ART

General Guidelines
At St. Joseph School we follow the Philosophy of Catholic Art Education. This is based in the belief that God has endowed each of us with talents and gifts which He expects us to develop and use to the best of our ability. Students come to identify their talents and gifts so that they can respond to the beauty of God's world. They can learn to appreciate the creative talents of artists in many places, cultures and time periods.

We incorporate the National Standards for Visual Arts and the Archdiocesan Art Curriculum into our school curriculum.

In the primary grades, students learn to analyze and express shapes, lines, textures, designs, space and colors in their environment. They are also introduced to many mediums in the art world.

As the students progress into the intermediate grades, they become more aware of realism, positional relationships including depth and size. Their use of media expands as well as their experimentations. They are able to produce both 2- and 3- dimensional art.

Middle school students become more aware of art as it influences their own lives. The importance of art throughout history and its meaning in today's society. How art impacts their own lives is also stressed in class. By the eighth grade, students will have been provided with sufficient technical and instructional information to accomplish these goals. They will have an awareness of cultural values, principals of design, and art elements.

Through out the years, art incorporates the building block mentality. The students will continue to develop their techniques, uses of media, including tools, art theory and creativity.

Grades 1-3 Grading
Grading follows regular report cards at this age level. Either an "NI" (needs improvement) or an "S" (satisfactory) is given to each student. Three checks in either conduct or effort or a combination of both will result in an "NI" for the quarter. If a student has two checks in either conduct or effort at mid-quarter a written notice will be sent home. This will most likely be sent home in the students' courier envelope on Friday. It must be signed and returned the next school day. If it is not returned an infraction is given.

Grades 4-8 Grading
Students will receive a letter grade on their report card. The bulk of the students' art grade is based on effort, conduct and neatness since all students are not gifted in art. Three checks in either conduct, effort or a combination of both results in a loss of one letter grade from their assessed grade. I do expect my students to have respect for their teacher, others, themselves, their tools, materials and their surroundings. All work is to be handed in on time with the students name on it. The work should be completed in a neat and clean manner. All steps to the project are to be completed per the instructions given. Most times the students have one additional week outside of class to complete the project if they did not complete it during the class time allotted, however this work is to be finished on their own time. Students should listen, think, share, ask thoughtful questions and follow directions. They should not talk more than they work, disturb others, hurt anyone physically or their feelings, damage art tools. materials or their surroundings. If a student has a D or lower, or two checks in conduct and/or effort at mid quarter a progress report will be sent home. This most likely will be sent home in their Friday courier envelope. It must be signed and returned the following school day. If it is not returned an infraction will be issued. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call. My extension is 227.

MRS.GLAVIN

COMPUTER


At St. Joseph School technology is used to assist in meeting competencies in academic subjects. We collect, analyze and interpret data from a variety of sources, such as computer software and Internet. We produce multi-media presentations which require good planning and research skills in addition to learning how to combine text, sound, photographs, and video. Students work individually and cooperatively with others so they learn to operate computers with proficiency, and show respect for school property by taking proper care of the computers, cameras, printers, and scanners.

While attending school at St. Joseph, your children will learn to practice Christian values through cooperative learning activities. They will Identify computer terminology, type with proficiency, design high level multimedia productions, and use graphics, drawings, and animation to enhance multimedia productions. Spread sheets, word processing, and databases help children to learn problem solving skills and strategies. Through the use of the internet students learn to analyze and interpret data while participating in global communication.

A grade of either ‘S’ (satisfactory) of ‘NI’ (needs improvement) will be earned in grades K - 3. This grade is based on class participation and projects turned in. The projects that are to be turned in are not graded on content or appearance. I will be grading on how the student has used his/her ability on the computers. If a student is receiving a ‘NI’ by Mid-Quarter I will send home a written notice. This will be sent home on Friday in the students courier. It must be signed and returned the next school day.

Mrs. Choinka

Grade 4
tests (50% of grade)
3 projects (40% of grade)
Class participation (10% of grade)

Grade 5
tests (70% of grade)
2 projects (20% of grade)
Class participation (10% of grade)

Grades 6 - 8
2 tests (60% of grade)
1 project (30% of grade)
Class participation (10% of grade)

If a student has a D or lower at by Mid-Quarter I will send home a written notice. This will be sent home on Friday in the students courier. It must be signed and returned the next school day.

Mrs. Choinka

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Basketball Rules Form

Welcome to physical education! Please take a minute to acquaiint yourself with the P.E. curriculum and grading critieria for each grade level of your student(s).

