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Curriculum

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS (CCSS):

New York State, along with St. Luke School, has implemented the Common Core State Standards. Some general information about the implementation of these standards in New York State can be found below, which has been taken from the New York State Common Core Standards Overview Document:

What are the Common Core State Standards? What is New York’s role in implementing the Common Core State Standards?

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce.

The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.

These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs.

The Standards:

The New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards were adopted by the New York State Board of Regents in January 2011 for ELA & Literacy and for Mathematics. These standards are composed of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and a small number of additional standards (15%), reflecting the addition of pre-K standards and standards related to diversity, for example. The NYS P-12 CCLS can be viewed here:  http://engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-p-12-common-core-learning-standards

  • Are aligned with college and work expectations;
  • Are clear, understandable and consistent;
  • Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
  • Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
  • Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society;
  • Are evidence-based.

(taken from http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards)

CURRICULUM

The driving force for the 21st century is the development of the intellectual capacity of our students. St. Luke School believes that continually planning, implementing, evaluating, and modifying the academic curriculum and teaching strategies of St. Luke School is essential to meeting the changing needs of our student population. The administration and faculty are committed to implementing sound educational practices based on current research. Classroom instruction incorporates the Common Core State Standards in conjunction with the curriculum guidelines of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Creative and innovative lessons are designed by the teachers to engage the students as they explore and discover the wonders of learning. Lessons are presented through cooperative learning groups, class discussions, hands-on activities, whole-group instruction, and technology. Field trips and guest speakers, as well as interactive technology and other materials, support the curriculum. The textbooks are current and up-to-date. Technology has become an increasingly important tool in our society, and therefore, our school.  It has empowered teachers to apply new and effective ways to present their curriculum. They use the smartboard, online resources, multimedia presentations, and laptops/chromebooks, as well as other technologies, in their instruction. Students therefore, benefit from a variety of teaching styles that equip them with the skills needed to function as knowledgeable and committed citizens of a global community. The administration and faculty aspire to develop and deliver a curriculum that will empower all students to become life-long learners.

Religion:

Religion is the primary focus of the entire curriculum in all grade levels from Terrific Twos to Grade Eight.  Each day begins with morning prayer delivered by the administration or upper grade students over the loudspeaker.  Often, the children lead the student body in the daily prayer.  The religion series supports the religion curriculum. The school provides instruction in doctrine, scripture, prayer, worship, and Christian values, while recognizing that parents are the primary faith educators. Students and teachers in grades one through eight participate in the preparation and presentation of weekly Masses and liturgical devotions. Students in grades two are thoroughly prepared to receive the sacraments of Penance, Communion and Confirmation.  Children are taught the importance of prayer, respect, and service. They are encouraged to live their Christian faith daily.

Early Childhood Education: Terrific Twos - Nursery - Pre-Kindergarten

Early Childhood education begins with the Terrific Twos and continues through Pre-Kindergarten. A teacher and paraprofessional are present at all times in each of these grades. This greatly improves the pupil-teacher ratio and increases the opportunities for teachers and students to interact. These teachers are responsible for the teaching of Language Arts, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Social Studies. Since St. Luke School recognizes the growing trend of renewed commitment to the young child, a hands-on, activity-based approach is used in all subjects. Lessons are carefully integrated to help students recognize the relationships and connections that exist among the various subjects.  

Primary Education: Kindergarten – Grade Three

Primary teachers nurture students with a structured self contained environment.  Within the environment, students are developing maturity and the ability to maintain a foundation needed to function in upper grades.  Students in the primary grades learn all core subjects as well as weekly Physical Education, Art, Health, Music, Spanish and Library classes.  Our Smartboards bring the world and all of its resources into the classroom.  Students in grade two are given instruction in the preparation of the Sacraments of Penance and Communion.

Intermediate Education:  Grades Four and Five

Our Intermediate grades build on the basics that were taught in the primary grades and introduce new content material for the students. The classes are departmental and follow a five day schedule which includes all core subjects, as well as Physical Education, Art, Library, Spanish, and Music Classes. The students often work in cooperative groups or pairs as they complete projects, solve problems, and conduct research online.  Learning centers are created for constructive activities. Teachers work closely with each other and with the special area teachers, to integrate curriculum, plan activities and special projects.   

