S.T.E.M. – Spanish – Art – Music – P.E.

S.T.E.M.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

This year, we’re incorporating STEM into as many projects as possible. About 60 percent of new jobs created this century will require skills in STEM-related fields. The jobs that today’s elementary school students will perform twenty years from now have yet to be invented. To that end, STEM strives to create a learning atmosphere that fosters creativity for all learners.

Amy Giroux
Middle School Science
Matt Wiedenhoeft
S.T.E.M. Teacher

Science should always be at the service of humanity and ultimately, to God, in harmony with His purpose.

Spanish

Language learning is a vital part of preparing our students for the future. At St. Mary’s, we are excited to continue building a vibrant Spanish program that helps students grow in vocabulary, conversation, and cultural appreciation. As we welcome a new teacher, we remain dedicated to offering our students engaging opportunities to explore Spanish language and culture.

Art
The art room at St. Mary’s is one of the largest classrooms in the school, and we utilize every square inch! The counters always have something drying on them, whether it’s cute clay creatures or generously-sized paper mache pieces. Chances are if you had a favorite art project as a child, your child will end up doing something similar here – along with some new experiences too. Drawing, painting, printmaking, sewing, weaving, calligraphy, mixed-media sculptures, dioramas, and more are all part of the curriculum. No two classes work on the same project at any given time, promoting creativity and variety throughout the school year.
All students are encouraged to utilize the talents God gave them. Students are never allowed to criticize each other’s work, and they enjoy a collaborative atmosphere in the classroom, sharing their progress with each other and making helpful suggestions.
Most exciting of all, any artwork that stands out gets featured in the annual Diocesan Art Show in Grand Rapids each spring! It’s very rewarding for students to see their efforts recognized and on display.

Mrs. Cook
Art Teacher

Music
Physical Education

The aim of physical education lies in the name. It is the pursuit of understanding, developing, and improving how our bodies move and function. Some body movements are more inherent than others, while still many more take some brain work to figure out before we nail down the specific motor functions. This is a lifelong development process, with the bulk of the heavy work done during childhood.

In our physical education classes, kids are exposed to a variety of activities, games, and challenges that engage the many physical and movement systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal systems, as well as the bones and joints. Kids are challenged and are able to test their strength, speed, stamina, coordination, and problem-solving skills as well. We go beyond just learning and taking part in sports. We engage in a wide variety of games and activities that challenge the different physical functions of the students to help them aim toward appropriate physical development marks according to age and ability. Kids have different skills and abilities mentally as well as physically. The physical education program aims to challenge kids where they are at to develop and grow. Movement growth and development for all people will never be the same, but movement growth and development can be enjoyed and achieved for each person according to their unique capabilities.

Within the context of physical education, we have the unique ability to work on our mental, emotional, and social skills as well. Kids are tasked with various games and activities along with other students via some competition and cooperation. Physical Education class provides an excellent avenue for students to learn about themselves and what they are capable of mentally and emotionally with regard to working through different tasks and challenges. More importantly, students are given the opportunity to learn how to successfully cooperate in a group towards a shared end. Success brings satisfaction from strong efforts but also the ability to understand and learn how to be a good winner to those with whom they are competing.

Mr. Dave Giroux
St. Mary’s School P.E. Teacher