Music

Elementary

All students in Kindergarten through Grade 4 have a weekly music class.  The focus at this level is on liturgical music and the students sing beautifully at the masses.  Third and fourth grade students may join the choir, if interested.

In Kindergarten, students learn basic counting skills and how to keep a beat to music.  They also learn to relate movement and action to songs as well as memorize easy songs and melodies.  In first grade, they are introduced to reading basic notation of time values of notes (whole, half, quarter) as well as counting beats to a measure and playing simple rhythms with sticks.  They enjoy singing songs of different occasions and holidays.

Second graders continue to learn note values and playing rhythms of the eighth and sixteenth values.  They also learn note placement on the music staff as well as music markings — dynamics, tempos, and meter.  They enjoy singing songs of different occasions and holidays.

Third graders are introduced to the musical instrument families and learn to play a recorder in the second half of the school year.  They learn songs on their records and perform for audiences.

Fourth graders learn to play percussion instruments with different rhythms.  They are also introduced to playing the xylophones and keyboard pianos.  An optional music lesson for band instruments is offered to interested students.  Students are responsible for rental or purchase of their instrument as well as a monthly lesson fee.

Middle School

The curriculum for fifth through eighth grade covers music history of Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque Music, Classical and Romantic Periods, Music of the 20th Century including the composers and different styles, as well as American Music from the 1900’s to present.  The elements of music and definitions including melody, rhythm, genres, dynamics, tempos are learned.  Students review and continue to learn about note values and staff placement including treble and bass clefs.  As a culmination of their musical learning, eighth grade students create a song with lyrics, melody, rhythms, harmonies, and chord progressions.

Students are also offered an opportunity to join the middle school choir.  They sing at the school masses and at the spring concert.

In addition to choir, students may elect to participate in the instrumental music program complete with weekly lessons.  A concert is held annually for the school community to enjoy.

Spanish

Elementary

All students in Kindergarten through Grade 4 receive an introduction to the Spanish language and culture.  The curriculum is presented in an active, cheerful manner with never a dull moment!  During their class time, the instructor emphasizes listening, comprehending, and speaking the language.  Students learn to speak the basics of Spanish (ABCs, numbers, colors, days of the week, seasons, months of the year, etc.) through games, songs, and conversations.  They also learn about traditions, dance styles, and prayers.

Middle School

Spanish in the middle school concentrates on developing fluency in the basic use of everyday conversation about time, use of the number system, and basic grammar instruction. Instruction will also introduce everyday vocabulary that helps the beginning student express themselves clearly and authentically. The instruction is an ongoing process of being able to speak, write, and read in Spanish.

Technology

E3 – Enhance, Excite, Engage

The world around us is continually changing and requires citizens to be able to function in a world that calls upon 21st Century Skills such as:

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Creativity and Innovation

We are committed to preparing students to be literate and responsible citizens in today’s world. The St. Michael the Archangel School 1:1 iPad initiative E3 – Enhance, Excite, Engage will help prepare students to be literate and responsible citizens in a 21st century world. The use of iPads will Enhance academic excellence, Excite 21st century learners and Engage students in a digital environment. We are providing students with instant access to information all over the world and preparing them to be effective and responsible users of technology. By teaching students to think critically, collaborate and be creative we are developing skills needed to be 21st century learners and citizens.

This exciting school-wide initiative is a tremendous educational opportunity and a privilege that comes with much responsibility. We believe that our students are able to handle this incredible responsibility with appropriate guidance from both teachers and parents. Much care will be taken to properly instruct students about how to use the device and to communicate our expectations governing it. All students will receive training on how to safely and effectively use the device before the iPads are issued.