In addition to the core subjects, the supplementary courses are designed to educate the whole child and guide the student towards developing all of their talents. These courses are included as part of every student's weekly schedule.
Fine Arts Grades 1 - 8
Creativity is developed in formalized art instruction
The St. Nicholas school art program is based on a method of teaching art called, “Discipline Based Art Education” or DBAE. The DBAE program is based on four activities, which are art production, history, criticism and aesthetics. All students learn to draw using the blind contour drawing method and learn to use and apply various media. Creativity is encouraged, utilizing the seven elements of art, which are line, shape, color, value, texture, space and form. The areas of study are correlated to the history curriculum at that grade level.
- Grades 1 & 2
- Seven Elements of Art
- Grade 3
- Native American Art
- Grade 4
- Nature and Art
- Grade 5
- Multicultural Art
- Grade 6
- Ancient Art
- Grade 7 & 8
- Art through the Ages
Music Appreciation and Performing Arts Grades K - 8
In kindergarten through second grade, students participate in singing, dancing and playing musical games. They are introduced to percussion instruments emphasizing rhythm. As students progress into grades three through five, they learn basic music theory by identifying music symbols, sounds and rhythms. They are introduced to opera, ballet and the symphony orchestra. They listen to music inspired by fairy tales and learn about the great composers. In Middle School, students are introduced to an appreciation of music through the ages, beginning with the music of ancient times and continuing through the 20th century.
As part of the Performing Arts program students in all classes perform in our Christmas program held during school hours. The performance consists of singing, dancing and speaking in public. Our Greek program held in March involves 2 different grade levels and the students involved in the after school Greek Workshop classes. The program consists of Greek poems and songs. It also teaches the history of the Greek Independence and their fight for freedom. Programs are an important part of our curriculum. They enrich our students and help to educate the whole child. Programs are held during school hours.
Greek Language Grades K - 8
The Modern Greek language is taught at the beginning levels (K - 2) with an emphasis placed on conversational skills and oral vocabulary through games, songs, poems, drawings and other activities. At the intermediate level (3 - 5), emphasis is placed on student's writing skills, grammar and syntax. At the advanced level (6 - 8), translations of longer stories, poems and conversations are part of the curriculum, as well as, ancient Greek history and civilization.
Religion All Grade Levels
The religion curriculum focuses on Christian character and values. It includes heroes of faith as role models, aspects of worship, how to use and appreciate the Bible, Sacramental Life, Christian history and studying the rich traditions of the Orthodox faith. Students are taught to respect others and to respect their beliefs. In addition, an emphasis is placed on applying what they learn in their daily lives. Activities include reading Bible stories, song, workbook activities, discussions and journal writing to encourage reflective thought.
Physical Education All Grade Levels
St. Nicholas Physical Education classes offer a FUN, developmentally appropriate, safe, supportive, and structured environment that will enhance the motor skills, fitness levels, interpersonal skills, and cognitive abilities of each student. The goal of our program is to turn each child into a physically educated person. To the St. Nicholas Physical Education Department this means four important things:
- The student has developed skills in a variety of physical activities.
- The student feels that P.E. is fun.
- The student participates regularly in physical endeavors.
- The student recognizes the value of physical activity.
Physical Education Middle School
In addition to the goals above, physical education in the middle school focuses on one sport for three to six weeks. During this time students will learn the basics of the sport through a variety of skill-building games, drills, and activities. Eventually, increasingly complex topics such as offenses, defenses, and strategies will be introduced. All units culminate with six to eight days of regulation-style games that include a scoreboard, teacher referee, time-outs, and substitutions. Some of the units that we will cover are: flag football, indoor soccer, basketball, badminton, European handball, ultimate Frisbee, weight training, capture the flag, softball, team building, volleyball, and paddle tennis.
Classes are structured to be engaging and genuinely enjoyable to all students, regardless of athletic ability. Based on experience we know that students can apply lessons learned in P.E. not only on the playground, but in their daily lives in order to reach their full potential. The ability to successfully master topics such as conflict resolution, sportsmanship, cooperation, and leadership, inevitably leads to increased self-confidence and higher self-esteem.
Health Grades 7 - 8
As part of a well-rounded P.E. program, students have one class a week that focuses on Health. This class covers many important issues that teenagers today must deal with. Topics covered range from nutrition to drug dangers to Internet safety. Subjects are explored through written assignments, discussions, and creative assignments.
Computers K - 8
Our computer lab is equipped with wireless laptops
Our computer lab is equipped with state of- the-art desktop computers, which operate in conjunction with a network. Students work on software to enrich the academic subjects such as reading, math, creative writing, and language skills. In addition, students begin developing keyboarding skills and learn how to use Microsoft Word and Power Point.