Program for

    5th through 7th Graders

 

The Morning Program


The third through fourth grade program allows students to design a course of study that will meet their needs and interests.  Students choose one grade level appropriate class for each of the three morning periods.  Selections should be entered on the registration form. 


Period 1, 8:45-9:40


Wood Construction

Put your creative side to work! Students will begin with a group project in order to learn and improve their skills with tools.  They will then work on individual projects according to their abilities.


Math Skills: Fine Tuning (6th & 7th Grade ONLY)

This course is designed for those students who need “brush up” their math skills.  Students will engage in a variety of fun, interesting, and challenging activities presented in a comfortable, non-threatening environment.  Class size is small to afford individual attention to address the needs of each student. 


Fun With Computers, Period 1 (Also, periods 5&6)

From making silly faces, to making home movies, to burning your own DVD, Fun with Computers is the place to be! We’ll play games, write songs, and more.  From Kidpix to Stationery Studio, we’ll be laughing, playing and computing all summer long!


Study Skills

Tired of being disorganized? Frustrated by failed attempts to study effectively for a test?  This course will provide you with the essential tools to do well in all of your classes.  The class will focus on developing skills in note taking, organization, and studying.  The result: timesaving devices that enable you to succeed by making your daily life, in and outside class, easier.  The content in this course is repeated in Session #2; therefore, students are advised to sign up for either Session #1 or Session #2, but not both.


Creative Writing

This course will explore the creative process of writing from idea to expression. Students will examine sources of inspiration, imagination and the craft of writing. The class will read different forms of creative writing such as short stories, poetry, and fiction and non-fiction. Within each form, students will complete writing exercises to inspire creativity as well as to hone their skills in the clear expression of creative ideas. The class will be conducted in a "workshop style" so that the work of each student will be discussed by their peers in a guided discussion format. As part of this discussion, students will also learn beginning literary critical skills as they critique one another's work.  


Period 2, 8:40-10:35


Pottery and Wheel Throwing, (Also, period 5)

Half of this course will be devoted to learning the basics of centering, forming, trimming and glazing.  Emphasis will be on learning the artistic process rather than finished, polished art projects.  The other half of the course will include clay sculptures and projects built by hand.


What’s Cookin’? (Also, period 4)

Make mouth-watering edibles.  In this class cooks of all ages will whip up tasty treats and delightful dishes including pretzels, sushi, pizza, and more!


Hands-on Math, (5th Grade ONLY)

Hey, math lovers, looking for a good challenge and loads of fun?  Put those computational and problems-solving skills to use.  Join us for enjoyable hands-on activities, puzzles and math games! This is a great way to enhance your understanding of mathematical concepts.


Math Skills: Fine Tuning, (5th Grade ONLY)

This course is designed for those students who need to “brush up” their math skills.  Students will engage in a variety of fun, interesting, and challenging activities presented in a comfortable, non-threatening environment.  Class size is small to afford individual attention to address the needs of each student. 


Digital Video Movies, (Also, period 4)

Have fun while learning to make and edit your own movies.  Students will use the St. Matthew’s digital media lab to make videos.  Students will learn how to use digital video cameras, edit video clips on the computer, add titles and effects to their videos, add music and sound effects, and will export the finished movies to DVD or web page.

Kids can learn very quickly how to use all these new technologies that, until recently, were only available in professional studios.


Reading and Writing: Fine Tuning the Skills

This course is designed for those students who need to “brush up” their reading and writing skills.  Students will engage in a variety of fun, interesting, and challenging activities presented in a comfortable, non-threatening environment.  Class size is small to afford individual attention to address the needs of each student. 


Keyboarding

Using the amazing Herzog Method of Keyboarding, students will have fun learning how to keyboard quickly and successfully.  Students who have had prior keyboarding training will find the class helpful for improving speed and accuracy.  Students and parents alike will be amazed at the speed at which keyboarding skills can be acquired!  The content in this course is repeated in Session #2; therefore, students are advised to sign up for either Session #1 or Session #2, but not both.


Period 3, 10:55-11:50


Sensational Scrapbook, (Also, period 6)

Spend the summer creating your very own personalized scrapbook.  This scrapbook of memories is all about you, your family, and friends.  You will create pages combining photos, stories, and mementos of your vacations, special times, school events, sports, activities, birthdays, and more.  Frames, stamps, cut-outs, stickers, and writing make each page unique.  The result will be a creative, fun scrapbook that you will treasure for years to come.  Students will need to bring a scrapbook and their photos to class the first day.  All other accessories will be provided.


A Little High School Musical

Dance to the songs from the movie, High School Musical.  In this class you will create dance moves and learn improvisation techniques in a fun, high-energy environment.  You will help choreograph one or two songs from High School Musical and have a showing of these dances at the end of the session.


Math Maniacs, (Grade 6 & 7 ONLY)

Do you enjoy math? Is it the class in which you excel?  Well, here’s the class for you!  Put your powers to the test- not math tests!  Puzzles, challenges, group problem solving, and games await you as you join other math maniacs in this math world full of adventure and learning. 


