All Curricular areas are developed and maintained through the use of the New York State syllabus and the Archdiocesan Guidelines.
RELIGION
The goals and objectives for Catechetical instruction are determined for the various levels of instruction by the New York Archdiocesan guidelines and by following the scope and sequence of our Religion series. Instructional techniques include textbooks, videos, discussion, art projects, creative writing. The provisions that are made available to students to enhance their faith experience include monthly liturgies, special liturgical celebrations at significant times during the Church year, Rosary, Holy Day celebrations, May procession, Senior Citizens lunch, mission collections, Thanksgiving baskets, retreats for children and teachers, other service projects. Our middle school held a Halloween Carnival as a fundraiser for Katrina victims.There is a reciprocal involvement with the community for all types of service. Daily prayer is a focal point.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Our curriculum in Language Arts is comprised of the New York State syllabus, Archdiocesan Guidelines and Scope and Sequence from Silver Burdett and Scott Foreman. Additional skills are taught through the Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary books and Modern Curriculum Press Phonics series. Formal grammar instruction is included and presented in the context of the student's own writing. Portfolio assessment, journal writing and emphasis on daily writing have taken place.
MATH
Teachers utilize a variety of approaches to teaching including journal writing in Math, hands on manipulative use, memorization of basic facts and drill work as well as games and creative experiences. We hold a Family Math Night to allow the parents to experience and participate in a hands on teaching and learning event. The curriculum is designed to enable each teacher to reinforce skills learned in previous years and build upon them. It also addresses a variety of student ability levels and learning styles.
READING
Through the scope and sequence of Silver Burdett and Scott Foresman, the curriculum is coordinated from grade level to grade level. Reading skills are stressed in all content areas. Age appropriate thinking skills are developed and enhanced on each grade level and students progress from decoding skills to critical thinking skills. The strengths of this curriculum area include a literature-based series with an emphasis on phonetic skills, vocabulary development and thinking skills. The positive example set by the teachers’ silent reading and in story time in the primary grades reinforces the appreciation of reading.
SCIENCE
We have institituted the SCIENCE 21 science curriculum which was written by BOCES and is currently in use in many of the local public school districts. It is a wonderful, hands on, experiential program. Thinking skills in science are constantly developed through analyzing, hypothesizing, interpreting data and drawing conclusions. Hands on and practical experiences are a regular part of the curriculum. The institution of a double lab period on the middle school level has enhanced the opportunity for each child to be an active learner. St. Patrick's is also committed to purchasing more science lab materials through grant money and other resources.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The social studies curriculum, more than any other lends itself to an integration of skills from across the curriculum. Each individual is a unique and necessary part of the community. Students are helped to recognize their interdependence with all creation and respect relationships among others, regardless of differences. The students learn that they can make a difference. Participation in the National Geography Bee for children in grades 5-8 allows for continued involvement in the greater community. Field trips, assemblies and presentations add another dimension to the daily studies.
SPANISH
Children in grades 1-8 participate in speaking and learning the language. In grades 1-5 the emphasis is on practical use of words, phrases, colors, numbers, concepts and is taught in a fun and interactive way. Children complete stories and projects in culminating activities. Children in the Middle School area become more involved in the structure of the language and in reading and writing more.
ART and MUSIC
Art and music classes and the ability for artistic expression allows for the opportunity to use the child's imagination and to focus on creative talents and ability. Appreciation classes in both curricular areas as well as practical applications are both experiences that the children have. Drama class in the middle school allows for additional artistic expression culminating in a production in the Spring.
COMPUTER
Computer classes are currently held each day from K through Grade 8. Grades 6, 7 and 8 utilize their class time for research projects. Each classroom has internet connectivity. The connection to the Internet has allowed for each child to extend his/her reach in performing research activities. Computers are viewed as a tool to enhance learning in all subject areas from initial research to final presentation. Data can be organized, charted or graphed, and presented with the use of appropriate software.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Children in grades k-8 attend physical education classes each week. Exercise and participation in games and challenges allows each child the opportunity to develop a better understanding of his/her own abilities. Facilities and equipment support a successful P.E. curriculum. The children also participate in the Jump Ropes for Heart and other community minded experiences.
