About Us

2009-2010 Handbook

Bishop McHugh Regional School is a regional school in the Diocese of Camden. The school is supported by the six regional parishes of Avalon, Cape May Court House, Marmora, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City and Woodbine.

The school is administered by the Principal, who works cooperatively with the Board of Pastors. This board is made up of the six pastors of the six regional parishes. The principal is responsible for the day to day running and administration of the school. The principal is assisted in these duties by the vice-principal. The school administration and Board of Pastors meet periodically to review and update policies and to insure adequate communication.

The student population of Bishop McHugh reflects the diversity of the area. Bishop McHugh admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.

Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School serves students in grades Pre K through grade 8. There is one Pre K class and two classes of each of the other grade levels. The average class size is approximately 20.

Students must be three (3) years of age by September 1st of their Pre K year to enter the Pre K class. The Pre K is supported by an aide.

Academically, the students of Bishop McHugh are successful because of knowledgeable teachers using current programs and resources. The students have the opportunity to meet a variety of teaching styles. The teachers work diligently to employ various methods to engage the students in differentiated learning styles. This is attained by not only the uses of current programs but intense hands- on manipulatives and programs supported by technology.

Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School follows the recommended curriculum of the Diocese of Camden and the New Jersey State Standards in all subject areas. The faculty chooses textbooks that contain the main goals and objectives of the diocesan and state standards.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

The curriculum of the Pre-Kindergarten offers learning situation to enhance the following: sensory perception, self care skills, creative expression and love of reading. The Pre-K class is in session a full day for five days a week. The Pre-K class is designed for children who will enter Kindergarten the following year. The Program is a structured developmental academically geared curriculum. A goal of the Pre K program is to build confidence and refine the skills necessary for future academic success. Thinking, reasoning, questioning are an integral part of every Pre-Schoolers's day.

KINDERGARTEN

Social interaction in addition to academics is a crucial element of the Kindergarten program. The Kindergarten program is a full day program. Students in Kindergarten take part in daily Religion class centered around the family. The children are also introduced to and work with the number, letter recognition and many pre math and pre reading activities. Much of the Kindergarten day is spent using hands on as well as paper pencil tasks. Through personal growth and working with the kindergarten teacher the students become more self-directed. A variety of teaching/learning activities are used to implement the Kindergarten curriculum.

GRADES 1-3

Using the curriculum guidelines set for the Diocese of Camden, Grades 1-3 teach Religion, Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. These subjects are taught using a variety of teaching methods and current texts and hands on activities and technology. Children are exposed to a variety of activities, projects, cooperative learning situations and alternative methods of assessment. The students in these grades are in self-contained classes. Religion is a guiding force of the school day and permeates all curriculum and activities. All students attend the monthly school Mass and Prayer Services. Each grade takes a turn in leading these liturgical celebrations. Art, Music, Computer, Physical Education and Library are also a part of the weekly schedule for all grades.

GRADES 4-8

In grades 4-8 the students change classes for each subject in a departmentalized situation. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students in grades 4-8 also receive an hour of Spanish each week. Grades 6-8 use novels, and other types of literature as an integral part of the Language Arts program. Cross curricular projects are given to promote and integrate all subject areas into the reading/writing/research process. In the Science class, students in grades 4-8 have opportunity to use and take part in hands-on lab periods. Religion for all students in grades 4-8 has the component of service. Service to school, parish and community is expected. Students attend monthly school Mass and Prayer Service. Grade 7-8 students are involved in a two year process for the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation which is received in their own parishes. Teachers do use a variety of materials, teaching styles and activities including visual aides, and computer programs for instruction. Students are evaluated both formally and informally. In addition to paper pencil evaluations, students are also able to use oral and visual presentations as well as other alternative methods of assessment