
The fourth and fifth grade reading curriculum reinforces skills, word meaning and comprehension by reading a variety of texts and genres including realistic and historical fiction. Finally students work on writing projects fostering personal, creative, and critical response in reading creating a reading and writing connection.
Lastly at the junior high level the Glencoe Literature Series is used. The students are introduced to literary history and various genres. Students analyze a number of literary elements. They become familiar with strategies and skills for comprehending a variety of texts and for thinking critically, creatively, and analytically. We also use writing workshops to write and communicate in a variety of forms for various purposes and audiences.
At W.A.C.S. we also have added the Accelerated Reader Program to our comprehensive reading program. All students achieve success in reading.

Science
The Science program involves exploring, investigating and experimenting at all levels.
Our Pre K students participate in growing and caring for their own garden. They dig, plant, and harvest all the garden vegetables while learning the workings of a garden. Various science experiences are explored.
Grades K and 1 are introduced to the basics of Science by learning about themselves, plants, animals, and the world around them. They care for pets, see eggs hatch and investigate the emergence of butterflies.
Grades 2 through 6 use the Scott Foresman Science Program. They are introduced to Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and the Human Body. Each year the program is more challenging and teaches an appreciation for all that God has created or man has discovered. Students at this age level are encouraged to complete group projects, individual reports, and lab experiments and use technology to further understand the method of Science. The study of Science also helps students see the relationship between Science and the world. Students also connect the studies of Science to other subjects which foster the further application of knowledge.
The seventh and eighth grade students study Earth Science and Life Science respectively. They spend a full year on Earth Science then complete a full year on Life Science. Science concepts are presented in a way that students can understand the how and why of science comparing it to their daily experiences. Windows on Science is also used to supplement our program in grades 6-8.
The scientific method is used as a basis for the completion of individual science projects. Each student is responsible researching, designing, completing, presenting a completed project.
The fourth grade also participates in the Junior Deputy Program and the fifth grade participates in the D.A.R.E. program. Both programs are designed to teach students to say “no” to drugs and alcohol and to stay safe by making the right choices.

Social Studies
The Social Studies program is committed to the understanding of the people and places in our own state, country, and the world. Both geography and history are represented in our Social Studies program. The Social Studies program uses Scott Foresman Social Studies in grades k-6 and Prentice Hall in grades 7-8. Pennsylvania History is also presented in grade 4.
In grades K-3 students cover such topics as culture, citizenship, government, geography and economics. At each grade level lessons include a hands on approach with long or short term projects Social Studies skills address the needs of our students at each grade level. Grades 4 and 5 primarily focus on the United States, map and graph and globe skills, Fourth graders learn the spelling, abbreviation and U.S. states on the map. The fifth graders focus on real life connections with fact files and citizen heroes of the past and the present. Students participate in presenting written reports; create totem poles representing their culture, dioramas and a resource quilt. These projects enable students to integrate what they have learned in all social sciences.

Grade 6 focuses on the World by understanding the differences and similarities in living in a culturally diverse world.
In grade 7-8 students study “The American Nation” the study of the American Way of life while developing an understanding of its history.
Students in grades 7-8 also participate in History Day. Students submit an individual or group exhibit whose topic is related to history. Students have the option of entering the History Day Competition at Penn State, Wilkes-Barre Campus in the spring.
Students in grades 6-8 learn how to complete a research paper. They are taught all steps in researching and writing this report. A geography Bee is also held in the Junior High Level.

Overall our Social Studies program covers information necessary for our students to learn and master all skills and knowledge associated with geography and history in all grade levels.

Art
Art allows students in PreK-8 to express themselves using different art mediums. The classroom teacher provides the process and materials to be used. Students create the finished project using their own creativity. They display their God given talents in their own works of art.
Special crafts are made for special holidays. Students enjoy creative art, discussing its purpose and sharing it with others. Art is developed and implemented in all subjects.

Music
Music classes are offered twice a week for grades K-8. Students develop a strong appreciation for music by studying basic music theory, classical artists, multicultural and musical trends. Musical selections are introduced by singing, listening, interpreting, analyzing, dancing and memorizing. All students participate in school liturgies, prayer services and two concerts per year. The musical concerts are held at Christmas time and in the spring. Students are also invited to participate in an annual talent show during Catholic Schools Week. Students are encouraged to express themselves through music in a fun and educational environment.

Computer
Computer classes are offered in our computer lab to grades K-8 once a week. Students learn keyboarding; word processing skills, and the use of the internet. A variety of skills are developed during the year using programs such as excel, power point, and “Kidspiration”. The program is specifically designed to expose each child to present and advanced technology. Our state of the art computer lab is also utilized for research and class assignments.

Spanish
Spanish classes are held once a week for grades 4-8. The students learn Spanish through a web site entitled LearnSpanish.com. The instructor reinforces the website instruction with basic grammar lessons. They also learn basic prayers, and communicate with each other in Spanish. The variety of instruction allows for all learning styles to achieve.

 

Student Support Services

Food: Students may purchase a supplemental lunch in the school cafeteria or they may choose to bring their own. Vending machines provide water and juices appropriate for school children.

Health: A school nurse is provided two afternoons per week and is on call for emergencies from the local public school district. Vision and hearing screenings are provided.

