SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MARY'S NATIVITY

As of November 1996, we have been accredited by the Middle States Association Our faculty is dedicated to keeping on top of what is going on in education. All of our teachers take courses during the year to keep informed and up-to-date expanding their own horizons. Our school provides many unique opportunities for our students:

1. There are computer classes once a week for students from Grades 2-8.

2. There is a band program available for those who are musically inclined.

3. There is an after school program for children which runs from 3-6:30P.M. on regular school days and from 12-6:30 P.M. on half days. There is an early morning dropoff for children at 7:45am.

4. During Catholic Schools Week there is an annual Science Fair for all students in grades 5-8. During this week there is also a book fair and an art fair; Grade 3 has a poetry reading and Grade 8 switches roles with the teachers for one period. On Student Appreciation Day, the students are treated to several shows geared toward their age level.

5. There are daily French classes for grades 7 & 8. For grades 5 & 6, French it taught 4 times a week, Grades 3 & 4 receive their French lessons 3 times per week and Grade 2 has French twice a week.

6. Each year the school has a "Sports Day". This is a full day of sports activities and fun. The school is divided into two teams which compete in various events. This is a fun way to end physical education classes each year. In addition, students truly discover the full meaning of "good sportsmanship".

7. During Christmas, the 2nd grade presents a play about the first Nativity. Students taking French sing Christmas carols in French following the play.

8. In 1999, our school received a grant from the America Online Foundation to run a program entitled, "Treasures of the City". This program is designed to join senior citzens of the parish with the students of the school in order to learn more about computers and the internet. There are five, six week programs during the 98-99 school year. At the end of the six week program, the sessions are capped off with a field trip. We have visited "The Metropolitan Museum of Art" and "Lincoln Center".

9. In 1999, our school received an award from, "Todays Catholic Teacher" magazine for the program, "Treasures of the City".

10. In 2002, our school received a grant from New York Newsday for the reading program entitled, Reach Out and Read, or ROAR. A program designed for students and senior citizens to enjoy and read together in our library.

11. A school newsletter is ciruclated once a month, written entirely by the students and edited by a faculty member.

12. A School Spirit committee provides entertaining monthly events for the school community. A faculty baby picture contest, a talent show, and a pumpkin carving contest are just a few of these exciting events.

13. The Home School Association provides support to the school and administration and donates many extras to the students and faculty.