Enrichment Classes
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Technology
Technology at St. Catherine of Siena School is an integral part of the learning process. Students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade have Computer class once a week. 4th grade students have Computer class every other week, and Middle School students have Computer class every other quarter. Students practice using technology to enhance their learning and improve their understanding across all curricular areas. Students are exposed to Chromebooks, tablets, coding, word processing, and various design tools to help expand their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students in 1st through 7th grade are each equipped with their own Chromebook. Students in PK4 and Kindergarten have access to a classroom set of iPads. Students in Kindergarten have access to a classroom set of Chromebooks.
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 at certain times throughout the year. We also offer extensive after school teams for the students in grades 4th - 7th to participate in such as girls’ volleyball, basketball, flag football and softball. The boys’ teams include flag football, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, wrestling, 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.
Physical Education
Foreign LanguagesLatin
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.
Spanish
Middle School Students in grades 4-7 attend Spanish twice a week. Curriculum builds foundation on sentence structure, vocabulary, and conversational Spanish through use of materials including Voces online textbooks/programs via 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.
The St. Catherine of Siena School library's goal is to instill a lifelong love of reading and learning. Students in Kindergarten on up are able to explore our library collection of over 13,000 titles and have access to our certified school librarian every time they step into the library. Our Early Childhood students visit the library once a week for read alouds centered around topics they are learning in their classrooms. These students are also given an opportunity to practice early library skills during their weekly visit. Our students in first through third grade visit the library once a week, while our fourth graders attend library class every other week. Our Lower School students not only check out books during each visit, but they are active participants in our library. They are able to enjoy a read aloud and a fun fact about a different topic each class and they are given time to engage in our library centers. Middle School students are able to visit the library in the morning or during their recess time.
Library
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 additional exposure on xylophones. 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 xylophones. Fourth grade continues to use choral instruments, while preparing and performing music within the classroom. Opportunities to formally perform are available with the choir, band, and drama programs. Choir and Band is offered to students in grade 4 and higher.
Music
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.
Art
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.
Theater- 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: Living Rosary & Nativity
- Seventh: Passion Play
Drama & Movement- Drama and Movement class provides students with a variety of engaging activities that include singing, dancing, hand-eye coordination, American Sign Language, etc. that often coincide with their academics as well as religious and secular holidays.
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 either Art & Computer once a week (which switch by quarter). Students in grades 4-7 attend Spanish (or Latin for Honors students) twice weekly.