Middle School Specials

Art

The middle school arts program is designed to foster a profound appreciation for the language of visual arts, enabling students to gain insights into both themselves and others. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students explore two and three-dimensional art, including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, crafts, art history, and art appreciation. The program encourages experimentation with diverse artistic styles, techniques, and materials. Students are actively involved in creating artwork by applying the elements, principles, and qualities of art, allowing for the development of their unique ideas and personal creative expression. Emphasis is placed on nurturing imagination, consideration, and critical thinking in the pursuit of artistic endeavors.

PE

In 6th grade, students will maintain participation in Physical Education (PE) class, with the option to engage in after-school athletics. The focus remains on fostering good sportsmanship, teamwork, and collaborative play. The curriculum includes skill development in sports like soccer, basketball, and golf. As students progress to 7th and 8th grade, organized sport teams become available as an after-school activity, providing further opportunities for athletic engagement and skill refinement.

Music

The music program at St. Elizabeth’s School is crafted to actively engage, nurture, and enrich students while providing them with essential skills for success in music. The curriculum takes a holistic approach to musicianship, encompassing singing, listening, analyzing, improvising, movement, composing, and playing various instruments. Students have the opportunity to explore a range of instruments, including recorders, barred instruments, keyboards, and drums from diverse cultural backgrounds. The program also delves into the history of music, with a specific focus on jazz and blues, introducing students to the basics of these genres. To showcase their musical talents, students can participate in performances through musicals, choral groups, and instrumental ensembles, fostering a well-rounded musical education.

Theater

The Middle School Theatre program at St. Elizabeth’s School provides students with a comprehensive exploration of the diverse elements of theatre, fostering self-expression through acting and stagecraft. This year's focus is on the art of theatre, encompassing foundational acting techniques such as improvisation, voice and body control, stage direction, etiquette, scene study, role transition, monologues, safe emotional expression, and a study of theatre history.

For students interested in stagecraft and design, the program offers opportunities to learn about tools, techniques, set design and building basics, theatre aesthetics, show designing, the design process, lighting techniques and design, sound techniques and design, and directing.

The program aims to instill a deep appreciation for the art of theatre, providing students with a well-rounded education in both performance and production aspects. As Oscar Wilde aptly puts it, "I regard the theater as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."

Spanish

The Spanish courses are designed to provide a dynamic and immersive learning experience, allowing students to acquire the language through real-life situations. The primary objective is to enable confident communication in Spanish, emphasizing the richness and diversity of the language's global community, boasting nearly 600 million speakers worldwide and over 50 million in the United States.

Through engaging with real-life scenarios, students develop higher-level thinking skills, encompassing listening, memorization, repetition, and communication. The curriculum also focuses on enhancing learning strategies to expand language skills. Social and emotional relevance is emphasized by tailoring the course to students' interests.

The Spanish 1 curriculum spans two years. In 6th grade, students use Mundo Real 1A as their textbook, progressing to Mundo Real 1B in 7th grade. In 8th grade, students cover Mundo Real 2A.

For Heritage Speakers, the opportunity to enrich their vocabulary and language knowledge is provided through "Cuaderno Hispanohablantes" for both levels 1 and 2. Ultimately, the courses aim not only to impart language skills but also to broaden students' perceptions of the world by fostering an appreciation for different cultures and highlighting the inseparability of language and culture.

Middle School Clubs

At St. Elizabeth's, our middle schoolers have a wide array of clubs to choose from, each offering a unique avenue for self-expression, collaboration, and fun!

  • Royal Hawks (Dance Team): Join the rhythm and grace of the Royal Hawks, where dance becomes a form of art and a celebration of teamwork.
  • The Way We Play: Dive into the world of strategic thinking, friendly competition, and camaraderie with this interactive gaming club.
  • Newspaper Club: Unleash your journalistic spirit! Be a part of creating and sharing stories that matter within our school community.
  • Yearbook: Capture and immortalize the unforgettable moments of the school year as a vital member of the Yearbook team.
  • Power Hour: Make the most of your time with Power Hour – a club dedicated to enhancing study skills, organization, and academic success.
  • Spanish Club: The Spanish Club at St. Elizabeth's is a vibrant community where students come together to celebrate Hispanic cultures, practice their language skills, and engage in various cultural activities.
  • Rainbow Alliance: This club fosters a sense of community, understanding, and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies.

Our middle school clubs are more than activities; they're gateways to discovery, creativity, and lasting friendships. Embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow!