Integrated Arts

Technology

SJRCS offers the latest technology in their computer science department, including state-of-the-art computer peripherals, interactive whiteboards, and video conferencing.  Children learn basic computer skills and are introduced to various business applications.  The interactive whiteboards connect to a computer and projector, allowing the teachers to modernize teaching methods.  Video conferencing allows the children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 to visit and experience virtual locations throughout the world expanding their horizons to new adventures and experiences.  Several grades have recently visited the Columbus Zoo in Ohio and NASA Space Station in Texas.  Virtual field trips are organized and planned by the teachers and are scheduled at different times throughout the year.

SJRCS is committed to integrating current computer technology into our curriculum so that our students will:

  1. Learn how to use computer applications appropriate to their age and needs.
  2. Use technology lessons to support student efforts with their class work.
  3. Be exposed to the Internet in a safe and conscientious manner.

The SJRCS Technology Lab provides a comfortable learning environment where students learn how to use current technology in a safe environment.  Each student and parent is required to acknowledge adherence to our Internet and Computer Use policy.  These policies can be found in the Student Parent Handbook .

Students learn grade appropriate skills, including Internet safety, keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, graphing skills, researching skills, presentations and publications.  Many of our lessons are integrated with core subject matters to reinforce the learning process.  The computer programs used include Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher) and web-based programs such as Google Earth, Picasa, MIT Scratch and NetSmartz.

As part of the integrated arts curriculum at SJRCS, the Technology Lab collaborates with faculty to compliment core subject lesson plans.  Research projects throughout the year encourage the development of critical thinking, research and public speaking skills.   The Independent Investigation Method (IIM) http://www.iimresearch.com/ is the research model used at SJRCS.  Students receive instruction in the use of on-line subscription databases http://www.school.eb.com/, and Public Library on-line searches from home are encouraged during the research process, and at times may be required as part of an assignment.  In addition, students are taught how to verify website content.  The Library Media Center, along with the Technology Lab, request that students starting in Grade 4 obtain a library card from their town library and learn how to access the library from their home computers.  This opens up a world of subscription database resources to the students such as EBSCO, Gale Virtual Reference Center and InfoTrac.  This research helps us teach students how to interpret and analyze information and how to determine fact from opinion, misinformation and even rumors.

In addition to weekly classroom lesson plans, we offer after-school programs that include our Computer Club and Robotics Club.  For more information about these Clubs, see Activities & Clubs.

For more information about the SJRCS Technology Program, contact the Technology teacher at sjrcstechnology@comcast.net.

Library Media Center

The SJRCS Library Media Center provides a comfortable learning environment where a love of reading and appreciation of literature is emphasized, and life-long learning is encouraged.  The Library Media Center’s resources and services support the mission and curriculum of St. Joseph’s as a Catholic institution, and, in doing so, support the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual development of all students.  Striving to adhere to The Standards for the 21st Century Learner, the focus of the Library Media Center is to provide instruction in the use of its resources and tools that will enable learners to:

  • inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge,
  • draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge,
  • share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of society,
  • pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

As part of the integrated arts curriculum at SJRCS, the staff of the Library Media Center collaborates with faculty to complement core subject matter.  To accomplish this goal, literary genres,  author studies, award-winning books, world cultures, holidays, traditions, seasonal themes, and Catholic resources are highlighted.

Research projects throughout the year encourage the development of critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills.  The Independent Investigation Method (IIM) is the research model used at SJRCS.  Students receive instruction in the use of reference materials such as almanacs, maps, atlases, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and online subscription databases.  Public library online database searches from home are highly encouraged during the research process and at times may be required as part of an assignment.  The staff of the Library Media Center along with the Technology instructor encourage each student entering grade 4 to obtain a public library card and find out how to access a town library’s website from a home computer in order to utilize online subscription databases including EBSCO, Gale Virtual Reference Center, Info Trac, and  many other reference services.

In interpreting information for research, students learn to analyze and evaluate information, and distinguish fact from opinion and misinformation.  Mastering basic reference skills enables students to make informed decisions in selecting materials most likely to assist them in conducting future research.

