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Immaculate
Conception School's programs follow and even surpass
requirements set by New York State and the Archdiocesan
guidelines. Immaculate Conception sets high standards
for all its students. Students are encouraged to work
through a dynamic, developmentally appropriate program
that emphasizes the traditional disciplines. As a Catholic
school the study of religion is an integral part of
our curriculum and Christian values permeate the climate
of our classrooms.
Pre-Kindergarten
and Kindergarten
Our
pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes are academically
oriented with a Montessori-based curriculum that is
expanded to include both creative and interactive activities.
The program is teacher directed as the children gradually
learn the basic ground rules of "work" in the classroom.
Eventually, the children become more independent in
completing the tasks set before them.
The
three major areas of learning are accomplished in specific
prepared environments.
- Practical
Life: This includes the development of social
graces and courtesy, proper greetings, care of self
and the environment, elementary movement and dexterity
control and the use of the sensorial: sorting, cutting,
folding, touch, sound and smell.
- Language
and Phonics: The approach here begins with the
concrete and progresses to the abstract using sandpaper
letters and the moveable alphabet to learn letters
and phonics.
- Mathematics:
Here, too, the approach begins with the concrete
and progresses to the abstract using sandpaper numbers,
counting bears, red and blue rods, spindle boxes,
and insets for tracing and shapes.
In
addition to the above computer, music, gym, and Spanish
language classes are incorporated into the schedule.
There is also free play, snack, and circle time.
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Reading
and Language Arts
Beginning
in pre-k students develop their knowledge of letters
and sounds and progress to reading words and understanding
the meaning of sentences. From kindergarten on the emphasis
is on developing good reading habits with a strong vocabulary
base. As they progress through the program students
are able to apply phonemic principles and strategies
to increase their vocabulary. They, also, learn to draw
conclusions, predict outcomes, make comparisons, and
infer. All of which lead to increased comprehension.
In
the upper grades, the program continues to build on
and reinforce these skills through a variety of literary
genres. The selections through which this is accomplished
are a combination of classic and modern literature organized
in a thematic unit. Attention is also given to literacy
in the media and visual arts. In addition, an advanced
high school literature course is offered to qualified
eighth grade students.
The
language arts aspect of the program is designed to,
not only teach the basics of grammar, but also to foster
the application of this knowledge to all aspects of
writing. Emphasis is further placed on the necessity
to apply these skills to disciplines beyond the scope
of the language arts classroom. It is our goal to produce
skilled, enthusiastic readers and writers.
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Writing
The
writing program focuses on both the process and the
product. In the primary grades the concepts of prewriting,
drafting, revising and finalizing their work product
are taught following the Lucy Caulkins' model. The students
learn to use these skills to commit their ideas to paper
in an organized and coherent manner.
In
grades five through eight the program is designed sequentially
to strengthen writing, critical thinking and reading
skills. Students are encouraged to experience writing
as process and to experience reading as an activity
that provokes questioning, analyzing, and responding.
Progressing from simple personal narratives to the production
of clear, well-organized expository essays, students
learn to recognize and employ the elements of composition,
including:
- theme
and thesis statement
- effective
paragraphing
- organizational
strategies
- figurative
and literal language
- voice
and diction
- proper
mechanics
As
they develop competency in the use of the English language,
students learn through workshops to both give and receive
constructive criticism, a process that further sharpens
analytic skills and supports revision.
The
program builds upon the premise that reading is inherent
to the study of writing. In their responses to selected
readings, students at every grade level practice communicating
their ideas in increasingly clear language, a skill
that is reinforced throughout the disciplines.
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Mathematics
In
the primary grades the math program begins concretely
and progresses to the abstract knowledge of numbers,
numerations, and arithmetic operations. This is accomplished
using visuals and manipulatives. Montessori materials
are used extensively to reinforce these concepts and
hands-on manipulatives are available throughout the
grades. In the middle and upper grades the program expands
to include estimations, fractions, decimals and percents.
The
program integrates key algebra, geometry, and data analysis
topics throughout the grades. Word problems are an integral
part of the mathematics program as students not only
analyze and solve these problems but also construct
word problems of their own to explain numerical equations
or processes. The essential approach to problem-solving
techniques is to connect all topics to real-life activities.
An advanced high school level algebra/geometry course
is available to all qualified students.
