We walk as one toward Faith, Knowledge and Wisdom
Spiritual Growth
Pastor’s Message
The spiritual formation of our students is at the very heart of what Our Lady of Sorrows is about. It is the very reason the school was established. In the complexities of our culture we strive to point every student to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Our school is a strong partner to our Parents who are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. Together we aim to develop and sustain a student’s relationship with Jesus Christ. We might well say that Our Lady of Sorrows is a “school of discipleship.”
The mission of Catholic education is based on the Our program seeks to achieve this not only through the curriculum’s catechesis, but also through daily prayer in common, the weekly celebration Gospel command of Jesus to “Go and teach.” of Mass, monthly prayer services, Lenten devotions, opportunities for confession and sacramental preparation for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Our Lady of Sorrows School also cultivates within our students the duty PreK and Kindergarten children develop an of Christian service and charity to the needy and marginalized. Sacred appreciation of God. First Grade focuses on the images are present throughout the school reminding faculty and students concept of God as a loving Father, Savior Son and of their call to holiness. We welcome all students, both Catholic and non- helping Spirit. Second Graders experience the Catholic, to experience the beauty and richness of a Catholic education. sacraments through the reception of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The Mass is explored in depth. Both our Catholic and non-Catholic families value the overall excellence of In the family life program, the children learn about education at Our Lady of Sorrows School firmly rooted in the Roman caring for each other and Christian values. Catholic faith.
UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Religion curriculum in grades Three to Five Monsignor Thomas Gervasio, Pastor presents the main truths that Catholics believe and express in the Creed. The Ten Commandments and Our Lady of Sorrows-Saint Anthony Parish the Beatitudes are taught as guides for Christian living. Sacraments are stressed, especially the Eucharist, as the center of Christian life. Family life is incorporated into all grades.
MIDDLE SCHOOL In the middle school, the religion program covers the Old and New Testaments and the history of the Catholic Church in America.
Confirmation preparation begins in the Seventh Grade and continues through the Seventh Grade. During this time, students actively participate in a variety of service projects that foster community. Confirmation is received in the fall of the Eighth Grade. Family life deals with a variety of issues pertaining to their adolescent years.
Our Lady of Sorrows School History
The Parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Hamilton under the leader- ship of its pastor, Fr. Paul Greco began construction of its parish school in October 1954. The school opened its doors in September 1955 to 279 stu- dents off Grades 1-4. Grades 5-8 were subsequently added so that by 1960 Our Lady of Sorrows graduated its first class of 59 students.
The Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross were instrumental in directing the school’s early development and growth, aided by lay faculty and staff.
On July 1, 2005, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish was merged with St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton to form a single parish community. The school was placed under the aegis of the newly established parish.
In September 2017, the parish merged its independent Pre-School Program into the Elementary School Program. Today, Our Lady of Sorrows School educates approximately 220 students from PreK through Grade 8.
Over the years, a number of enhancements have been made to the physical Each day we try to instill in our students that plant which include air conditioning of classrooms, a computer lab, wireless they are God’s children, and that each of us is where we are because this is where God internet access, interactive whiteboards, iPads, art and music studios, and a wants us to be. We are so loved by God, and resource room. In addition to Catholic Religious Studies, the academic we are each an integral part of our families, program offers art, music, advanced mathematics, computer and library in our school community, and our world. We should share and show that love to all those addition to the regular subjects. we come in contact with. My prayer is that School Colors -- Blue and White we each remember God’s unwavering love for us, no matter how challenging the road we face. Mission Maureen Tuohy, Principal Our Lady of Sorrows provides an atmosphere rooted in the Catholic faith, dedicated to individual academic excellence, while preparing life-long learners and responsible Christian adults. Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on the concepts of individual identity, personal dignity, cooperative learning and development of responsibility and self- discipline. Our balance strives to meet the individual needs of our students by honoring all phases of the learning process. Along with our strong Roman Catholic-based curriculum, our talented faculty and staff demonstrate to our students the necessary life skills of communication, problem solving, decision making and creativity. We make it our mission to recognize and cultivate each of our student’s unique gifts.
Our Lady of Sorrows School HIGHLIGHTS Learning Communities Accredited by the AdvancED Commission Our Lady of Sorrows follows the standards and requirements set forth by Instruction led by New Jersey State Certified the Diocese of Trenton’s Department of Catholic Schools. These guidelines are based on New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. OLS is ac- Teachers credited by the AdvancED Commission. Curriculum follows New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards Sacramental Preparation: Reconciliation, Com- Preschool munion and Confirmation Enrichment Courses: Art, Music, Physical Educa- The goal of our preschool is to help our children grow academically, emo- tion/Health, Technology, World Language tionally, physically and spiritually. We provide a safe, loving, and caring (Spanish) environment in addition to an Art Studio: Instruction by a NJ State Certified Art enjoyable first educational experience Specialist utilizing various materials and for our children. techniques Our preschool children are introduced Instrumental Instruction: Recorder, Percussion, to a variety of subjects including Guitar, and Hand Chimes. language development, mathematical Opportunities throughout the year to exhibit concepts and science. Gross motor skills are built through various physical activities and fine motor skills are vocal/instrumental talents in school perfor- developed through coloring, painting, tearing, cutting, gluing, manipu- mances lating play dough and doing puzzles. Social and emotional skills are Technology: iPads, computer lab, mobile laptop developed in a nurturing Christian environment.
lab, wireless internet access, interactive white- Our PreK3 program takes a play-based approach to learning while boards integrating educational concepts through age-appropriate activities. Our Science Lab for hands-on instruction PreK4 program stresses Kindergarten readiness skills through a fun and active Center-based approach to the curriculum. This allows our students Advanced Mathematics Courses to be exposed to an independent, yet guided, introduction to more Resource Room Program/Supplemental Instruc- academic topics. tion/Speech Therapy Children learn to play and share with each other, follow directions and After School Program (ASP) develop good listening skills. Religion is introduced in an age-appropriate Tuition Assistance Available manner. Christian values are learned through daily prayers and participa- Beautiful Full-Sized Gymnasium/Auditorium tion in masses and other religious events. Children attend Enrichment Courses weekly and share in collaborative activities with other students in Library/Media Center the school. Air-conditioned Nurse and Guidance Counselor on staff CYO Sports: Basketball, Cheerleading and Soccer (Track & Field based on student interest) Busing or aid in lieu of transportation available through certain local municipalities 12 acre campus with athletic fields/playground conveniently located in suburban Hamilton
Our Lady of Sorrows School Lower Elementary School (Grades Kindergarten to 2)
English Language Arts: Kindergarten and 1st grade use the Superkids Reading Program for beginning reading instruction. Grade 2 will begin using this interactive series in Sept-ember 2018. The program appeals to a range of student learning styles through the use of a variety of instructional methods including group work, individual instruction, Smartboard components, musical segments and hands on writing projects. Spelling is included, with cursive handwriting introduced in Second Grade.
Mathematics: Kindergarten, develops number awareness and introduces addition and subtraction. Real life scenarios build these skills as well as critical thinking and problem solving abilities. These skills, plus geometry are reinforced and further developed in first grade, and in second grade skills in regrouping, money, time, multiplication and division are further developed.
