This year, St. Francis of Assisi School, located in the vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood of Astoria, will be diligently working to build its school community of high academic standards through a Catholic Identity Program of faith in action and a personal commitment of service to others.
Academics
During the 2014-2015 school year, the faculty will continue to take a leadership role in developing the curriculum around the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The faculty’s participation in St. John’s University’s Curriculum Leadership Program has facilitated the development of rigorous, instructional unit plans of study in both English language arts and math.
In a schoolwide effort, St. Francis of Assisi is focusing its attention on redesigning instruction so that its students are engaged in cognitively challenging tasks and are actively involved in gaining mastery and proficiency of required and desired skills.
From pre-school to grade eight, the goal is to teach so that the curriculum supports its students’ strengths and helps them develop to their highest potential. The school wants its students to have true intellectual grit, as defined by Angela Lee Duckworth (Harvard Education, Vol. 29), as “having qualities like diligence, hard work, sustained effort and the ability to focus on a goal without getting discouraged by setbacks.”
The goal is to convince students that they can succeed with great effort and perseverance and guide them toward that success.
Technology
St. Francis of Assisi also believes that for all 21st-century learners, technology tools are crucial to attaining success; therefore, the school is immersed in a technology plan that keeps it evolving in a modern Wi-Fi environment of SMART tools, iPads and laptops, as competent and responsible digital citizens. In addition, the school has a fully-equipped computer lab so that it is tech-ready for online N.Y.S. Exams. As it begins Year 3 of its three-year Learning Technology Grant, in partnership with I.S. 126, the school is also proud to be developing more socially conscious problem-solvers and thinkers through programs like Project TIPS.
Catholic Identity
In addition to the CCSS, another powerful evolution is taking place called the Common Core Catholic Identity Initiative. More Catholic teachings, principles, values and social justice themes are being purposefully integrated into the school’s curriculum content and instructional activities.
At St. Francis of Assisi, the school community believes that this will further develop in its students a “way of life” rooted in Christ and a Catholic vision to all members of the school community. This year, students will participate in St. Francis of Assisi’s CARE program, which will highlight Gospel values and impel students’ participation in various service acts.
The school hopes that its students’ education at St. Francis of Assisi will prepare them to be competent, cognizant and caring leaders in an ever-changing world.
Visit www.sfaschool.org for more information.
