Dear Families of Saint Joseph School,
This past week our middle school students completed their electives for the first trimester. I thought you would find it interesting to see the elective options. As I walked around to visit the electives, I was impressed with both the teaching and the learning. There was clearly evidence of our SLEs: enjoys learning; thinks critically and creatively; works by themselves and in a group.
Yoga for Teenagers (Mr. Tully): This course is designed to teach the students the basic postures of a yoga practice. In the process, the students will develop strength, flexibility, self-awareness, create energy, and release stress, among many other benefits of yoga. Breathing and meditation techniques will also be included. Each student will have opportunities to teach and design their session for the class to participate in.
Cities of the Future: design and perspective (Ms. Shadowspeaker): What will the cities of the future look like? What is important to a thriving, balanced city? In this course, we will tackle these questions as well as learn how to use one and two point perspective to draw realistic buildings and other structures and landscapes. The sky’s the limit!
Watercolor (Ms. Francisco & Ms. Sampson): Do you like to be creative? Would you find it relaxing to paint your cares away? If so, then this elective is for you! You don’t have to be good at painting to taking this class, just a willingness to try and a desire to learn is enough!
Ready, Set, Design! (Ms. Connick): Discover how design is not only fashion, graphics, and architecture, but a way of thinking and problem solving. Explore the exciting world of product design, architecture, and fashion through hands-on, creative activities. You will build a portfolio of sketches, designs, and ideas that will inspire!
Mathletes Club (Ms. Sagan): An interactive and fun class for six, seventh and eighth graders who love Math. They will create, solve and discuss a wide range of interesting Math problems, puzzles and games using an international online program Mathletics. Students are able to compete with mathletes from different countries including Mexico, New Zealand, Russian, Singapore, Great Britain, Japan and be recognized for their achievements by winning Gold, Silver and Bronze award certificates.
Scrapbooking/Bookmaking/Journaling (Mrs. Carlson): Have you ever written a book? Dreamed of keeping all your memories and thoughts in one place? Well, this elective class could be just what you’ve been looking for this trimester! This class will provide 1 class per week for free writing, hearing stories written in various genres and opportunities to create a personal journal, book of poetry, diary, keepsake scrapbook, book for Young Authors Fair, or other approved writing opportunity. We will provide many choices for paper, writing instruments, decorative paper and accents, glue, tape, etc. as well as a binding solution for your finished product. Each class will begin with a 5-minute quick write. It can be a random topic, journal entry, idea for your project, etc. A story idea or book will also be read or described for students each class to hopefully inspire creativity, ideas and options for their project.
With our Veteran Holiday, let us remember as a school family to pray for those who are currently serving in the military and, in gratitude, for those who have given their lives for our freedoms.
Thank you for your ongoing support and investment in Catholic education.
God’s Blessings On Each of Us
Dr. Marquita Yriarte
Principal