RELIGION
The goals and objectives for Catechetical instruction are determined for the various levels of instruction by the New York Archdiocesan guidelines and by following the scope and sequence of our Religion series. Instructional techniques include textbooks, videos, discussion, art projects, creative writing. The provisions that are made available to students to enhance their faith experience include monthly liturgies, special liturgical celebrations at significant times during the Church year, Rosary, Holy Day celebrations, May procession, Senior Citizens lunch, mission collections, Thanksgiving baskets, retreats for children and teachers, other service projects. Our middle school held a Halloween Carnival as a fundraiser for Katrina victims.There is a reciprocal involvement with the community for all types of service. Daily prayer is a focal point.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Our curriculum in Language Arts is comprised of the New York State syllabus, Archdiocesan Guidelines and Scope and Sequence from Silver Burdett and Scott Foreman. Additional skills are taught through the Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary books and Modern Curriculum Press Phonics series. Formal grammar instruction is included and presented in the context of the student's own writing. Portfolio assessment, journal writing and emphasis on daily writing have taken place.
MATH
Teachers utilize a variety of approaches to teaching including journal writing in Math, hands on manipulative use, memorization of basic facts and drill work as well as games and creative experiences. We hold a Family Math Night to allow the parents to experience and participate in a hands on teaching and learning event. The curriculum is designed to enable each teacher to reinforce skills learned in previous years and build upon them. It also addresses a variety of student ability levels and learning styles.
READING
Through the scope and sequence of Silver Burdett and Scott Foresman, the curriculum is coordinated from grade level to grade level. Reading skills are stressed in all content areas. Age appropriate thinking skills are developed and enhanced on each grade level and students progress from decoding skills to critical thinking skills. The strengths of this curriculum area include a literature-based series with an emphasis on phonetic skills, vocabulary development and thinking skills. The positive example set by the teachers’ silent reading and in story time in the primary grades reinforces the appreciation of reading.
SCIENCE
We have institituted the SCIENCE 21 science curriculum which was written by BOCES and is currently in use in many of the local public school districts. It is a wonderful, hands on, experiential program. Thinking skills in science are constantly developed through analyzing, hypothesizing, interpreting data and drawing conclusions. Hands on and practical experiences are a regular part of the curriculum. The institution of a double lab period on the middle school level has enhanced the opportunity for each child to be an active learner. St. Patrick's is also committed to purchasing more science lab materials through grant money and other resources.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The social studies curriculum, more than any other lends itself to an integration of skills from across the curriculum. Each individual is a unique and necessary part of the community. Students are helped to recognize their interdependence with all creation and respect relationships among others, regardless of differences. The students learn that they can make a difference. Participation in the National Geography Bee for children in grades 5-8 allows for continued involvement in the greater community. Field trips, assemblies and presentations add another dimension to the daily studies.
SPANISH
Children in grades 1-8 participate in speaking and learning the language. In grades 1-5 the emphasis is on practical use of words, phrases, colors, numbers, concepts and is taught in a fun and interactive way. Children complete stories and projects in culminating activities. Children in the Middle School area become more involved in the structure of the language and in reading and writing more.
ART and MUSIC
Art and music classes and the ability for artistic expression allows for the opportunity to use the child's imagination and to focus on creative talents and ability. Appreciation classes in both curricular areas as well as practical applications are both experiences that the children have. Drama class in the middle school allows for additional artistic expression culminating in a production in the Spring.
COMPUTER
Computer classes are currently held each day from K through Grade 8. Grades 6, 7 and 8 utilize their class time for research projects. Each classroom has internet connectivity. The connection to the Internet has allowed for each child to extend his/her reach in performing research activities. Computers are viewed as a tool to enhance learning in all subject areas from initial research to final presentation. Data can be organized, charted or graphed, and presented with the use of appropriate software.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Children in grades k-8 attend physical education classes each week. Exercise and participation in games and challenges allows each child the opportunity to develop a better understanding of his/her own abilities. Facilities and equipment support a successful P.E. curriculum. The children also participate in the Jump Ropes for Heart and other community minded experiences.
