WelcomeSt. Bartholomew School is a Catholic, urban, elementary school within the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY. We celebrate the richness of a culturally diverse student body located in a multi-ethnic community. We add a spiritual dimension through our morally centered religion curriculum and seek to provide the guidance and values present in Christ’s teaching to our students and their families. We celebrate the Catholic faith through our liturgies, prayer services and daily prayer.
Goals
Past Goals1. Our first goal was to increase teacher awareness of individual student needs by June 2000. A learning styles inventory was administered to all students to meet this goal as planned. 2. The second goal was the improvement of the teaching of social studies. We enhanced our teaching of social studies, especially geography, through the purchase and use of such aids as maps, globes and software for students in grades K-8. To demonstrate these skills, students in grades 6 to 8 participated in a school geography bee for Catholic Schools Week and hope to compete in the National Bee in the future.3. We have established a resource room, equipped and staffed with a full time teacher and aide to meet the needs of our students K-8, thereby meeting our third goal. In fact an additional room has been set aside and staffed with part time teachers in an effort to reach all the students requiring academic assistance.
New Goals
1. Our first goal is to expand our technology program to enhance student performance and participation through the use of the recently obtained internet access in the classroom. Further, we expect to increase access to computers by providing at least one in each classroom to prepare our students for the academic and working world of the future. Integration of the internet into the classroom will serve to enliven and invigorate curriculum in all areas.
2. Our second goal seeks to improve school climate by the implementation of a positive, multifaceted program. A merit/demerit system is a key component in this effort. Student of the Month, All Around Christian Effort award ceremonies and merit rewards are some of the positive aspects to be incorporated into the program.
3. For our third goal we plan to continue refining our exploration of student learning styles. Through additional research we hope to gain insight regarding how to best address individual student needs.Where We Excel
In many areas of the school our faculty finds we excel. Whether we examine the world of our students or ourselves, we see highlights shine.Ongoing strengths are the opportunities for professional development, and the support we receive from St. Bartholomew families. Many of our other strengths flow from this ample foundation.All manner of special classes pepper our program. We see the institution of the resource room as key to inspiring greater response from those who struggle. We also encourage the creation of projects and exhibitions of students’ work gracing hallways, walls and classrooms.The children are technologically savvy, yet show their artistic skills as well. Science projects are strongly supported in our lower school, and all are encouraged to read or to be read to during D.E.A.R. instituted as a daily “post-luncheon” event.Religious activities and the liturgy remain a key thread running through our Catholic school.We have always acknowledged our cultural diversity, and we feel blessed to showcase talent gleaned from our students when presenting semi-annual concerts, talent shows or Catholic School Week contests of knowledge like Spelling, Math and Geography Bees.We excel in all of the above and it shows in the better spirit of the school and faculty.
Governance
St. Bartholomew School is part of St. Bartholomew Parish under the auspices of the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY.
Students
St. Bartholomew School has 440 students enrolled in Pre-kindergarten through grade eight. The student teacher ratio is 1:23. The school provides an all day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten program as well as an extended day program each day after school. We have a culturally diverse student population and welcome all races, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Curriculum and Methods
St. Bartholomew’s is established by the Diocese of Brooklyn and meets the requirements and standards determined by the State of New York. We aim to incorporate the rich cultural diversity of our students with a student-centered learning environment in our school. Teachers motivate each student to his/her potential – spiritually, morally, emotionally, intellectually and socially – in order to foster mutual respect.To the extent possible, religion is woven throughout the curriculum emphasizing its importance at the core of our existence. Teachers use a variety of methods and strategies to implement the curriculum.
At the primary level, children prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. The Language Arts program uses phonics combined with whole language instruction. Listening, writing and reading activities are essential components of the program. Mathematics at this level stresses critical thinking in problem solving and computation through hands-on manipulatives and materials. The focus of the social studies program is the family, community and neighborhood. The science program also stresses the world around the students.
