Art

Monart is a method of teaching drawing which encourages the student to observe the object being drawn, analyzing its structure into straight, curved, and angled lines and other geometric shapes. Through a teacher-guided analysis of the subject, each child interprets the model in his/her own way.

The drawing lessons result in many interpretations of the same subject, and the students are encouraged to understand that there are no mistakes because art is how you see something. Everyone's picture is different, in color shading, and interpretation of line, yet each student's work is carefully executed and beautifully done. Skills are built up gradually, and the students enjoy being able to draw accurately.

Computers

We work with computer programs that help students learn and develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. The games assist with reading, thinking, language, math creativity, keyboarding, and interpersonal skills. We look forward to many new opportunities in the future with our new computer lab that was upgraded entirely to G4's in November 2002.

Cooking

The students all enjoy cooking class very much, especially getting to enjoy the food they create after it is finished. Students develop many essential cooking skills in a fun and caring environment and have made such foods as: Nutty Oat Bars, Marvelous Meatballs and Tic-Tac-Toe Tostadas. They have also prepared several cooking projects to go along with the holidays such as: Kiddie Bones, Ritz Cracker Turkeys, and Pilgrim Marshmallow Hats to name just a few. While the food is cooking, we always have time for a good book or an art project.

Dramatic Arts

Each of our classes loves creating an annual theatrical production in our studio performance space. The students gain poise, self-confidence and build teamwork skills, as they develop a character, project their voices, learn blocking and come up with ideas for costumes and scenery. From the first/second grade’s “Pinocchio” to the junior high’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream”, performances are held for the parents, friends and all the other classes. Drama studies allow our students to master public speaking skills, stage presence, and acting techniques and is a favorite activity of all.

Music

In this class, students begin learning how music shapes understanding. They sing new songs and experiment with challenging rhythm exercises. Some significant distinctions have been made about how the "beat" helps to drive the "rhythm," while the "melody" creates memorable themes as "harmony" aims to help a composer's ideas sound as musical as possible. Group activities based on teamwork, creativity and focus help the students realize their potential as young musicians. They are learning to scratch the surface of reading music as they explore how "notes" have specific value, based on "pitch" and "duration," and when joined together to make "chords," they can be both effective and powerful.

Physical Education

Students focus on an increased standard of physical and ability, using the Arnold Schwartzennager Physical Program, an emphasis on stretching, increasing strength and stamina, and also improved coordination. The students are pushing a little harder in order to achieve an increased level of physical fitness for themselves. Students learn to take more responsibility for increasing their skills, stamina and sportsmanship. Through organized games, races and group activities, cooperation and competition are developing simultaneously in each student.

Spanish

Blanca Franco teaches Spanish. Students work with a variety of exercises in order to master the Spanish grammatical structures and vocabulary. The focus is on oral skills, leading to good pronunciation and accurate speech, with smooth progression from spoken to written language.

The students learn to identify the various classroom objects expressing possession using the verb SER (to be) and the adjective possessives. We practice counting and learn to describe objects by their color as well as with other adjectives.

Woodshop

This class begins with the introduction of all the important safety rules we follow when using tools, and of the different tools we will use in this class. The first skill the students learn is how to file and sand. Students learn the use of wood glue, drilling with an eggbeater drill, and control of paint. The students have built wooden cars and are now working on planes. They love learning about working with wood and are very proud of the projects they make.