Science: In Kindergarten, Science skills are built through simple experiments, as well as inquiry based learning, through reading and discussion. Science concepts are presented to First and Second graders through a combination of reading, questioning, discussion, and hands on experiments and experiences. TEACHING STAFF
Our teachers demonstrate many Social Studies: The Kindergarten curriculum develops an appreciation of the uniqueness of one’s self and others. In First Grade, children are introduced to the concept of different characteristics that that make community through the study of families and life-experiences. Second Grade expands them special to OLS, but the three the knowledge of community to include neighborhoods, community helpers, and communities around the world. most important ones are their
dedication to provide a good education Upper Elementary School (Grades 3 to 5) to their students, provide an enjoyable Language Arts: Grades Three to Five use a fully integrated language arts and reading classroom experience and satisfying program. The reading program develops strategic reading skills through decoding, their career goals. vocabulary, and comprehension monitoring strategies. Literature elements and devices are emphasized, with an appreciation of a variety of literary genres. The Five Step Writing Process is used to develop the varied forms of writing. An emphasis on What makes our teachers special? traditional grammar is integrated into daily writing. Enjoy teaching Mathematics: Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades explore, develop and reinforce Accountable mathematical concepts including multiplication, division, and fractions. A strong emphasis is placed on estimation, computation and use of properties. Students become Adaptability effective problem solvers by learning to reason mathematically. Students solve Challenging and Inspiring problems based on real life data using calculators. Graphs are used to display conclusions. Advanced Placement Mathematics is offered for qualified Fifth Graders. Compassionate This program continues to Grade 8 when the students can complete Algebra 1. Creative
Science: through the use of hands on materials in the fully equipped Science Lab, and Organized and Resourceful using inquiry based science, upper elementary students are motivated to become involved in their world. There is an integration of life, physical and earth sciences as well as scientific reasoning and the use of technology.
Social Studies: Grades Three, Four, and Five begin the process of global awareness by learning about their local communities past, present and future. The process continues with geographical regions of the United States, with an emphasis on New Jersey and its history. Cultures of the Western Hemisphere are then introduced to continue the process of global awareness. Globes, maps and skill books are used to reinforce earning.
Our Lady of Sorrows School STUDENT ACTIVITIES / LEARNING OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM
CLUBS • Chi gong • Bunco • Create a book club • Create Rosaries/Crocheting • Christmas Gift Club • STEM • Let’s Get Messy Class Middle School (Grades 6 to 8)
• Board Games/Games English Language Arts: The integrated language arts program in the middle school focuses • Bell Chime Club on a literature genre curriculum that incorporates the elements of fiction, non-fiction, • Kids Jazz Club poetry, and drama. Writing, language mechanics, and vocabulary skills are reinforced in this curriculum. Trade books are interspersed throughout the year to enhance and enrich the • Coloring Club students’ analytical and comprehension capabilities. • Disney Fan Club Mathematics: In the middle school mathematics program three curriculum strands are • Create a Book Club presented: Problem Solving, Number Operation/Algebra, and Measurement/Geometry. • Debate/War Films Topics are explored in a variety of modes. Methods employed appeal to a variety of learning styles: Hands-on activity, small group work, classroom instruction, and integration with oth- • Gardening Club er subjects. Our Advanced Mathematics courses make it possible for Eighth Graders to • Jigsaw Puzzle Club complete Algebra I.
Science: The middle school science program focuses on developing the scientific and tech- nological literacy of our students by fostering an understanding of the interrelationships of life, earth and physical sciences. Our curricula is based on a hands-on experimental inquiry approach to learning science as students explore the organization of the natural world.
Social Studies: Sixth Grade students explore governmental systems and policies of selected ancient cultures from the Eastern Hemisphere by incorporating culture, religion, history, and economic systems. Geographical knowledge of the world is expanded through the study of the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe. Seventh and Eighth Grade students examine the historical, political, social, geographical, economical, cultural and aesthetic dimensions of our country. Seventh Grade begins with the development of our nation and continues through Reconstruction. Eighth Grade continues with the study of our nation to present time.
Our Lady of Sorrows School Academic Excellence
Our Lady of Sorrows-Saint Anthony’s Parish is proud of their school and the accomplishments of their students. Our students have demonstrated their skills and talents by:
Admissions to the following outstanding high school and college preparatory programs:
• The Hun School of Princeton, Princeton NJ
Peddie School, Hightstown,, NJ
• Princeton Day, Princeton, NJ
Notre Dame, Lawrenceville, NJ
• Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, NJ
• Villa Vitoria, Ewing, NJ
Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ
Admissions to competitive colleges with outstanding records of student’s program.
