Special Areas - John Paul II Academy

Spanish

The primary goal of our program is for students to be able to converse, read, and write in Spanish in a practical and meaningful way. A secondary goal is to gain insight into the nature of language and culture by comparing and contrasting English with Spanish, and our culture with those of our Hispanic neighbors. At the primary and intermediate level, there is an emphasis on learning activities that involve singing, drawing, and physical response. Middle school instruction is textbook-based with an emphasis on paired and group activities, role play, and interactive learning.

Library

The purpose of the John Paul II Library is to provide the research tools which permit students to take the first steps in becoming independent learners. The John Paul II Library also promotes great literature through book talks, recorded books, visual media, and AR tests on the many books in the Library collection.

Art

Art Class encompasses drawing, painting, collage, ceramics, and sculpture. We learn about artists, art history, and art techniques. We look at contemporary art as well as the masters. Through these tools, we learn problem-solving skills and self-expression. Art education plays a central role in fostering creativity, developing imagination, and enabling students to envision alternative possibilities.

Technology

Students will learn aspects of Google: Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Sites, as well as the corresponding Apple programs. We will also review basic research methods utilizing the internet. Students in K-8 will learn computer science: coding. Projects are based on real-world situations: Research, Organizing, and Presentations.

Music

Music instruction varies in each grade level. Students learn and sing religious, seasonal, patriotic, motion, and fun songs. They play rhythm instruments, tone chimes, and other musical instruments. In 4-6 grade, students learn to read music and play the recorder using a highly motivational program called Recorder Karate. Students are very involved in music for our weekly school Liturgies. We have several choir groups and students are cantors and instrumentalists. Instruction includes Great Composers, Musical Imagery, Instruments of the Orchestra, and History of Musical Theatre.

Physical Education

Physical Education at JPIIA is geared towards each individual student. Through skill development, activities, and games, each student will discover habits to become a life-long mover. Students will be able to demonstrate competency in many movement forms. The JPIIA student will be able to apply movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills. Through exploration, practice, and quality repetition, students will continue to grow in knowledge, awareness, and appreciation, while constructing a network of skills to become a lifelong mover. By the end of class, students should feel hot, sweaty, happy, and be confident in what they can accomplish.