Electives

Electives classes for students provide the opportunities to explore a variety of interests.

3-D Design:
This course will look at all aspects involved in 3-D printing.  We will start by looking at the x-y-z coordinate system and how you can build your own 3-D printer using Open Source software.  We will then explore some Open Source programs that allow us to build objects from a drag and drop model to a coordinate point model.  Finally we will explore real-world problems and design solutions for those problems.  Students should be able to graph points.
Fee: $0

Anatomy & Physiology:
This class will take a hands-on approach to learning about the major organ systems of the human body. Get ready for some labs, demonstrations, and maybe a dissection or two to learn about the human body & how it works!
Fee: $10

Art:
Students in this course investigate several different areas of art including art history, composition, basic drawing, stained glass, and other art mediums.
Fee: $22

Athletes In Motion:
This course is calling for all students who want to develop their athleticism through SAQ training (speed, agility, quickness), enhance strength, flexibility and mobility through a variety of fun sport related activities. Sports conditioning may help to give you that extra edge when participating in sports outside of school. No Physical Education  Credit.
Fee: $0

Band:
The Junior High Band maintains an active schedule including three concerts per year. Highlights include the Costume Concert with the LCHS Band. Additional activities include Solo Ensemble Festival and opportunities to play at school masses. Students can meet their service elective requirement through band by participating in opportunities offered by Mrs. Darling. Students in this course must make a commitment for the entire year.
Fee: $170

Drama:
Students rehearse and perform a selected production. After school practices are mandatory. The practice schedule will be three days a week from 3:00-5:00 p.m. We are unable to accommodate other extra curricular activities. Unlimited class size. Parents are expected to volunteer with this elective.
Fee: $75

Environmental Issues:
This class is about raising one’s awareness of the environment in which we live. We will learn about the cause and effect relationship between our actions and our environment.
Fee: $10

Film:
From music to scripts to plot, lots of things make a movie a powerful experience. We will explore what makes movies engaging and emotional experiences with fun activities and some movie viewings. If you like creative storytelling, or even just like watching movies, this elective is for you.
Fee: $10

Finance:
Managing your money is one of the most important skills to learn, because financial decisions have long term consequences (good or bad). This class provides the tools that will help you make good financial decisions to help you become economically self-sufficient.
Fee: $0

First Aid, CPR and AED:
This course trains students to give CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely and effective manner. Students will also learn how to respond to specific situations, which will help them care for people in crisis as they wait for medical professionals to arrive. Students will have an opportunity to earn a certification. No Physical Education Credit.
Fee: $0

French I:
This is an introduction to conversational French. This course will focus on language, culture, holidays, country, and beginning vocabulary. First semester covers Thanksgiving and Christmas. Students will need a 1 inch binder on the first day.
Fee: $0

French II:
This course is held in the second semester and covers Easter and Mardi Gras. French II is a continuation of conversational French I.  Need 1 inch  binder.  
Fee: $0

General Music:
This class covers a broad range of music topics such as music history, reading/performing music, singing in harmony and how music relates to daily life. Students who complete general music will practice performing simple rhythms vocally and on instruments, practice singing and study the development of music through history and composers. This counts for the music credit required for junior high.
Fee: $0

Government:
Students will learn about formal and informal government structures and focus on the legislative, judicial, executive branches of government; and political process like elections and lobbying.
Fee: $0

Life Skills:
Students will engage in activities and learn skills necessary for everyday living including Basic First Aid, healthy living, cooking, decision making, applying for a job, and etiquette.
Fee: $25

Outdoor Sports/Games:
This class is for students who like to get outside, have fun, and get energy out by playing games and sports. The class will play kickball, obstacle baseball, relay games, flag football, and other activities.  No Physical Education Credit.
Fee: $0

Physical Education:
Activities may include football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, lacrosse, short and long ropes, and archery. This class is designed to promote a positive atmosphere and appreciation of physical activity. The goals of the course include not only learning team and individual games and sportsmanship, but also developing skills that will serve students in any team-based or group-based environment.
Fee: $0

Refereeing:
This course will focus on the fundamentals of refereeing and score keeping. If you have a love for sports this is a great way to learn more about the rules of refereeing. The referee is a crucial figure ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of games at all levels, responsible for enforcing rules, calling fouls and keeping order on the court. Their roles include equipment checks, ball pressure verification, uniform inspections making critical game decisions, and signaling various calls through hand gestures.
Fee: $0

School of Rock:
School of Rock is a performance-based music curriculum designed for kids to learn classic rock songs that have been simplified specifically for beginner musicians. This group rehearsal allows young musicians to learn the fundamentals of their instrument while playing with a band in a positive and fun atmosphere. Students are required to have a weekly private music lesson outside of school with an instructor or be enrolled in the St. Gerard Band program.
Fee: $0

Smash Journaling:
Add art layers to your writing by creating a "smash" journal. Blend collage, paint, fabric, paper, etc with short pieces of your own writing in pages of a "junk journal" created by you. We will explore a variety of techniques, including distressing paper, creating tags, blending inks and oxides, and working with texture pastes. Students will need to purchase a blank journal.
Fee: $10

Study Hall:
The purpose of study hall is to provide time within the school day for students to complete homework and assignments, to review notes and materials, provide time for sustained reading and to study for quizzes and tests. Study hall time is for the educational benefit of each student, and students are expected to be engaged in meaningful activity that supports learning and educational growth.
Fee: $0

Study Skills: 
This course is tailored to assist students in discovering what type of learning works  best for them and what strategies best support that learning style.  The class will assist the student with organization, study strategies and  test taking strategies.  It is a time for students to regroup and prioritize assignments during the week. A common thread throughout the year will be advocating for individual student needs. Learning the skill of advocating for oneself is crucial in junior high and beyond. This course is not a study hall.
Fee: $0

Teacher/Cafeteria/Playground Aide:
This is an opportunity to become involved in service to the school and meets the required service elective. A limited number of students will be selected to assist in the classroom, cafeteria, or the playground. Staff approval required.
Fee: $0

Technology I:
Students will work on typing, computer skills development, digital citizenship, research skills, and evaluating news sources and online content. This meets the technology requirements for seventh grade.
Fee: $0

Technology II (8th grade only):
Students will continue working on typing skills with a specific focus on digital citizenship, creating digital content, and television production. This is not a requirement.
Fee: $0

Yearbook:
This elective focuses on producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records memories and events throughout the year at St. Gerard School.  Students with an interest or ability in creative writing, journalism, photography, art, layout design, and/or computer skills are encouraged to participate in the Yearbook elective.  Participants will gain useful, real world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principals. Year long course.
Fee: $0