Educating the Whole Child
Art - Art is a universal language that
encompasses all forms of
communication to express a variety of
viewpoints and ideas. By creating 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional
art, students develop a repertoire for self-expression. Famous
artists and art history are included in the curriculum. Students in
Pre-K through Grade 5 attend class weekly. Students in Grades 6-8
may choose Art as an elective study and attend two classes each
week.
Information Technology - Integrating technology
into the curriculum is a priority at St. Francis. The school
currently has 200 computers! Approximately 60 laptops are available
for student use. Several classrooms have Smart Boards and
projectors. Document cameras are available as well as overhead
computer projectors. Encyclopedia Britannica is accessible online to
students both at school and at home. The school utilizes several
internet filters such as Chaperon to block inappropriate web sites.
Music - PK-K attend weekly interactive classes. Music theory
focuses
on steady beat, simple rhythm, and voice. Grades 1-3 expand on PK-K
knowledge of music theory with lessons that explore treble and bass
clef as well as the identification and rhythm of notes. Grade 4
learns to play the recorder. Grade 5 studies composers and
composition. Grades 6-8 can elect music as part of their curriculum
and become involved in the world of musical theater. In the
2008-2009 school year, St. Francis will begin to offer a program of
instrumental study in conjunction with Bishop Verot Catholic High
School.
Spanish - Grades 1-5 meet once a week. Spanish in the early grades
develops the basic structure and common vocabulary of salutations
and expressions of courtesy, identifying self and others,
identifying colors and classroom objects. Grades 6-8 meet three
times a week. Basic literacy skills of reading, writing, listening
and speaking are developed. Grammar is introduced including nouns,
pronouns, verb forms, definite and indefinite articles, adjectives,
singular possessive adjectives, and demonstrative adjectives.
Video Production - Students in Grades 6-8 may choose this class as
an elective for one semester. Each class learns how to work the
cameras and produce a variety of short films. All students learn how
to place personal footage on the computer screen. Students then edit
and place final footage in DVD or VHS format. At the end of each
marking period, class members receive copies of their productions.
Guidance and Counseling - The goal of the school counselor is to
promote the emotional well-being of each student for an optimum
learning experience. The counselor is actively involved in classroom
guidance, small group counseling, individual counseling,
consultation and collaboration with parents and teachers, crisis
intervention, Rainbows for all God's Children program, Roots & Wings
Parenting Program, Bounce Program, Bullying Prevention, Sexual Abuse
Prevention, Internet Safety, Good Falcons (1st grade), Drinking and
Driving Awareness (8th grade), DARE (5th & 8th grades), Slick Tracy
(6th & 7th grades).
Media - The media center serves as a school-wide resource center
ensuring that our students and staff are effective users of ideas
and information. It provides intellectual and physical access to
information, provides instruction to develop information literacy
skills and encourages interest in reading for a purpose as well as
for life-long enjoyment. It offers assistance in selecting and using
various print and non-print formats along with electronic
technologies for learning. The media center houses 25,750 books and
1002 videos and DVD's. Students at St. Francis visit the media
center weekly to check out books. The Media Center is the learning
center of our school.
P.E. - The Physical Education program contributes to all phases of
individual growth and development through movement and physical
activities. Some learning objectives are the development of motor
skills, game skills, total fitness, safety, good sportsmanship,
desirable social standards and ethical concepts, and wholesome
recreation for leisure time. All Kindergarten through Grade 8
students participate in P.E. or other physical activity daily.