Art
Saint Paul School proudly provides students of all ages a diverse and integrated visual arts program . Each grade level focuses on learning, building and mastering specific art skills and knowledge. The year culminates in an Annual Arts Night where a collection of each student's artwork is proudly displayed. We truly embody the belief that "Every Child is an Artist". Pablo Picasso
EARLY CHILDHOOD; PRESCHOOL AND PREKINDERGARTEN
Early Childhood students are introduced to art through a combination of art and literature. The focus of these early years is process and exploring their world through creative expression. Students are introduced to various materials such as watercolor and tempera paint, and begin to develop the use of fine motor skills .
ELEMENTARY : KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 5
Elementary students entering Kindergarten are introduced to various art materials, some of the elements of art as well as art from specific artists. They learn about lines ,shape and color and continue strengthening fine motor skills such as the proper use of scissors. Grades 1 through 3 continue their exploration of the creative process with additional materials such as oil pastels and chalk. They are introduced to additional elements of art such as form, space and texture. Their understanding of art is reinforced with projects focused on specific artists as well as art from various time periods . Highlights included Van Gogh Sunflowers, Kandinsky's Concentric Circles and Mondrian's Graphic Composition. Older elementary students expand their use of materials with an introduction to papier mache, wire, clay and fiber art. They continue their foundation and understanding of the basic principles of art and design with symmetry, balance and proportion. They are introduced to additional artists and the importance of art history with an emphasis on multicultural and cross curriculum projects on subjects such as Math, Science, Social Studies and Religion
MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADE 6-8
Middle school students are more advanced and have a full understanding of the elements of art and design. They typically possess higher levels of craftsmanship and are more motivated by personal interests and social awareness. These.students desire more complex projects and enjoy the fine details of their work. They are introduced to two point perspectives, radial symmetry and art elements such as value, balance and perspective are often the core of their projects which include drawings of a cathedral, art gallery as well as a graffiti wall. They are also able to critically assess their artwork and be reflective. An additional emphasis is given to current artists and art trends.
Library
Books are wonderful things and here at Saint Paul School we are fortunate to have a terrific library that our Prekindergarten through grade 5 students visit weekly to hear stories and discover the thrill of finding a special book to read.
Music
Music is central to enhancing the strong Catholic identity of our school, creating a prayerful atmosphere for whole school worship and enriching liturgy in the singing of hymns. Music helps us to create a sense of belonging to a Christian community for our children.
In addition to learning and preparing music for liturgy, students prepare for the annual Christmas Concert, St.Patrick's Day Program and Grandfriends Day.
Grade 4 students learn to play the recorder while Grade 8 students study the ukulele.
Physical Education
The Physical Education program is designed for every child from the physically gifted to the physically challenged. The program provides each student with a solid foundation of movement experiences that will lead to an active and healthy lifestyle. The curriculum is organized in grade clusters (PreS - K1; K-3rd and 4-8th) starting with basic movement skills progressing to the ability to apply these learned skills in simple games and culminating to team and tournament play. It maintains traditional objectives in the area of physical development and social-emotional development. Athletic competition is only a small aspect of the program, with the central focus being on enjoyment and participation. The program contains both student centered and success oriented activities. In keeping with the mission of Saint Paul School special emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship, responsible personal and social behavior in an active setting and respect for one's athletic differences.
Second Step Curriculum (SSC)
At St. Paul School, the academic program is supported by SSC, a social-emotional curriculum. The core of SSC is the Second Step Curriculum, a well-researched and recommended program that emphasizes learning strategies, empathy and emotional control and growth. Stories about the lives of the saints, short plays, drawing and projects augment SSC. At the middle school level, stereotyping, cyber bullying and career awareness are added.
Spanish (PK - Grade 5)
Pre-K and Kinder: The Early Childhood Spanish program provides a basic understanding of vocabulary and conversational Spanish. This is taught through games, song, books, coloring sheets and general verbal repetition in the Spanish language. Students will develop an ear for Spanish and discover how fun and exciting it is to learn a foreign language.
Grade 1-3: The Elementary Spanish program provides a basic understanding of vocabulary and conversational Spanish. This is taught through games, song, books, coloring sheets and general verbal repetition in the Spanish language. Students will develop an ear for Spanish and discover how fun and exciting it is to learn a foreign language. In addition, students will learn extensive vocabulary categories.
The Elementary Spanish program will aim to give students the building blocks of grammer and vocabulary so they can begin to communicate and understand Spanish.
Grade 4-5: The Elementary Spanish program provides a basic understanding of vocabulary and conversational Spanish. This is taught through games, song, books, work sheets and general verbal repetition in the Spanish language. In Addition, students at this level will learn verb vocabulary, extensive conversational Spanish, and Holiday, cultural and geographic subject matter. This Special will aim to develop an ear for Spanish and discover how fun and exciting it is to learn a foreign language.
Technology
At Saint Paul School, our technology program integrates classwork curriculum with hands-on use of several different technology devices. Some highlights of our Technology Program include:
Google Classroom Platform
3D Printing
Robotics (Dash and Dot)
Padcaster Software and Camera (Podcasts, Newscasts, Sports)
Website Development
Digital Coding (Python)
IPAD
Students are also taught to have an appreciation for technology and a significant emphasis is placed on Digital Citizenship. Digital Media and technology is everywhere. Students have great opportunities but also challenges. With our Digital Citizenship curriculum our hope is to create responsible use of technology to learn.