Academics at Gesu
A Tradition of Excellence
Excellence demands the development and recognition of an individual's gifts, and rising to the responsibilities
that result from them. At Gesu, we challenge the students to achieve high academic standards. Children
perform best when standards are set, rules are clear, communication is ongoing and positive results are expected.
Pre-School and Kindergarten introduce youngsters to life outside the home. Children are encouraged to develop social skills while also being introduced to skills that will be useful as they start school.
Core Curriculum
| Grades 1 - 3: Laying the Foundation | ||
| English | Math | Spelling |
| Science | Religion | Handwriting |
| Reading | Phonics | Music |
| Introduction to Computers | Physical Education | Art |
| Grades 4 - 8: Building on the Foundation | ||
| Religion | English | Reading |
| Math | Science | Social Studies |
| Art | Physical Education | Music |
| Spelling | Computer Technology | Handwriting |
All grades are involved in enrichment classes in Foreign Language (Italian), Art, Computers, and Physical Education.
Religion, Reading, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are considered major subjects. Twenty percent (20%) of the student Reading grade for Grades 2 - 8 comes from successfully reading fifteen (15) books from the Grade Level Reading List which includes books chosen from Caldecott and Newberry winners to other fine children's literature. Students must read a minimum of four books for each of the first three grading quarters and three during the fourth and final quarter. Grade level reading lists for the next school year are sent home with the final report card.
Academic Awards and Scholarships
In recognition of outstanding academic performance and exemplary character, we have established awards and scholarships to encourage a continued commitment to excellence among our students.
- + Book Award The Book Award is given to students in Grades 1 - 8 who have read twenty (20) or more books.
- + Sr. Bernice Laporte, I.H.M. Award Given in honor of Gesu's former librarian to one student from Grades 1 - 3, one student from Grades 4 - 6, and one student from Grades 7 - 8 who have successfully read the most books from their Grade Level Reading List.
- + National Junior Honor Society The NJHS promotes appropriate recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the area of scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship, and service. Junior High students are eligible after completing one semester at Gesu and receiving the appropriate recommendations from the teaching staff.
- + Perfect AttendanceGiven to students in Grades 1 - 8 with no absence, who have been tardy no more than five times.
- + Presidential Award Given to an eighth grade student who has a 3.5/4.0 average and has scored in the 85th percentile or higher in Math or reading on a standardized test.
- + Presidential Award for Educational ImprovementGiven to a student who has shown outstanding educational growth, improvement, and commitment.
- + Principal's AwardGiven to a graduating student who displays consistency, competence, concern, and outstanding cooperation in the daily execution of Gesu Catholic School's Christian values.
- + Blacksheare Award$100.00 given in honor of Armeshia Blacksheare, a former Gesu student who displayed outstanding love of life, to a female sixth grade student who exemplifies Armeshia's qualities and who is entering grade seven at Gesu.
- + Lotze Scholarship$200.00 given in honor of Fr. James Lotze, S.J., a much loved Gesu Pastor who died on August 15, 1997, to the graduate with the highest scholastic performance who is attending a Catholic high school in the Fall.
- + Sister Stella Rabaut, I.H.M. Scholarship$200.00 given in honor of Gesu's former Principal who died on January 2, 2002, to a student who has earned outstanding achievement in Mathematics and has displayed dedication to Christian principles. The award may be given to an eighth grade student who will be attending a Catholic high school or to a Grade 1 - 7 student who continues his/her education at Gesu.