SJHA Elementary School Magazine 2023-2024

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COEDUCATIONAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN TO 8TH GRADE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY

Where Tradition Meets Innovation *AWARD-WINNING JUNIOR HIGH STEM PROGRAM*

The mission of St. Joseph Hill Academy, a Roman Catholic elementary school founded by the Daughters of Divine Charity, is to make God’s love visible in the world by empowering our students with a rigorous education rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ where Catholic doctrine and values prepare each student for a life of faith, service, and openness to life-long learning.

"St. Joseph Hill Academy's legacy stems from the Daughters of Divine Charity's one hundred years of dedication and faithful service to Catholic education. At St. Joseph Hill Academy, we ensure students grow spiritually, academically, physically and socially while making God’s LOVE visible each and every day."

Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C., President

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Mr. Lawrence Hansen Principal

The faculty, staff and administration of St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary school proudly supports the mission of the Daughters of Divine Charity to make God’s love visible to all. The Vision Statement of St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School is "Where Tradition Meets Innovation." Our school provides a traditional learning classroom environment that incorporates a variety of innovative learning models to provide instruction to our students. Our Catholic values are the center of instruction in all of our classes regardless of subject or content area. We incorporate an inquiry-based learning model where students are engaged in project-based learning and performance based assessment in cooperative learning classrooms.

Our STEM and Humanities teachers seek to provide all students with the ability to engage in courses of study that promote interdisciplinary learning.

As educators, our faculty and staff engage in ongoing professional development and explore innovative teaching modalities to transform our pedagogy in all areas of curricular. Here at Hill we educate the whole student and our parents are true partners in that educational journey. Our school family has grown to nearly 650 students with a faculty of fifty plus teachers and support staff.

I am proud of the legacy we are building together, as we hold to the traditions that we value. In accordance with our mission statement, we prepare each student for a life of faith, service, and openness to life-long learning. Students Pre-K to 8 are nurtured in a Catholic tradition and are expected to go out and serve our community. They are encouraged to reach beyond their comfort zone as they take new courses, meet new friends and join new clubs and sports.

AWARD-WINNING JUNIOR HIGH STEM PROGRAM SJHA IS A PROJECT LEAD THE WAY DISTINGUISHED GATEWAY SCHOOL

We are incredibly proud to receive the award of being a 2022-2023 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished Gateway School. The recognition our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Program received is due to our commitment to helping our students own their education by increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in our PLTW Gateway Program (6th-8th Grades).

SJHA is one of 134 PLTW Gateway Programs across the United States to receive the recognition of a PLTW Distinguished School for 2022-2023. SJHA is also one of only 9 PLTW Distinguished Elementary Schools in the entire state of New York.

SJHA is the only PLTW school on Staten Island!

ALGEBRA 1 & LIVING ENVIRONMENT REGENTS St. Joseph Hill Academy is proud to provide a unique educational opportunity for our 8th-grade students. In addition to our rigorous academic curriculum, we offer Algebra 1 Regents and Living Environment Regents courses. These advanced courses empower our students to excel in mathematics and biology, preparing them for the challenges of high school and beyond. At St. Joseph Hill Academy, we believe in fostering academic excellence and preparing our students for a bright future.

AWARD-WINNING JUNIOR HIGH STEM PROGRAM 6th Grade All Year - AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

7th Grade Fall - MEDICAL DETECTIVES Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

7th Grade Spring - SCIENCE OF TECHNOLOGY Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today, and the future. Students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and discovering the properties of nanomaterials.

8th Grade Fall - MAGIC OF ELECTRON Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them.

8th Grade Spring - GREEN ARCHITECTURE Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In this unit, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.

Mr. Jan Paul Pablo Assistant Principal Gateway PLTW (E) jpablo@stjhill.org and T (+1) 718.981.1187

SCHOOL ADVANCEMENTS

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SPACES AND TOOLS

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING TECHNOLOGY CENTER SJHA provides students in the middle school grades (5-8) with a state of the art Collaborative Learning Technology Center (CLTC). The Center has 12 computers, controllers, charging stations and PC monitors. These computers are stocked with high-end, industry standard specialized hardware that enables the students to work on technology projects, robotics, coding, gaming, and more, at a level not possible with standard PCs. The computers will support Javascript, Python, HTML, CSS, 3D modeling, Robot-C, and Revit Autodesk. In addition, this technology supports the computer science modules of our Project Lead the Way program.

