Enrichment Programs
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Here at Saint Joseph, we are very proud of the academic enrichment programs we offer in the areas of Art, Music, Computers, Library, Spanish and Physical Education. All of our teachers are specialists in their particular area and strive to integrate the skills and content of their specialty subject with the curriculum in the regular education classroom. It is very exciting to see topics in Social Studies, Science and Language Arts and even Math, reinforced in the computer lab, the Music and Art Rooms, Spanish class and in the Library. Through this multi-disciplinary approach, the information available to students is not only re-enforced, but also experienced in a more meaningful way.
Music, Art, Computer, Library, Spanish and PE are offered to all students in grades Pre- Kindergarten - 8. Resource Room support is offered to students who qualify for additional academic support. Classes for students in grades Pre- K - 3 are 30 minutes long. In grades 4 - 8, the classes are 40-45 minutes long.
Art
The art program at Saint Joseph School is designed to enrich and compliment the curriculum at each grade level in the school. In the classroom, every child is an artist and our goal is to nourish their creativity and imagination while building self-confidence in their ability.
We explore the elements and principles of art and begin to develop a vocabulary for creative discussion. Using these tools and a variety of mediums and visuals, the children produce wonderful projects. They are introduced to many of the great artists and their styles of painting throughout history and learn to make critical decisions about what they see.
Our goal is to give the children a broader view of the world by building an awareness and appreciation of art in everyday life.
Spanish
Saint Joseph School offers an introduction to a foreign language (Spanish) in order to help students learn how to communicate and appreciate differences in language and culture. Material covered will vary according to age and grade of students.
Through the use of games, dialogs, songs, visual aids, props, speaking, listening, reading. writing, recitation and activities, the students will gain basic skills and knowledge related to the Spanish language.
Spanish is taught to students in grades K-8.
Computer Lab
The Elementary School Computer Lab is always buzzing with energy. Students in grades Pre-K- 8 attend computer classes once or twice a week and enthusiastically learn how to better integrate technology into the studies and their lives.
The technology curriculum has two main goals: (1) to teach the students the necessary computer skills and programs to equip them for their future. Children learn basic keyboarding skills, computer navigation and basic programs such as Word, Excel, Power Point and others. (2) technology, whenever possible, is tightly integrated into the curriculum, thus re-enforcing and enriching concepts and skills learned in the regular classroom. Classroom teachers work closely with the technology specialist to ensure a tightly-coupled curriculum and to provide the students with solid interdisciplinary experiences. |
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A great definition of our school:
"Four walls surrounding the future!" | |
Library
In addition to having access before and after school, students in the elementary school have scheduled weekly class time in the library. We believe that in many ways, the library is the "heart of the school," a place where learning, research, creativity and a love for reading come together to benefit the entire school community.
Our library curriculum is progressive from Pre - Kindergarten through Grade 8 and focuses on two areas:
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encouraging students to become life-long readers by introducing them to a variety of literary genres (mystery, poetry, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, mythology, realistic fiction, non-fiction, biography, folklore), as well as literary awards, authors, and illustrators that are grade appropriate
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assisting students and teachers in locating, evaluating, and using resources, including books, magazines, reference materials, databases, and other Internet sources in support of their academic assignments.
Music
The goal of our music program is to offer students opportunities to explore music. Our program is designed to compliment positive Christian values and to shape each student's respectful awareness of themselves, others and the world around them. Music is taught to students K-3. Students learn basic music theory, study the elements of music and familiar melodies and lyrics. Students are introduced to a wide variety of musical styles including classical, jazz, pop, blues, liturgical, gospel/contemporary christian and world music. Instruments explored include hand drums, percussion, recorder and voice.
Physical Education
PE is a very important part of every student’s life at St. Joseph School. It is a great release from the rigors of schoolwork that the children face every week. There are a number of valuable lessons and tools that the students are learn during their PE class.
The students are constantly taught the importance of sportsmanship and fair play which are vital for all children to learn at a young age. They will develop certain skills that will help them to develop as young athletes. Students will always be reminded of the good habits of stretching and eating right in order to stay healthy. They will have a great deal of fun while getting the proper exercise that every child needs. Most importantly, they will learn to have respect for one another while taking part in athletic activities. This reflects the motto for all classes which is “do unto others, as you would have done unto you.”
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