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Curriculum
Religion | English-Language
Arts | Mathematics | Science
| Social Studies
The Arts | Spanish
| Technology | Physical
Education | Extracurricular
Religion:
As a Catholic school we share the responsibility with parents of
instructing our students in the tenets of the Roman Catholic faith. The Diocese
of Rockville Centre has established religion curriculum guidelines, which serve
as an outline for instruction. The major themes of scripture, prayer/worship,
service, and peace and justice correlate with the texts utilized in grades K-8.
A variety of videos and educational television programs are incorporated to
enhance classroom presentations. Each grade has a priest moderator who assists
in planning monthly school liturgies and classroom instruction. In addition to
formal instruction, we strive to create and develop an awareness of the presence
of God and respect for self and others. Prayers that recognize personal, family,
and world needs are recited daily. Special para-liturgies and prayer services,
which are planned by the Religion curriculum committee, are conducted to
celebrate special feasts and holidays. During the seasons of Lent and Advent,
representatives present readings each morning over the public address system.
Symbols of these liturgical seasons are displayed in the main hall, which serves
as a gathering place for class prayer services. A school-wide retreat morning is
held annually. Teachers organize a variety of activities related to a selected
theme thereby providing extended time for prayer and worship. The campus
minister assists each grade level in planning the monthly liturgies in
conjunction with the parish clergy and the parish music staff. Class
representatives participate as altar servers, ministers of the Word and gift
bearers. The monthly liturgy takes place during a scheduled parish mass
providing the students, as well as members of the broader parish community, the
opportunity to worship together. The campus minister also teaches liturgical
music to each class on a weekly basis. An important component of the religion
program is providing opportunities for service. Several times during the school
year, the students are asked to assist those less fortunate. Children generously
respond to appeals during the Christmas and Lenten seasons. Individual
participation in the Holy Childhood Mission campaign during the Lenten season
has resulted in significant donations. Candidates for Confirmation in grade 7
are required to perform a minimum of 25 hours of service prior to receiving the
sacrament. Several times each week during recess, many students assist classroom
teachers, and the cafeteria and main office staff.
Recognizing the responsibility of sharing their faith and beliefs, several
grade levels participate in a Diocesan sponsored Respect Life essay, poetry, and
art contest.
A K-8 Family Life Program is taught in conjunction with the religion
curriculum. The importance of values, respect for life, building healthy
relationships, and recognizing the gifts of others are the major themes.
Recognizing the significance of modeling, the administration, faculty and
staff interact in a collaborative and respectful manner.
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English-Language
Arts:
Based on the New York State Learning Standards for English Language Arts, the
ELA core curriculum is organized in grade level clusters, focusing on four ELA
standards, reading, writing, listening and speaking. The competencies to be
achieved by all students are clearly delineated. A sequential approach to
instruction in this area is developed in grades K-8. Reading, although part of
language arts, is treated as a separate curriculum area. A literature-based
basal series provides systematic development of reading skills in Kindergarten
through grade 5. Vocabulary and comprehension development, study and critical
thinking skills and an appreciation for literature are the major components. A
comprehensive literature course is offered to all students in grades 6-8. The
curriculum expands and enhances vocabulary development, an appreciation of
literature, and critical thinking skills.
As a school community, we recognize that teachers in all content areas share
the responsibility for the development of reading, writing, listening and
speaking competencies. All grade levels have incorporated strategies and
activities that emphasize the four basic standards. Integrated units on all
grade levels include the use of literature, writing, listening and speaking
activities.
Flexible grouping strategies have allowed classroom teachers to present whole
class presentations as well as the opportunity to work with small groups of
students. Title 1 services are available for students in grades 1-6 who
demonstrate deficiencies. A support teacher in grades 1 & 2 is available to
work with students needing assistance as well as those who need to be enriched.
The results of the State Assessment for grades 4 & 8
have assisted teachers in re-designing curriculum and engaging the students
in more listening and critical thinking activities. An after school tutorial
program is conducted to assist targeted students in preparation for the New York
State English – Language Arts Assessment.
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Mathematics:
The mathematics program is based on the New York Standards for Math, Science,
and Technology. Through the use of a basal series, a sequential development of
concepts and skills is provided to students in grades K- 6. These concepts
include math reasoning, number & numeration, operations, modeling/multiple
representation, measurement, probability and patterns, and functions. A
pre-algebra course is offered to students in grade 7. Math A, which is an
advanced course that includes algebra, geometry and trigonometry, is given to
all students in grade 8. Specific performance indicators are identified for each
grade level. The nature of the standards show the inter-relationship found in
math, science and technology. The format of the Math State Assessment in grades
4 & 8 has encouraged all math teachers to incorporate activities and
strategies that emphasize communicating mathematical understanding using verbal
and written explanation, the use of rubrics to evaluate performance, and the
continued incorporation of hands-on activities.
Small group instruction is available for students in grades 6-8 who
demonstrate deficiencies in this area. An after school tutorial program is
conducted to help targeted students prepare for the New York State Math
Assessment.
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Science:
The science curriculum is based on the New York State Standards for Math,
Science, and Technology. The K-6 curriculum systematically provides the children
with a program that enables them to become scientifically literate. The major
themes of physical and life science include measurement, rocks & minerals,
plant life and responses, light and electrical energy, space, astronomy,
systems, environmental factors and life cycles. The utilization of the
Elementary Science Program emphasizes a hands-on approach to all topics. A basal
text in grades 3-6 supplements the curriculum. The grade 7 course of study
emphasizes the life sciences. The major themes include the study of organisms,
micro-organisms, heredity, human systems and life functions, and ecology. The
grade 8 curriculum focuses on earth science. The major themes include the
structure of the universe, the solar system, matter, climate and weather,
sub-systems of the earth, and energy. A science room is available for use by all
the grade levels. All science materials and supplies are centrally located in
this area. Emphasis is placed on the active participation of all students.
