Academic corner
Blog posts by Julie Gajewski
Academic Excellence: Shaping Future Citizens Through Faith-Inspired Social Studies and History
As someone who cherished teaching 4th grade and the rich New York State history it encompassed – from the stories of the Native American nations to the eras of European exploration, colonial life, and the Revolutionary War – I am particularly excited about our upcoming PK-8 Social Studies curriculum review. The ability to bring history to life through local connections, like visits to Fort Niagara, the Genesee Country Village & Museum, and the Lockport Locks, and to weave in ELA, writing, and public speaking through engaging projects, made teaching this subject truly special.
Now, we have a unique opportunity to build upon this foundation and enhance our Social Studies and History curriculum across all grade levels, intentionally integrating our Catholic faith. Our goal is to not only meet all New York State standards and requirements but also to explore history through the illuminating lens of Christ's life, the actions of Catholic leaders, and significant events within our faith tradition. This distinct approach will set our 30 elementary and middle schools within the Diocese of Buffalo apart, offering a truly unique educational experience.
Therefore, we are embarking on this important review of our PK-8 Social Studies curriculum, guided by the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework, to develop informed and engaged citizens deeply rooted in their faith.
What We're Looking For: Alignment with NYS standards, development of critical thinking and civic skills, inquiry-based learning, literacy integration, and age-appropriate, engaging content.
Integrating Our Catholic Faith: We will intentionally weave in Catholic social teaching, social justice principles, global awareness informed by our faith, the role of the Church and its members in history, and the formation of strong moral character.
Drawing Inspiration from Science Curriculum Transformation: We are excited to share that the Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Schools is also undertaking a comprehensive science curriculum transformation. This forward-thinking initiative provides valuable insights for our Social Studies review. Their multi-year strategy, built on collaborative teacher professional development focused on 3-dimensional learning and guided by expert input (including Erie 1 BOCES), offers a model for our own process.
Like the science initiative, our Social Studies review will involve a dedicated PK-8 social studies/history subcommittee and strategic workgroups, ensuring diverse perspectives and alignment with diocesan educational goals. We will prioritize a systematic and evidence-based approach to evaluating resources. The science curriculum's phased implementation and adoption of engaging resources highlight the importance of thoughtful resource selection and implementation.
Calling All Passionate Educators! We invite you to join our PK-8 social studies/history subcommittee. We are seeking principals and teachers who:
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Love reviewing instructional resources.
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Are open to piloting new materials in their classrooms.
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Possess a strong understanding of the NYS Social Studies Framework and Social Studies Practices.
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Are enthusiastic about thoughtfully integrating the Catholic faith into the curriculum.
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Are eager to explore project-based learning, the Socratic method, and cross-curricular projects with ELA and other subjects.
The subcommittee will meet on August 25, 2025, and February 27, 2026, with facilitators from Erie 1 BOCES, and on two other dates to be determined.
Take the First Step! Please sign up for an initial planning meeting on June 23, 2025, where you will have the opportunity to earn CTLE credits. You can register using this link: PK-8 Social Studies Subcommittee Sign Up
This review, inspired by the diocese-wide commitment to academic excellence and exemplified by the science initiative, aims to create a strong, faith-based Social Studies and History program that will shape our students into informed, engaged, and virtuous citizens.
Weekly Virtual Principal Meetings
Meeting Details:
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Day and Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
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Platform: Microsoft Teams (link sent by Laurie)
Next Meeting: 5/14/25 - Canceled due to Title IIA leadership meeting at Erie 1 BOCES all principals are welcome to attend! If you would like more information contact me at jagajewski@buffalodiocese.org.