Mightier than the Sword

Ever wondered what it means to have the “gift of the gab?” Well, pens at the ready, budding journalists. You are invited to indulge your interest in people, places and events in this stimulating course. Hone your reporting skills, practice those interview techniques, and learn how to write clear and concise copy. We will also explore the past, present and future of journalism. Lively, varied and practical by nature, this promises to be a collaborative journey into how we see our world through the newspaper. From word-processing to punning headlines and editing, the emphasis is on exercising our curiosity, critical minds and creative muscles.


Kid’s Sports

Here’s your chance to brush up on your skills and dig in! Students will participate in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer.  FUNdamentals will be addressed daily through drills, lead-up games, scrimmages, and mini-tournaments.  Goals of the program include sportsmanship, teamwork, physical fitness, social skills, sports discipline, and of course, fun!


Afternoon Program


Students choose one grade level appropriate class for each of the three afternoon periods.  Selections should be entered on the registration form. 


Period 4, 11:50-12:40


Games Galore

It’s time to play, play, play!  Join us for a game of basketball, volleyball, Capture the Flag, or handball.  We’ll mix in a few cooperative games like Knots or Acid River and even take time to play a few board games.  This is the place for fun and action!


What’s Cookin’? (Also, period 2)

Make mouth-watering edibles.  In this class cooks of all ages will whip up tasty treats and delightful dishes including pretzels, sushi, pizza, and more!


Needlemania, (Session 2 ONLY)

Learn the basics of knitting, crocheting and needle pointing.  For those already skilled in these areas, we will do more advanced projects.  We will learn how to plan, cut, piece, hand baste and sew a small patchwork quilt using a sewing machine.


Digital Video Movies, (Also, period 2)

Have fun while learning to make and edit your own movies.  Students will use the St. Matthew’s digital media lab to make videos.  Students will learn how to use digital video cameras, edit video clips on the computer, add titles and effects to their videos, add music and sound effects, and will export the finished movies to DVD or web page.

Kids can learn very quickly how to use all these new technologies that, until recently, were only available in professional studios.


Everyone’s an Artist, (Grade 5 ONLY)

Explore your inner creativity and learn techniques using four elements of art: line, color, texture, and form. This engaging hands-on art class will give students opportunities to create, build, form, and experiment with many kinds of art medium, including clay, watercolors, three-dimensional creations, and collage materials. There is no "wrong way" to do art. Everyone is an art master!


Period 5, 1:15-2:05


Afternoon Sports Challenge

Kids will challenge themselves while participating in events such as Football’s Punt, Basketball’s Free Throw Shoot Out, and Soccer’s Penalty Kick.  In addition, there will be handball tournaments and a variety of group activities that are fun for all.


Improvisational Comedy

A good comedy improvisation is like a party.  On stage or off, everyone can expect to have a good time.  Learn new theatre games, and make up the script as you go along.  At the end of each session we will share our comedy improvisations with fellow students and an invited audience of family and friends.  Don’t miss out!


Pottery and Wheel Throwing, (Also, period 2)

Half of this course will be devoted to learning the basics of centering, forming, trimming and glazing.  Emphasis will be on learning the artistic process rather than finished, polished art projects.  The other half of the course will include clay sculptures and projects built by hand.


Fun With Computers, (Also, period 2 & 6)

From making silly faces, to making home movies, to burning your own DVD, Fun with Computers is the place to be! We’ll play games, write songs, and more.  From Kidpix to Stationery Studio, we’ll be laughing, playing and computing all summer long!


Period 6, 2:05-2:55


Mini Sports Camp

This mini-camp will focus on specific athletic skills for individual.  Camps will include, but not limited to, basketball and volleyball.  Skills, techniques, rules and strategies will be covered and actual games will be played.


Fun With Computers, (Also, period 2 & 5)

From making silly faces, to making home movies, to burning your own DVD, Fun with Computers is the place to be! We’ll play games, write songs, and more.  From Kidpix to Stationery Studio, we’ll be laughing, playing and computing all summer long!


Sensational Scrapbook, (Also, period 3)

Spend the summer creating your very own personalized scrapbook.  This scrapbook of memories is all about you, your family, and friends.  You will create pages combining photos, stories, and mementos of your vacations, special times, school events, sports, activities, birthdays, and more.  Frames, stamps, cut-outs, stickers, and writing make each page unique.  The result will be a creative, fun scrapbook that you will treasure for years to come.  Students will need to bring a scrapbook and their photos to class the first day.  All other accessories will be provided.


Art Studio, Period 6

Join other summer school artists to share ideas and brainstorm individual art project possibilities.  Suggested art mediums will include clay, painting, mirror etching, marbleizing paper, silk-screen, airbrush, and tile mosaics.  The open atmosphere of the art studio and the creative sharing of ideas will surely inspire the artist in you.


Splish, Splash, Swim, Period 6

Play, swim, and have fun in the sun!!!  What would summer be without fun in the pool?  Enjoy free time and pool games under the watchful supervision of a certified lifeguard.