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 The mission of Catholic education is based on the is a “school of discipleship.” Gospel command of Jesus to “Go and teach.” Our program seeks to achieve this not only through the curriculum’s catechesis, but also through daily prayer in common, the weekly celebration of Mass, monthly prayer services, Lenten devotions, opportunities for LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL confession and sacramental preparation for First Penance, First Holy PreK and Kindergarten children develop an Communion and Confirmation. appreciation of God. First Grade focuses on the concept of God as a loving Father, Savior Son and helping Spirit. Second Graders experience the Our Lady of Sorrows School also cultivates within our students the duty sacraments through the reception of Reconciliation of Christian service and charity to the needy and marginalized. Sacred and First Eucharist. The Mass is explored in depth. images are present throughout the school reminding faculty and students In the family life program, the children learn about of their call to holiness. We welcome all students, both Catholic and non- caring for each other and Christian values. Catholic, to experience the beauty and richness of a Catholic education.

UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Both our Catholic and non-Catholic families value the overall excellence of education at Our Lady of Sorrows School firmly rooted in the Roman The Religion curriculum in grades Three to Five Catholic faith. presents the main truths that Catholics believe and express in the Creed. The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes are taught as guides for Christian living. Sacraments are stressed, especially the Monsignor Thomas Gervasio, Pastor Eucharist, as the center of Christian life. Family life is incorporated into all grades. Our Lady of Sorrows-Saint Anthony Parish

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 7th Grade and continues through 8th Grade. During this time, students actively participate in a variety of service projects that foster community. Confirmation begins in 7th grade and is received in the Spring 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 students 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 Maronite 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 200 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 plant which include air conditioning of classrooms, a computer lab, wireless that they are God’s children, and that internet access, interactive whiteboards, iPads, art and music studios, a each of us is where we are because this is where God wants us to be. We are so resource room and MakerSpace. In addition to Catholic Religious Studies, the loved by God, and we are each an integral academic program offers art, music, advanced mathematics, computer and part of our families, our school communi- library in addition to the regular subjects. ty, and our world. We should share and show that love to all those we come in School Colors -- Blue and White contact with. My prayer is that we each remember God’s unwavering love for us, Mission no matter how challenging the road we face. Our Lady of Sorrows provides an atmosphere rooted in the Catholic faith, dedicated to individual academic excellence, while preparing Maureen Tuohy, Principal 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 State Certified the Diocese of Trenton’s Department of Catholic Schools. These guide- lines are based on New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. OLS Teachers is accredited by the AdvancED Commission.  Curriculum follows New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards  Sacramental Preparation: Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation Preschool The goal of our preschool is to help  Enrichment Courses: Art, Music, Physical our children grow academically, Education/Health, Technology, World emotionally, physically and Language (Spanish) spiritually. We provide a safe, loving, and caring environment in addition  Art Studio: Instruction by a NJ State Certified to an enjoyable first educational Art Specialist utilizing various materials and experience for our children. techniques Our preschool children are introduced to a variety of subjects including  Instrumental Instruction: Recorder, language development, mathematical concepts and science. Gross Percussion, Harmonica and Hand Chimes. motor skills are built through various physical activities and fine  Opportunities throughout the year to exhibit motor skills are developed through coloring, painting, tearing, cutting, vocal/instrumental talents in school gluing, manipulating play dough and doing puzzles. Social and emotional skills are developed in a nurturing Christian environment. performances  Technology: MakerSpace, iPads, computer Our PreK3 program takes a play-based approach to learning while lab, mobile laptop lab, wireless internet integrating educational concepts through age-appropriate activities. Our PreK4 program stresses Kindergarten readiness skills through a fun access, interactive whiteboards and active Center-based approach to the curriculum and we use the  Science Lab for hands-on instruction Superkids Reading Program. This allows our students to be exposed to  Advanced Mathematics Courses an independent, yet guided, introduction to more academic topics.

 Resource Room Program/Supplemental Children learn to play and share with each other, follow directions and Instruction/Speech Therapy develop good listening skills. Religion is introduced in an age-  After School Program (ASP) appropriate manner. Christian values are learned through daily prayers and participation in masses and other religious events. Chil-  Tuition Assistance Available dren attend Enrichment Courses weekly and share in collaborative  Beautiful Full-Sized Gymnasium/Auditorium activities with other students in the school.  Library/Media Center

 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

Our Lady of Sorrows School Lower Elementary School (Grades Kindergarten to 2) TEACHING STAFF

English Language Arts: Kindergarten and 2nd grade use the Superkids Reading Program  Our teachers demonstrate many for beginning reading instruction. Grade 2 will begin using this interactive series in different characteristics that make 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, them special to OLS, but the Smartboard components, musical segments and hands on writing projects. Spelling is three most important ones are included, with cursive handwriting introduced in Second Grade. their dedication to providing a Mathematics: Kindergarten, develops number awareness and introduces addition and excellent education to their 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 students, providing an enjoyable grade, and in second grade skills in regrouping, money, time, multiplication and division are further developed. classroom experience and satisfy- ing their career goals. 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,  What makes our teachers special? and hands on experiments and experiences. We recently created a MakerSpace for students to explore and incorporate STREAM and STEM concepts.  Enjoy teaching  Accountable 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  Adaptability community through the study of families and life-experiences. Second Grade expands  Challenging and Inspiring the knowledge of community to include neighborhoods, community helpers, and communities around the world.  Compassionate

 Creative Upper Elementary School (Grades 3 to 5)

Language Arts: Grades Three to Five use a fully integrated language arts and reading program. The reading program develops strategic reading skills through decoding, 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 traditional grammar is integrated into daily writing.

