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.