Grades 1-3
Religion
The students are instructed in all aspects of Catholicism through the teaching of Scripture, vocabulary and history of the Catholic Church. The teachings of the Church are incorporated across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to participate in programs that reach out to the community. Clothing drives and collecting pennies for the poor are examples of only a few of the activities the students participate in throughout the year. Students are prepared for Reconciliation and Eucharist. Mass is attended daily by various grades and prayer services are presented on a weekly basis by an individual grade or by the whole school.

Reading and Language Arts
The language arts program is presented holistically. Phonics, vocabulary, decoding skills and inferential and critical comprehension skills are developed across the grade levels. The program develops proficiency in spelling, listening, reading comprehension, oral reading, effective speaking, and nonfiction and creative writing. Students are taught to effectively correspond through verbal and nonverbal communication with others. Students read and write on a daily basis using writing folders and reading and writing buddies. Students in grade 3 take the New York State English language arts test.

Mathematics
Math concepts are presented with a goal of mastery of skills in the study of time, money, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts, measurement and problem solving. The use of manipulatives, cooperative learning and "math buddies" with upper grade students create a positive learning environment that prepares students to use their skills in the world today. Students in grade 3 take the New York State math test.

Science and Health
Science and health concepts are taught with the specific focus on the respect of life and the world around us. The concepts of life, earth and physical science and the study of the human body are presented through videos, texts, hands-on experiments, field trips, museum visits and presentations by various visitors. The concepts are reinforced with writing, reading and art activities. Nutrition, dental care, personal hygiene, safety and disease prevention are taught as part of the science and health curriculum.

Social Studies
The study of our world and personal responsibility in it and for it are presented across the grade levels. Each teacher uses a variety of approaches including videos, projects, an international festival and luncheon and the dramatic arts. The focus of the student's responsibility includes patriotism, citizenship and community involvement.

Spanish
Students receive instruction though the audio-lingual approach. Conversation, verbal exercises, listening and comprehension are incorporated into a participatory classroom environment.

Grades 4 & 5
In primarily self-contained classrooms, children are learning to take responsibility for themselves and their schoolwork. The skills that they have learned in earlier grades are now being applied to higher levels of thinking. New York State testing takes place in the fourth grade and fifth grade. The tests include English language arts, mathematics, and science in the fourth grade and English language arts and mathematics in the fifth grade. Students also prepare for the fifth grade New York State social studies test.

Religion
The focus for grades four and five in their religious training is the Commandments, Beatitudes, Sacraments, Liturgy, Bible study, and the Works of Mercy. These prepare the students to practice and enrich their faith. The students write and lead prayer services and participate in a Liturgy for the whole school.

Reading/Language Arts
Reading and language arts are presented through a basal reading series which includes a spelling, grammar, and writing program. Weekly writing assignments on a variety of topics help students to apply skills they are learning and to practice written expression. Vocabulary, phonics, and comprehension skills, such as text structure, main idea, author's purpose, and comparing and contrasting, are further developed at these levels, building a foundation for successful reading and writing.

Mathematics
In the fourth grade, mathematics goals include multiplication of two-digit numbers, long division, decimals, and fractions. In fifth grade, concepts and skills are expanded to include introduction to algebra, all operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) for whole numbers, fractions and decimals, geometric formulas, proportion, ratio, and percent. These skills are reinforced through practice and used as building blocks for the next level.

Science
Science for the fourth grade is a combination of life and physical science skills. These are presented through experiments and textbook learning. Fifth grade focuses on life science concepts such as cells, classification concepts and ecosystems and students also begin learning about physical science concepts such as elements and motion.

Social Studies
The focus of our fourth grade social studies program is local and state history. We use a variety of resources, such as textbooks, movies, trade books and field trips. The history of the United States, Canada and Latin America is studied in fifth grade. Students also study geography, economics and governments through the use of maps, videos, individual white boards and projects.

Spanish
Students receive instruction through the use of the audio-lingual approach. Conversation, verbal and written exercises, listening comprehension, and textbook lessons are incorporated in an engaging and participatory classroom environment for student learning. Elementary students are exposed to vocabulary and sentence structure, with emphasis placed on pronunciation and self-expression.

