Q. How do I contact my child’s teacher?
A. Teachers can be contacted by e-mail or by leaving a message with the school office. Teacher e-mail addresses are thier first initial last name@ascacademy.org.
Q. What are the Academy transition years?
A. The transition years, both academically and socially, occur in grades 3 and 6, when the children transition from the Primary Academy to the Intermediate Academy (Grade 3) and from the Intermediate Academy to the Junior High Academy (Grade 6).
Q. Why are we using the University of Chicago Everyday Math program rather than a more traditional math program?
A. A committee examined math programs for a year before selecting Everyday Math. The research is strong that this is a superior way to learn math. Please see http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/index.shtml for specific research and parent connections.
Q. How much homework is expected per night at each grade level? On average, 10 minutes per grade per night is expected.
Kindergarten Practice
1st Grade 10 minutes
2nd Grade 20 minutes
3rd Grade 30 minutes
4th Grade 40 minutes
5th Grade 50 minutes
6th Grade 60 minutes
7th Grade 70 minutes
8th Grade 80 minutes
Q. What is the purpose of the Mad Minute?
A. The Mad Minute is a timed math proficiency test in the four functions (+, -, x, ÷). It is used to develop mental mastery of math facts and to supplement to the Everyday Math program. This allows practice on more traditional math computation. The Mad Minute is used in first through fourth grade.
Q. What standardized testing methods does ASCA and the Diocese of Joliet use?
A. For Grades K-2, ASCA uses two assessments, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and AIMSweb. DIBELS and AIMSweb are a set of standardized, individually administered measures of early literacy development (meaning kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades). The measure is designed to be short (one minute) fluency measures used to regularly monitor the development of pre-reading, early reading skills and math skills.
For Grades 3-8, ASCA uses the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and CogAT assessments. These scores are intended to be used for curriculum planning and decisions on a student’s individual programming. Our school finds these results very important and we are proud of the fine job that our students did. You have given us good learners and they have proven that with their fine test results. The Diocese of Joliet does not post scores by individual school but rather by the entire diocese. The purpose for testing as stated is not for competition between schools but rather seeking our individual bests. Please see www.dioceseofjoliet.org for recent scores.
Q. Where can I go to get more information on Curriculum related topics?
A. Curriculum information can also be found on the school website under the Curriculum tab.
Q. What is a Differentiated Instruction? How can I learn more?
A. Differentiation is a teaching technique to address different learning styles and abilities. We are learning more everyday how to better meet students needs. Please visit www.caroltomlinson.com to learn more.
Q. What is ASCA doing to provide extra help for children who need it?
A. All Saints has a resource staff for math and reading. Also District 203 offers direct services for qualified students.
Q. What is ASCA doing to provide enrichment to gifted students?
A. ASCA seeks to meet these needs through differentiation within the classroom. Students in the 95th percentile do have some special programming, as needed.
All Saints has a gifted student program for grades K-8. Grade 3-8 students qualify based on their standardized test scores. We also offer qualified students an accelerated math program in grades 4 – 8.
Q. Who do I contact if I have concerns about curriculum related topics?
A. Start with your teacher and follow-up with the principal if needed. As a reminder, part of signing the handbook includes the FOCUS document from the Diocese of Joliet. This document outlines the appropriate communication channels, and can be found on the school website under the Facts and Forms tab.
Q. Does ASCA have the ability for parents to go to the school’s website and get info on their child’s work so they can follow along and keep up with what they are working on and how they are doing?
A. This only pertains to grades 6 – 8. Parents of Junior High Academy Parents can view this online grading information via SchoolSpeak, our online student data base.
Q. What is ASCA’s approach to science?
A. ASCA science program is problem-based, interactive, and scientific focused. Research is strong that problem-based learning is most effective in science. Illinois Math and Science Academy advised us to select and implement a problem-based program.
Q. How does ASCA teach about the sacraments? How does that relate to the sacrament preparation we do at the parishes? Why can’t the children make their First Communion together at the school?
A. Sacraments are a function of the child’s parish. We do prepare students and offer catechesis. Once the students receive their First Communion, we have a wonderful celebration here at the school for our students.
Q. What sports and activities are available?
A. Students in grades 5 and above can participate. Fall sports include cross country and volleyball. Basketball is the winter sport. Track and Field is the spring sport.
After-school activities include:
- NanoBeasts Coding Club
- Sticky Fingers Cooking Class.
- Sewing Class
- Girls on the Run (GOTR)
We also have Girl Scouts, and Competitive Chess and Math Teams, Junior High Math Club, and a spring musical. Boy Scouts is offered through our parishes. Piano, Voice, Band and Orchestra lessons are offered during the school day.