Facilities and Activities
Facility Information
Facility Highlights
St. Joseph School moved to its new location at 1722 Starr Drive, in August, 2002. Our state-of-the-art facility houses classrooms for PreKindergarten (3 and 4-year old programs) through 7th grade as well as the Parish Worship Center, school and parish offices. The infrastructure is monitored by video surveillance equipment to ensure the utmost security for all students.
Each classroom is equipped with computer workstations, televisions, VCR/DVD equipment and an intercom for teacher’s use and security purposes. Many classrooms have Promethium Boards to access interactive technology. Classrooms are networked to the server for Internet access and accessibility to instructional software.
The primary wing classrooms also have sinks and a separate restroom for students’ use.
The Computer Lab has 24 networked student workstations and a planned replacement schedule that allows computers to be upgraded every three years. Through the use of an LCD projector, students can view the teacher’s instruction and demonstrations of software.
The Media Center is home to thousands of books at all reading levels. The library continually purchases new books and the associated tests for the school’s Accelerated Reading Program. The library conducts two book fairs during the school year.
St. Joseph has two playground areas built to safety code standards for students. An age appropriate playground for younger students is located adjacent to the PreKindergarten area and a larger playground for older students is located near the middle school. Through fundraising, the PTO has been able to fund additions to the playground areas on an annual basis.
A new Natural Playground is part of the Norm and Caroline DeBriyn Family Life Center, currently under construction. The new Center will include a full-size gym, an art room, a band room and four classrooms. The Center is scheduled to open in early February 2011.
The cafeteria and food preparation area is located near the main entrance in Corry Hall. SJS is a participant in the federal government’s School Hot Lunch Program* and as such is required to follow all federal guidelines concerning child nutrition in planning and serving lunch to our children. Students may purchase hot lunch including drink (milk or juice) or bring a sack lunch from home. Lunches from fast food chains may not be brought into school. Carbonated canned drinks are not allowed.
The Nurse’s Station, located in the school office, is fully equipped with first aid supplies and a private restroom. The Nurse may administer medication with prior written approval from parents.
St. Joseph School offers an onsite After School Care program for an additional cost.
* This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Classroom Information
St. Joseph School has historically offered two classrooms per grade level with class sizes below the recommended guidelines set by the Diocese of Little Rock.
PreKindergarten 3 and 4
PreKindergarten classes are self-contained and taught by a fully licensed teacher and aide. Classes are offered for 2-day, 3-day or full week sessions. The PreK4 class prepares 4-year olds with the readiness skills needed to enter the Kindergarten program. This program also prepares children for the social and emotional growth necessary to begin their academic career.
Kindergarten – Grade 4
Classrooms are self-contained, and each classroom teacher is responsible for the core curriculum. Kindergarten has an additional Centers Teacher and first grade classes have an aide to assist classroom teachers. Classes are held daily from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Religion, language arts and mathematics are stressed in the primary grades as students develop and refine basic learning skills. Students are also introduced to social studies and science/health concepts.
Grades 5-7
Students change classes for the core subjects of Religion, Math, Science, Reading/Writing and Social Studies, which is supported by five full time teachers. Students in grades 6 and 7 also have a Latin class taught by our Pastor, Father John Antony. Middle school students receive a strong academic program taught by specialists in each subject area, and students are prepared to become independent thinkers as well as life-long learners.
Benefits that are unique for 5th-7th grade students:
- Physical Education/Health Program
- Mini-Course Day
- Organized Intramural activities
- Advisory Program
- Honors Math and Honors Algebra I
- Choice of Instrumental Band or Music/Drama
- Regional Science Fair Participation
- Duke Talent Identification Program
Art, music, Spanish, technology, library and physical education are special subjects provided for all grades. Technology is used to expand and enhance curriculum at all levels.
Expanded and Enhanced Curriculum
A variety of additional programs are offered, including:
- Accelerated Reader Program
- Star Math and Reader Program
- Reading and Writing Record
- Discipline with Purpose
- Media Library Center
- Computer Lab
- Title 1 Enrichment
- Walton Arts Center Partners in Education
- Geography and Spelling Bee
- Science Fair
- Stanford Achievement Test
- Quiz Bowl