The Library Media Center encourages utilization of various formats of information and insists on student ethical behavior, responsibility, and safety in using technology. The Library Media Center Policies provides more information related to library etiquette, circulation of materials, etc.

For more information about the Library Media Center, contact the SJRCS Librarian at sjrcslibrary@comcast.net.

Physical Education

Physical Education supplies benefits to the cardiovascular system, lungs and vascular system, muscle system (strength and endurance), enhances flexibility, and maintains consistent body composition. The objective of SJRCS physical education is to provide a comprehensive program from kindergarten to grade 8, with a strong emphasis on the fitness component.  Based on these sound education principles and research in motor learning and exercise physiology, the particular goals are:

  • To foster in children a love of physical activity and play
  • To instill a need for physical fitness in each child
  • To develop coordination, grace and control
  • To provide opportunities for increased responsibility in planning, organizing and leadership
  • To give children a wide skill of games
  • To present opportunities for children to belong to a group in which a child is accepted
  • To provide experiences that will develop initiative, self- reliance, self-worth, loyalty, honesty, kindness to others, and a love of learning
  • To develop a sense of fair play and cooperation in children and the ability to work in groups, leading to increased cultural understanding

By presenting K-8 students with a variety of challenging, stimulating activities during each lesson throughout the year, this P.E. program will help create an enjoyable, success-oriented experience that will reach every child.  Moreover, the program provides for the mainstreaming of atypical children within the context of the regular physical education lesson.  Special attention has been given to providing social interaction and the improvement of self-concepts, cooperation, and sportsmanship, fitness and skill development, and acquisition of basic health fundamentals through conceptual learning.

Interaction of the four “F’s” – FUN, FITNESS, and FRIENDSHIP through the FUNDAMENTALS of Physical Education – stimulates children to want to participate in physical activities not only during the school years, but for the rest of their lives.

Art

Pablo Picasso once wrote, “Every child is an artist.”

The art curriculum at St. Joseph’s School is designed to merge the elements and principles of art with art history and various artistic styles to students in grades 1 thru 8.

In class the students learn that in creating art work our ingredients are the elements of art: line, color, shape/form, texture, space, and value. How these are used makes up the principles of art: balance, emphasis, proportions, movement, rhythm, repetition, pattern, variety, and unity. Students can practice identifying the elements and principles of art when critiquing their own work and when they observe and respond to the works of famous artists, thereby deepening and broadening their base of aesthetic understanding.

Students have an opportunity to explore and experiment with various mediums such as tempra and watercolor paints, craypas (oil pastels), chalk pastels, colored pencils, markers, charcoal, wire, fabric and clay to create wonderful works of art. Each medium has its own creative properties and limitations that the students will learn to understand and appreciate as they begin to nurture and develop their own artistic expression. Imagination is the greatest gift of the artist! Art lessons tap into the natural imagination of children by supplying a framework of developmentally appropriate activities designed to lead toward self-expression.


Classroom Rules:

  • Students are expected to follow established school rules regarding respect for themselves, for others, property, and art materials.
  • Students will work with fellow classmates in cleaning up and returning art materials to proper place in a timely manner.
  • All art materials will be used appropriately to avoid accidents or injuries.
  • Students will respect all artwork hanging in hallways or classrooms.
  • Students will work independently (unless otherwise specified) so as not to interfere with the creative process of other students.

Music

“Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul.” – Johann Sebastian Bach

The music curriculum at St. Joseph’s is designed to provide students in grades 1-8 with a language with which to communicate their feelings about music and music history. The program is based on the philosophies of Kodaly, a philosophy that reflects the way children learn naturally. The program involves singing, movement through dance, and ultimately, rhythmic and melodic dictation.

Students who are interested are welcome to meet predetermined rehearsal times to prepare for performances in St. Joseph’s special liturgies.

The ultimate goal of the music curriculum is to teach students about all forms of music while maintaining a level of respect to different genres and artists throughout history. Students will learn why music is created and that it is a universal- something we all can relate to and communicate with as an essential art form.