Visual Arts
The visual arts program provides children with an environment for creative self-expression. Students use a variety of art media to explore two and three dimensional art forms. They develop an awareness and appreciation of a wide range of artistic styles, the work of local and international artists, and the arts of diverse global cultures. The gradual integration of technology into the visual arts program fosters a 21st century approach to design and composition. The children learn to create works of art that express individuality, openness, and tolerance. Student artwork is displayed in exhibits on www.Artsonia.com, the online children’s art gallery, and during the annual Sacred Heart Schools evening of the arts, Gallery Night. Effective student communication through the visual arts is evident throughout the academic school year in the corridors of our schools. Art is scheduled twice in each six- day rotation.
Music
In the Lower School, students become aware of the basic building blocks of music. Elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, and dynamics are explored through both academic study and performance. Students begin to perform works of increasing difficulty involving more sophisticated part-singing. Good vocal technique is stressed, including proper breathing and vowel formation. Hand bells and recorders are introduced. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of many music genres ranging from African-American spirituals to music from the Renaissance. Lower School students perform in at least one concert each year. Music is scheduled two to three times during each six-day rotation, in grades 3 - 5.
Physical Education
Physical education provides children with a safe and accepting environment in which to develop fitness, sportsmanship and game-playing skills. Students develop self-confidence and participate in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. They are introduced to cooperative aerobic games and a variety of team sports, including field hockey, baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse and volleyball. Students learn the correct use of free weights for upper body strength. Aerobic conditioning continues through running and jump-roping activities. Yoga and stretching exercises help children develop flexibility and muscle strength. The students learn to make informed decisions regarding their personal wellbeing and to practice healthy behaviors. Major health topics include nutrition, personal hygiene, building healthy bones and muscles, and dental health. Physical education is scheduled two times in each six-day rotation.
Technology
Lower School students use laptop computers and iPads in the classroom and the computer lab. The focus of the program is to use technology to enhance learning in the core subject areas and to introduce students to technology that will prepare them for the demands of Middle School. Students refine their word processing and desktop skills using age-appropriate tools such as Scholastic Keys’ MaxWrite and MaxShow. Students are also introduced to Google Apps for Education Cloud Tools.They begin to formally develop keyboarding skills using Type to Learn and Type through Time. Using Excel, students create charts and graphs, as well as spreadsheets with embedded formulas. Students design multi-media presentations in PowerPoint and iMovie on iPads. Beginning in fourth grade students are introduced to e-mail
through Microsoft Outlook. Technology is scheduled twice in each six-day rotation. iPads are used in the Lower School to support the curriculum.
Religion
Lower School students are provided with opportunities to experience God in meaningful ways as they explore, question, and grow in an atmosphere of acceptance and friendship. This process involves time for reflection and opportunities for sharing in celebrations of the Christian community. The life of the early Church, the Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments, along with feast days and liturgical seasons are studied, and children learn the traditional prayers of the Church. Students become familiar with the themes of Jesus’ teachings and the Holy Spirit as gift and guidance. The spirituality and traditions of the Society of the Sacred Heart continue to play an important role in the developing faith of each child. Children participate in weekly Chapel with their Division as well as monthly Masses with the entire school. Religion is scheduled two to three times in each rotation. Texts: We Are the Church published by Sadlier (grade 3); God’s Laws Guide Us published by Sadlier (grade 4); We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments published by Sadlier (grade 5)
Library
Students visit the library once in each six-day rotation for a read-aloud and to check out books for home reading. Library and research skills are taught.
27