The Music Program

Music Program 

The music program at Saint Thomas More encompasses many elements. Right from the beginning, kindergarten, the students are learning faith-filled and fun songs that help to teach about life – especially Catholic Life. As the children mature, so do the music lessons. Music theory and composition become increasingly important starting in the third grade. A firm music foundation gained in the elementary years allows the middle school students to write and compose their own songs. Playing and making musical instruments holds a place of honor with the majority of students. The theme that runs through the music classes is irresistibility. If what is being learned is irresistibly fun, exciting, different, or intriguing, the students learn the music fundamentals easily and without complaint. Another important part of the program that develops not only a child’s musical prowess but also his/her personal and social skills is performance. Each student participates in at least one school mass as a choir member and one grade-level program in an appropriate capacity. The ability to perform in front of people with confidence is cultivated through these opportunities as well as in the classroom. Just as a good piece of music combines a variety of components so does the music department.

Art Department

Art Teacher: Cornelia Sidley Parker

  

The Art program was started by Cornelia Sidley Parker when STM school first opened in 1993.

Art education is taught to all students K–8th grades. Classes K–3 have art twice a week the entire school year. Classes 4–5 have art twice a week for two quarter sessions. The 6–8 graders are offered art for one quarter during the school year. One quarter is 9 weeks long. There are 4 quarters in the calendar school year.

Educational goals for each grade level is to teach different criteria to meet National, Colorado and Archdioceses Art Standards. Each grades art projects are taught sequentially, so the previous years art knowledge builds on the next year. Creative freedom is an emphasis.

Each art project introduces 1 or 2 basic skills from the elements of design: line, shape, form, texture, color, value, space and the design principles: composition, rhythm/movement, harmony, balance, contrast, variety, proportion, dominance/emphasis and unity. Each art project is taught in 3–8 art experiences. After viewing the masterwork of an artist and the particular activity, students will create their own art work based on the concepts. Students will be exposed to many artists and different world cultures throughout history. Students will also become aware of the aesthetic aspect of art. Hands-on art class field trip experiences for all grade levels K–8, and artist guest speakers are also included to enrich the art curriculum.

Please stop by to see what your child/children are doing in art class. Thank you!

“It took me a whole lifetime to learn how to draw like a child” by Pablo Picasso

Library

Betty Doyle

 

Lori Lucas 

 

Karen Schlipman 

 

The St. Thomas More School Library has 18 classes weekly (30-minute sessions) for Grades K-5. Middle School students come in during free time they may have or when they need research assistance. Private tutors have scheduled time each week in the library and all students and teachers are welcome whenever they are available. The library is staffed by two part-time librarians and a teacher's assistant. Several grandparent volunteers come on a regular basis to assist the staff. An annual book fair is held in October.