Welcome to our Specialists
Page
All students have one
period per week with specialized teachers for Art, Computer, Library,
Music, and Physical Education.
Art,
Mrs. Couchman (Grades 1-6)
The visual arts
program at Infant Jesus School is designed to foster
children’s innate creativity and their capacity for
communicating through images. Students learn to use
a variety of materials as they gain experience with
techniques including painting, printmaking, collage,
drawing, calligraphy, graphic design, weaving,
bookmaking and sculpture.
Major themes include the study of
color, line, composition, proportions, analytical and empathetic drawing
methods, types of symmetry, and pattern design. The youngsters study
examples of great art from the past and present, looking at works from
Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. There is an emphasis on
seasonal topics drawn from the natural world so that art classes often
reinforce and enhance themes from environmental science.
We try to encourage children’s
appreciation for human artistry, for the value and worth of
craftsmanship and traditional art forms, and for the inherent beauty and
wonder of nature. We hope that they find their art classes fun, and
that they develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their own
capacity for creating beautiful and expressive work.
Computer, Mrs. Litch
(Grades K-6)
The computer lab at
IJS is an integral part of our
curriculum. The goal of the
computer program is to teach
children to use computers
effectively, safely, and
consciously. Students
learn age appropriate skills,
including keyboarding, word
processing, and research
techniques. Many of the
lessons are integrated with
their subject lesson plans,
helping to reinforce their
learning of the various
subjects.
Our computer
lab was updated in 2006, thanks
to the generous support of our
parents, and through grants.
We feature HP multimedia PC's with flat panel monitors.
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Music, Mrs. Yetto (Grades
K-6)
Participation in musical activities will
 help to develop a variety of means for
self-expression and creativity. Listening skills can
help develop critical and analytical thinking as
well. As an active participant in musical activities
through the IJS Music program, students gain a
greater sense of responsibility towards classmates,
their community and themselves.
Physical Education, Mrs. Cusack (Grades 1-6) & Mrs. Hauntsman (Grade K)
Physical Education (“P.E.” or
“Gym”) at Infant Jesus School is designed for fun
and exercise. Grades 1-6 have P.E. once a week for
40 minutes. Kindergarten has P.E. once a week for 30
minutes. In the fall and spring, (weather
permitting) class for grades 4-6 is held outdoors at
Sullivan Park which is 3 blocks from the school. The
majority of Physical Education classes are held in
the lower level of Infant Jesus Church.
The children are evaluated on sportsmanship, effort
and cooperation. We promote an “I CAN” philosophy
where everything is attainable with a positive
attitude and hard work. Physical Education at Infant
Jesus School is for EVERY student, not just the
“athletic types.” “If you had fun, you won!”
"Gym" Events
All students in grades 1-6 take The President’s
Challenge, which is a physical fitness test
comprised of 5 components. Students in grades 1-3
take the test in the spring while students in grades
4-6 take the test in the fall and the spring.
Students in grades 1-3 are expected to complete a
half-mile run while students in grades 4-6 are
expected to complete a 1-mile run. Most improved
mile run students and fastest students are announced
over the intercom. Emphasis is always on being the
best you can be.
Olympic Day is held every year for grades 1-6,
usually the first week in June, at Rivier College.
Emphasis is on fun and sportsmanship with some very
unusual races. Over 50 parent volunteers ensure the
success of Olympic Day.
Each June the “High 5” award is presented to a 6th
grader who has shown outstanding sportsmanship,
ultimate effort and total cooperation in PE class.
This award is presented at Graduation. |
This program is somewhat based on
the whole language approach to
reading, which consists of
students participating in
reading, writing, speaking and
listening activities. The
activities in the Reading
Enrichment program are designed
to engage the students in
purposeful language experiences
where higher levels of thinking
skills are emphasized. Students
are exposed to enriched
literature in the form of
award-winning novels or trade
books. Their study of the
elements of the many genre of
books include historical
fiction, multicultural,
realistic contemporary fiction,
poetry, folktales, fantasy,
mystery and biography.
Throughout the reading
experience, students also learn
and adapt new skills in writing
by following the steps of the
writing process, making use of
new vocabulary words, and
including figures of speech to
enrich their writing. These
writings are drawn into each
novel by incorporating diary
entries and letters from the
characters, making predictions,
and researching and reporting on
different aspects of the
stories.
The use of public
speaking techniques, combined
with attractive, organized
visuals are stressed when
students share in the oral
presentation of their works.
Library, Mrs. Dumont
(Grades K-6)
Students in Grades K-6 visit the library
on a weekly basis. The Kindergarten children spend
thirty minutes learning how to care for books and
the proper procedure for checking books out, which
they begin doing by late Fall. They also listen to
stories, take part in activities and learn the basic
concepts of a book.
Grades 1-6 come to the library for a
forty-minute period, at which time they check out
books, listen to a story, and learn library and
research skills on a progressive scale. By 6th
grade, the students are involved in a "country
report and project" which allows them to utilize all
the skills learned over the years in a purposeful
and exciting manner.
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