Succeeding in Elementary

The Goal

Of primary importance to the Queen of Heaven Academy faculty and staff is to provide students with a wholesome Catholic environment where faith can be nurtured and academic learning can flourish.

The Method

The Academy uses the course management system, Populi. Students may log into Populi 24/7 to access lesson plans, quizzes, course materials, and grades. Telephone conferences are available upon request.

Orientation - Prepare for Success

All elementary students participate in a web-based orientation which teaches them how to use the Populi course management system.  Orientation material is available the first part of August allowing ample time for the student to learn the course management system before classes start. The academic school year begins the day after Labor Day.

Parental Support - Organize for Success

Elementary courses, due to the age, maturity, and the typing ability of the younger student, are parent directed.  In a parent directed course there are no live sessions; however, lesson plans, assessments, email and message boards are included in the course. Assessments are auto-scored allowing the student to obtain immediate feedback. If there are questions about course material, the student or parent can email the teacher for suggestions. Parents will occasionally need to review lessons with the student prior to doing the assignment and will also want to discuss the material with their students to make sure the student is thoroughly understanding the material.  Progression through the material is flexible – due dates are provided but can be adjusted to meet the needs of the student and family.

Part-time and full-time 6th grade students may opt to enroll in the teacher directed course Meaning of Myth. This live, interactive course using audio, video, text, and whiteboard helps to prepare students for participation in the live classes that are a part of the junior high program. Mrs. Piroch, instructor for the course, gingerly guides younger students through the Meaning of Myth course making allowances for limited typing skills and computer abilities.

It is extremely important that parents help their elementary students organize their studies so they can accomplish assigned work thoroughly. Elementary students should print out the weekly lesson plans for each course, check off the assignments as they are completed, and then show the completed lesson plan to their parents.  The most important thing a parent can do for a student is to help organize homework and check to make sure homework is completed and submitted.

Prioritize - Make Time for Success

The elementary program provides the opportunity for young students to begin learning the importance of meeting deadlines and completing assigned tasks.  However, QHA courses also provide flexibility allowing parents or supervisors to adjust schedules in the best interest of the individual student as well as the overall group, be it family or site-based school. Students should establish a daily routine and be encouraged to meet set deadlines.

Practical - Know the Tools of Success

Course Management System

Grades and course material are available 24/7. Every Monday morning an email is sent to the parent email address indicating what is due for the coming academic week. Log in as your student and check progress weekly. Always know your student's status in a course.  

Email - Communicate, Communicate, Communicate for Success

Our faculty returns answers to your questions within 24 hours.

Tests

Elementary test are auto-scored with results available upon submission. 

Flexibility

Lesson plans and course materials are available 24/7.  Quizzes and assignments are due at the end of each month. Weekly due dates are available, but do not have to be used by the student.