In the entrance at Hope Hall School is a sign that reads, “Welcome to Hope Hall, A School of Our Own.”
In 1994, Sister Diana Dolce, S.S.J. established Hope Hall School based on what she learned during 25 years teaching children at parochial schools. “I have always had a passion for working with children who are struggling with learning. We realize that all children learn differently, and that all learning starts first in the senses,” Sister Diana said.
Sister Diana developed the Dolce Method for Learning Mastery©. Her method teaches the full New York State curriculum, as well as organizational skills and social skills, all in a non-traditional way. “Our school teaching strategy is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced frustration and failure in a classroom setting. We know that the rate of learning differs in all children. Those with a low rate of learning tend to have processing challenges. When kids are told, and feel, that they are different, they will believe the worst about themselves. They think that something is wrong with them,” Sister Diana said.
The Dolce Method focuses on developing the mind, body and spirit. Concepts include:
•Achieve academic success at Hope Hall and beyond
•Become lifelong learners
•Develop a sense of pride in, and respect for themselves, their own body, as well as for all life
•Adopt healthy lifestyles that include good nutrition and physical fitness
•Recognize and use non-violent ways of interacting with others
•Foster a personal sense of spirituality
•Revere diversity and appreciate the uniqueness and goodness of each person
•Be good citizens and stewards of the Earth
Students at Hope Hall School experience a review and reinforce style of teaching. Lessons are presented in a multi-sensory way. Every-other-day individual student progress is assessed and teachers make sure the kids learn, and retain, what is being taught. “Because kids are successful they are willing to take more risks. Success leads to more successes. We create a stable environment where everybody matters, we respect who they are. Every student has an advocate,” Sister Diana said.
The goal for students is to be successful, life-long learners. The school provides a small classroom setting of eight to 12 students in elementary grades, and 10 to 15 students in high school. Curriculum is focused on basic skills in language arts, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Math, social studies, science, art, music and physical education are all presented in an environment conducive to learning. With flexible teaching styles, all the senses are used in the learning process where students develop higher-level thinking skills.
The teaching staff at Hope Hall have a passion for working with kids. “Our teachers are extremely dedicated. They are here because they believe in the mission. They go through extensive training in the Dolce Method and have the ability to combine the content with the learning needs of each individual student,” Sister Diana said.
The school encourages the parents to become involved with the school in the Parents as Partners program. “We help heal any bruises that parents may be harboring, easing the homework as a battleground issues. We encourage parents to visit the school, take a tour and ask the questions,” she said.
In addition to academics, Hope Hall School has a Wellness Program that focuses on nutrition education, physical activity and healthy nutritional practices. They have a Woodworking Program teaching cutting, sanding and finishing wood along with learning production skills that incorporates measuring and applied math skills. Students also learn skills associated with working as a team member in the workplace.
Hope School participates in an Intramural Sports Program with a full calendar of sports events including Baseball, Basketball, Soccer and Cheerleading. They also have various after school clubs and activities.
Hope Hall School is located at 1612 Buffalo Road, Rochester. Hope Hall is a private, non-sectarian, 501(c)(3) not-for profit school designed for students with special learning needs, grades three through 12. For more information on Hope Hall, visit http://www.hopehall.org or call 585-426-0210.
Students at Hope Hall participating in The Great Egg Drop Project, a science project that teaches about kinetic energy. The students had to design a structure that would hold an egg and allow it to survive being dropped from second story window without breaking.
Photos below by Karen Fien
