Academic Program

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Universal School supports integrated learning methods for all learners. This would entail providing theme-based learning and combination subject administering. Studies have shown that such learning techniques involves students more and allows students to be creative, challenged and learn to work better in groups and individually. All subjects and material used meets NY State Education Standards.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN

In the Pre-kindergarten program, teachers creatively teach readiness skills in Language Arts and Mathematics, while introducing and developing an appreciation for social awareness and science skills. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught daily to develop and appreciation of their Creator, along with developing phonetic support in the Arabic language.

In Kindergarten, children from age five will build on the Readiness Program begun in the Pre-K and move toward the full curriculum of reading, language mechanics, mathematics, science, social studies, Islamic Studies and Arabic. Creative art, nap-time, field trips, Rhythm and Beat, Library and Physical Education also compliment curriculum.

ELEMENTARY

The highly challenging elementary program will include thematic based learning which branches off from the Language Arts program. Language Arts include reading and comprehension, writing, language mechanics/grammar, phonics, vocabulary development, and spelling.

The school will be using the same Math Program, Every Day Math, as used in the Williamsville District. This comprehensive program is highly acclaimed and used nationwide and considered one of the best programs in mathematics in elementary schools. Teachers receive training through the district for ensuring proper administration of the program.

Science and health take on a hands-on approach and “lab-like” experiences for learning while having fun. Projects may be sent home for family involvement as well. The health curriculum also supports science related activities in all grades and adds further discussions for higher grades on community health, substance and drug abuse, hygiene and peer pressure.

Our social studies program provides a look into “traditional” social studies curriculum of home, community, state, and world studies but adds an Islamic perspective on who we are as Muslims. The 2nd through 6th grades will also begin learning on Islamic History and its impact on the world in the past and today. Individualized educational goals will be assessed for each child in September to ensure each student is being challenged individually.

Other curricular subjects that enhance elementary level learning include: Technology and Computers, Visual and Performing Art, Rhythm and Beat, in-class Library as well as trips to local Libraries, and two days a week of Physical Education.

Islamic Studies and Arabic

Arabic language is vital for the development of appreciation of the Holy Quran. Students not only learn Quran memorization, but also learn the meanings, or tafsir. The goal is to give the students memorization, and understanding of the Quran as to apply it in their everyday lives. As such, the Arabic language plays a key role in this endeavor. Arabic Language Arts include: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Students also learn Aqidah and Fiqh, Sunnatul Rasul, Stories of the Prophets and Companions, Quranic memorization and tafsir, Hadith, and Adab and Iklaq, and Islamic History. It is the school’s goal to help support the parents in developing an Islamic conscience and well-rounded American Muslim.

Hifz

Students in grades K will start basic hifz lessons to develop Arabic reading skills. Students in grades 1st-8th will receive a hifz class 4 days/week. It is important that parents support their children at home with a daily practice of recitation.

DAILY WUDHU AND SALAH

Students will pray Dhuhr together daily and learn proper etiquette of wudhu and prayer, including participation in Salatul Juma’a

HOMEWORK

Homework serves many purposes. Its is designed to reinforce study skills, practice what has been learned in class, develop research skills, explore ideas and develop problem solving techniques. Most subjects require homework assignments. Students are sometimes given projects that may last a few weeks.

To keep homework assignments well organized, assignment books and homework folders are encouraged by teachers. Parents may be expected to sign these assignments as completed. Parents should help develop student’s sense of responsibility in completing assignments in a timely manner. Missed assignments will be expected to be completed by the assigned time provided by the student’s teacher.

The following is an approximate guideline for the amount of time your child should devote to homework daily. The time frames will vary during the year; but it takes into consideration the average student subject load with daily required Quranic reading and additional subjects such as Seerah and Arabic

Grade Daily allotment

Pre-K/KindergartenTeacher’s discretion

1st/2nd grade~ 1/2 hour

3rd-- 4th grade~ 1 hour

5th – 6th grade~1 ½ hours

7th & 8th grade~2 hours

Students should:

•Record all assignments in an assignment notebook

•Start a routine for their homework at the same time each day

•Have a quiet place to work with no distractions

•Work to the best of their abilities

•Assume responsibility for getting and doing missed assignments

Parents should:

•Provide support and encouragement that is crucial to the child’s development

•Show interest and concern for their child’s success

•Request homework assignments for all absences

•Check that all homework is complete, and sign assignment sheet if applicable

Study Buddy System

When students are absent from school, they miss class work and usually have to do double duty in order to catch up and keep pace with the class when they return. In order to help keep students who are absent up on their class work, a Study Buddy system has been established.

Responsibilities of the Absent Student

¬Call their buddy after school to get the information from the day’s classes

¬Have someone pick-up any papers or books from their buddy

¬If your buddy is not able to provide what is needed, tell your homeroom teacher so that another buddy can be provided

Responsibilities of the Buddy at School

¬Make note of the class work for the day. A photocopy of your school assignment planner can be used

¬Pick up any extra handouts needed for the assignment

¬Pick up the student’s textbooks