Mathematics: Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades explore, develop and reinforce mathematical concepts including multiplication, division, and fractions. A strong emphasis is placed on estimation, computation and use of properties. Students become effective problem solvers by learning to reason mathematically. Students solve problems based on real life data using calculators. Graphs are used to display conclusions. Advanced Placement Mathematics is offered for qualified Fifth Graders. This program continues to Grade 8 when the students can complete Algebra 1.

Science: through the use of hands on materials in the fully equipped Science Lab, and 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

Examples of club activities

• Create a book club

• Create Rosaries Middle School (Grades 6 to 8) • Crocheting

• Christmas Gift Club English Language Arts: The integrated language arts program in the middle school focuses on a literature genre curriculum that incorporates the elements of fiction, non-fiction, • STEM 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 • Let’s Get Messy Class students’ analytical and comprehension capabilities.

• Board Games/Games Mathematics: In the middle school mathematics program three curriculum strands are • Bell Chime Club presented: Problem Solving, Number Operation/Algebra, and Measurement/Geometry. Topics are explored in a variety of modes. Methods employed appeal to a variety of learning • Kids Jazz Club styles: Hands-on activity, small group work, classroom instruction, and integration with other subjects. Our Advanced Mathematics courses make it possible for Eighth Graders to • Coloring Club complete Algebra I.

• Disney Fan Club Science: The middle school science program focuses on developing the scientific and tech- • Debate/War Films 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 • Gardening Club approach to learning science as students explore the organization of the natural world. We recently created a MakerSpace for students to explore and incorporate STREAM and STEM concepts. • Jigsaw Puzzle Club 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 , Princeton NJ

• , Hightstown,, NJ

• Princeton Day, Princeton, NJ

• Notre Dame, Lawrenceville, NJ

• Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, NJ

• Villa Victoria, Ewing, NJ

• , Lawrenceville, NJ

Admissions to competitive colleges with outstanding records of student’s program.

• Boston University

• Catholic University of America

• Columbia University

• Georgetown University

• Penn State University

• Savannah College of Art and Design

• University of Massachusetts

• University of Virginia

Our graduates have been

• Valedictorian and Salutatorian of their high school

• President of High School National Honor Society

Our Lady of Sorrows School 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  Boys and Girls Spring Soccer  Boys and Girls Track Meet  Intramural Basketball — A program for school/parish members in grades 1-8 to introduce the game in an environment that centers on the development of fun- EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES damentals in an atmosphere of teamwork and fun.

 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)  Field Day  Field Trips  Footsteps to Faith Awards  Mission Club  Monthly Prayer Services and Liturgies  Scholastic Olympics  School Band  School Newspaper “Knightly News”  Stem Night  Select Choir  Spelling Bee  Student Ambassadors  Student Council

Our Lady of Sorrows School Joe Stillwell and Bishop David M. O’Connell, Joe Stillwell and Vice President C.M., J.C.D., D.D. Bishop of Trenton Mike Pence

Featuring Joe Stillwell OLS Class of 2015

I am an alumnus of the class of 2015, and I currently am a freshman at The Catholic University of America. I attended Our Lady of Sorrows for my entire Kindergarten through 8th grade education. During this time, I developed a love for the faith and for service to others. As I matured and reached the middle school, I was immersed in the parish Youth Group, became an Altar Server, and began developing deeper friendships with others, especially at the OLS After-School Program, where I developed a passion for board games. I was fortunate to have established long-lasting bonds not only with other students, but with the faculty, staff and parish priests of OLS. Their desire for me to succeed not only academically, but socially and emotionally, gave me the confidence to pursue greater goals as I moved into high school. This support provided me with the courage to apply for and attend the American Legion Jersey Boys State program while a junior in high school, which led to the initial development of my skills in public service. I was elected as a senator for the national Boys Nation program and met many civic leaders of our time. As a high school senior, I applied for and received the Bishop O’Connell Service Scholarship to the Catholic University of America. Again, this was possible through the support and belief of my OLS family. As a student at Catholic University, I am active in the Knights of Columbus due to my OLS roots of providing community service. I strive to become a high school history teacher and eventually a public servant.

Our Lady of Sorrows was the epicenter of my life for almost a decade. There I learned the value and importance of faith, created friendships, and made unforgettable memories. OLS is a place where I went to school with people who have become life-long friends. These unbreakable bonds were made throughout those nine years, whether in the vibrant school science lab, spending time at the After-School Program, or learning new ideas during class trips. The lessons from my teachers planted the seed for my current journey in life. Through this magical place a desire to become active in the church was born and ultimately led me to Catholic University. Many people in academia glamorize the higher levels of education, but the first investment in Kindergarten through 8th grade is the impetus for this lifetime trajectory. I believe OLS was the perfect place for me to grow, learn, socialize and develop. Without this school and community, my current success could not have been feasible. I am proud to have been an Our Lady of Sorrows student.

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 participating in the fundraiser.

Required Participation  Support “A Knight to Remember” Fundraising Event

Voluntary Opportunities to Participate  Volunteer on a PTA-event or fundraising committee  Annual Color Run  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  Daddy/Daughter Dance  Mother/Son Night  Breakfast with Santa

3800 East State Street Extension Hamilton, New Jersey 08619 (609) 587-4140 www.olsschool.us