Remedial: A Remedial Math and a remedial Reading teacher are on staff three days a week. A Speech Pathologist is on staff one day a week. All are assigned by Intermediate Unit 18. Guidance Services are also provided by Intermediate Unit 18 and Lourdesmont. A Remedial Reading teacher assistant who is available on a daily basis is supplied by Title I.

Transportation: Bus transportation is provided by the home school districts of the students. A percentage of our students are transported by their parents.

Student Activities

At Wyoming Area Catholic School we strive to provide a variety of student activities as to meet the interests and needs of every child.  We also offer many opportunities for each child to be recognized in some special way.

Religious Activities
Daily school wide prayers
Monthly liturgies
Family Mass
Children's Choir
Altar Servers
Lectors
Thanksgiving Liturgy
Preparation for Penance
Preparation for First Holy Communion
Preparation for Confirmation (every 3 years)
May Crowning
Eighth Grade Graduation
Apostolic Curriculum Activities
Religion Awards
Geography Bee
Math-a-thon
Mathletes
Book Fairs
Field Trips
1st and 5th “Buddy Readers”
Student of the Week
Student of the Month

Sports/Extra Curricular
Flag Football
Volleyball
Soccer
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross-country
Forensics

Other
Class Trips
Catholic Schools Week Activities: Talent Show, Trivia, Pep Rally, Game Day, Spirit Day, etc.
Music programs
Grandparent's Day
Santa's Workshop
Bazaar
Dances
Skating Parties
Spaghetti Dinners
Awards Banquet
Halloween Haunted House
Fun Night
Community Service Activities
Food Drive
Family Picnic
Assemblies
Giving Tree
Basketball All night party
Dismissal Monitors
Collection for servicemen/women overseas
Bake Sales

Faculty and Staff

The faculty is comprised of 10 full time trained and certified professional educators who teach in the various levels of our program. Teachers participate in professional development during the course of the year in the form of in-services and seminars.

Our ancillary staff includes four part-time teachers including the, Computer/Advanced Math Teacher, Physical Education Teacher, Music Teacher and Spanish Teacher. There is a full-time aide in the second grade everyday and a full-time aide for the entire building. On staff we also have two secretaries, a cafeteria director, a librarian, a maintenance team as well as parent volunteers.

Title I and Intermediate Unit 18 provide our school with remedial teachers for Reading including one aide, Math, and Speech Therapy.

School Building and Grounds
Our school is a one-story building built in 1989.  It has two main wings, one for the primary elementary (Pre-K through 3) and one for the intermediate and junior high (4-8).  We have a library, computer lab, and a main office.  There are rooms for the nurse, remedial teacher and a teacher’s lounge.  We have a gym that easily converts to an auditorium and a cafeteria equipped with a stage, dividing wall and kitchen.
 On our campus is a church that is affiliated with our school, along with a rectory, and a convent.  The convent is being used for our Science lab. 
 We have a fenced-in grass field behind the school for recess, sports, and other outdoor events.  Our pre-school has a vegetable garden on the side of the school.
Our school has been landscaped beautifully. Additional landscaping has been done to enhance the campus. Most recently, purchases of additional shrubs, trees, and lights were made possible through the profits of a school wide recycling of ink cartridges.

Enrollment Procedure

Pre-registration is open throughout the year. Official registration dates are set at various times, one generally being held during Catholic Schools Week with preference given to existing pre-registered families.

At the time of registration the follow items are required:
1.Application Form
2.Baptismal Record
3.Birth Certificate
4.School Academic Records
5.Records of Immunization
6.Health Record

Tuition and Fees

A variety of payment plans are offered.
There is a reduction for families of multiple children enrolled in our school.
A yearly supply bill is assessed.
There is a fee for children who participate in sports.

Student Dress

The Wyoming Area Catholic dress code offers a variety of options with warmer weather options as well.  The dress code is as follows:

Boys:  Navy dress slacks; blue or white dress shirt and navy tie or WAC sports shirt.  The uniform navy pull over sweater is the only one acceptable. Dress shoes and socks are required.  Sneakers may not be worn.

Girls: (K-4) WAC uniform jumper with blue or white peter pan uniform blouse;
Navy knee socks or tights; sensible shoes. (no clogs or half backs).
(5-8) WAC uniform skirt; navy vest, blue or white peter pan uniform blouse; navy knee socks or tights; sensible shoes.

Options:  October 15 to April 15
Boys Grade K-8 may wear long sleeve shirts.
Girls Grades K-4 may wear blue turtleneck with school initials.
Girls Grade 5-8 may wear blue turtleneck with school initials and navy v-neck sweater with school logo.     
Girls may wear navy slacks with a cardigan sweater (K-4) or v-neck sweater (5-8)
Sneakers may not be worn

Options: Start of school to October 15 - April 15 to end of school
All students may wear navy dress shorts no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
Girls may wear only W.A.C.S. golf shirts with the shorts or uniform skirt.
Non scuffing sneakers may be worn.

Physical Education Class Dress Code (Tuesdays)
Boys and Girls: October 15th to April 15th: navy uniform sweats or wind pants with
school logo, white socks and sneakers. September, April to June:  navy uniform shorts with school logo, navy or white uniform tee shirt, white socks, sneakers.
These uniforms are required for all students in grades K-8.