Junior High Education:  Grades Six - Eight

Our Junior High Teachers are responsible for the core subjects and classes are departmental.  Teachers meet regularly to coordinate the program and work on unit projects.  Grade seven is required to complete 15 hours of community service as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which takes place in the Eighth Grade. The mathematics curriculum, based on the Common Core State Standards, presents basic concepts and computational skills, as well as problem-solving strategies. These concepts enable students to be confident and successful mathematicians. Math is presented through a variety of methods that effectively reach all styles of learners. 

The Junior High science curriculum is increasingly one of observation and experimentation.  Laboratory materials are used to expand the students’ knowledge of various scientific topics.  Our science program includes a regular science lab period which enables the students to conduct experiments.  The science teacher oversees the entire science curriculum to ensure that all content is covered and needed materials are available.

American History is the curriculum focus for students in grades seven and eight. Critical thinking is stressed as well as document based questions and essays which incorporate Language Arts skills.  During the first year, students study North America from early settlement to the antebellum period. In the second year, students complete their study of the nineteenth century and investigate significant historical events in the twentieth century.  

Our English Language Arts Program focuses on reading strategies, comprehension, and the experience of a variety of genres and authors. Vocabulary is also studied, including a structured program designed to prepare students for the TACHS Exam, the test for admission to Catholic high school. The English program provides an integrated approach to writing using a variety of topics and styles, as well as the study of grammar.

TAC (Technology Across the Curriculum) for grades 6 to 8 is a class meant to digitally enhance the Science, Social Studies, Math, Spanish, and ELA Curriculum.  

The Spanish Program is geared to our Junior High students so that they will reach a level of proficiency in preparation for high school.  This requires instruction two days per week.  The program is designed to introduce the students to the Spanish language as well as the Hispanic cultures of the world.

Students also attend weekly Physical Education, Art, Library and Music Classes.

Students in all grades are encouraged to participate in academic competitions.     

All New York State Exams are administered in Grades 4, 6 and 7, along with standardized tests for grades three to eight. 

Pre-K 2
2022 COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Updated COVID Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines

 

The New York State Approach to COVID Quarantine

Effective March 8, 2022

 

After review of the NYC DOH and NYS DOH updated COVID Quarantine and Isolation please see the updated Quarantine and Isolation guidelines for the Catholic Academy’s and Parish Schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn effective March 8, 2022.

 

Updated Quarantine Guidelines

 

NYS DOH Quarantine Exception for Schools (K-12)

  • Exposed unvaccinated students, teachers and staff who are required to quarantine can attend or work at school during the quarantine period where COVID Health and Safety protocols i.e.  masking and test to stay programs are monitored and enforced.
  • They may also attend or work at school-based extracurricular activities that do not involve participants from other schools. (e.g., not competitive sports events with other schools)
  • They may attend or work at certain eligible childcare programs for school-age children, such as early drop off programs and aftercare.  
  • However, these individuals should continue to quarantine as otherwise required outside of school and these school-related activities. 
  • Face coverings are recommended (optional) while riding the school bus.
  • Face coverings are required in the Nurses Office/Medical Room.
  • Fully vaccinated 5–11-year-old children who are not eligible for the booster, have no further restrictions.

 

 

Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten

Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten, including NYC DOE funded programs, students who were exposed to COVID-19 can return to school after 10 days where the Exposure Date is Day 0 or when:

  • Children can return from quarantine on Day 8, with proof of a negative diagnostic COVID-19 test performed on Day 5 or later after exposure.  (Day 0 is the date of exposure)
  • The test can be any molecular test, or an at home-test that is explicitly intended for use by children as young as 2.
  • If an at home test is used, two tests within 24 hours are required to return to school on Day 8.

 

Who does Not Have to Quarantine After Close Contact with Someone With COVID-19?

• Anyone ages 12 or older and who has received all CDC recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters if eligible and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.

• Anyone ages 5-11 years old who has completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.

• Anyone who has had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (tested positive using a viral test, e.g., antigen or PCR).

 

Who Has to Quarantine After Close Contact with Someone With COVID-19?