In the new CLTC, students are now able to engage in video editing, podcasting, and film editing. Students are guided in best practices of e-Sports and can participate in SJHA's e-Sports Club. This new pedagogy facilitates: hand-eye coordination, strategic thought, team building, critical thinking and collaboration.

NEW ANATOMAGE TABLE

SJHA's state-of-the-art Anatomage Table will enhance our Science, Math and Technology instruction. It is a virtual, 3D, life-size teaching tool of the human body.

This interactive table with threedimensional views of real human bodies will allow our students to learn about the human body via a life-sized anatomy visualization system. The Anatomage Table will help draw students' interest and attention to the exploration of human anatomy, leading to more effective educational outcomes.

SCHOOL ADVANCEMENTS COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SPACES AND TOOLS

LEARNING COMMONS

TECHNOLOGY LAB

SJHA's Learning Commons opened in the Winter 2022 for students in every grade to utilize. It was designed in a manner that will support the learning of all students so that everyone will have equal access to the space with educational learning tools for everyone.

SJHA's Technology Lab is one of several cooperative learning spaces for students of all grade levels. The lab is located on the 4th floor of the elementary school and serves as the location for our Project Lead the Way Robotics class.

JUNIOR HIGH SCIENCE LAB Our Junior High Science Lab is a hands-on learning space where students engage in laboratory experiences that develop problemsolving and critical-thinking skills. In the lab, students gain exposure to working with a variety of materials, and equipment that enhance their learning in a cooperative work environment. The lab serves as the setting for our PLTW Medical Detectives course as well our 6th, 7th and 8th Grade science classes.

CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS FROG STREET PREKINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM

EARLY LITERACY TEAM AND ACADEMIC SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT As educators we are dedicated to the continued exploration of innovative teaching modalities to help inform our pedagogy in the humanities and literacy curricular. Students are offered the opportunity to read, write and explore various genres of literature to foster a love of reading and draw connections between subject and content areas. Recognizing that students in grades K to 3 are learning to read while students in grades 4 and above are reading to learn, faculty participate in a variety of professional development opportunities that promote phonetic awareness and continue to develop reading and writing across the curricula. These programs will aid in providing differentiated instruction for students at all levels of learning.

SJHA Pre-K is very excited to introduce the Frog Street Curriculum. This engaging interactive curriculum program celebrates the joy of learning while children travel down the road to success. Some of the learning activities will be socialization and communication skills. Academic skills will focus on Math, Phonics, Early Literacy, and Religion. We will have Creative Arts, Music and Movement activities. Children will participate in group projects, discussions, and many learning games.

We will have practice activities in centers.

We also learn the alphabet, the sounds, and the numbers through various types of experiences and the Letter People Preschool Program. Most importantly the children will learn to socialize and be a part of the group. They will learn to take turns, and share and work cooperatively together.

SJHA also recognizes that supporting the diverse learning needs of all our students is key to maintaining our high academic standards.

Whether it be small-group instruction in the classroom, one-on-one individualized instruction, or a blended-learning lesson, we incorporate a variety of strategies to ensure maximum growth.

SJHA faculty partners with Catapult Learning and ADAPP (Archdiocese of New York Drug Abuse Prevention Program) counselors in supporting the social-emotional and academic learning needs of all SJHA students.

CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS THE NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS (NGSS) STEM PROGRAM FOR K-8 SJHA adopted the hands-on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for our K-8. The NGSS have three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science: crosscutting concepts, science and engineering practices, and disciplinary core ideas. They were developed to give educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepare them for college, careers, and citizenship.

Our hands-on science programs align NGSS to our award-winning PLTW curriculum.

JUNIOR HIGH WRITERS' WORKSHOP SJHA's Junior High Writers' Workshop is designed to assist students become confident and capable writers. During the Writers' Workshop, they have the opportunity to work independently and with their classmates. Students actively engage in the writing process, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing their work. Writers’ Workshop is a class focused on developing active critical thinking, reading and writing skills. Students will learn the importance of annotating, close reading, and summarizing to enhance their ability to read and break down complex information. They will also apply the knowledge and skills they acquire through this process to their own writing.

