CURRICULUM FOR CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING

Transfiguration School implements a curriculum set by the New York State Department of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York. The school participates in all New York State testing and evaluation programs which assess student performance in the more challenging New York State Standards in Reading, Language Arts, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Transfiguration School also participates in a National Standardized Testing Program which is administered every spring in grades one through eight.

CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING

Reading, Speaking and Writing

There is a strong emphasis on reading at Transfiguration School. In the lower grades, reading is taught for an extended period each day because we believe that success in reading is fundamental to academic success. Also, since many of our students reside in bilingual households where the primary language may not be English, we believe that emersion in a strong reading program is essential for building vocabulary, comprehension and fluency. To support our reading series, classroom libraries are currently being established with class sets of appealing literature. Systematic study of these works will enhance literary skills and foster a greater love for reading. Independent reading is also an essential component of the overall reading program. Every student is required to read for at least half an hour each night. Students use a daily reading log to record their progress. The goal of the independent reading program is for each student to read 25 books per year. Language usage and expression are nurtured through writing and speaking. Students are encouraged to apply the writing process to all written assignments. Two radio shows, “Meet the Writer” and “Polite is Right,” produced by students, provide additional opportunities to reinforce speaking and writing skills.

Art Program

The Art Program offers the opportunity for creative expression of students’ ideas. It enables students to use a wide variety of materials as they explore and recreate the world around them. The program introduces students to history and culture and enables them to integrate this experience into their own artistic expression.

Theatre Arts Program

Students in grade 3 through 6 experience Theatre Arts. Vocabulary development and language expression are reinforced in a creative environment utilizing poetry, dialogue, stories and plays. Creative writing and dramatics provide an opportunity for students to develop imagination and confidence while improving oral and written language skills.

Technology

Students in grade 1 through 8 receive instruction in technology. The goal of the technology program is to provide technical skills training, support for the content areas and the strengthening of writing skills.

The English as a Second Language Program

The purpose of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is to provide intensive English language skills to students who are bilingual. The program follows New York State guidelines and is staffed by teachers from the New York City Department of Education. Classes are available at three levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced. At the end of the year, students write a state proficiency examination in English.

The After School Program

The Transfiguration After-School Program was established in 1976. It is staffed primarily by teachers from the Transfiguration School who provide individualized instruction and assistance with homework from 3:00pm to 6:00pm five days a week. This program is one reason why Transfiguration School continues to enjoy a strong tradition of academic excellence.

The Enrichment Program

Beginning this year, enrichment classes in piano, violin, art and advanced computing have been added to the After School Program. The aim of this program is to provide additional opportunities to explore and develop these talents.

The Summer Institute for Critical Thinking

Next July, Transfiguration school will launch a Summer Institute for Critical Thinking and Literary Analysis. Students will be challenged in higher level thinking skills through observation and experimentation in Science, problem solving in Mathematics, analysis and criticism in Literature and Writing, artistic expression through Art and the application of technological skills. The program will be staffed by experienced and specialized teachers.

The Summer Institute for Critical Thinking

CHARACTER BUILDING

The Service Program

Students in grades 5 through 8 participate in a service program at Transfiguration School. Students apply for jobs in September as mentors and teachers’ helpers. They manage a bookstore, audio visual squad and an assembly squad. Through these and other volunteer service experiences, students develop such attributes as pride, respect and responsibility. Affirmation of their efforts by their peers and adults strengthens these qualities, and teaches children the value of being appreciated for their efforts.

Reciprocity

Each year students participate in programs that require them to give something back to their community. At Thanksgiving they donate food items and prepare food baskets for needy families. During Lent they donate a part of their allowances to various charitable organizations that serve the poor and sick. Such programs develop generosity and compassion and teach children that each person can make a difference in someone else’s life.

The Sports Program

Mr. Jack Maher has been the driving force behind this successful program for many years. Students from Transfiguration as well as the other Catholic schools in the neighborhood participate in track and field events as well as volleyball and basketball tournaments. Apart from the physical competition involved, the program emphasizes the value of effort, perseverance, team spirit, sportsmanship and cultural awareness. Students also experience the value of service in this program which is staffed primarily by volunteers from high school and colleges who themselves are graduates of this program.

The Summer Camp Program

For many years, at the end of June, Transfiguration School students have participated in a one-week Summer Camp in the country. This program of mainly outdoor activities offers children the opportunity to engage in team planning, strategic thinking and team competition and good old fashioned outdoor FUN. Students also experience personal challenge, quiet reflection and meditation. The program is staffed by faculty and many alumni of Transfiguration as well as volunteers from the Marist high schools and colleges.

Faculty and Staff

Transfiguration is staffed by an outstanding faculty of ten full time teachers and two part time teachers as well as a full time teacher’s assistant and a secretarial staff of three. Supplementing the teaching faculty is a full time ESL teacher, a part time psychologist and a part time social worker provided by the New York City Department of Education. These professionals ensure that students receive appropriate assessments, guidance and support in order to be successful at Transfiguration.

Looking Ahead

Tuition and fees cover only about 75% of the cost of educating a child at Transfiguration School. We realize that the cost of a good education is an expensive undertaking for families and we cannot merely pass this cost on to our parents. To ensure that the cost of an education at Transfiguration remains affordable, we have a Development Director who works closely with the Pastor and Principal in seeking external resources of funding for our educational programs as well as for improvements to the physical plant. We are confident that with help and support from our friends, Transfiguration School will continue to build a solid educational foundation for the children of this community.