We Stand Up and Stand Out

We STAND UP

STAND

St. Thomas’s Day School Happy Minds. Open Hearts. Brave Ideas.

St. Thomas’s Day School prepares

children for the future.

PROJECT-BASED LE ARNING In this era of “hyper-change”, it is more important than ever for students to become independent thinkers who can gather, analyze and interpret information to form conclusions and make informed decisions. In fact, research supports that complex problem solving, critical thinking and creativity are

“Making” stirs imaginations and sparks interest. the top three skills workers will need to be successful in the workforce in the Fourth Industrial Revolution - 2020 and beyond. Students at St. Thomas’s Day School are

encouraged to be inquisitive and seek answers through exploration, investigation and discovery. They are given time and resources to fully immerse themselves in projects and presentations that deepen their knowledge and understanding of concepts.

MAKERSPACE A visit to our third floor will reveal students who are busy inventing, designing and “tinkering” in the Makerspace. The Makerspace is filled with tools, materials and “stuff” for children to explore new concepts and ideas in fun and interesting ways. Learning is integrated across curriculum areas including art, science, technology, history, engineering, etc. “Making” stirs imaginations and sparks interest, both of which we strive to do each and every day.

St. Thomas’s Day School recognizes that students learn in different ways.

EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS Teachers extend the learning that happens in the classroom by planning a series of field trips and educational excursions related to the topics being taught. Field trips broaden the educational experience, deepen student knowledge in a particular subject and allow students to make connections. The trips range in scope from a day at a local farm to a week-long trip to Washington D.C.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PL AY St. Thomas’s Day School recognizes that play is essential to a child’s growth, development and ability to learn. Playing provides children the opportunity to interact with the world around them as they

Playing provides children the opportunity to interact with the world around them. develop language skills, explore ideas and learn to problem solve.

We believe that children need breaks throughout the day to help them stay focused and respond better to classroom learning. All students go outside every single day in every type of weather.

Teachers have unrestricted access to playgrounds in addition to at least two scheduled recesses per day.

St. Thomas’s Day School is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Performances build self-confidence, stimulate the imagination, and foster empathy.

PERFORMING ARTS Drama classes and performances are part of the core curriculum at every grade level. Throughout the school year, skits, plays and musicals enhance student learning.

St. Thomas’s believes that performances build selfconfidence, stimulate the imagination and foster empathy.

In addition, they help students develop important public speaking skills such as voice projection, facial expression and body language.

CHARACTER EDUCATION Core values are woven through all aspects of an educational experience at St. Thomas’s Day School. At all levels, students are taught to show empathy for

St. Thomas’s Day School emphasizes positive

character

development.

others and to exhibit honesty, responsibility, respect and compassion. These core values are the foundation of our school, guiding student behavior and inspiring children to do their best.

IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT Students spend a significant amount of time developing a strong sense of identity. They explore facets of identity such as social position, culture or ethnicity, gender, interests, achievements, and beliefs. They develop selfawareness, positive self-esteem and pride in their roots. Identity work promotes strong and positive feelings among children. It fosters respect and an appreciation for differences.

Identity work promotes strong and positive feelings among children GLOBAL AWARENESS The curriculum helps students recognize their role in the “Global Village�. Students acquire the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to navigate a complex society of human differences.

Issues such as poverty, climate change, religious and cultural differences, world trade and politics are explored, and students learn to recognize the importance of personal responsibility and taking action.

St. Thomas’s Day School

strives to help our students

make the world a better place.

ONE STORY, MANY VOICES In an attempt to ensure that curriculum and content is accurate and complete, St. Thomas’s Day School intentionally represents a variety of perspectives when teaching history. Instead of focusing primarily on dominant groups and communities when discussing historical narratives, we attempt to include those groups that have historically been ignored. Students are encouraged to explore many (sometimes competing) versions of a story to construct their own informed interpretations.

The St. Thomas’s Day School strives to create learning environments that reflect diversity, equity and justice It aims to empower students to identify and speak out against discrimination.

RELIGIOUS LITERACY Our interfaith community provides a foundation for understanding the role of religion in people’s lives.

St. Thomas’s Day School honors all spiritual paths, teaching and modeling respect for multiple perspectives.

Students learn the basic principles of the five major world religions, as well as

common holidays, festivals, and celebrations. Morality, spirituality and ethics are also examined in age appropriate ways.

SERVICE LE ARNING The St. Thomas’s Day School educational experience promotes the importance of helping others and community involvement.

Starting with our kindergarteners who raise money by holding a bake sale in support of the New Haven Animal Shelter and ending with our Grade 6 Penny Harvest, we provide regular opportunities throughout the grades for students to make a difference. Our goal is to educate and empower students to be change agents in our world.

SOCIAL JUSTICE/ ACTIVISM St. Thomas’s Day School strives to create learning environments that reflect diversity, equity and justice. It aims to empower students to identify and speak out against discrimination.

Students are encouraged to recognize unfairness on an individual level, as well as on an institutional and systemic level.

They learn to analyze privilege and power and to think about how that power creates bias and negatively impacts the world. Students are encouraged to be “upstanders” in the fight against prejudice, exclusion and injustice. Opportunities for students to share their opinions, question current practices and petition for change are provided

happy minds. open hearts. brave ideas.

ST. T H O M AS’S DAY S C H O O L 83 0 W H I T N E Y AV E N U E N E W H AV E N , C T 0 6511

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