Students will prepare both fiction and nonfiction pieces, completing a variety of assignments from creative writing to research papers. Our focus will be on sensory details, expansion of vocabulary, transition words and phrases, reinforcement of English conventions, and clear organization of ideas and arguments.

Our Hill students have so many wonderful ideas, and we hope that this class will help them to express these ideas more effectively in their writing. Writers’ Workshop grades are part of a student's English Language Arts (ELA) grade.

SPANISH LANGUAGE SJHA offers a Spanish Language course for all Pre-K 4 to 5th Grade students and welcomed our new Spanish teacher Ms. Jennifer Jimenez this September. Veteran teacher Mrs. Nichole Edelman continues to teach Spanish three times a week to grades 6 through 8.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM SJHA's Pre-Kindergarten for three- and four-year-old students is a traditional academic setting filled with joy and exploration. We lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, all set in a Catholic environment. Our Pre-K students are learning through play and fostering healthy habits. There are threeday, five-day, and extended day programs to fit every family's schedule.

SJHA’s Pre-K is modeled on center-based play, where each center provides a different educational focus that inspires hands-on learning in an organized way. The centers stimulate growth and accelerate socialemotional learning. Students develop fine and gross motor skills and self-help skills that build independence and confidence. We help our students learn how to take care of themselves and each other. Our curriculum and activities uniquely provide them with academic and social readiness for Kindergarten. SJHA's Frog Street Curriculum celebrates the joy of learning while children travel down the road to success.

SJHA Pre-K Schedule Options Three full days (Tues, Wed, & Thurs) Five full days Extended days available SJHA Pre-K 3 Program Transitions from home to school Develops early literacy skills Introduces basic math concepts Instills independence and confidence Encourages oral communication Promotes team building through group discussions and activities Teaches sharing and socialization skills SJHA Pre-K 4 Program Teaches a progressive curriculum that enhances a Pre-K student's creative thinking, imagination, and problemsolving abilities Integrates technology in learning including interactive Smartboards Promotes self-confidence through daily routines and activities Provides specialized instruction in physical education, art, music, Spanish, and dance classes Ensures a seamless transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten

Mrs. Eileen Gregor Director of Early Childhood Education, Director of After School Programs, and Executive Camp Director (E) egregor@stjhill.org and T (+1) 718.981.1187 ext. 9171

KINDERGARTEN - 5TH GRADE

SJHA's Kindergarten is an exciting milestone in the life of a child where our students develop a strong foundation as they begin their journey through formal education. Our students interact in an environment where learning is fun and meaningful. We aim to develop self-confidence and academic excellence in every student through a rigorous curriculum that meets the needs of students in the 21st century.

First Grade at SJHA is an exciting year filled with many challenges and many joys. The reading and math skills taught in First Grade lay the groundwork for their academic future and affect our students throughout their lives. Good study habits and organizational skills are developed here.

The goal of Second Grade is to help your children grow academically, especially by strengthening their reading foundation and expanding their math framework. In addition, we do everything possible to guide them to become individuals we can be proud of by teaching them about our faith and preparing them for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

In our Third Grade, we endeavor to create a comfortable classroom environment in which each child is encouraged to participate, their contributions are appreciated, and students gain the confidence necessary to accept academic challenges.

Fourth Grade continues to encourage a love of learning in all students. By integrating students’ interests and showcasing their unique talents, we hope to make all subjects engaging and motivating to each learner. The students develop skills and study habits that will set the foundation for Junior High and they also prepare for the NY State test.

The mission of Fifth Grade is to guide each diverse learner through this transition year from elementary school into junior high. Through differentiated instruction, each student will be given the tools to reach their full potential as diverse learners. In Fifth Grade students will learn, understand, and practice responsibility while respecting all individuals. Through leadership, Fifth Grade students will become positive members of society.

JUNIOR HIGH (6TH-8TH GRADES) St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School recognizes the importance of Junior High as an especially formative time in a student's educational journey. SJHA ensures our Junior High Students are developing strong study habits and cultivates a hunger for learning.

