St. Vincent de PaulElementary School
Overview
Our intermediate students are challenged to increase their independence and responsibility in their faith, in their academics, and in their actions. Growing as Catholic Learners, students extend their faith through respect and understanding of others. Students are excited to delve into the rich intermediate curriculum, exploring California history and ancient civilizations, reading and interpreting novels, practicing the writing process, and expanding their mathematical skills. Active participation, collaboration with peers, and organization are emphasized to support student achievement at the intermediate level and beyond.
Academics & Enrichment
Students at the intermediate level benefit from regular PE classes, weekly visits to the school library, STEM activities, our PEAK Family Program, and participation in Westside Relays. We also offer an enrichment program including choice of music, news crew, student leadership, book club, creative writing, drama, and yearbook. Additional students in the Intermediate level can participate in the Marathon Club. Athletic offerings for fourth?, fifth, and sixth grade students in the Catholic Schools League are available and classes enjoy field trips to the Walt Disney Museum, AT&T Park, Cline Cellars Mission Museum, Green Music Center, Luther Burbank performances, and the Museum of the American Indian.
Academics
Math
St. Vincent students continually score at the top level of our diocese. Utilizing the tried and true Saxon Math program, aligned with common core standards, our students have a long history of strong retention. Beginning in the Fifth grade we offer Advanced Math to students excelling in the subject area.
Language Arts
From learning to read to reading to learn, our intermediate students continue to understand our world by reading short stories and novels. Intermediate students also utilize more informational and nonfiction text to aid this skill of making connections.Strengthening comprehension skills, expanding vocabulary, and analyzing literature as well as spelling, grammar and writing instruction provide a comprehensive and well rounded English language arts program. Students visit the school library weekly and participate in the Renaissance Learning Accelerated Reader program.
Religion
Daily religious education classes, prayer, and attendance at monthly Mass with the school community provides a foundation in faith formation. Students at each grade level participate in leading morning prayer and First Friday Mass. Sixth grade students participate in active service to others through our community service program.
Science
Using NGSS standards and curriculum, our teachers provide STEAM instruction on scientific concepts and principles including: electricity, magnetism, energy, ecosystems, elements and compounds, weather, and the solar system. Additionally, students study rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, landforms, and forces. The science curriculum is enhanced through field trips, manipulatives, interactive notebooks, and hands-on experiments in our science lab.
History
Students in the intermediate grades further their ability to connect the past and present as well as to appreciate our ancestors’ struggles and achievements. Beginning with a study of California’s past and moving to the exploration of ancient civilizations, our engaging curriculum allows students to make these connections more readily. Projects, cooperative group activities, presentations and field trips provide a variety of experiences to enhance the intermediate history curriculum.
Fine Arts
Our fine arts program provides students an opportunity to express their creativity and develop and appreciate music and art. Music instruction includes singing and an introduction to music theory, including note-reading and playing instruments. Volunteer art docents provide a rich opportunity for students to study artists in a variety of genres and create their own masterpieces to share with classmates and families.
Technology
Weekly classes, utilizing 1:1 Chromebooks, emphasize the importance of digital citizenship, while teaching students how to use Google docs, sheets and slides and engaging students through projects that enhance the curriculum and encourage creativity. Students practice formatting when writing formal letters, making tables and designing a school newspaper. Google slide presentations on California Missions, state reports, and country reports connect technology to the curriculum. Google Classroom is introduced to allow teachers to integrate technology into all areas of the curriculum.
Educators
Fourth Grade/ Religious Coordinator
Mrs. Elise Telucci
Mrs. Elise Telucci
Fourth Grade Teacher/Religious CoordinatorMy Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy to teaching is to engage the students through differentiated learning techniques. It is important to teach, and help, the "whole" child. There should always be a balance between structure and flexibility for "individual student" learning as well as "whole class" learning. With trust in the Lord God, our guide, all of this, and more, can be accomplished.
Why SVES?
I love the history and tradition of our school. However, we could not have a strong history and tradition without the commitment and dedication of our community. I love the students, my friends and co-workers, the SVES families, and their extended families, who constantly assist and support our school.
I Remember...