• Anyone ages 12 or older who has completed the primary series of recommended vaccine abut are not up to date with vaccines, meaning they have not received a booster when eligible

• Anyone who has not completed a primary vaccine series.

• Anyone who is not vaccinated.

Please Note: These individuals may attend or work at school; they may also attend or work at school-based extracurricular activities that do not involve participants from other schools. (e.g., not competitive sports events with other schools) and they may attend or work at certain eligible childcare programs for school-age children, such as early drop off programs and aftercare during the quarantine period where COVID Health and Safety protocols i.e.  masking and test to stay programs are monitored and enforced.

 

How to Quarantine

  • Stay home for at least 5 days (day 0 through day 5) after the date of the last contact with a person who has COVID-19. The date of contact (exposure) is considered day 0.
    • For example: A person is exposed on January 2, this would be Day 0, count 5 days of quarantine until January 7, this would be Day 5. Return to school on January 8, this would be the first day quarantine free.
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  • To continue to attend school or work after an exposure to COVID-19 please note the following:
    • Strongly recommended: Wear a face covering while at school/work for five days after the date of exposure. The date of exposure is considered day 0.
    • Required: Participate in the Test to Stay Strategy. Faculty, staff, and students required to quarantine are required to test at days 2-3 (or the first school day after the exposure is identified) and day 5 using COVID tests available from Federal, City and State resources. 
    • Required: Submit the signed testing affirmation to the school on days 1 and 5.
    • Faculty, Staff and Students can continue to attend school/work if the COVID tests are negative.
    • If a Faculty, Staff or Student tests positive they should stay home and follow the Isolation protocols and notify the school of the positive test result.
  • Continue to monitor for 10 days after the date of the last close contact with someone with COVID-19, watch for fever (100.4◦F or greater), cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms.  If symptoms develop, get tested immediately and isolate until test results arrive. If test result is positive, follow isolation guidelines.
  • Unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated or 12 years or older -Fully Vaccinated, Booster eligible, but NOT received a Booster, faculty, staff, or student who are identified as a close contact who does not follow the test to stay preventive strategy and does not submit proof of a negative COVID test on Day 1 and Day 5 are required to quarantine for five days from date of exposure where the exposure date is Day 0.

 

Updated Isolation Guidelines

 

New York State Approach to COVID-19 Isolation

Isolation is used to separate people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from those without COVID-19.

 

Who Has to Isolate?

People who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to isolate regardless of their vaccination status. This includes:

  • People who have a positive viral test (e.g., antigen or PCR) for COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
  • People with symptoms of COVID-19including those who are awaiting test results (Rapid or PCR) or have not been tested
  • People with symptoms should isolate even if they do not know if they have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.

 

 

How to Isolate

  • Stay home, in a separate room from other household members, if possible, for at least 5 days from onset of symptoms or positive test date, whichever came first.
  • Isolate for at least 5 days, if symptoms persist a longer isolation will be required.
  • Return from Isolation after a minimum of 5 days and the following: (Positive Test date or Symptom Onset Date is Day 0)
    • Fever free for 24 hours with no fever reducing medication
    • Symptoms are improving
    • Licensed Healthcare Provider Note, dated after Day 5, stating the individual can safely return to in person instruction
  • REQUIRED: To wear a face covering while at school/work for Days 6-10 after returning to school/work after testing positive for COVID-19.

 

 

Exhibit COVID-19 Symptoms During the School Day:

If an individual exhibits COVID-19 symptom during the school day, schools should implement Isolation protocols.

Individuals who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms during the school day are required to isolate and get tested for COVID-19. The individual can return to school when:

 

  • Negative Lab based COVID-19 test or alternative diagnosis (healthcare provider)
  • Fever free for 24 hours with no fever reducing medication
  • Symptoms are improving

 

Please Note: These guidelines are subject to change as the pandemic continues to evolve and updated information is received by City and State agencies.

Please Note: Currently, NYC is identified by the CDC as a Low COVID-19 Community Level. If NYC is identified as a High COVID-19 Community Level the mask mandate can be reinstated by city and state health officials.

Please Note: The Office of the Superintendents of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn reserves the right to implement COVID health and safety guidelines that go above the required city and state COVID health and safety guidelines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3-8-22