Art, Music, Technology and Physical Education
Art
Beginning in our Kindergarten Program through eighth grade, students are given many opportunities to explore their creativities and express their thoughts and feelings through artistic media. With each project our students experience a variety of creative processes while at the same time gain an appreciation of the history and culture of art.
Music
The Music curriculum at St. Nicholas School provides students with a solid foundation of basic, intermediate and advanced musical models and concepts that align with the Ohio State Music Standards. The Music Program consists of three choral ensembles and three instrumental ensembles. The choral ensembles include three grade level choirs: Grades K-2 Choir, Grades 3-4 Choir, and Grades 5-6 Choir. The instrumental ensembles include: SNS Band (Grades 4-8). The curriculum prepares and supports students to analyze and read musical literature as well as perform vocally and instrumentally a wide repertoire of music. Students also compose music and apply musical knowledge to other subject areas. Technology is used to reinforce and enhance musical concepts.
The Music Program at St. Nicholas School presents two annual music concerts: the Christmas Program and the Spring Program. Students enjoy their yearly field trip to the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival allowing them to experience a mixture of Art, Theater/Drama and Music. Students also benefit from their local field trip to Power’s Auditorium for the Young People’s Concert presented by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. The Heavenly Hornets have had the opportunity to share their musical talent with the community at special local events.
Technology
The International Society for Technology in Education’s NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) for Teachers is the standards used in the teaching of the Technology Curriculum. In working with grades K-8, students are grouped in bands of K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. The Technology Lab follows six standards. The standards are as follows:
- Basic operations and concepts
- Social, ethical, and human issues
- Technology productivity tools
- Technology communication tools
- Technology research tools
- Technology problem-solving and decision making tools
Performance indicators are given for each standard that provide students with specific opportunities and outcomes. As students advance through the grade bands, progression is expected through the performance levels.
Each school year students play “Computer Bingo” in the Computer Lab. It is played once during Catholic Schools Week. Every student loves it and looks forward to it each year. They learn computer terminology and have fun at the same time. Acquiring the SMARTBoard has added a different dimension in displaying the game, too! Junior High students study commercials. They edit and produce their own commercial. They learn to collaborate with fellow students and enjoy seeing their final edit.
Physical Education
Our curriculum engages students to enjoy and seek out physical activity and develop and maintain acceptable levels of physical fitness. Students develop a variety of basic movement and manipulative skills so they will experience and feel comfortable during present and future physical activity pursuits. They also develop the ability to get along with others in movement environments ( e.g., share space and equipment, employ the "golden rule" to be a good sport, and demonstrate cooperative behavior). Students look forward to the S.P.A.R.K (sports, play & active recreation for Kids) Program, bowling, Log It (with pedometers), cricket, dancing,Wii Just Dance and P.E. Central Challenge.