Specials

Kindergarten through sixth grade have a general music class in which they explore musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, melody, harmony and music history. Students are given many opportunities to explore these concepts in an age appropriate manner. Younger students will focus on actively playing or singing music using the Quaver Music curriculum along with other hands-on activities. Older students progress into exploring concepts through ukuleles, recorders, and online composition programs such as Flat and BandLab. Junior High students not in band have the opportunity to meet their music elective requirement through a general music class that continues to explore these concepts at a higher level.

Students in grades five through eight have the opportunity to join band. In concert band, students can choose to learn to play one of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet/cornet, trombone, baritone/tuba, or percussion. Band is a progressive class and each year students explore new concepts and more difficult music on their instruments. No prior instrumental background is needed to join beginner band in fifth grade. All band students participate in at least 2 concerts a year to demonstrate their progress. Junior high band students have some additional performance opportunities through a Lansing Catholic Schools combined Halloween concert and the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Events. Band is a great tool to help students grow in their performance abilities, determination, and critical thinking skills.

Students in grades 3-6 will come to the media center once a week for technology class. We will focus on computer literacy, typing, and digital citizenship as we work together throughout the year. We will be using technology to foster a deeper understanding of content in their core classes as well.

Junior High Technology consists of 2 classes taken during electives. Tech 1 is required by all students in either their 7th or 8th grade year. In it, students will work on typing, computer skills development, digital citizenship, research skills, and evaluating news sources and online content. In Tech 2, students will continue working on typing skills with a specific focus on digital citizenship, creating digital content, and television production.

Kindergarten through 6th grade will have Physical Education two times a week. We will focus on motor skills and movement patterns, personal and social behaviors that respect self and others, recognize the benefits of physical activity and demonstrate skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A variety of cooperative games, individual and team sports and fitness related activities will be incorporated throughout the curriculum and will vary based on the student’s developmental level.
 

Junior High Physical Education Electives will meet once a week throughout the semester. Students will focus on leading their peers through sport related activities that highlight their individual passions while implementing elements of fitness that will help to prepare them for sport participation outside the classroom. First aid training and CPR/AED certification may be earned as part of the PE elective.

Kindergarten through 6th grade students have art weekly in which they are able to express themselves through the process of art making.

Using the elements of art, the students explore a range of artistic mediums including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and mixed media. Students also learn about famous artists and artworks, both past and present.

7th and 8th grade have the choice to take art as an elective, where projects vary each semester. In these projects, students are given the opportunity to further advance their creativity and self-expression. 

These students will develop observation and technical skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and various other art mediums.

K-4 goes to the media center once a week for 30 minutes for a library lesson and check out time. Lessons are from a read aloud based curriculum on library skills such as story elements and genre based on AASL standards. During checkout time the librarian works to guide all students to find new books they will read and love. (Grades 5-6 have book checkout time during their Technology class.)