Technology

Technology at St. Catherine of Siena School is an integral part in the learning process. Students in grades kindergarten through seventh grade have Computer class once a week. Students practice using technology to enhance their learning, and improve their understanding across all curricular areas. Students are exposed to Chromebooks, tablets, robotics, and various design tools to help expand their problem solving skills and their critical thinking skills.  Students in grades one through seventh are each equipped with their own Chromebook. Students in PK4 and Kindergarten are equipped with a classroom set of I-pads.

Physical Education

Our program is designed to take students from the basics of running, hopping, skipping, and jumping to being able to play complex games based on the hand -eye coordination and strategic skills they develop.  Students in all grade levels warm-up, stretch and exercise during every class.  A variety of games are introduced throughout the year giving every student the opportunity to participate in something they enjoy.  Our middle school intramural program also gives students the opportunity to get involved and be on a team. Intramurals take place during recess each day. We also offer extensive after school teams for the students in grades 4th - 7th to participate in such as girls’ volleyball, basketball,  and softball.  The boys’ teams include flag football, basketball, lacrosse, and baseball. Swimming, tennis, soccer, cross country, and golf are offered for both the boys and girls.  For more information on our athletics program, please visit our website under Extracurricular.

Foreign Languages

Latin

Latin is currently offered to Honors students.

Sixth grade honors students in Latin I are introduced to the language.  The focus is on vocabulary, sentence structure, and the formation of various types of nouns and verbs.  Students in this class master the basics and, in the process, gain insight into English grammar and composition. Students are also introduced to Roman culture through history, mythology, and project-based learning.

Seventh grade honors students focus on translation in Latin II.  Students in this class refine the skills needed to decipher complex passages.  Etymology is another key component of Latin II.  Through the study of word origins, students build their English vocabulary.  Students are also introduced to Roman culture through history, mythology, and project-based learning.

Spanish

Middle School Students in grades 4-7 attend Spanish twice a week. Curriculum utilizes the students’ knowledge and confidence in Spanish from lower school to help build foundations on sentence structure, vocabulary, and conversational Spanish through use of more materials including textbooks, chrome books, and in-class assessments. Upon graduation from St. Catherine of Siena, students will have a strong foundation in Spanish, as well as a confidence in their ability to learn a foreign language.  

Library

The St. Catherine of Siena School library is available for students in PK3 through seventh grade. Our students visit the library to enjoy story time, check out books, participate in the  Accelerated Reading (AR)  program, or do research. There is a qualified librarian on duty each school day. The students have access to five I-pads and a collection of over 13,000 titles of reference materials, fiction, and nonfiction. Our goal is to instill a lifetime love of reading and an appreciation of literature.

Music

The music department of St. Catherine of Siena provides students with a strong foundation in general, vocal, and instrumental music. Students learn to read, write, and perform music. Emphasis on note reading begins in second grade and continues in third grade with recorders. PK3 and PK4 students perform at the fair, get an introduction to Spanish through music and enjoy music and movement classes weekly. Kindergarten through Third grades also perform at the fair and also focus on learning to read and make music with recorders being introduced in third grade. Fourth grade has a rhythm band that using classroom instruments, rehearse and perform an ensemble. Opportunities to formally preform are available with the choral and band programs. Choir is offered to students in grade 4 and higher and students may join band in 5 ^th grade.

Art

The Art Department at St. Catherine of Siena is devoted to creating an atmosphere where creativity and critical thinking flourish by encouraging self-expression and open-mindedness in its students.  This is achieved by developing both their technical skills and personal creativity. Classes combine art history with hands-on discovery of various techniques. Lessons focus on the elements of art and the principles of design, as well as a variety of artistic styles that students learn to implement. Students in grade K-7 develop the ability to communicate personal ideas through art vocabulary, technique and artistic expression. The program’s overall goal is to supplement the students’ academic curriculum in order to create cultured, well-rounded young men and women. 

Theater

Students at St. Catherine participate in music and drama programs beginning in PK and continue through seventh grade. Each grade performs at least once during the school year. PK and kindergarten students perform at the end of the school year. Sometimes, homeroom teachers add additional performances for Grandparents' Day or other special occasions. In order to give the best performance possible for their families and students, performers in grades 1 through 7 practice with the drama teacher for 3 to 4 weeks during school hours before the show opens. 

• PK3 & PK4: End of the Year Closing Programs
• Kindergarten: Christmas and End of Year Programs
• First: Disney Revue
• Second: Goin' Buggy
• Third: Sesame Street 
• Fourth & Fifth: SHOUT (Christian musical)
• Sixth:  Passion Play & Living Rosary
• Seventh: Spring Musical or Comedy 

 

Middle School Enrichment

At St. Catherine of Siena, we believe in the importance of educating the whole child. We believe that offering a wide range of Enrichment Courses is an essential component to education. St. Catherine of Siena has created a unique schedule for our Middle Schoolers in order to offer a variety of enrichment classes.

Required Enrichment Courses: All students attend Physical Education (P.E.) twice weekly and Spanish twice weekly, and a fine arts course once a week as required Enrichment subjects