Entries in the Catholic school notebook

During a ten-week period, participants can learn how to use the internet, computer scanner and a digital camera, as well as computer basics like word processing. St. James' remedial reading and math teacher Amy Gioia is teaching the course.

Technology in Troy

Peace of mind at CCHS

The school is continuing its participation in the School of Character program (see The Evangelist, March 25) by initiating a School of Character Council, composed of a board member, administration, faculty, parents and students.

CCHS is also inaugurating several new programs, the principal said. Quality Food Management, the school's new food service program, is making breakfast available and expanding the lunch offerings. The school also added varsity and junior varsity volleyball, and modified basketball for boys and girls.

Over the summer, the gym was renovated and a new computer lab was added.

New for East Greenbush

Teachers were trained in the new programs last spring. Over the summer, each classroom was outfitted with a library and math manipulatives, which will be used with these new programs.

Both new programs will help students succeed in meeting the New York State Learning Standards, Sister Maureen said.

In another effort to help students meet the challenges of the Learning Standards, the school has expanded its pre-kindergarten from three half-day sessions to five. Sister Maureen said this program is reminiscent of the kindergarten programs of 25 years ago. Parents are so excited about the program that there is a waiting list of 20, she said.

Speaking Spanish in the halls

Based on that enthusiasm and the school's desire to offer students many opportunities to exceed in meeting the state's Learning Standards, this school year will feature a school-wide Spanish program. "We felt we needed to expand our curriculum, and a language was a good way to do this," Mr. Farrington said. "The parents are excited."

Trying a combo class

In addition to being a practical way to keeping ideal class sizes, the program has academic benefits as well. The students will have the same teacher for two years, the principal said, which will give the teacher the opportunity to get to know each of the children and their learning styles, and to challenge them appropriately.

Good study skills and the ability to work independently are necessary for students in this class. This program will allow the students to do things beyond what can be done in a regular classroom, Sister Anne Marie said, although the same material will be covered as in the other classrooms.

"This is academically challenging," Sister Anne Marie said. "We have many students that could be a part of this program."

The school has also revamped its extended day program, Sister Anne Marie said. "It's a convenience service, based on parental need," she said.

The school has added a before-care program that will begin at 7 a.m. The after-care program, which has been extended to 6 p.m., will now also include an enrichment program.

(09-02-99) [[In-content Ad]]