Early Childhood Program

There are currently five sections of our Early Childhood Program. One of these is a Universal Pre K 3 year old room, three  are Universal Pre-Kindergartens (UPK) four year olds,which are federally funded programs. The UPK is available to any child in the Troy School District who is four years old by December 1st. One classroom is a combined 3 and 4 year old program. Each section follows an active, hands-on, child-centered curriculum. These centers are designed to be open-ended with developmentally age-appropriate activities. Children ages three to five are mixed in to form a family type setting. It is remarkable to watch the children learn from one another! All children in the Early Childhood Program interact with one another so that they have many opportunities to engage and become friends.

Elementary School (K-6)

Once our students are in kindergarten, they join the rest of the school by beginning each school day in assembly, which is held in the church. This allows each of us to begin the day as a member of the Sacred Heart School family. We recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the National Anthem and hear petitions. Every classroom also presents a Bible story play once a month. This is also the time when the Principal makes daily announcements, including birthdays or other special events.

Curriculum

Sacred Heart School follows the New York State Curriculum as well as the Inter Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines. All grades receive instruction in Spanish, Music, Computers, Art and Physical Education. Additionally, children in grades Kdg through Sixth attend a writing laboratory once a week, where language usage, grammar and mechanics are reinforced through written expression.

We have two main thrusts throughout the school with regards to English Language Arts and Math. Since one of the main NYS learning standards is “to read, write and speak English,” all students are encouraged to intelligently express themselves in both written and oral form. There are many opportunities for children to speak in both small and large circles (such as in class time or at morning assembly). Additionally, Kindergarten through Sixth grade students participate in a writing lab once a week. The instructor introduces and reinforces basic grammar, language mechanics and various genres of writing. Each year, several children have their work published in magazines or books. We believe it is vital for all teachers to use the same vocabulary when teaching drafting and editing skills. Therefore, all faculty post the identical vocabulary in their classrooms.

Each student is also required to complete a “Math Problem of the Day”. The purpose of the daily assignment is to strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills. There is also a list of required Math vocabulary per grade level as written into the NYS Core Curriculum for Math.

STREAM Program

     Our teachers have been trained in STREAM through the Massachusetts based organization of STREAM. STREAM is an innovative framework of hands on instruction whereas students explore a selected topic across the content areas of science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and mathematics.
     This program incorporates up to date, cutting edge educational concepts and practice that demonstrate the quality education that students receive at a Catholic school in our diocese. Learning occurs at an individual student pace based level enhanced by the collaboration between peers and instructors.
     The students will have three opportunities to explore a topic of their choice over an eight week cycle. Design, research and construction will culminate in a fully developed project which culminates in a demonstration day for all. This year’s one hour STREAM sessions are held on Fridays throughout the school building.
     Our program is also rather unique because our project groups are formed by student interest with a multi-aged approach. For example, Sally in grade five may select “robotics” and find herself working with other students from grades 3 through 6.
     Some of this year’s STREAM activities include: rockets (gr. 3-6), bridge construction (gr. 4-6), CO2 car racing (gr. 4-6), robotics (gr. 3-6), agricultural engineering (gr. K-6), architecture (gr. 3-6), understanding simple machines (gr. K-6), light circuits (gr. 4-6), engineering a shelter for a Lego person (Pre K), building a toy chute (Pre K), pool noodle engineering wall (Pre K), building a sculpture from nuts and bolts (Pre K), theme based musical (gr. 4-6), look at me now (gr. 3-6), making a compost bin (gr. K-3), make your own snack machine (gr. K-3), a new ride at Disney World (gr. K-3) and so much more.