Thank you,
Mrs. Rothery and Mrs. Czajkowski

Kindergarten
Emphasis in the Kindergarten level is placed on developing students’ comfort level while actively participating with others. This is done through the introduction of cooperative activities, integration of manipulatives and music, and promoting a proficiency in locomotor movements.

Grades 1-3
Students in grades 1-3 are introduced to many learning experiences which promote cooperation and a strong appreciation of fair play. Skills are presented and developed in the areas of general activities, rope jumping, dance, fun stunts, and selected entry-level skills for some team sports.

Grade 4-5
As individual differences become more evident, fourth and fifth grade students are encouraged to display a higher level of respect for classmates’ abilities through sportsmanship. They participate in activities and sports which promote cooperative learning and are responsible for taking their abilities and talents to the next level.

Grades 6- 8
Middle school students participate in team and individual sports and should not only focus to improve their skill level but also expand their expertise to include offensive and defensive strategies. Their time in class should be productive as well as cooperative via peer tutoring. When participating in cooperative activities, emphasis is on productivity and collaborative problem solving. Fair play and sportsmanship are expected.

Grades 1-3 GRADING
Students in grades 1-3 will be graded either "S" (Satisfactory) or "NI" (needs improvement). The system is based on the following expectations:

1. Participation consistent with individual ability.
2. Preparation for class (having St. Joseph P.E. uniform shorts and tennis shoes).
3. A student's grade will remain at the Satisfactory level until the point he/she has not met the expectations stated above four or more times per quarter. At that point his/her performance will indicate needs improvement.


Grade 4-5 GRADING
In an effort to better indicate students' progress a letter grading system is in effect for the 4th grade. The system is based on the following expectations:

1. Participation consistent with individual ability.
2. Preparation for class (having St. Joseph P.E. uniform shorts and tennis shoes).
Note: Students' first incident per semester in this area (uniform) will not affect their grade. # of Times/Quarter expectations were

Grade.............. # Expectations not met ........ .Explanations
A..................... 0........................... ................Always meets all expectations
B..................... 1 or 2.................................... .Frequently meets expectations
C..................... 3 or 4................................... ..Meets average expectations
D..................... 5........................................... Seldom meets expectations
F..................... 6............................................ or more Rarely meets expectations


Grade 6-8 GRADING
The current grading system for Physical Education allows students to earn a letter grade based on the following expectations:

1. Performance on written tests given at the end of each unit. * 5th and 6th grade students are expected to achieve a 70% or better. * 7th and 8th grade students are required to earn an 80% or better.
2. Participation consistent with individual ability.
3. Preparation for class (P.E. shorts and tennis shoes). Optional: Plain WhiteT-Shirts.
Note: Students' first incident per semester in this area (uniform) will not affect their grade.
Grade.............. # Expectations not met ........ .Explanations
A..................... 0........................... ................Always meets all expectations
B..................... 1 or 2.................................... .Frequently meets expectations
C..................... 3 or 4................................... ..Meets average expectations
D..................... 5........................................... Seldom meets expectations
F..................... 6............................................ or more Rarely meets expectations


***All students in grades one through eight are administered The President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test twice per year.***

MUSIC

Music class at St. Joseph School brings the student body together in song, prayer and fun. The goal of the music curriculum is to awaken every child to the joy of making music both in and outside of class. Curriculum topics encompass learning the fundamentals of music including solfege syllables, music notation, and achieving a degree of ensemble performance proficiency. Each grade level from third through fifth does an extensive unit on a classical composer each year beginning with Giocchino Rossini and ending with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Each primary class sings as a choir for all school Masses once a year and two other choirs comprised of intermediate and middle school provide both choral and instrumental music for all-school Masses each week.

Ms. Boettcher

Grades 1 & 2: A grade of either "S" (satisfactory) or "NI" (needs improvement) will be earned in grades 1 & 2 based on class participation and attentiveness.

Grade 3: A grade of either "S" or "NI" will be earned based on participation and attentiveness. This will constitute 2/3 of the grade. The remaining 1/3 will be based on class work assignments and class performances.

Grades 4-8: Students in grades 4-8 will earn a letter grade (A, B, C, D, & F) to indicate his/her progress. Daily class work, homework, and tests will determine 1/3 of the overall grade. Class preparedness, participation and attentiveness will constitute the remaining 2/3 of the grade.

Grade.............. # Expectations not met ........ .Explanations
A..................... 0........................... ................Always meets all expectations
B..................... 1 or 2.................................... .Frequently meets expectations
C..................... 3 or 4................................... ..Meets average expectations
D..................... 5........................................... Seldom meets expectations
F..................... 6............................................ or more Rarely meets expectations