Science videos, field trips, and non-fiction materials are used to enhance and
supplement the curriculum. A New York State assessment in science is
administered to students in grade 4 and 8. The test emphasizes the understanding
of concepts and assesses each student’s ability to conduct specific science
experiments. In grades K-6, the Growing Healthy curriculum is used to
present the mandated health objectives. The major grade level themes include a
study of the senses, body systems, nutrition, prevention and special emphasis on
the eye, lung and heart. The health program for grade 7 includes the topics of
human growth and development, body systems, diseases and disorders, alcohol and
drugs, environment, community and consumer health. The grade 8 health program
focuses on alcohol and drugs and basic nutrition. A comprehensive AIDS education
program is presented in grades K-8 in conjunction with the religion course of
study.
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Social Studies:
The curriculum is based on the New York State Standards for Social Studies.
Content, concepts and skills form the basis for the learning standards. The
major themes for the K- 8 program include the study of Self & Others, My
Family & Families Long Ago, My Community & other United States
Communities, Communities around the World, Local history & Government
related to State & Country, United States, Canada & Latin America,
Eastern Hemisphere, United States and New York State History. The content of the
social studies curriculum engenders course integration with language arts. A
variety of trade books and historical novels are incorporated as teaching
strategies and learning activities in all grades. A social studies text is used
in grades 2-8. The need to have current and updated information has encouraged
the students to use the Internet as a research tool. Videos, maps, globes,
charts, and software programs are essential components of the program. Emphasis in the middle level program is placed on
developing research skills and providing opportunities for the students to
present their findings using a variety of mediums. Essays, research papers, oral
reports, power point presentations and videos are some of the strategies
utilized by the students.
New York State Assessments in social studies are administered to students in
grades 5 and 8. The test is designed to measure student achievement of the
content, concepts and skills contained in the social studies curriculum.
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The Arts:
New York State Standards for the Arts are used as a guide for the music and
art programs. The primary goals of the programs include the development of
creating and participating in the Arts, knowing and using art materials and
resources, responding and analyzing works of art and understanding the cultural
dimensions and contributions of the Arts.
Children on all grade levels receive instruction in art
once in a
6-day cycle. Students are provided with instruction in the processes that
constitute creation and production of the visual arts. Projects are grade and
age appropriate and include the basic principles of instruction to draw, paint,
and sculpt. A variety of mediums and techniques are employed. Emphasis on
integrating art with the other curriculum areas is a primary goal of the
program. Grade level curriculum maps and grade level units are to plan
correlating art projects. A course in Art & Technology is offered to grade 7
& 8 students. Instruction includes the principles of engineering design, the
appropriate use of tools and building materials and the use of electronic media
as a means of creatively expressing ideas.
Music instruction is provided to all K-6 students once in a 6-day cycle.
Students are introduced to a basic understanding of music theory and history
through performance, composition and listening skills. Activities and strategies
are grade appropriate. Instruction on the recorder is a major program objective
in grades 3 & 4. Audio and visual materials are key components. Integrating
music with the other curriculum areas is a major goal. Music used at school
functions, i.e. monthly school liturgies, Christmas plays, Special Peoples’ Day, and Kindergarten closing exercises are
presented and rehearsed during class. A process for communicating with all grade
levels ensures course integration.
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Spanish:
The New York State learning standards for Languages Other Than English form
the basis for the Spanish program. The basic language skills of listening,
speaking, reading and writing are presented. In addition, the program fosters an
awareness of and appreciation for Hispanic culture. The study of Spanish begins
in grade 7 and continues in grade 8. The program is designed so that, upon
graduation, the 8th grade students will have completed one full year
of Spanish. A variety of audio and visual materials are incorporated into the
program. At the end of grade 8 the students are administered the New York State
Second Language Proficiency examination.
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Technology:
The school recognizes the pre-eminent role of information technology in today’s
world, therefore, computers are universally available throughout the building.
Through the financial assistance of diocesan grants, the Schools Libraries
Corporation (SLC), federal and state monies and school families, the school has
stayed current with computer hardware and software in addition to providing
staff and student instruction. A technology coordinator is available to assist
faculty and students. Computers throughout the school and lab are networked and
have Internet access. All students in grades 1-8 receive formal instruction in
computer literacy. A sequential curriculum in computer literacy, designed by the
Diocese, is implemented. Students are assisted in accessing, generating,
processing, and transferring information by using appropriate technologies.
Software programs in every curriculum area are available to support major
concepts and to communicate information.
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Physical Education:
Children on all grade levels receive instruction in physical education once
in a 6-day cycle. The New York State Standards on Physical Education are used as
a guide. The program includes strategies and activities that emphasize gross
motor and manipulative skills and body management, the development of
specialized sport skills that can be used for recreation, the practice of basic
conditioning concepts for physical fitness, and activities that emphasize the
importance of healthy competition and good sportsmanship. Each year, the
students in grades 2-8 participate in The President’s Challenge Physical
Fitness Test.
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Extracurricular:
The students who attend St. Agnes Cathedral School have the opportunity to
join a variety of extracurricular activities. There are three parish choirs in
which the children can participate. Twice a year after-school enrichment classes
sponsored by the School Board are offered for students in grades 1-8. Girl
Scouts, Brownies and Daisy troops meet weekly. A band program is available two
afternoons a week for students in grades 3 – 8. The Parish Catholic Youth
Organization (CYO) provides programs in basketball. Students in grades 7 & 8
can also try out for the St. Agnes Basketball and Soccer teams. The Drama Club
accommodates interested students in grades 7 & 8.
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