The curriculum of the Immaculate Conception School corresponds to its philosophy with stress on the personal worth of each child, and awareness that each child has the potential to become a successful person.
Kindergarten
An all day kindergarten program is structured so that a child will spend a portion of the day in a readiness program and the remainder in an enrichment program with a kindergarten teacher trained in early childhood education.
The readiness program will include both structured and free choice activities, and will provide learning experiences in the areas of religion, math, science, social studies, language development, alphabet recognition, and phonics.
The enrichment program will include Spanish, technology, music, dramatic play, art, physical education, and field trip excursions. A balance is maintained between structured and free choice times, active and quiet activities, and creative expression. Recesses, snacks and rest periods are included in the daily schedule.
Grades 1-6
At each grade level the following subjects are taught: religion, mathematics, science, social studies, art, language arts (spelling, reading, English, penmanship, writing), music, physical education, Spanish, and technology. State and diocesan approved textbooks are adopted for appropriate subject areas.
The fifth and sixth grades are departmentalized with different teachers responsible for English, science, social studies, and mathematics.
All students are required to participate in all areas of the curriculum. If a child is unable to do so, for example in P.E., a doctor's note should be given to the teacher.
Gifted & Talented Program
Students in grades 4-6 may be placed in the Academic Enrichment Program, ALPHA. These classes are for students identified to be academically talented. Students may be nominated by parents or teachers, after which they complete a battery of tests. Dependent on scores, the identification committee then places them. All children in grades 1 through 3 receive weekly in-class enrichment experiences provided by the ALPHA teacher.
ALPHA students presenting "Christmas Around the World".
Computers
The computer lab has 28 workstations for use by students and teachers. Each homeroom has lab time scheduled during the week. Students receive instruction on the use of the computer and various software programs. Technology is integrated into the total school curriculum. Instruction and activities are under the direction of the technology coordinator.
Each classroom contains 4-5 networked computers. Computers are used by teachers and students for Accelerated Reader, research, project productions, skill reinforcement, record keeping, etc. Computers are internet accessible.
Spanish Program
Our Spanish program is taught in each classroom with the teacher coming to the students. The program builds on what is taught from year to year. The students learn how to speak, read, and spell basic Spanish, with an emphasis on the Mexican culture.
Music Program
The music program is taught in the children's classroom with the teacher bringing his keyboard with him. The children are taught basic music theory and voice.
Choir - Students in 4 through 6 grades may be in choir. The choir practices on Thursday after school and performs at school masses and once a month at Sunday 10 a.m. Mass.
Show Choir - Students in 4 through 6 grade may try out for the Show Choir. The Show Choir performs at various civic events throughout the year and at the IC Spring Festival.
Hand Bell Choir - Students in 6th grade may try out for the hand bell choir which performs at special events throughout the school year.
Hand Bell Choir performs.
Learning Lab
A certified teacher with a degree in Special Education-Mildly Handicapped staffs the Learning Lab. This program will serve students, K-6, who qualify as learning disabled, and whose academic needs will be best met in a pullout or inclusion program. The Learning Lab teacher will also assist the classroom teachers in making modifications for the learning disabled students in a regular classroom setting.
Library
The library has books, magazines, and newspapers for assigned study and recreational reading and is open the entire day including both before and after school. Each class is assigned two library periods each week. One period is used for library and reference skills instruction.
Fines are charged for overdue materials at a rate of five cents a day. Students must pay for lost materials.
Student's birthdays may be commemorated by the purchase of a book from the Librarian. The child's name will be placed in the front of the book and it will be presented to the student in front of the student body.
Counseling and Guidance Program
Every teacher is concerned with helping the students meet their personal, emotional, educational, religious, and vocational needs.
Our guidance program includes the following services:
1. Orientation Program
2. Records: Individual inventory of physical and mental growth.
3. Testing: Reading test after the student completes each level in the reading program - Kindergarten Pre- and Post- Readiness Test - Standardized achievement tests for grades 1-6
4. Parent/Teacher conferences arranged as the parent or teacher deems necessary
5. The classroom teacher is responsible for informal guidance n the classroom, on the playground, etc.
6. A certified guidance counselor provides a formal counseling program. The counselor provides for classroom, small group, and individual counseling. Teachers, parents, and students may make referrals.
Commissioning Altar Servers
Students voluntarily participate in the Christmas
Pageant held December 24.
Liturgy
Mass is celebrated by students and teachers once a week, usually on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Students participate as altar servers, lectors, commentators, gift bearers, and participants in the school choir. Mass may be attended on days other than Friday in the event of special feast days or at the discretion of the parish priests. Parents, family members, and parishioners are invited to attend school Masses.
Mass or Para liturgical services will be held in the auditorium when inclement weather threatens.
The Rite of Reconciliation is held at least twice during the school year during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. Other opportunities for Reconciliation may be offered.
On special days, Para liturgical services are held in the classroom or the church. During the Lenten season, the children attend Stations of the Cross services. AT Christmas the children are involved in a special Christmas Mass. During the months of October and May special devotions honoring the Blessed Mother are conducted.
Sacramental Preparation
Second grade Catholic students receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the winter and the Sacrament of Eucharist in the spring. The Diocese of Little Rock requires family participation in the preparation for each of these sacraments.
Elementary School Graduation
Sixth grade graduation exercises will be held in a simple and dignified manner in the church. The use of rings or caps and gowns is not in keeping with the simplicity required for graduation.
Guardian Angel Program
Each year our Sixth graders are paired up with Kindergarten students so they can be their "Guardian Angels". These students sit together during Mass, play together at recess and have parties together throughout the year. The fifth grade students are also paired with First graders but do not do as many activities together.
Sixth graders visit the Kindergarten's for an art project.