Though SJHA Junior High is a challenging time academically, our students are fully supported by our dedicated faculty and educational support specialists. SJHA Junior High students graduate 8th grade prepared for the academic rigors of high school. They will also take with them the values and strong character that SJHA instills in all of our students.

We are the only Catholic school within the Archdiocese with three classes on a grade level for 6th through 8th grades.

Congratulations to the 70 Graduates of the SJHA 8th Grade Class of 2023! $900,000 in Academic Scholarships to High School 100% Accepted into 1st and 2nd Choice High Schools

In addition to the STEM program, Writers' Workshop, and Spanish Language courses detailed earlier, SJHA Junior High students complete English Language Arts and Social Studies courses that deepen their critical analysis skills. They master skills of computation and algebraic thinking in Math classes. They also expand the foundation of Catholic faith through Religious Studies courses all three years.

ART, MUSIC, AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS ART

Each SJHA student is given an opportunity to enrich and develop an appreciation of art with lessons designed to sharpen learning skills, challenge visual perception and utilize principles of art and design to problem solve. Exploring perspective, scale and point of view, developing creativity and stirring imagination are all part of art appreciation.

Art Teacher: Mrs. Rosemary Klein

MUSIC

The music curriculum is offered to students from Pre-K 4 through Grade 8. It recognizes that the arts are unique forms of knowledge and expression that allow young people to give creative and critical expression to their deepest thoughts and insights about themselves, God and the world. Lessons are carefully planned in accordance with classroom and subject teachers, to offer an interdisciplinary experience, thus reinforcing the academic subjects by integrating them into music.

Music Teacher: Mrs. Regina Innocente

DANCE

Pre-K 3 to 3rd Grade Students engage in Movement and Dance class. Children develop coordination and strength as they move. Additionally, the class assists in providing a cognitive loop between the idea/problem and the outcome or solution.

At the same time, it is promoting psychological health and maturity. Students learn to improve their communication skills, build confidence, and reduce their shyness and anxiety. Dance class aids in fostering social encounters, interaction, and cooperation.

Dance Teacher: Ms. Loretta O'Hara

PHYS. ED

Physical Education for Pre-K 4 to 8th Graders encourages students to develop interests and proficiency in physical fitness activities that are fundamental to their physical and mental health. It also provides a social outlet, encourages confidence and positive self-image, and develops their motor skills. They learn important skills like teamwork and sportsmanship.

Physical Education Teacher: Mr. John Liantonio

MAKING GOD'S LOVE VISIBLE: SPIRITUALITY & SERVICE Our Catholic faith and our mission to make God’s love visible is the foundation in every classroom, regardless of subject or content.

As a school family we celebrate Masses on Holy Days of Obligation, St. Joseph's Day (the patron saint of our school), and during the holiday season for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In May we honor our Blessed Mother with our May Crowning and special religious and prayer services are held on Ash Wednesday. Each year we celebrate the sacrament of First Holy Communion with a special Mass and breakfast for our communicants and their families.

As part of our mission, our school is very active in community service. We have students who participate in Altar Service, the Bread of Life Food Drive, an annual ACS Holiday Toy and Gift Drive, and so much more.

Though SJHA is a Catholic school, all religious backgrounds are welcome and thrive here.

ATHLETICS PROGRAM SJHA has a number of sports opportunities for our students across nearly every grade level. This program gives students the opportunity to compete in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Staten Island. Our Athletics Program helps our students develop physical, emotional, intellectual, and social skills.

It builds their character and fosters a strong sense of teamwork and efficacy.

Follow @sjhaes_athletics on Instagram

At SJHA we provide many opportunities for your child to join teams in the following sports:

Basketball Bowling Cheer Cross Country

Mr. Michael Smith Athletic Director 7th & 8th Grade Religion Teacher 7th Grade Public Speaking Teacher (E) msmith@stjhill.org (T) 718.981.1187 ext 9323

Golf Soccer Swim Track

Ms. Lisa LaVara Assistant Athletic Director 7th Grade Math Teacher (E) llavara@stjhill.org (T) 718.981.1187 ext 9322

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS SJHA Elementary School offers a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities for students to participate in five days a week after the school day ends for small additional fees. SJHA After School Clubs run in two sessions each school year from October-January and February-May. There is something for every student's interests!

