A wide variety of programs are available at Saint Sylvester School to supplement and provide enrichment to our basic academic curriculum.  These are described below:

Library – All students in our school have access to our Library.  Students are encouraged to enjoy all types of literature, develop library skills, and understand the usefulness of the library for resource.  Our Librarian promotes an appreciation for the value of books as well as stressing the importance of library and research skills.  The knowledge and the practical use of these skills are useful throughout their education.

Book-It – This program, which is sponsored by Pizza Hut Corporation, is designed to encourage reading by striving for monthly reading goals as determined by reading teachers in grades Preschool through Grade Six.  Incentives are given to students who meet their monthly goal.

Scholastic Book Fair – Under the direction of our Librarian, we are able to offer this opportunity to purchase paperback books each year.

Living Stations of the Cross – Each Lenten season, the Eighth Grade students practice and perform the reenactment of the Passion and Death of Jesus.  The entire school participates in this prayerful event as the children have the opportunity to experience a dramatization of the suffering of Christ while responding in prayer.  This includes an evening performance for all members of the Parish.

Forensics – St. Sylvester School has an active Forensic program that is open to all students in Grades Five through Eight.  Participation in forensics fosters a sense of personal achievement and self-confidence through the experience of speaking in a public forum.  It is designed to develop leadership potential by providing opportunities for self-expression, public speaking and the exchange of ideas.

Writing Contests – These are open to all students based on the eligibility requirements of each competition.  St. Sylvester School has participated in several essay contests sponsored by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans.  The purpose of these activities is to develop skills in creativity, critical thinking, and organization in writing.  It is our hope that by participating in these local, state, and national competitions, our students will develop confidence in thinking and writing and will enlarge their perspectives.

Field Day/Fun Day – Each spring, students in Grade One through Four team up with students in Grades Five through Eight to have a friendly competition involving essential physical education skills.  Age appropriate games are directed by middle school students.

Poster/Art Competitions – Several local and national organizations sponsor competitions requiring students to design posters or artwork based on a specific theme.  These include Loyalty Day and Respect Life contests as well as many others.

Musicals – The Christmas and Spring musicals provide opportunities for our students to develop stage presence and learn to work as a group.

Student Council – Students in Grades Five through Eight are encouraged to campaign as Officers, Commissioners, and Homeroom Representatives of the Student Council.  This opportunity enables them to work within a democratic structure in which they learn decision-making and leadership skills.  Specific age, scholastic, and behavior requirements for the available positions are distributed prior to the spring campaign.  Students may compete for the positions of:  President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Commissioner of Publicity and Public Relations, Religious Affairs, Safety and Ecology, and School Spirit.  Homeroom Representatives are elected each fall.  It is their responsibility to report upcoming Student Council events to their homeroom and to communicate individual student ideas at future Student Council meetings.

Extended Day Program – Newly formed during the 2000-2001 school year, our Extended Day Program accommodates the children of working parents each day that classes are in session.  Supervision is provided from dismissal time until 6:00 P.M.  Time is allotted for homework, snacks, free and organized games, and the use of the computers.

Sacramental Programs – Prior to the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation, parents are invited to attend Parent Information Meetings.  At these meetings, the Director of Religious Education distributes pertinent information and provides an explanation of the requirements for each Sacrament.

Band – Students in Grades Four through Eight have the opportunity to participate in a band program provide free of charge by the Brentwood School District.  Students attend classes at Moore Elementary School and the Brentwood Middle/High School.

Sports – Our very active Sports Club provides the following athletic opportunities:  basketball, cross-country, cheerleading, and soccer.  Our coaches comply with the Diocesan policy concerning certification and the health requirement for each student involved in sports.  To instill good sportsmanship, each game begins with a prayer. 

Science Lab – A well-equipped science lab is available to provide hands-on learning as students conduct experiments in accordance with DASH and FAST Science programs and their classroom textbooks.

SAP/ESAP – Our trained Student Assistance Program teams meets regularly to discuss students who have been referred for consideration.  After receiving the completed "Behavior Checklist" from the teachers, the needs of the students at risk are discussed and appropriate referrals are made.

Yearbook – Our middle school students are involved in the creation of an annual yearbook.  Faculty leadership is provided.

Catholic Schools Week Activities – Each year the faculty, the Parent Teacher Guild and the Principal create a schedule of fun-filled events to commemorate Catholic Schools Week.  Many of these events are family-oriented and are held at various times that are convenient for working parents.  Some events include: Family Picnic, Faculty v Student Basketball game, School and Parish Mass, Middle School Dance, Open House, Donuts with Dad/Muffins with Mom, Buddy Events, etc.

Dances – Three or four school dances are held each school year for our middle school students.  The Student Council chooses a theme, sells ticket, and asks for adult chaperones for these dances.

National Geography Bee – Our students in Grades 7 & 8 participate in this contest annually. Local winners represent us in this National competition.

Spelling Bee – Annually our students in Grades 5-8 participate in the Diocesan Spelling Bee.