Elementary Academics

Nardin Elementary is a school where students are excited about learning and are exposed to a curriculum which is both rich and challenging. The mission of the academy is to educate the whole child, academically, spiritually, and physically. In part, the curriculum is determined by NY State with emphasis on the learning standards, providing innovative programs in all academic areas. Students are well prepared for college-preparatory high schools.

"Nardin is Buffalo's top rated private middle school. It wins two subject awards, meaning it is among the region's best schools in English and Math."

     - Business First 2008-09 Guide to WNY Schools

The Nardin Elementary areas of study include (please scroll down):

Reading and Language Arts: There are separate reading sections in the first through fifth grades. Students through grade four spend two consecutive periods a day in small group settings developing their reading skills through an integrated phonics and literature based program. Author study, poetry, and theme reading form the basis for the development of reading for understanding and pleasure, as well as for purpose. Response journals assist in the expression of ideas and project work based on independent reading allows students to pursue areas of interest to share them with one another. Instruction in language arts is another period in the day where more work is done on written and oral expression and language mechanics using a wide variety of formats. Writing is taught as a process with self-editing a skill that is instilled early on.   Students in grades six, seven, and eight have a double period of integrated language arts daily in which they build upon the foundation laid in the earlier grades. Through the study of all genres of literature, skill development, and project work in expository and creative writing, public speaking, and drama, students improve their mastery of their native tongue.     Mathematics Mathematics Curriculum Ours is a unique mathematics program that focuses on helping students make sense of mathematics in a meaningful ways. The curriculum is coherent and well articulated across the grades. Number sense, reasoning, critical thinking, and problem solving permeate each level of the program, stressing the importance of mathematics in everyday life. The curriculum, which meets and exceeds the requirements of the State of New York, promotes mathematical reasoning, connecting, and communicating. It is structured to increase student understanding and performance by adapting to each student’s unique learning needs. Skills are reinforced by practice, and extra help is provided through math clubs, study groups, and Student Services. Enrichment programs are provided for advanced students.   Science:

Elementary students explore life and physical science through hands-on experimentation. Students learn and develop scientific skills including observation, record keeping, and drawing conclusions. Projects and laboratory experiments engage students in the learning process. Topics studied include matter, energy, plant and animal life, the solar system, weather and climate, ecosystems, simple machines, physics, chemistry, and the human body.

Social Studies: The discipline of Social Studies at Nardin is closely aligned with the NYS Social Studies curriculum, standards, and assessments. Students are engaged in the study of history, geography, economics, government and civics and are preparing themselves to be active members in the global community and responsible citizens of our country. Students work to acquire the necessary social studies skills and are able through their efforts to gather, organize, analyze, use and present the information they learn. Classes are interactive and challenging for students at all levels.

Foreign Language: The study of a second language begins in first grade in French and Spanish. Second language acquisition follows the methodology of primary language acquisition commencing with listening and speaking and building to reading and writing. The instruction incorporates a great variety of activities to accommodate the learning styles of all students. This simple idea can make a difference between struggling and pleasure in the foreign language classroom. Classes meet twice weekly for grades 1-3, then daily for grades 4-8. Using a student-centered approach, this encourages students to take a more active role in their learning, allowing the teacher to be the facilitator. Students are able to represent the school in a variety of local, regional, and national contests with consistent stellar results.

Spiritual Formation: Christian values permeate our learning environment. Students of various religious backgrounds are welcomed and honored at Nardin. The opportunity to learn about other faith traditions through classroom experiences enriches everyone. Participation in worship as expressed in seasonal liturgical events is a primary focus of the formation program as well as daily morning prayer. Primary grades participate in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a unique process that combines liturgy and scripture together with Montessori principles of education to prepare children for spiritual formation. In addition, the preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation in Grade 2 and First Eucharist in Grade 3 is included in this program and accepted by many students' parishes in lieu of parish programs. Themes, as revealed in Sacred Scripture, ranging from Old and New Testament to Church History are studied in grades 4-8. Development of values such as respect, integrity, moral responsibility, leadership, friendship, and civic responsibility are incorporated within our Character Education Program as well as our Religion Program.

