ART

Learning Goals: To have fun learning about as many different kinds of art, artists, and mediums. To think creatively, flexibly, and critically allowing students to solve problems in a safe place where they can make mistakes.

The art curriculum is based upon the elements of art and the principles of design. We study various artists and time periods of art. We also look at current events through the lens of the art world and raise cultural awareness as well. In KG -  2nd grade, a lot of the stories and beginning activities that we do in art class help to build character and reach the social emotional learning of the student.  Students do a lot of exploring and learn how to use materials. Students in grades 3 – 5 spend time working on technique. In middle school, students take what they’ve learned so far and develop their own artistic style. Students are encouraged to express themselves in positive ways through their art.

At St. Cecilia we are fortunate to have an art gallery on campus so we are able to have artists come in and work with our students.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Learning Goals: To have a positive relationship with physical activity that carries over outside of the classroom.

In the primary grades we focus on gross motor movements such as running and jumping, throwing, kicking and other basic skills. In the intermediate grades and middle school, the focus is on the introduction of new activities and having the students try new things. We also look at the social aspects of activity such as teamwork skills, strategies, sportsmanship, and overall enjoyment of physical activity.

MUSIC

Learning Goals

Music Literacy  -

1. Be able to listen to a piece of music and talk about it using music vocabulary

2. Be able to create and perform music using instruments and/or singing

3. Be able to read music notation

Music and Society -

1. Understand the role of music in our culture and cultures around the world

2. Understand the importance of music in history and have a general understanding of the history of Western music

3. Experience a wide variety of musical styles, exploring the ideas of expression and musical preference

4. Explore social-emotional and STEAM concepts through music

TECHNOLOGY

St. Cecilia is a 1:1 school, providing each student (PreK-8) with a device to enhance learning. Weekly technology classes are integrated into the curriculum to support personalized learning and develop essential digital skills.

STEAM EDUCATION

Our fully integrated STEAM program fosters creativity and innovation in all classrooms. Students in grades K-8 learn computer programming and engage in hands-on projects that encourage:

• Design thinking

• Critical thinking

• Problem-solving

• A growth mindset

LIBRARY / MEDIA

At St. Cecilia’s the goal of the library is to instill a love of reading by introducing students to books in all genres (both fiction and nonfiction) so they can cultivate their individual interests while reading for personal and academic success. We are committed to providing a wide variety of diverse books and resources that enhance and support the academic and Social Emotional Learning curriculum used by our teachers. Students are also given the necessary skills and tools to search and locate books using our database and to use this information to ensure that they are effective and responsible users of information and ideas.

Social Emotional Learning

We seek to develop the whole child, who is equipped with social skills to be caring, confident, and capable to have reverence for life and respect for all of God’s children. St. Cecilia is one of many Catholic schools in Omaha to offer a school-wide social-emotional (SEL) program.