Middle School Grades 6-8
Religion
The course of religious studies begins with an overview of the Old Testament. This leads to the study of the New Testament with an emphasis on the life of Jesus. By eighth grade, students are prepared to examine the history of the Church. Theological study is enriched by the incorporation of service projects, music, art, prayer services and Liturgies.

English/Language Arts
Separate courses are devoted to the teaching of English and literature. In English, students experience an intensive study of vocabulary through a program called WordMasters. Students have weekly lessons in writing and grammar. These skills are integrated into the study of literature as students read many genres and write about what they have read. Students write poetry, essays, short answers and creative pieces. Every level learns to create a research paper through a multiple step process with increased responsibility and expectations for each grade level. A semester is devoted to this work. There is an emphasis on reinforcing skills throughout the curriculum. Technology and audiovisual resources are used to supplement and enhance learning. New York State tests are taken in grades 6, 7 and 8.

Mathematics
Our middle school math program is designed to help and encourage each student to strive for his or her own level of excellence. Hands-on learning and group problem-solving are just a few of the ways that traditional teaching methods are enhanced. Algebra and geometry are central focuses in each grade, but the basic mechanics that will be necessary to succeed in high school and in adult life are also continuously reinforced and evaluated. New York State Standards are seriously addressed, and each lesson plan is directly linked to those guidelines. Omit the following highlighted sentence. Summer math camps, chess and strategy clubs and the running of a school store expand the math experience for many of our students. Extra help is offered to those who may need it during the day and after school in an environment of fun and encouragement. Accelerated math, offered in grades 6, 7 and 8, will prepare students to take the Integrated Algebra regents in June of 8th grade. New York State tests are taken in grades 6, 7 and 8.

Science
Middle school science is filled with many interesting and exciting topics. Sixth grade focuses on physical science concepts, and expands into earth science concepts such as plate tectonics. Seventh grade curriculum focuses on life science such as cell biology, animal characteristics, human body systems and classification on a more specific level. Eighth grade curriculum is focused on physical science. Within this content students learn about the periodic table and Newton's Laws of Motion. Science lessons are enhanced through many activities such as labs, projects and research reports. Students take the New York State science test in grade 8.

Social Studies
Middle school social studies begins with an introduction to ancient societies and the changes over time and place to meet the changing needs and wants of their people. Students explore ancient civilizations, the middle ages, reformation and renaissance to learn how such diversity has significantly influenced civilization. Social studies in grades seven and eight focuses on a study of United States and New York State history from pre-Columbian times to the present. Political, geographic, economic and social trends in the United States are explored and developed through related videos, magazines, books, maps and projects. Students take the New York State social studies test in grade 8.

Spanish
Middle school students work primarily with textbooks and corresponding lessons. Emphasis is placed on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, listening comprehension, and verb conjugation of both regular and irregular verbs. Eighth grade students take the New York State Proficiency Exam in June which evaluates both written and verbal understanding of the language. This allows students to earn one year of high school credit in a foreign language.

Library
With almost sixteen thousand books to choose from, our students are encouraged from kindergarten to eighth grade to be proficient and avid readers. Library skills are taught at all levels, with research skills especially emphasized in grades 6, 7 and 8. Students are presented with different genres of books with a particular emphasis on multicultural literature. Multi-media materials are used to emphasize library selections. Cross-curriculum projects are arranged every year.

Technology
Computer is taught in a lab consisting of fifteen networked IBM compatible computers. A large screen monitor is used for viewing computer demonstrations. The curriculum covers the basics of computer use, terminology, and keyboarding as well as multiple skill level practice using applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other tools. This curriculum and practice challenges students to maximize use of technological tools while integrating core subject knowledge into every project. In addition, students and teachers have other computers available in each room for students to utilize as needed to support research, writing, presentations or other project skills.

Art
Working within the NYS guidelines for art education, our K-8 art program integrates multicultural concepts, an awareness of various artistic styles and periods, the ability to manipulate different mediums, and an appreciation of key individuals' contributions to the arts. The students learn not only how to create expressive artwork, but also how to discuss their own and others' imagery. They use art-critical thought processes and aesthetic approaches, as well as learning where their creations fit into the continuum of art production that dates back to the earliest cave paintings. Additionally, by viewing a vast number of paintings and sculptures from all over the world on Internet galleries, students gain a sense of connection with other artists.