Technology: Formal computer classes are taught in a lab setting where each student has a computer on which to work. A Smartboard is used by the teacher for large group instruction. Computers are also present within the classrooms and their use is integrated with the curriculum on a daily basis. As the school continues to acquire additional hardware, allowing for even further application within the curriculum, our students will be computer literate upon graduation. Students at all levels currently explore word processing, computer illustration and animation, reinforcement activities and challenges in all content areas through a variety of software selected by the teaching staff. An ongoing in-service program is provided for the faculty to enhance our commitment to technology education.

Physical Education: The Physical Education Department at Nardin Elementary serves all students in grades 1 – 8. All grade levels follow the New York State Standards for curriculum. The depth and quality of the Physical Education program has had a direct impact on the success of the ever-growing interscholastic athletic program. Sportsmanship and cooperation are always the main emphasis in the Nardin Physical Education program. All Nardin students are involved for a portion of the school year in the Dance Education Program.

Music: The design of the curriculum emphasizes the study of music through a computer system. A series of keyboards provides opportunities for experience and achievement both as individuals and as a group. The program strengthens the ability of all students not only to learn about music but, even more importantly, to learn how to create music. “Listening, Review and Quiz” provide a structured and comprehensive musical experience that relates to the systematic learning of musical skills and concepts for all grade levels. The music program also includes the following: Orchestra – Rehearsals are Mondays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm for grades 4-8. All orchestra members must be able to read music and are encouraged to study with a teacher once a week. Choir – Auditions are held in September for interested students in grades 3-8. After-School Music Lessons – All orchestral instruments, piano and voice lessons are offered after school and on Saturdays on a private pay basis. Musical Theater – Auditions in October. Dates to be announced.

Dance: Dance students at Nardin achieve growth in physical movement, become aware of their bodies in space, and begin to understand the dynamics and expression of dance. The program also enables students to attain positive self-esteem, increase their confidence, concentration and focus. They begin to open themselves to the aesthetics of dance and are exposed to other cultures through dance. These qualities are part of a dancer’s training and they are tools which the students can use in both their daily and future lives. Enhancing students’ lives through dance is directly connected to life itself. A favorite quote of Miss Hanna’s is “Life is a stage and we all have a part to DANCE, so we must practice.” Dance is offered to all grade levels and touches on all styles of dance. During the school day dance ensemble is available to grades 7 and 8. After School Dance Lessons are offered in Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Jazz and Tap.

Art: Nardin Academy’s art program is based on a combination of three approaches to the study of art. The first step which is emphasized most in the primary grades 1-3 is experimentation, using the elements and principles of art. Exploring color, line, shape and texture with a variety of materials establishes a strong understanding of the artist’s vocabulary as well as discriminating visual perception. The study of art in grades 4-6 includes the principles of art. These are the action words like balance, variety, rhythm, harmony, emphasis, proportion, unity, pattern and movement. Students are expected to put together a more thoughtfully planned composition. Art Through the Ages is the second approach. Adding that layer of study puts the projects in historical context, has cross-curricular connections and includes the rich traditions of cultures around the world. The third approach is developing an aesthetic view. 7th and 8th graders evaluate the success of a work based on their personal point of view. Learning about art criticism is a way to evaluate students’ art as well as any artist one may encounter. Student work is displayed throughout the school. In the Art Pit, it can be seen in progress or more developed work in the Koessler Family Media Center. Students may also take advantage of the After-School Art Program which offers sculpture, painting and a variety of other crafts.

Student Services: While all teachers are attentive to individual differences and learning styles, some learners require more individualized instruction. Through the use of standardized testing and teacher recommendations, students are identified for this program. Academic assistance is provided using a “Push-In” (a special education teacher co-teaches with the classroom teacher) or a “Pull-Out” (small group tutorial session) model. Sessions may be anywhere from one to five days per week. Other support services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological testing are provided to Nardin students through the Buffalo City School District. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact Linda Lates-Nelson at extension 1410.