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Social
Studies
The
social studies program helps students understand history,
connect it to their lives today, and prepare for the
future. The curriculum includes a multi-dimensional
approach to the study of different cultures and geographical
regions. It encompasses interdisciplinary explorations,
incorporating art, music, and literature, the examination
of primary sources, the writing process, map study,
and technology.
Beginning
with the family unit and local community, students progressively
explore historical, geographical, and sociological perspectives.
Some of our social studies units include dinosaurs,
families, community, state, nation, Native American
cultures, rain forest, American history, global studies,
geography, government, ancient civilizations and immigration.
A
variety of multi-sensory projects, activities, presentations,
and field trips foster student involvement and enthusiasm.
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Science
The
science curriculum at Immaculate Conception School follows
the New York State Learning Standards, and the New York
Archdiocese Essential Learnings. Classifying, manipulating
materials, interpreting data and predicting results
are just a few of the inquiry skills that are fostered,
and because concepts and processes are presented at
the appropriate developmental level, students remain
challenged and interested.
In
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, we provide a Montessori-based
approach that stresses an interactive learning experience
through which students explore the world in which they
live. As students progress in grades 1 through 4, a
hands-on approach is continued to allow for independent
discovery and learning.
The
science program for the upper grades integrates the
three branches of science - life science, physical science,
and earth science. With an emphasis on investigations,
demonstrations, and activities, students continue to
take an active role in their education.
The
science program at ICS gives students at all grade levels
opportunities to sharpen their observation, problem
solving and critical thinking skills, and provides a
firm foundation upon which their knowledge and interest
will continue to grow.
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Physical
Education
Physical
education classes meet two times a week and the classes
are structured to achieve two main goals. The first
is to provide a sound framework for the design of a
physical fitness program that acknowledges the students'
motor fitness, cognitive, behavioral, and life style
needs. The second is to create a focus on the importance
of lifetime involvement in physical activity.
The
aim of the program in the lower grades is to develop
gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, balance,
agility, and aerobic fitness. All activities are designed
to foster a sense of fairness and personal well being.
Team
sports dominate the classes in the upper grades with
the students gaining knowledge of the game, as well
as, sportsmanship and teamwork. All programs are adapted
to the physically gifted, as well as, the physically
challenged.
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Music
There
are several aspects to the music program at Immaculate
Conception School. The course of study consists of music
theory, applied music, and music appreciation. The students
learn to read and write musical notation and distinguish
between various types of instruments. They are also
exposed to various types of music including jazz, classical,
rock, and musical theater.
In
addition, music history as it relates to the Bible is
also part of the curriculum. Children are exposed to
the music and instruments of our spiritual musical culture.
Performance is also part of the syllabus, as the Christmas
musical showcases their collective musical experiences
and talents.
The
goal is to provide a varied, yet solid base from which
a student gains exposure to varying types of music,
instruments and practical knowledge of this discipline.
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Art
Art
is taught once a week. Classes
explore the various techniques used in creating a piece
of art. Students investigate and discuss the use of
colors, shapes, lights and shadows. Perspective and
dimension are also explored as part of the overall composition
and design. The final goal is the implementation of
these principals in student created artwork.
Art
instruction is multi-faceted and art studies are often
linked to other disciplines. Art of the period may be
studied as students learn about the settling of the
West, or the Harlem Renaissance. The study of a story
written by Louis L'Amour may lead to a discussion of
the work of Georgia O'Keefe. Even geometry can be a
springboard for an art lesson.
The
purpose of the program is to awaken and cultivate aesthetic
awareness through hands-on activities and age-appropriate
analysis of various works of art. The classroom instruction
is often enhanced by visits to art museums.
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Spanish
Spanish
instruction begins in the pre-kindergarten and continues
through grade eight. The primary grades begin with a
basic vocabulary that references elementary concepts
such as numbers and colors and progresses through simple
phrases. The emphasis at the primary level is the spoken
language. As students progress through the middle grades
this aural familiarity is expanded to include a curriculum
that explores the Spanish culture. Spanish classes for
pre-k through grade six are held once a week. Grades
7 and 8 receive instruction twice a week and are introduced
to grammar and the written language. Our aim here is
cover a first-year high school curriculum over the course
of two years.
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Technology
ICS
students benefit from the thorough integration of
technology in their classrooms. Each student, grades 3
through 8, works on an individual laptop computer
equipped with high-speed internet connections in a
wireless environment. ICS also uses a Polyvision
Interactive Panel, a hands-on, state of the art technology, that
allows teachers and students to use the internet as
their blackboard. The upper grades are
currently using this technology for research and
writing.
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