Student Enrichment

In addition to their regular academic course of study,  our students also participate in what we call “Special Classes ” including Art for grades K4 through 8th grade, Music for K3 through 8th grade, as well as Spanish for all Middle School students.  Band is available to choose in grades 5 through 8.  Middle School students are also able to choose one Special Class elective offered on Fridays throughout the academic year.  Elective classes change each quarter.
 
In Art class, activities and projects help to improve students’ knowledge of artists and art history, as well as enhance their overall abilities, and incorporate the use of one or more of the 7 elements of art - line, texture, color, value, form, space and shape.  Many of the projects we tackle in art class involve studying the artist and his or her particular style as well as practicing techniques in varied media.  Classes meet once a week for approximately 40 minutes and generally complete 2 projects per quarter.  Each year, we participate in the archdiocesan-wide Art Show in Bel Air Mall as part of the celebration of Catholic Schools Week.  In addition, we take part in Providence Hospital’s annual Festival of Flowers.  This is a juried contest for all students throughout our archdiocese.

In Music class, our students are taught correct singing and Orff instrument techniques.  They experience movement,  rhythm, melody, and listening, in addition to learning about composers and music history.   Classes meet once a week. Performance opportunities include a school-wide Christmas concert, various musicals, and seasonal programs, including Halloween and Mother’s Day.  The students also learn new songs for our children’s Masses in music class