Welcome to Grades 1 thru 5 at St. Mary of Gostyn!

St. Mary of Gostyn Elementary education is comprised of grades one through five. Elementary education at St. Mary of Gostyn is devoted to developing a foundation of academics, faith and personal responsibilities that students will expand upon throughout their life. Our faculty and staff are devoted to helping students to not only grow in their education, but provide them with the tools to become respectful, thoughtful and responsible people of faith as well. Academically, students are expected to try their hardest. There are many religious, academic and social opportunities made available to all students.Through exploring the needs of others and doing service projects, each student learns to be altruistic in their way of thinking and doing.

Religious Opportunities

• Students attend all school Mass on Fridays at 8:15.  Family and friends are welcome.
• Each week, a different grade prepares all school Mass. The students read petitions, read the first reading and present the gifts.
• Students are welcome to join the school choir to sing at the Friday Masses (Grades 5-8).
• Students are welcome to become Altar Servers for the Parish and School Liturgies (Grades 5-8).
• Students prepare for and receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Sacraments in Grade 2, and the Sacrament of Confirmation in Grade 8.
• Students are given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation 3 times during the school year (Grade 2-8).

• Weekly computer class
• Weekly school library visits to check out books
• Daily participation in the D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) program
• Reading resource support as needed
• Spanish program (Grades 3-8)
• Weekly participation in the enrichment program offered in the Learning Resource Center (Grades 3-5)
• Core Curriculum
  • Math: Students will acquire knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of specially selected texts.
  • Science: Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to understand science in the physical and natural world around them. They learn through observing, predicting, questioning, and explaining.
  • Language Arts Program: The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively.
  • Religion: Students will learn about their Catholic faith through stories, activities, Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection.
  • Social Studies: Students will progress from learning awareness about the people and life around them to an understanding of our society, history and government.
  • Fine Arts: Students will learn to express themselves through art and music classes.
  • Physical Education: Students will learn and explore factors of a healthy lifestyle about good health habits as well as physical activities designated for their grade.
• A student progress report will be distributed approximately half way through each trimester. Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in late November, but can be requested at anytime. Students will receive a report card at each of the three marking periods.

• Fall Talent Show (Grades 3-5)
• Student Council activities - the Friday store, Roller Skating Nights, and the Movie Night
• H.S.A.-sponsored events- Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Event, and Halloween Party
• Extra-curricular activities - Environmental Club, Students for Life, and Student Council (Grades 4-8)
• No-cut Athletic Program -Volleyball, Cross-Country, and Basketball (Grades 5-8) 

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The curriculum stresses academic achievement within a Catholic community.  The Diocesan curricular guidelines, consistent with the Illinois guidelines, are followed.