Enrichment & Specialty Courses

"Art is a place for children to learn to trust their ideas, themselves and to explore what is possible." - Maryann F. Kohl

Our focus in Art class, in grades TK-5, is learning to enjoy, appreciate and create art. We will look at different styles, cultures and periods of art, as well as create our own masterpieces inspired by the elements of art, principles of design and famous artists. TK - 5th grade students meet for Art class once a week. Students will be exposed to a variety of materials and techniques throughout the year.

The arts are an important factor in developing a well-rounded student. In art class, students will learn to discuss their artwork and the work of others through class conversations and written reflections. Art is not only an essential part of Common Core learning but it also connects students to different cultures, develops aesthetic values, as well as uses critical thinking and problem solving skills.

"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." - Margaret Fuller

The Rose Sandoval Libary at St. Isidore School is home to over 20,000 books for students in grades TK through 8th.  This diverse collection of books is constantly being updated and is designed to meet the educational and recreational needs of our students.  Our librarians work to inspire a love of reading in each child and enjoy assisting students with research, read-alouds, and independent reading.  Throughout the year, the library coordinates author visits, reading contests, book fairs, and book exchanges.  The library is fully automated and provides six computers for student use.

School library hours: 7:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

"If they build it, they will learn." - Unkown

Through our Makerspace, students in grades 3-8, work independently and collaboratively toward a common goal integrating and learning STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in a containted classroom.  Makerspace allows students the opportunity to create, design, experiment, and build using a variety of tools and materials.  Some of the activities include prototyping & design, woodworking, electronics, robotics, digital fabrication (3D printing & computer numerical control cutting), cardboard constrution, and textiles & sewing.

"Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel." - Yo Yo Ma

At St. Isidore School, TK - 5 students participate in a weekly music class, which provides an introduction to music concepts and skills.  Music has been shown to increase children's brain development, improve memory, and expand language skills.  Music offers a way for children to relieve stress and encourages connection and collaboration.  Students learn to recognize different forms of songs, including call-and-response, chorus, and verse.  Our third through fifth grade students explore music theory and music history.  

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity." - John F. Kennedy

The Physical Education Department at St. Isidore School hopes to capture the imagination of the youth through engaging learning experiences while also revealing the importance of living an active life. The atmosphere in P.E. class aims to create a fair environment for all students to be able to express themselves through cooperative group activities, cooperative dual activities, and individual activities. Fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, athletic skill and responsibility are hallmarks of the Bulldog way.

"The important thing is to not stop questioning.  Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein

At St. Isidore School, students in kindergarten through 5th grade receive instruction from their classroom teacher and assistant, as well as a bi-weekly from our science teacher & assistant.  Students are encouraged to use their curiosity to find answers in our world through scientific inquiry and investigations.  Our teachers empower students to ask questions, analyze information, collaborate with classmates, and generate conclusions.  Hands-on learning, engaging instruction, and exciting experiments open a child's mind to core science ideas and processing skills.  

"Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way  to think about things." Flora Lewis

Grades TK-5

This class will inspire students to develop a love for Spanish. The program supports academic preparation for success in the primary grades and middle school while upholding Catholic values. TK and Kindergarten classes meet for twenty-five minutes once per week and grades first through fifth meet for two twenty-five minute periods per week. The focus of each class is on oral language development: building vocabulary through speaking, reading and writing activities to enhance conversation and fluency. The child-centered activities in every unit of study provide ample opportunities for learning new vocabulary in different formats, developing fluency, and role playing real-life situations. Another component of this program is the exploration of Latin American cultures through stories, music, dance and games. The use of various Spanish websites such as, Duolingo, Quizlet, Rockalingua, and Study Spanish.com will be introduced and encouraged as additional practice.

Grades 6-8

Students will continue to develop their language skills through fundamental grammar and vocabulary, as well as many writing opportunities. These interactive lessons, along with practice and preparation, are the foundations that lead to the mastering of a foreign language. Listening and reading comprehension practice, as well as conversation, will also be part of the curriculum. Class will be conducted in English and Spanish.

"We need technolgy in eavery classroom and in every student and teacher's hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experiene much of our world." - David Warlick

Technology skills are taught within the context of our core curriculum, with emphasis on application and demonstration of student learning using technology tools. Lessons are planned jointly by classroom teachers and technology staff.

Our iMac Computer Lab is available to grades K-8 on a scheduled basis.  Laptop carts are available for work in classrooms for grades 6-8.

iPad carts are available for checkout and regularly used to create and share student-created digital content.

Chromebooks are located in the middle school math classrooms for each student as well as 5 per classroom grades 3-5.

Our focus in Middle School Art class is learning to enjoy, appreciate and create art. We will look different styles, cultures and periods of art, as well as create our own masterpieces inspired by the elements of art, principles of design and famous artists. Jr. High students will have art class twice a week for a trimester. Students will be exposed to a variety of materials and techniques throughout the trimester.

The arts are an important factor in developing a well-rounded student. In art class, students will also learn to discuss their artwork and the work of others through class conversations and written reflections. Art is not only an essential part of Common Core learning but it also connects students to different cultures, develops aesthetic values, as well as uses critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Book Club will introduce reading to students as an interactive and social experience.  Students will have an opportunity to use what they have learned about reading and understanding text in a student-directed and social context.  Sutdents will read a common book together and have opportunities to discuss themes, character developemnt, author's purpose and message, and ideas/theories on the chosen novel. 

Students will learn about self-discipline, self-confidence, and dedication through dance using the body as an expressive instrument.  The class will explore different dance styles, including jazz, ballet, hip-hop, social, modern, and various techniques through various exercises in movement.

Students will learn the essentials of Photoshop through various projects throughout the trimester. We will explore many concepts relative to the design process, such as color theory and the principles of design. Projects that students have completed in the past include creating t-shirt designs, Christmas cards, logos, and memes, but may vary trimester to trimester depending on each class’ interests.

This course will give students a basic understanding of the principles of nutrition in relationship to wellness, food choices, food preparatin and food storage.  They will learn about the concept of meal planning and a variety of culinary skills that they will be able to test in the kitchen towards the end of the trimester.

Robotics offers students a completely hands-on introduction to concepts of engineering and mechanics.  Students work in teams to design and program their own contraptions for various challenges.  The robots they build need to navigate mazes, adapt to their environment, lift and move objects, sing, dance, and even play hockey.

SOAR class is a study skills enrichment class offered to 6^th grade students in their first trimester. The SOAR curriculum is a strategic learning skills program for college and career readiness. The program teaches students how to set goals, organize, ask questions, and record their progress. Students will learn ways to establish priorities, manage their time, take notes to help them process their learning, and study for tests. The program focuses on necessary "soft skills" students need to acquire to be successful. These soft skills focus on reading comprehension, critical thinking, active learning, written expression, time management, organization, active listening, attention to detail, learning strategies, and becoming an independent learner. Soft skills are needed to be a lifelong learner, think critically, and make decisions independently. Soft skills are also known as study skills.

In Study Hall, students will be given extra time to finish assignments.  They will also have the opportunity to get a head start on assignments.  Students are required to come to class prepared to work on homework, study, and complete their assignments.

Students will be taught the fundamentals of typing.  Studens willlearn about proper finger placement and tricks to help them become a better typist.

Students will learn basic principals of yearbook production and develop skills that include: best practices for digital photography, organizing, digital content, and learning best practices for page design/layout.  They will learn about working together as an editorial team to create the St. Isidore School yearbook.