Elementary Curriculum

The English Language Arts curriculum develops literacy skills and the use of language for personal growth and to achieve full participation in society. The program is consistent with the philosophy of the National Council of Teachers of English and meets the requirements of the New York State Common Core Standards in English Language Arts. We promote a continuum of language arts learning from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade that reflects the developmental needs of students as they become more proficient in both skills and content.

In each grade, our program addresses the four components of English Language Arts:

• Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking

We explore literature, develop language skills and focus on the structure, function and mechanics of clear writing. Our teachers engage students through practice, direct instruction and encounters with exemplary models of language.

Our instruction provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills necessary to function well in a world that depends on the daily application of mathematics. The program is consistent with the philosophy of the National Council of Teachers of Math and meets the requirements of the New York State Common Core Standards. We believe that cultivating enthusiasm for mathematics is an important component of a successful mathematics curriculum, and we do that through proper motivation and consistent teaching in a positive atmosphere.

The math program focuses on three components:

• Conceptual understanding
• Procedural fluency
• Problem-solving

Our science program educates students to use inquiry and critical thinking as tools to understand scientific concepts and master the skills to appreciate and embrace the ever-expanding body of scientific knowledge.

Consistent with the philosophy and requirements of the New York State Science Standards, the archdiocesan curriculum urges active learning in which students:

• Describe objects and events
• Ask questions
• Acquire knowledge
• Construct explanations of natural phenomena
• Test those explanations in many different ways, and
• Communicate their ideas to others

Our social studies instruction reflects the competencies and concepts embedded in the New York State Standards for Social Studies and the New York State Assessments. The five specific content areas are:

• History of the United States and New York
• World history
• Geography
• Economics
• Civics, citizenship and government

In Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, children encounter Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, a loving caretaker and protector who wants to keep them safely by his side. Children hear simple versions of Bible stories and learn basic prayers of praise and thanksgiving. They learn the events in the life of Jesus.

In First Grade, children are introduced to God as the Creator of all things on earth and in heaven. They learn that God is all-loving, all-holy, all-powerful and all-knowing, and that humans respond to him with love and gratitude. Children are taught that each person is created in God’s image and has dignity and value. Students learn of their responsibility to respect life and care for themselves and other people and things God created.

Second Grade is the year that children prepare to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and First Eucharist (Holy Communion). They learn more about the life of Jesus and their parents are invited to develop a close relationship with Jesus through the sacraments. Children become familiar with the liturgical calendar. They understand the gifts of free will and forgiveness through the sacrament of Penance and learn that frequent participation in the Holy Eucharist strengthens the life-long bond with Christ that began at their Baptism. Parents also partner with the school to help their child realize the importance of living in close relationship with Jesus.

Building on their new relationship with Jesus through Reconciliation and Eucharist, children in Third Grade, learn about living as part of a faith community. They study the seven sacraments of the Church and how God instituted them to bring his people closer to him.

In Fourth Grade, children study basic morality. They learn the lessons and rules Jesus gave his people to help them to be happy and contribute to the well-being of others. Students explore the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, as well as practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Acknowledging children’s growing ability to enter into relationships with others, Fifth Grade students concentrate on deepening their personal relationship with Jesus. They study the Sacraments again, now from the perspective of people in a loving, respectful relationship with God.

In Sixth Grade, students encounter the mystery of God through his involvement with people in history. They study how God reveals himself through the Old and New Testaments. They learn about Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of the longings of the human heart.

In Seventh and Eighth Grades, students explore the physical, sexual, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual growth they experience as adolescents. They address the challenges they face in developing and acting responsibly. They also prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Specifically,

• In the Seventh Grade,the students look closely at the Gospels and study the Sacraments as expressions of their reciprocal relationship with Jesus. They learn about human sexuality as a gift from God
• In the Eighth Grade, students explore how the choices they make affect relationships with one another and within communities. They study Church history and learn lessons of leadership and social responsibility. They also learn different ways to pray as part of the Catholic community and as individuals who give expression to their own hearts.

Throughout the curriculum, faith in action is stressed by giving children opportunities for service and social responsibility. Participation in Mass and prayer as a school community is an integral part of the common experience and reinforces both the religion curriculum and the faith life of the Church.

At the end of each grade from third to eighth, children take an archdiocesan religion exam to measure their knowledge, understanding and lived experience of the expected learning.

The music curriculum recognizes that arts are unique forms of knowledge and expression that allow young people to give creative and critical expression to their deepest thoughts and insights about themselves, God and the world. The program meets the National Music Standards and the New York State Standards for the Arts.

We teach the skills and concepts necessary to read, make and appreciate music at every grade level and integrate music into other subjects, including social studies.

We divide our program into six components of musical theory and performance:

• Rhythm
• Melody
• Harmony
• Expression
• Form
• Timbre (tone quality)

The arts are the voice and memory of all communities and all societies. They are a universal language, a unifying force for humanity and an opportunity for our students to express themselves. Our Art curriculum meets the high expectations of the National and New York State Standards in Art Education. It includes grade-level-appropriate exploration of:

• Aesthetics
• Art criticism
• Art heritage
• Art production

We encourage children to express their own thoughts and emotions through fine art as a way to cultivate creative thinking and emotional development.

We are committed to educating the mind, the body and the spirit of each of our students. Physical education is an integral part of a child’s total education. The program develops the students’ motor skills and helps them learn the importance of lifetime involvement in physical activity, including individual and team sports, and it’s a fun break from the academic challenges of the day.

We believe that all students can learn exercises and games, regardless of their physical ability. Our teachers offer students choices of engaging activities that enable them to master basic movement and life skills and then progress to more strenuous exercises. The program teaches the value of cooperation, perseverance and teamwork.