Exploratories (Encores)

Technology

Technology is an ever changing landscape. St Joseph Catholic School continues to invest in technology to assist and enhance in the classroom. The school is wired and a wireless network enables convient access for teachers and students throughout the entire campus. All teachers are provided laptops and regular technology instruction and support. The school has recently deployed wireless netbooks (mini laptops) for use by the students. All students receive regular technology instruction with third through eighth graders having technology class twice per week.

Library

The goals of the student library are:

To instill in students a desire to be life-long readers and to have the ability to search for answers independently in the Media Center.

To acquire and maintain a balanced collection of media center resources, which represent a wide range of subjects, levels of difficulty and formats.

To provide learning experiences which encourage students to become proficient users of information and technology.

To support the St. Joseph teacher's classroom programs by providing necessary materials and appropriate guidance and instruction to students.

We are honored to have an accomplished author and Iowa native leading our library staff and guiding our students.

Part 1 by Author Part 2 by Author

Physical Education (PE)

We provide students with knowledge, skills, capacities, values, and the enthusiasm to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. Activities included in the program are designed to promote physical fitness, to develop motor skills, to instill knowledge and understanding of rules, concepts, and strategies. Students learn to either work as part of a team, or as individuals, in a wide variety of competitive activities.

Band

The goals of band are:

To give each student an opportunity for musical growth through individual and group activities.
To foster self-esteem and determination through membership in a high quality musical organization.
To build character through competition and public performance.
To develop a life-long love and appreciation of music.

Music

In music, we encourage a life-long appreciation of music in a variety of ways:

Music classes help develop fine motor skills by playing instruments.
Music expands cognitive development through the recognition and interpretation of musical notation.
Music is also tied to human cultural traditions and behaviors in rythmic patterns.
Music reflects the composers' individual traditions and experiences.
The students have opportunities to participate in musical concerts and church services throughout the year.

Spanish

Our goal is to give students a general introduction to the language. By the end of the course, students will know everyday words and expressions, be able to use the present and past verb tenses, understand how to make general conversation in Spanish, as well as have a greater understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking countries.

Art

Your child will have the opportunity to create, appreciate, and learn the history of art.

We try to encourage them to relate art to other subjects.
Examples are the following: painting, ceramics, sculpture, and photography - from different cultures and time periods, learning about famous artists and styles.
Your child studies and creates art, including landscapes, portraits, sculptures, and collages. They also explore various art materials such as pastels, clay, papier-mâché, and watercolors.
They gain knowledge learning elements and principles of art such as color, line, shape, texture, and space.