Curriculum

Reading: In keeping with the saying that "Reading is the key to all knowledge" the school promotes an eclectic approach to reading where both whole language and phonetic techniques are used, enabling students to develop proficiency in reading comprehension as well as the skills of decoding new words and breaking words into syllables. Summer reading is primarily recreational. It encourages students to develop the habit of reading for fun, not just for school assignments.

Computer, Science & Spanish: All students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade participate in the computer, science and conversational Spanish programs. The school has a state-of-the-art computer laboratory. In the computer laboratory students become progressively proficient at typing, desktop publishing, word processing, and Internet skills.

Physical Education: Swimming is an essential component of our physical education program. During the summer months all students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade are required to participate in the American Red Cross Swimming Instruction Program levels 1-6. Additional physical activities include social dancing, track and field, soccer, table tennis, basketball, and other playground activities that promote development of gross motor skills.

Cultural Enrichment: Field trips play an integral role in the cultural development of students. Some of the places that are frequently visited are as follows: Children's Museum, DNA Laboratory, Atlantis Marine World, Vanderbuilt Museum,Westbury Music Fair, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Green Meadows Farm, Fish Hatchery, Garvie's Point, Theodore Roosevelt Wildlife Sanctuary and Safety Town.

Moral Education: Pat-Kam is a private, non-sectarian school. It neither preaches nor teaches religion, but it believes in the intrinsic value of stories with a moral, fables, poetry, quotations and proverbs, some of which are from the Bible. We have observed over a period of time that appealing to the conscience of students proves to be a far more effective tool in controlling undesirable and disruptive behavior than punishment. Examples of the stories used are as follows: Saul and the Amalekites (obedience); The Good Samaritan (compassion); The Widow and the Judge (persistence); Joseph and His Brothers (jealousy and forgiveness); Achan and the Babylonian Garment (greed); The Tortoise and the Hare; The Dog and His Shadow.

 Summer Activities

Field Trips

Scrabble Bee

Spelling Bee

Spanish Bee

Gardening

Computer Sessions

Social Dancing-Students dance to music learning appropriate steps to popular dances. For example- The electric slide, The Cha cha slide, The Macarena, Salsa, Reggae(Bob Marley- One Love)