Foreign Languages

We are fortunate to be able to offer instruction in both Spanish and French to students in Preschool through Grade Eight. Vocabulary words are used to identify classroom objects, farm animals and pets, basic body parts, days of the weeks, food, colors, numbers, prayers, songs, games, nursery rhymes, clothing,  family members, months, seasons, weather, and sports. Our entire school participates in the annual Cinco de Mayo and Dio de los Muertos celebrations as well as a Spanish Living Rosary. As students progress, their vocabulary, grammar and syntax are further developed. Research projects and Mardi Gras celebrations enhance their foreign language skills. The consistency of our foreign language curriculum allows us to prepare students for future high school language courses.

Physical Education

Saint Sylvester School utilizes the staff and the curriculum of the YMCA for students in Kindergarten through Grade Seven.  In the primary grades the emphasis is on rhythmical activities including, spatial awareness and exercises, tumbling, and athletic skills. In the upper grades emphasis turns toward team games, balance, physical fitness, and specific sport skills. After warm-up exercises students practice fitness testing or play soccer, floor hockey, volleyball basketball and other organized games. Students participate in a Presidents Physical Fitness Test.

Computers

Our computer instruction includes computer awareness and computer literacy. The computer becomes a basic tool for teaching logical thinking and problem solving, creative writing, communications, and the handling of information.  Students are able to identify basic computer operations and concepts and demonstrate the basic use of input and output devices (keyboard, monitor, printer, mouse). They can identify the major parts necessary for a computer to input and out put data and demonstrate the use of external and internal storage devices (disc drive, CD drive). Students are introduced to educational software, basic word processing skills and simple graphic materials. In the intermediate and middle school grades, students apply skills in utilizing word processing, data base, and spread sheet software. Mastering the basic graphic manipulation techniques demonstrate knowledge of desk top publishing applications. Students also focus on understanding the basic computer communications systems. They are able to apply advanced electronic mail functions; describe the organization and functions of the basic parts that make up the World Wide Web; and improve basic on-line research techniques.