Enrichment Classes

Art, Physical Education, Library, Music and Spanish classes are attended once a week by all students in PreK-3 through 8.  Computer classes are offered to students in grades PreK-4 through 8.

TECHNOLOGY:

The Technology Enrichment classes provide an important foundation for the students at Notre Dame Academy. The program is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, addressing major themes within the curriculum.
 
Elementary students engage in curriculum-related computer activities designed by the technology integrator, their classroom teacher, and/or library media specialist. 
 
Some of the expectations of the students are as follows:

• Creativity and Innovation: Students think creatively, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products using technology
• Communication and Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others
• Research and Information Retrieval: Students access, retrieve, manage, and evaluate information using digital tools.
• Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate technology tools.
• Digital Citizenship: Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
• Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

SPANISH:

The Spanish Program teaches students from grades PreK-3 through 8 conversational and written skill basics through the use of written exercises, verbal exercises and computer programs.  Through the course of their academic experience, children develop a comprehensive understanding of the Spanish language and regional Spanish cultures. Students in grades Prek 3 through 4 meet once a week.  Students in grades 5 through 8 meet three times a week.

LIBRARY:

Pre-K 3 through grade 3 students attend library once a week. Students are taught the skills to seek and evaluate information and to develop a love of literature and reading. Children gain knowledge about a variety of subjects, authors and illustrators.  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

Physical education classes are held twice a week for grades Pre-k3 through 8th grade.  The fundamental goal of this program is to provide students with the essential skills, attitudes and knowledge necessary for each child to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle. 

On the elementary level, skills learned vary from locomotor movements such as skipping, galloping, hopping and sliding, to non-locomotor movements such as stretching, turning and twisting.  Many activities include manipulative skills like throwing, catching and kicking, and non-manipulative skills like balancing.  Students will participate in both individual and team activities to help in their development of each skill.

On the middle school level, students will acquire knowledge and skills that will assist in their participation in team sports such as basketball, soccer, hockey, volleyball and other team games.  Students will learn important fitness concepts and develop social skills to help maintain a positive self-image.  Students will also be provided with a health education class for one-trimester. 

The goal is for students to gain a greater awareness of their physical, social, and mental well-being.  This will encourage students to make responsible decisions and to keep an active, healthy lifestyle which will benefit in all aspects of their growth and learning.

Throughout the school year students will participate in special events, in which skills learned are incorporated, such as a school wide Olympics, Hoop Shoot, Jump rope for heart, fun day and an 8th grade/faculty volleyball game.

ART:

Through the use of various art mediums and techniques students in grades Pre K-3 through 8 are encouraged to explore, create and express themselves in a positive manner.  With a focus on the elements and principles of art each age-appropriate lesson is presented through an introduction and demonstration followed by a hands-on activity.  Through observation and discussion of well-known artists and their works students are able to grasp the importance of art history and art production.  Interdisciplinary lessons enable students to connect art not only with history but also science, religion and math.  Art is an enjoyable class that allows students to learn and create personal masterpieces using various mediums such as paint, pencils, pastels and clay.

MUSIC:

All students in grades PreK-3 through 8 are taught fundamentals in music appreciation, theory, and performance. Students are expected to participate in the Christmas Pageant and the Spring Concert. We also prepare to better participate in school liturgies and special activities such as, Notre Dame Academy Choir and periodic talent recitals.

INSTRUMENT PROGRAM:

This year we partnered with Fundamental Music Intruction to provide a weekly instrument class to students. Now students in grades 1-8 have the opportunity to learn piano, guitar, drums, saxophone, clarinet, and more during the school day!