We Walk As One Toward Faith, Knowledge and Wisdom Spiritual Growth
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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 New Jersey 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,