MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center contains both the school library and the computer lab. The library makes an "L" shape around the computer lab.

Students in K-6 come to the Media Center three to four times per week with their classes. They come to the library for one thirty minute time slot. They come to the computer lab two to three times per week for thirty minutes each. Additionally, students may come at other times to check library out books, especially Accelerated Reader books. We have 8000 items in our collection. The card catalog was automated in August, 2002.

During library time we read orally to students, work on library and reference skills, either formally of informally, and check out books. During the first trimester (and second & third trimester for K, 1, 2) we read to each class for 15 minutes, have book talks, and informally teach library skills. Then students check out books. Grade 2 learns about author, title, and subject headings. Grade 3 works on reference skills formally during trimester 3. Grades 4-5 learn library and reference skills formally during the second and third trimesters. Grade 6 works on a multi-media presentation in conjunction with their research paper.

Students use software in the computer lab to enhance and support classroom curricula, including math, language arts, social studies, science, and religion. Classroom teachers lead computer classes with the assistance of Media Center staff. Students each have their own folder on the server where their work can be saved. Additionally, our school and lab are wired for network and Internet access. Students and parents sign the Acceptable Use Policy prior to Internet training and use. Students work on media center and classroom computers.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The students at St. Augustine & St. Mary's Elementary School (kindergarten through sixth) are provided with physical education several times each week. The class is taught by a physical education specialist. The curriculum covers a wide spectrum of games, sports, and recreational activities. The program has been designed to focus on three main areas that contribute to one's physical health and well being:

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  Movement Concepts: In the early grades, for example, the program emphasizes ways we travel (e.g. running, skipping, hopping) changes of directions and speeds, and different ways to balance, jump, and land.
  • Skill themes: Basic motor skills such as throwing, kicking, volleying, batting and striking are taught in the lower grades. In the upper grades the chiidren are taught how to use these fundamental skills in games and sports, gymnastics and various forms of rhythmical movement.
  • Wellness Concepts: are taught throughout the program. They include, for example, safety, healthy and unhealthy foods, and ways to improve cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.

  The Dynamics of Physical Education is the text book used. The curriculum is supplemented with a variety of other sources. The main emphasis is on sportmanship and life skills.
  

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  SPANISH PROGRAM

  ¡Bien Venidos a la Clase de Español!
  Grades Kindergarten through sixth participate in Spanish classes twice a week. Students learn Spanish culture and language through a variety of music, chants, games, movies and written work. Students learn a wide variety of basic vocabulary such as:
  *colors
  *numbers
  *the Alphabet
  *body parts
  *months of the year
  *days of the week
  *shapes
  *family members
  *jobs
  *animals
  *classroom objects
  *weather
  *seasons
  *household items
  *clothing
  *basic commands
  *basic greetings
  *and the list goes on and on.

  Just try and compete with a students from kindergarten, first, or second grade in a game of "Simon dice" (Simon says) with the body parts and you won't stand a chance! Students also study the various religious holidays celebrated in Mexico, South and Central America, Spain and other Spanish speaking countries.

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  TITLE 1

  Title 1 is a federally funded program designed to provide extra help to students who are having difficulty in reading and/or math. Non-public school students become eligible for Title 1 services based on two criteria: 1) they must reside in a participating public school Title 1 attendance area, and 2) they are selected on the basis of multiple, educational criteria such as classroom teacher referral and achievement or other informal test scores.

  Title 1 services at St. Augustine & St. Mary's Cathedral School are provided on site by a public school paraprofessional: Rachel Zellman. She works with identified students in small groups for approximately 30 minutes a day. The instruction provided in the Title 1 Room is in addition to, not in place of, the reading and math instruction provided by classroom teachers. A variety of materials and methods is used to help students gain mastery in areas of difficulty.