Art

The art program at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School is a studio-based program with an emphasis on the process of art. The formal concepts of art are taught through hands-on exploration. Art history and criticism are covered, as well as aesthetics. Students work in various media such as clay, paint, charcoal, ink, and pastels, which are all employed in the study of drawing, painting, sculpture, and print-making. All art instruction takes place in an art studio equipped with spacious work tables, art storage areas, kiln, potter’s wheel, easels, and more. This environment provides students with the opportunity to explore all of the creative processes of visual art.
 

Computer

At the forefront of the technology education of our students is safety.  St. Andrew the Apostle uses Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/) to instruct and guide our students as they grow and mature alongside the fast-paced technology in our world today.  The curriculum outlined by Common Sense Media aides in our instruction of students in Online Safety, Digital Citizenship, Cyber-Bullying, Responsible Internet Usage, and other vital topics necessary to ensure not only safe internet usage but responsible internet usage.

St. Andrew the Apostle students in grades Pre-K4 through 7th grade have weekly classes aimed at enhancing and developing their experience with technology.  Early Childhood grades work toward developing their dexterity and ability to use the computer components with, not only traditional computers, but Smart Tables, iPads, and SmartBoard technology geared specifically for their age group. As students progress, they work toward using software that requires developing problem-solving abilities and beginner coding tasks, recognizing that not all computer work happens behind a screen. They learn keyboarding skills, presentation skills and work with various Microsoft Office products including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. As students enter Middle School, they are introduced to Google Classroom and Cloud. They become fluent in the use of the Classroom and their Cloud as both storage and communication devices. They perform student-led work on master group projects that involve idea development, research, storyboarding, citing problems, offering solutions and presentation (with green screen technology) with the intent of having students develop their own project; start to finish.

Library

In the library at SAS, we do much more than check out books. Every week, students in grades 2 and up choose from a variety of STEM and literacy-based centers. These centers include a listening station, a LEGO maker-space, and a directed drawing station. Students also have the choice to read with a buddy or to a stuffed animal. Early childhood classes enjoy weekly read alouds centered around a theme for the week (bugs, mammals, colors, etc). Students begin checking out books in first grade. Middle school students work with Chromebooks every week starting in fifth grade.

Music

In the music program, the students will learn the fundamentals of music.  In PreK3-2^nd grade (General Music), students will develop a sense of steady beat, develop their singing (head) voice, use hand percussion instruments, learn about instrument families, and listen to and interact with a variety of musical styles. In 3^rd & 4^th grade (General Music), students will perform rhythms on various instruments, learn about instrument families, develop a healthy vocal tone, play various percussion instruments and recorders, and read simple rhythms and pitches from standard musical notation.  In 5^{th --} 7^th grade (Choir), students develop good vocal tone, read rhythms and pitches from standard musical notation, learn performance etiquette, and listen to and appreciate a variety of musical styles.

Physical Education

The physical education program encompasses a variety of team sports, games, and activities. Classes have access to a physical fitness modular unit, a blacktop area, and field areas. The curriculum includes health education, the basic rules of team sports, and skills development through various games and activities using a variety of sports equipment. Students are eligible to participate in after-school team sports – including flag football, volleyball, basketball, indoor ball, cross country, dance, and cheerleading – in competition with teams in the Catholic School Athletic League.