After School Soccer Club Archery Club Art Club CM Kustom Woodshop Club Chess Computer Programming Club Computer Repair Club E-Sports Flag Football Club Hilltappers Koala Kasters Paul Effman Music Story and Craft Robotics Club Volleyball Club Wacky Science Yoga

Spotlight Theatre Company offers our students a vibrant performing arts program! Save the Date for our performance of Matilda Jr, on January 5th at 7:00 pm and January 6th at 1:00 pm!

Mrs. Eileen Gregor Director of Early Childhood Education, Director of After School Programs, and Executive Camp Director (E) egregor@stjhill.org and T (+1) 718.981.1187 ext. 9171

WE ARE HILL STRONG EVENTS AND TRADITIONS

8th Grade Semi Formal 8th Grade Rose Ceremony Book Fair Breast Cancer Walk and Bake-aThon Catholic Schools Week (Themed Days of Celebration) Christmas Carnival Christmas Tree Lighting Class Trips Communion Breakfast Father/Son Event Field Days Fun Run Golf Outing Junior High Halloween Dance Moms' Night on the Hill Mother/Daughter Event Mother/Son Event New Student Meet and Greet Parent Wine and Cheese Pie Drive Plant Sale Sports Awards Dinner Sports Pep Rallies Sweetheart Dance Trunk or Treat

SUMMER CAMPS

SJHA Elementary School Summer Camps take place throughout the month of July each Summer.

The camps run Monday through Friday and welcome students who will be entering Grades Pre-K 4 to 8 that coming Fall. Full Days are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Half Days are from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

In July 2023, we had five sports camps and two weeks of Camp Koala!

All camps are co-educational and students from all schools are welcome.

CAMP KOALA

FLAG FOOTBALL

BASKETBALL

SOCCER

CHEER

TRACK

AFTERCARE PROGRAM SJHA provides parents with the flexibility of a safe environment for their children both before and after school hours. Our aftercare program gives students the opportunity to complete their homework assignments with assistance. When homework is complete, students can relax, watch a movie, play board games or read a good book.

Hours of Operation: Days of regular dismissal aftercare operates from 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm.

Unless otherwise noted, half day dismissal aftercare operates from 11:30 am – 5:30 pm.

Mrs. Eileen Gregor Director of Early Childhood Education, Director of After School Programs, and Executive Camp Director (E) egregor@stjhill.org and T (+1) 718.981.1187 ext. 9171

Mrs. Diane Kelly Pre-K 4-1 Teacher, Aftercare Director (E) diane.kelly@stjhill.org (T) (+1) 718.981.1187 Ext. 9503

TUITION AND FEES (2024-2025) ALL STUDENT FEES Application Fee

$40

Payable with application

Registration Fee

$250

Payable upon acceptance with registration

PRE-KINDERGARTEN (3&4) TUITION 3 Full Days (T/W/TH) 5 Full Days General Fee

$3,815 $6,475 $200

General fee includes workbooks, weekly readers, insurance and technology.

K-8 TUITION Tuition General Fee

$6,500 $700

General fee includes textbooks, e-books, workbooks, insurance, state testing, and technology. 8th Grade students have a graduation fee of $175.

SIBLING DISCOUNTS The second and third child are a $500 discount each and, for a fourth child, tuition is free.

Siblings discounts are extended to families with students throughout the entire Academy.

All tuition/fees can be paid in either 1 payment, 2 payments, or 11 payments through FACTS Tuition Management. Custom payments are available upon request.

There is limited need-based financial aid funding available. Once registered with SJHA, families can apply for limited financial resources by completing a financial aid application with a processing fee of $40.00. Applications and all supporting documentation must be received by FACTS no later than May 1, 2024. Financial Aid Awards will be granted by June 30, 2024.

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 850 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10305 (718) 981-1187 info@stjhill.org stjosephhillacademy.com

MEET ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. President

Mr. Jan Paul Pablo Assistant Principal

Mr. Lawrence Hansen Principal

Mrs. Joanne Del George Dean of Curriculum

Mrs. Eileen Gregor Director of Early Childhood Education

Where Tradition Meets Innovation Apply Online for 2024-2025 School Year STAY CONNECTED TO SJHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! Follow us on Instagram @sjhaes & @sjhaes_athletics

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