Physical Education
The physical education curriculum promotes good sportsmanship, cooperation and a positive attitude while participating in a variety of sports and physical activities. The kindergarten through second grade curriculum introduces activities and games to help develop gross motor skills including balance, body awareness, major muscle coordination and spatial awareness. Grades three through eight participate in lead-up activities and team sports. Individual skill development and teamwork are emphasized. Stretching and running are a part of every class to improve and encourage lifelong fitness activities.

Music
The music program for Pre-K through grade 8 is a sequential progression of study, based on the New York Learning Standards for the arts, aimed at developing vocal and instrumental skills at a developmentally appropriate level. Students are exposed, through listening and performance, to a variety of styles, including American, multicultural and classical composers. All grades are given opportunities to compose music for voice or instruments. The fourth, fifth and sixth grade curriculum includes use of the recorder while younger students use various percussion instruments in both composition and performance. Students present two concerts each year. Kindergarten through eighth grade students participate in a Christmas concert and grades K-5 present a spring concert. Additional opportunities include instrumental music lessons, a spring recital and musical productions.

Enrichment/Remedial
Students are instructed and supported by classroom teachers to meet their individual needs. When there is need for additional instruction and remediation, we are able to provide several programs through our Title I funds. Computer Assisted Instruction and after school tutoring are provided for students in grades 1-5 in reading, language arts and mathematics. Students in grades 6-8 are tutored after school in language arts as individuals or in small groups. Teachers are also available after school for additional instruction.

Our school provides students in grades 6-8 with two levels of math instruction - grade level and accelerated (1 year advanced). This enables classes of 8-15 students to receive instruction at their level. Accelerated students in grade 8 take the Integrated Algebra Regents in June.

Spanish is taught from kindergarten through 8th grade. Eighth graders take the NYS Spanish Proficiency Exam in June which may allow them to enter Spanish II as they enter high school.

Our full time reading teacher works with our grade 1-3 students. Each of these classes is evenly split during reading/ELA time so greater individual assistance is given daily.

Student Support Services
Health and Safety Services
St. Catherine of Siena School has a nurse provided by the Albany City School District each day for the afternoon. The school nurse conducts scoliosis screenings, and annual height, weight, hearing and vision screenings on each student. The school district physician provides annual physicals. The school nurse also provides the following services: first aid to students and staff, administration of medications, response to medical emergencies, and maintenance of student health records, in addition to acting as a health resource for students, parents and teachers.

Guidance
The Catholic Schools Office has three social workers on staff, one of whom is assigned to our school. They provide intervention services and educational prevention programs. When students need immediate help for non-academic problems, the CSW is available for individual sessions and also provides counsel to parents, teachers and administration. In the Middle School, teachers act as mentors and offer guidance to individual students. We have been fortunate to have a CSW intern here to provide prevention programs and meet individual needs. We also access resources of the community to meet student needs.

Special Services
When educational psychological services are required for evaluation and support, they are provided by the Albany City School District. Administration and teachers monitor the student's progress, and testing and services are requested as needed. We currently have a small number of students with special needs and/or Individual Educational Plans. Services such as consultant teachers, resource room and speech and occupational therapies are provided by the Albany City School District.

Speech
All kindergarten students, new students from out of district, and those referred by the faculty of St. Catherine of Siena School are screened by the speech therapist from the Albany City School District at the beginning of the academic year. Students who qualify for speech services are currently provided with services at St. Catherine of Siena School.

Transportation
Bus transportation is provided by the family's district of residence for students residing between 1.5 and 15 miles from school. This includes the City of Albany as well as surrounding school districts. Many students are driven to and from school by families or walk to their neighborhood homes.

School Lunch and Milk Programs
We participate in the State Milk program, providing reduced rate milk for students. The PTO has organized a student lunch program using volunteers, who provide lunch 4 days a week. The kitchen is licensed and inspected by the Public Health Department on a regular basis.