My fourth grade teacher was Sr. Lucia. She was the most kind, intelligent, and helpful teacher. She always knew the right thing to say, even if it was difficult to hear. I'll never forget her gentle smile and her words of encouragement.
Education
- California Multiple Subject BCLAD Teaching Credential, San Jose State University
- Bachelor of Science, Human Development, University of California, Davis
- Alumna St. Francis High School, Mountain View
- Alumna St. Martin of Tours Elementary School, San Jose
Fifth Grade/Leadership Advisor
Ms. Kimberlee Penry
Ms. Kimberlee Penry
Fifth Grade/Leadership AdvisorMy Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy includes creating a safe and efficient learning environment for all students. It is important to me to encourage students to challenge themselves daily, always striving to do their best, which varies from student to student. Helping them recognize what they are capable of is the true gift of teaching.
Why SVES?
I love that I am a part of such a supportive and faith-filled environment.
I Remember...
I remember when Mr. Franks, my sophomore year world history teacher, told me he had noticed that I had a renewed sense of confidence. I had become involved in FFA, working on an agri-science project which received awards at the state level. I felt a bit more confident, but having a teacher take time to notice and encourage me made all the difference. I try to be that teacher for my students.
Education
- California Multiple Subject CLAD Teaching Credential, California State University, Chico
- Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, California State University, Chico
- Associate Degree, Santa Rosa Junior College
ELA Resource K-3/Librarian/Renaissance
Learning Coordinator Mrs. Sandy Rainey
Mrs. Sandy Rainey
ELA Resource K-3/Librarian/Renaissance
Learning Coordinator
My Teaching Philosophy
Reading is my passion! I was a reader as a child and still love to read as an adult. It is my goal to help the children at SVES realize their potential as lifelong readers.
Why SVES?
I feel blessed to have been employed at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School for the last 21 years. I was hired as the Learning Center Director and now fill the roles of Librarian and Reading Resource Teacher. It is my privilege to go to work every day with a group of amazing teachers and support staff members. St. Vincent's provides its students with the foundational skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond. Having sent three children through SVES and SVHS, I can say without reservations that I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and philosophy of both our schools.
I Remember...
My love of reading started in elementary school with the Nancy Drew Series. After reading the first book, The Secret of the Old Clock, I was hooked--hooked on Nancy Drew and hooked on reading! Books gave me the ability to see the world and meet new people. I wish I could remember who suggested that book to me, because I should have said thank you a thousand times over. Elementary school is where I became a lifelong reader!
Cleary Care DirectorInstructional Assistant Mrs. Dolores Cuneo
Mrs. Dolores Cuneo
Cleary Care DirectorInstructional Assistant
My Teaching Philosophy
First we work, then we play!
Why SVES?
I love the family and community feeling. This is my fourth year working full time at SVES. My two daughters attended SVES and SVHS.
I Remember...
When I attended Catholic grade school in San Francisco, I played on the 4th grade kickball team. I still love to watch the kids here play kickball.
Education
- Masters, Computer Science, California State University, Sacramento
- Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, California State University, Sacramento
Sixth Grade
Ms. Kelsie Petersen
Ms. Kelsie Petersen
Sixth GradeMy Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy includes creating a structured, safe, and well-rounded learning environment to meet the needs of all learners in my classroom. I believe that if every student feels valued and respected, amazing growth and learning can happen. It is my goal to make each day something my students look forward to, with a mixture of fun and rigor all wrapped up in one!
Why SVES?
SVES is a treasured memory of most of my husband’s family. I have heard the most wonderful stories about what a nurturing, academic, and loving learning environment it is for years and years. It is such an honor to be able to teach at SVES. Now, we are so excited to have our son be a fifth generation SVES student!
I Remember...
I remember being a child in my mom’s classroom growing up and thinking “I can’t wait to be a teacher one day”. She absolutely loved what she did and it was something I could not wait to do when I was a grown up. As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher. I love being able to inspire students, create a rich curriculum and work with others who love to do the same.
Education
- California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Sonoma State University Bachelors of Liberal Studies, Sonoma State University
World Launguage Spanish Grades 5-8
Maestra Kim Hawkins
Accrediation
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