At the intermediate level, the Language Arts program builds upon and develops the reading, writing and speaking skills from the primary level. Poetry, book reports, speeches, classic literature, as well as basic grammar and mechanics are incorporated into the program. Real life applications, computation skills, and direct instruction together with word problem strategies extend and reinforce the mathematics program. The science program emphasizes practical, hands-on experimentation and discovery learning. Geography and New York State history are components of the socials studies program. A geography bee is held during Catholic Schools week.
At the junior high level, our students prepare to profess their Catholic faith and become committed members of the faith filled community through the sacrament of Confirmation. Our Language Arts program encompasses creative and expository writing stressing vocabulary and grammar. Many different genres of literature are explored and evaluated with classic literature forming the foundation for comparison. Pre Algebra and Algebra are taught at this level in the math program. Students focus on Earth Science, Life Science and the Physical Sciences, developing projects and doing hands on experiments. The social studies program concentrates on ancient civilization, United States history, government and current events.
At every level, many approaches are used to integrate subjects and connect them to one another.
To this end, teachers may use tools such as computers, videos, tapes, newspapers, story telling, and journals to motivate and enhance the curriculum. Additionally, we have adopted the Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) program this year recognizing the need to reinforce and motivate our students to refine their reading skills.Assessment and evaluation of student progress takes many forms. Examinations, teacher observations, conferencing and progress reports are utilized. Students take the Terra Nova Test of Cognitive Skills in Grade 3-8 in the fall of the school year. Fourth and eighth grade students take New York State exams in English Language Arts., Math and Science. Fifth and eighth grade students take New York State exams in Social Studies. A diocesan religion inventory is administered to eighth grade students.
Students Support Services
Food
St. Bartholomew School participates in the NYC Board of Education Lunch program. This program provides free lunch to 166 students and reduced lunches to100 students. The Program is staffed by the NYC Board of Education personnel.
Health
St. Bartholomew School receives health services through the New York City Department of Health. A school nurse is provided to maintain school health records. The school has a medical room where such records are kept and exams may be performed. Health instruction is given within the Physical Education and Science curriculum. Emergency medical services are available through Elmhurst Hospital located within five blocks of the school.GuidanceThe Diocese of Brooklyn provides guidance services on an as needed basis through theProgram for the Development of Human Potential.
Students Activities
Throughout the school year students at St. Bartholomew participate in a variety of additional activities that enhance their school experiences. These activities are educationally appropriate. They include local resources for speakers, field trips and service programs. Religion is at the core of our program and central to many activities.
Religion
First Friday MassAdvent ServicesLenten ServicesStations of the CrossSacrament of ReconciliationSacrament of Confirmation First Holy Communion School Closing LiturgyMay Crowning MusicChoirBandService Projects Parish Outreach; Thanksgiving Food DriveParish Outreach; Christmas Toy DriveParish Outreach; Easter Food DriveAfter School HelpersBake Sale – Red CrossSportsBasketball –Boys and Girls.Baseball – Boys and GirlsActivitiesNational Junior Honor SocietyYearbookPeer tutoringGeography BeeNewsday Scrabble TournamentTribune Mother’s Day contestChristmas concertSpring concertField TripsNew York Hall of ScienceBethpage Restoration VillageGreen Meadow Farm“A Christmas Carol”Alley Pond Environmental CenterFaculty & Staff
The St. Bartholomew faculty and administrative staff, including the principal, consists of twenty-three full time and four part time educators. This includes four religious, twenty-one full time lay professionals and part time music, art, and resource room teachers. In addition, we have one secretary and an administrative assistant.Teachers participate in local and diocesan staff development programs. In addition, many teachers participate in the federally funded Eisenhower Math and Science Program. These programs enrich and expand teacher expertise and knowledge. Teachers are actively pursuing graduate school studies as well.Our teachers strive to include parents as partners in the education of their children and meet with them to support these aims. Parents and teachers work together in various school sponsored functions and activities such as special school concerts and festivities.
