These classes enrich the core curriculum and create well-rounded individuals.  In addition to in-class activities, students have the opportunity to showcase their talents in art exhibits and concerts.

Spanish 

• Teaching method is TPRS
• Promoting understanding of one another.
• Goal is to test into Spanish 2 upon entering high school.
• 5-8th Grade -Class time has been increased to three times a week 45 minutes per class.

PE

• We have initiated a new Athletic Program and hired an Athletic Director to help instill self-discipline, teamwork, physical skills as well as school spirit.

Art

• Teaching the student to see the world as an artist.
• A variety of mediums will be explored.
• Interdisciplinary projects.
• Relating their work to the work of other artists.
• Mardi Gras Fundraiser Projects

Music 
Studies have shown that an understanding of music improves success in academic subjects.  Music provides opportunities for risk-taking and meeting challenges, problem solving, cooperation, and other self-discipline skills.  It also builds appreciation for musical arts, history, and other cultures.

• Vocal and Instrumental Programs
• Music reading and notation
• Music appreciation
• Music history
• Study of music from other cultures
• Liturgical music

Technology
Our technology goal is that students in each grade achieve a higher level of mastery in the application of technology in their learning. 
By the end of 8th grade students will:

• Log on to a network.
• Use an expanded computer vocabulary and appropriate terminology.
• Identify file extensions and their applications( doc, jpg, etc).
• Exhibit proficiency with keyboarding.
• Save date to removable storage media such as floppy diskette, CD, memory stick, etc.
• Use a digital camera and transfer the images to a computer.
• Make a quick-time/windows media player movies to incorporate into presentations.
• Use a scanner/printer/computer/copy machine properly.
• Convert a picture file to a multimedia file.
• Make a web page.
• Select appropriate hardware, software or peripheral device to accomplish a given task.
• Conduct an online search using the search engines(s) designated for the student’s instructional level.
• Use the major features of a web browser: enter URL, access bookmarked sites, follow hyperlinks, and use navigational tools.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society.
• Demonstrate a strong ethical position regarding appropriate internet use.
• Discuss the consequences of inappropriate use or misuse of technology.
• Apply standard formatting devices of the school to a formal paper, essay, or other assignment.
• Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information technology and discuss consequences of misuses including computer fraud (eg. Hacking, intentional virus setting, piracy, invasion of privacy, identity theft, etc).
• List some of the consequences for plagiarism and violation of copyright laws and the school’s acceptable use policy.
• Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real world problems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the effect that changes in information technologies have on society and the work place.
• Discuss that the advances in technology influence the course of history.
• Explain how technology may impact the environment both negatively and positively.
• Site examples of the ways that science and technology affect each other.
• Describe some specific jobs in the technology industry.

Activities inlude:

• Use word processing to facilitate the writing process.
• Creates presentation using computer programs (Hyperstudio, Persuasion, Powerpoint, Claris Works).
• Integrates software programs for creating projects.
• Creates publications using desktop programs.
• Creates web pages using a web authoring program.
• Uses projection equipment for large group display/presentation.
• Produces projects using sound sources/tape recorder/microphone.
• Produces projects using camcorder, VCR, cameras.
• Produces multimedia projects.
• Exchanges information with outside sources using e-mail.
• Exchanges information with outside sources using web sites/pages, electronic bulletin boards.
• Creates compositions utilizing computer drawing, paint, graphics, programs, animation.
• Uses calculator to support mathematical principals with graphical representation of data.
• Uses technology to record, manipulate and analyze data in a database or spreadsheet.
• Uses various strategies to search for information via CD-ROM/ automated card catalogs/video/television/film.
• Uses various strategies to search for information via telecommunications commercial online services/weather data line/internet.
• Gathers data using peripheral or sensory devices such as microscopes/navigational devices/scientific calculator/timing devices.
• Selects the most efficient technology to complete a task.

Determines if use of technology is an effective strategy for a given situation