• Columbia,
Boston University
• Catholic University of America
• University of Massachusetts
University of Utah
• University of Virginia
• George Mason
Our graduates have been
• Valedictorian and Salutatorian of their high school
• President of High School National Honor Society
• Leads in Performing arts leads at the secondary level
• Published Authors of Children’s Books
Our Lady of Sorrows School ATHLETICS CYO Sports
Boys and Girls Freshmen Basketball (4th grade and under) Boys and Girls Junior Varsity Basketball (5th & 6th grades) Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball (7th & 8th grades) Cheerleading s and Girls Spring Soccer Boys and Girls Track Meet Intramural Basketball — A program for school/parish mem- bers in grades 1-8 to introduce the game in an environment that centers on the development of fundamentals in an atmosphere of teamwork and fun.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Academic and Cultural Assemblies After School Art Lessons Altar Servers Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts (Parish Sponsored) Christmas Show/Talent Show Catholic Schools Week Special Events Community Service Cultural Day Trips (Parish Sponsored) Debate Team Field Day Field Trips Footsteps to Faith Awards Mission Club Monthly Prayer Services and Liturgies Scholastic Olympics School Band School Newspaper “Knightly News” Science Fair Select Choir Spelling Bee Student Ambassadors Student Council Yearbook Club
Our Lady of Sorrows School Seminarian Brennen McCoy is shown above:
Left to right: Most Rev. Timothy C. Senor, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and Rector of St. Charles Seminary, Philadelphia, Mrs. Martha Ann Alito, The Hon. Samuel Alito, Associate Justice of the US Supreme Count (native of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish)
I graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows School in 2010 and am currently in my fourth year of studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia where I am pursuing ordination to the priesthood. My time at Our Lady of Sorrows had a profound impact on the who I am today. During my years at OLS, I received an excellent education and I was given an academic foundation which allowed me to excel in secondary and in higher studies. This academic foundation, however, is not the greatest gift I received during my nine years in the halls of Our Lady of Sorrows School. In my time at OLS, I was encouraged to develop two skills that have helped me to chart my course in life. The first skill is how to inquire. As a student I learned how to ask the right questions; from those as mundane as, “Where is homeroom?” to those as profound as, “Who is my neighbor?” I learned how to focus my intellect so that in reaching for the truth, I might place my grip on something firm and then reach higher and go further in the search for understanding. The other, and in my opinion, more im- portant skill that was honed during my time as a blue knight is the ability to listen. From an early age, I was taught by my instructors and my classmates, that there is a time to speak and a time to listen. This simple lesson of respect set me on a path that made me realize that often the answers we seek are often hidden in those around us, and that fruitful dialogue cannot exist without respectful listening. It is this skill that has given me insight into who I am before God, what is my due to my neighbor, and what it means to live well. It is ultimately this lesson, learned as a young child at Our Lady of Sorrows School, that I credit for my vocation. It is at Our Lady of Sorrows School that I learned how to hear to Word of God and to answer unreservedly.
Our Lady of Sorrows School
PTA/Fundraising
The actual cost of a Catholic education at Our Lady of Sorrows is significantly higher than the billed tuition. To help bridge this gap, OLS families are given the opportunity to participate in various fundraising activities throughout the year.
The PTA coordinates these efforts. While some require mandatory participation, others are opportunities to support the school by either volunteering on committee or partici- pating in the fundraiser.
Required Participation Buy/Sell Cash Calendar Buy/Sell “A Knight to Remember” Tricky Tray tickets Participate in Scrip (Gift Card) Program
Voluntary Opportunities to Participate Volunteer on a PTA-event or fundraising committee Buy/Sell tickets for PTA Specialty Bingos Annual 5K run/walk OLS Dine Out Nights (at various restaurants with a percentage donated to the school) Trunk or Treat OLS Trenton Thunder Night OLS Spirit Gear Box-Tops for Education Flower Sale Pie Sale
3800 East State Street Extension Hamilton, New Jersey 08619 (609) 587-4140 www.olsschool.us