|
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Pre-Kindergarten is a Montessori program staffed by a full-time certified-trained
Montessori teacher and a full-time aide.
We endeavor to instill in our three and four year old children, a love for learning and
knowledge and care of their environment. Each section of the classroom is center-structured to
serve the following areas: math, social studies, language, socialization, music, and the
calendar. Religion instruction is taught in a whole group format. Physical Education in the
classroom is given once a week. The children also enjoy time in the computer lab, library, and
visits to the church.
We offer both three day and five day programs — 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. There is an added option
of an EXTENDED DAY, until 1:30 p.m. twice a week, offered to the four year olds.
************************************************************************************************
KINDERGARTEN
Our full day kindergarten is a modified Montessori program. All K children participate in
gym, computer education, music, library, art, and school liturgies. Writing, reading, and math
readiness are part of the daily routine as well as other curriculum areas. Religion is
incorporated into the school day. The kindergarten day is the same as in the upper grades, 8:20
to 2:40 p.m. Transportation through the public school district is available.
*************************************************************************************************
GRADES 1-8
All classes follow the NY State Curriculum Guidelines and are approved by the Catholic Office
of Education in Rockville Centre. This means that classes are taught by the standards issued by
the state of New York with additional supplementation from the Diocesan Education Department.
We give the appropriate state-mandated tests as well as the IOWA (Iowa Tests for Basic Skills)
and CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) tests for basic skills and achievement. Preparation for
the state tests and for the Catholic High School Entrance Exams (COOP) is incorporated into the
middle school curriculum.
In our primary grades (1-3), there is extended reading and creative writing instruction in
small group formats. Emphasis on phonics and grammar is included in the reading program. All
the academic content areas in addition to religion are taught daily. Middle school grades have
an accelerated math program. In addition, grades 5 and 6 experience a science program
coordinated with The Dolan DNA Learning Center in Cold Spring Harbor. Our Health Education
Preparedness Program (HEPP) in grades 3, 4, 5, 6 involves children in discussions and activities
which relate to healthy lifestyles and choices.
*************************************************************************************************
ART
The art program follows the NY State Curriculum and Standards. Lessons and projects
encompass color and color mixing, the elements of design and composition, drawing, and three
dimensional work. All children use watercolors, watercolor pencils, and tempera paint. Grades
6 and 7 use acrylic paint. To enhance the tactile senses, students work with clay, wood, and
wire. Art history and artists are studied using library, Web site, and video resources.
*************************************************************************************************
COMPUTER EDUCATION
All students in Pre-K through eighth grade participate in our computer-based educational
program. Different grade level concepts are strengthened throughout the year using software
programs such as Inspiration, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher,
Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Paint. Throughout all the grade levels, the curriculum is
integrated as much as possible.
*************************************************************************************************
LIBRARY/MEDIA
Students go to the library on a weekly basis and are also encouraged to utilize its resources
of over 21,000 books and over 25 remote accessible databases as needed. Grades K-5 focus on
learning library skills. Students are also introduced to the various materials in the library.
Grades 6, 7, & 8 are in classes consisting of small student groups.
Students are given individual help with researching and writing bibliographies. There is
also a focus on plagiarism and the proper use of information.
*************************************************************************************************
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education is taught to students in kindergarten through eighth grade twice weekly.
Classes are held at our Sports Center located on Anstice Street next to St. Dominic High
School. Our PE education program follows the NY State Standards. The curriculum works in
conjunction with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. This offers
opportunities for students to receive the Presidential Physical Fitness Award honoring those
students who demonstrate an outstanding level of fitness by scoring above the 85th percentile on
all five fitness tests.
*************************************************************************************************
RELIGION
In order to impart a healthy value system to our students, religion is taught everyday. Our
religious education program strives to assist the child in becoming aware of the dignity of
human life. Students in kindergarten through grade eight also play an active role in
celebrating our school's first Friday Mass each month. Our students are well prepared for all
the sacraments they receive at St. Dominic Elementary School.
*************************************************************************************************
SPANISH
Our Spanish curriculum for grades 6, 7, and 8 is one in which basic grammatical structures
are emphasized. Vocabulary and verbs are studied.
Emphasis is placed on acquiring a greater practical knowledge in speaking, reading, writing,
and understanding Spanish as a foreign language. Exposure is also given to the cultural aspects
of the language; therefore, allowing our students to not only learn the language but to
experience it as well.
|
|
