ICS is part of the New
York Archdiocesan Catholic Schools. State-mandated policies
and our diocesan educational guidelines are strictly adhered to.
Our school and programs have been approved by the Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools. Each child in
Pre-K through grade 8 is assigned to a homeroom. Grades Pre-K to
grade 5 are self-contained classes; grade 3 has a modified
departmental structure, and grades 6 to 8 are departmentalized
for all academic subjects. In September of 2006, ICS introduced
a new half day Pre-K 3 year old program which is staffed by a
master teacher and an aide.
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Our Pre-K program is
Christ-centered with an emphasis on the whole child and is
designed to support parents in the education of their children.
The classes introduce the child to school through a variety of
activities, in music, play, art, reading readiness and math
preparation. Cultural activities include visits to local
community helpers, age-appropriate trips to theater works, and
on-site visits by performing artists when available. Our early
childhood program has its own play area and special seasonal
activities throughout the school year. Our youngsters are taught
to thank God on a daily basis for all the benefits provided to
them by hard-working parents. A basic respect for self and
others is stressed through a positive, Christian-based and
child-centered curriculum.
KINDERGARTEN
The wonderful work of the Pre-K
is continued in our Kindergarten class. A more formal, balanced,
yet comfortable reading program is introduced at this time.
Children soon become familiar with the world of print. Emergent
readers write and read stories for teachers and classmates and
integrate important skills which will serve as a foundation for
the work they will encounter in the next grades.
An exciting and adventurous math
program, with a strong emphasis on the use of manipulatives, is
also introduced at this time. Children become familiar with
numbers, shapes, and simple problems. In addition to these
programs, Kindergarteners have an opportunity to take art,
music, gym and library classes each week, all of which are
taught by specialist teachers who promote age-appropriate
activities in class.
FIRST GRADE
In first grade students begin
the first year of a two-year program which prepares them for the
sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (First
Communion). This program involves parents and children in the
study of our Catholic beliefs, values, prayers, and practices
and culminates in the wonderful celebration of Eucharist in
grade two. Students participate in liturgical events throughout
the school year.
The first graders at ICS receive
instruction in all required areas of the curriculum. Reading and
language arts are taught and children are introduced to fine
literature through textbooks and trade books. Comprehension,
critical thinking, and vocabulary are taught as well as spelling
and grammar.
Math is taught through the use
of a working textbook, visuals, and manipulatives. Basic
instruction in addition and subtraction as well as
problem-solving is given to all students.
Social studies is taught in
grade one using creative approaches which allow children to
discover and enjoy each other's cultures and customs. Students
take imaginary "trips" to other lands and bring a sense of
tradition to our classes.
Our science curriculum is
designed to allow students an opportunity to work on
age-appropriate experiments in our science lab. Each Middle
School class has a designated time in the lab and students enjoy
this practical approach to the study of science.
Many of our textbooks are now
available on disc for parents to purchase. This allow students
to lighten the book bag weight by using the disc at home. In
addition, students are able to access homework assignments
on-line at the Middle School level.
Computer classes are begun in
grade one where students learn basic keyboarding techniques in
order to advance in our program which includes word-processing,
use of graphics and databases. All classes are held in our
Computer Lab on up-to-date computers with CDROM. In addition,
several classes have SMART Boards. Internet.
All students in first grade
participate in music, art, physical education, and library on a
weekly basis. As one can see, students in our elementary section
have an opportunity to enjoy learning and all are challenged to
strive for their best in every area.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students in the elementary
school are assigned to self-contained, traditional classrooms
with a homeroom teacher. Our religion courses are
Christian-based and focus upon values and beliefs in the
Catholic Faith. Students in grade two receive the sacraments of
Reconciliation and Eucharist and all grades attend monthly as
well as special liturgies.
The math curriculum is built
around developmentally appropriate skills and emphasizes
problem-solving skills and the use of manipulatives. Children
are taught to master the basic facts and apply their knowledge
to everyday problems in order to solidify their math skills.
Math skills are integrated into all areas of the curriculum
whenever possible.
Our language arts program
includes the study of literature, reading skills, grammar, and
composition. Writing skills are developed through daily use of
journals as well as essay writing.
Social studies classes on the elementary level make use of class
trips, special projects, videos, and speakers to bring the
classes to life.
Science classes make use of our
science lab and equipment and participate in hands-on lessons at
all levels. The elementary curriculum is rounded out with
special classes such as physical education, music, art, library,
and computer. These are not treated as extras, but are a very
important part of our curriculum.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Our middle school classes are departmentalized with specialists
teaching in each area. Students have a variety of teachers
throughout the day as they move from class to class. Special
lectures, projects and classroom presentations challenge all
students and give each an opportunity to grow and reach his/her
maximum potential.
The curriculum includes religion
with an emphasis on the Sacrament of Confirmation, which is
received in the eighth grade. A literature-based language arts
program ( with a strong emphasis on writing), Spanish, science,
math, and social studies complete the formal academic program.
The upper grades also
participate weekly in physical education, library, art, and
computers. Changes to our curriculum occur from year to year
depending on the needs of the students, the changing of
standards, and the current trends in education. Textbooks and
all programs are evaluated on a five- year cycle which ensures
that our programs are constantly reviewed and strengthened. It
is our desire to remain current and relevant in order to provide
our students with the best education possible.
In September of 2006, we
introduced a Resource room for students in grades 3 through 8.
Students who need additional help in the academic areas will be
able to receive instruction in a small setting on a daily basis.
