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School Programs

School Programs

Academics

All of our teachers hold (or are in the process of earning) the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification along with continued professional development for Act 48 standards.  Music, Art, Physical Education, Computer Technology, and Library Science are taught in PreK - 4.  Computers are integrated into each classroom.  The curriculum follows the Diocese of Harrisburg Curriculum for Elementary Schools and meets the requirements for PDE state standards.  

Grades:

  • Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten through Grade 4. 
  • Preschool and Pre-K meet Monday through Friday from 8:00-11:30.
  • Pre-K participates in Music and Phys. Ed. classes.
  • At the current time, there is no full-day option available for Pre-K and Preschool; however, we anticipate approval for a M-F, full-day PreSchool in 2024.

Kindergarten is a M-F, full-day program. First through fourth grade are self-contained classrooms. Specialized teachers provide weekly instruction in Art, Computer Technology, Library Science, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education.

Visual Arts

Our inclusive art program, for students K through Grade 4, follows a differentiated curriculum that celebrates creativity and tradition. Saint Columba's art classes are involved with several community activities including the Bloomsburg Fair, Operation Christmas Child, and other community events involving artistic endeavors. The excellence of our art program is on display throughout the school including murals and galleries. 

Computer Technology

Students from Kindergarten through grade 4 have weekly technology classes. The computer lab hosts 22 computers using Windows 10, and Microsoft Office, a Smartboard, with full Internet and wireless services. The school has internet and wireless throughout. Each classroom from Preschool to 4th grade has a Smartboard and is equipped with computers or/and laptops.  

Physical Education

During physical education class at St. Columba, students are engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity through a variety of enjoyable games. Students learn and explore basic sports skills in addition to building sportsmanship with one another. Other focuses in class include safety during physical activity as well as fitness-based concepts integrated into sports skills. Overall, physical education class provides students an outlet for creativity through movement.

Music Program

Music class is offered one day per week for all students in Pk-4th grade. Each class has the opportunity to perform in a Christmas program every year. The primary focus of the class is to teach our students to appreciate, participate in, and read music. Tools utilized in this process are solfege, liturgical music, interactive websites, and simple instruments. Students grades 3-4 are prepared each week to serve as lectors and cantors in our weekly Friday mass. The class serving that week selects music by listening to the readings for that day and picking songs that best reflect those readings.  

Foreign Language

With the assistance of Bloomsburg University faculty and student, St. Columba students in grades K through 4 have one day of Spanish instruction every week. By the time they graduate, our students can speak, read and write Spanish at an advanced proficiency, understand the nuances of various cultures, and are more than ready for advanced high school language courses.

Library

Every student from PreK through Grade 4 has at least one library class per week. Following the Diocesan curriculum, students progress through reading and research experiences while learning the ins and outs of our 6,000-volume, remodeled, and expanded school library which includes eBooks and Chromebook laptops. The goals of this special program include developing listening and reading skills as well as addressing emerging curiosity and research skills. Students are can check books out as well. Our library is open before school, during recess, and after school for a variety of learning opportunities.