Special Subjects

Students use a variety of materials including paint, pastel, clay, and wire. They learn basic skills such as color mixing and shading as well as design principles such as balance, symmetry, and form. Art activities are integrated in all areas of the curriculum. Students learn and experience different styles of expression through art history lessons and the traditions of different cultures. Our student artwork is showcased in springtime at our popular Night of the Arts, which features galleries of artwork, musical performances, and sometimes even an Improv show!
 

Our students begin learning Spanish during their primary years.  Spanish songs, stories and rhymes introduce vocubulary in an age-appropriate way. As students progress through the primary grades, they continue basic skill development. The curriculum accelerates in 6-8th grades as students complete “Spanish 1" (the equivalent of 9th grade Spanish). In these grades, the students receive more intensive practice in all four skill areas: speaking, writing, listening and reading, as well as in the development of specific language-learning strategies. Most of our 8th graders test into "Spanish II" in their freshman year of high school.

Music and movement are a natural, joyous part of childhood. Music enhances and facilitates language development, memory skills, and concentration. 

Vocal music is an integral part of our curriculum across all grades and Strings and Band are optional for students interested in learning an instrument. Strings is open to students in all grades. Band and Choir are open for students in 4th grade and up. The Choir sings at our school Masses.

Dramatic activities are included formally and informally in each grade and culminate in the production of a musical in 7th and 8th Grades.

From learning how to be a friend or how to tie one's shoes, to learning how to apply for a job or write to a Congressional representative, our school counselor meets weekly with students to identify and develop practical "life skills." These weekly classes---teaching and practicing social-emotional, academic, and future-oriented skills---helps students learn how to independently navigate many of the "bumps in the road" that they naturally experience in school, on the playground and in the community.

The counselor is also available to meet with students in small groups or one-on-one to problem solve social-emotional issues. 

Regular physical activity is vital for health.  In addition to the health benefits, games and activities played in gym require students to learn teamwork, perseverance and appropriate risk taking.

Students learn the basics of information literacy, keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, and multi-media. Students also learn about internet safety, cyberbullying, and the social/legal/ethical issues related to use of technology, including acceptable use and copyright.