School Building & Grounds
St. Bartholomew School is located in Elmhurst, NY. St. Bartholomew Parish occupies an entire city block. More than half of that space is occupied by the two buildings that comprise the school. Our lower elementary students in pre kindergarten to second grade are in the smaller and newer of the two buildings on Ithaca Street. Third through eighth grades are in the original building on Judge Street. There is a spacious main church where we hold our school liturgies and the original church, now used as a chapel where smaller ceremonies and liturgies take place. The National Honor Society installation and Eighth grade ring ceremony take place in the chapel. Across from the school is a city park and playground providing some much needed ‘green space’. The school was established in 1923 thus it has served the community for eighty years. The lower floor of the Judge Street building contains our gymnasium/auditorium, a spacious library and the music/band room. Our after school program uses this area for their activities. The maintenance space and boiler room are also located on this level. On the second floor, you will find the administrative offices, faculty room, resource rooms, and grades three through five. Sixth to eighth grade classrooms, the computer lab, science lab, and art room comprise the top floor. Each floor has bathroom facilities. The school cafeteria is located in the lower level of the Ithaca Street building and has a fully equipped kitchen. On the first floor of this building we have our secretary’s office, the medical office and the pre kindergarten class. The second floor of this building holds our kindergarten classes and the third floor houses first and second grade classes. Bathrooms are situated on each floor. There is an elevator in this building. Throughout the hallways of both schools you will see displays of student artwork, projects, seasonal bulletin boards, and achievement awards. In the Judge Street school we maintain the Honor Roll and Principal’s List. We have established a small memorial space commemorating an alumna who perished in the World Trade Center attack in the Judge Street building first floor hallway.Maintenance St. Bartholomew’s building and grounds are immaculately kept by a staff of three maintenance men shared with the parish. In addition, a cleaning service company cleans each school building nightly. Over vacations more extensive cleaning and renovations are performed
Enrollment Procedures
At enrollment, parents are expected to bring the child’s original birth certificate, health and immunization records and the child’s baptismal certificate, if necessary. The required copies are made and the originals returned. Transfer students need to submit a current report card and the previous year’s end of term report card. Children must be present. They are given an informal screening as well. Parents complete an application, are interviewed and receive an informational handbook, and the year’s tuition schedule. Registration is held monthly from February to the end of the school year and once again in August. To enter kindergarten a child must be five by December 31st.
Tuition Fees
St. Bartholomew relies on tuition, fundraising and grant assistance to meet its financial needs. Every effort is made to keep tuition at an affordable level. Families receive a reduction for the number of children enrolled. The Diocesan Futures program provides financial aid for approximately twenty students and the School Choice Scholarship Program sponsors two students with half tuition. Tuition is based on parishioner status, non- parishioners having higher tuition. The tuition payments are made over ten months. The first payment is due in June, the second in August, the remainder is due September through April.Student Dress Code
St. Bartholomew students are expected to wear the appropriate school uniform as a matter of school policy. We believe that uniforms contribute to a positive school climate of respect for one another and help students to focus on studies rather than attire. Girls in the lower grades wear a maroon and gray plaid jumper and matching tie with a white blouse, together with a maroon sweater. In the upper grades girls wear a plaid skirt, maroon vest and white blouse. Girls may chose alternatively to wear gray slacks instead of a jumper or skirt. The boys’ uniform consists of gray slacks, white shirt, a maroon tie and sweater. All wear gray sweat suits for gym and maroon shorts with a white shirt in the warmer weather. Black oxford shoes complete the uniform ensemble. Girls may not wear make-up or excessively large jewelry, especially earrings. Both boys and girls are expected to be neat and well-groomed at all times. Uniform company representatives come to the school in the spring and fall to measure the students. The company is nearby so that students can purchase clothing as needed.