Specials

The visual arts program gives students from kindergarten through eighth grade access to a variety of art resources. The curriculum is in alignment with standards set forth by the Archdiocese of Washington. Students learn about the history of art and they learn to recognize artists and styles of art. Students build confidence while developing skills through experiential activities using a wide range of media: watercolor, tempera, modeling compound, wire, etc. They use established procedures and are taught to maintain a positive attitude for their own creative ability, and to respect that of others. Student artwork is displayed throughout the school all year. We are proud to say that many of our talented students have won art awards and have been recipients of high school art scholarships.

The Library/Media Center is an integral part of St. Bernadette School. For the youngest children to the oldest students, the Library serves as a central location for learning. Students are exposed to many types of literature, which helps develop a love of books and reading. Programs are designed to encourage students to delve into new topics of interest.

Students in grades third through eighth participate in the Accelerated Reader program. The AR program encourages independent reading which leads to growth in reading. This computerized, personalized program ensures that students are reading books that are appropriate for their reading level. Students make weekly visits to the library to check out books, hear stories, and learn necessary library and research skill. The library is also open to use while conducting independent research. Using the Destiny Library Manager System, students learn to find information needed to complete reports and independent projects. Materials are selected to support the ADW standards as well as meeting the wide range of interests of the students. Book talks, author studies, book selection and checkout take place at all grade levels.

Students in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth have weekly instruction in music. Guided by the Kodály method and Archdiocese of Washington music standards, students receive instruction in the theory, history, and performance practices of folk, western classical, contemporary, and world music. At the heart of music instruction is basic music literacy. A typical music class includes a greeting song, a musical game, and mini-lessons in active listening, ear training, and fundamentals of music theory. Students in grades fourth through eighth may choose to participate in a number of extra-curricular music ensembles such as the School Choir, the Spring Musical, and the Archdiocesan Band Program.

At Saint Bernadette School we have a well-rounded Physical Education/Health program that strives to appeal to all interests and ability levels of our students. Scientific studies show that physical fitness improves clear thinking, increases self-confidence and positively impacts student academic performance.

The goal of the Physical Education/Health program is to provide a safe, environment grounded in Christian values and ideals. We strive to create situations that will enhance student’s social and character development as well as promote participation in sports, physical activity, healthy choices and positive social relationships. During the time our students spend at Saint Bernadette School, they will be exposed to a great variety of physical activities and master many skills. Students learn how to channel their energies constructively, problem solve, teamwork, follow rules and to respect the rights of others. We believe student participation in our Christian-based physical education/health program will encourage an appreciation of health, exercise and fitness and creates situations that will enhance students’ social and character development. Students are assessed on their participation, efforts, attitude, embodiment of Christian values and skill level. Having a positive attitude, trying your best and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone to explore new ideas is a recipe for success in Physical Education/Health at Saint Bernadette School.

We follow the Archdiocese of Washington standards for the foreign language curriculum. Our students use Viva el Espaῆol System “A”, “B”, and “C” in third, fourth and fifth grades and Realidades “A”, “B”, and “1” is used in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Students enter the Spanish classroom with different learning styles and abilities, some work best with oral approach; others need a strong visual approach. Many need touch and to be physically involved in learning. We feel that an approach that addresses the needs and strengths of each student lays the ground for reaching all. Our lessons include culture, communication, cross-curricular connections to math, social studies, science and a variety of writing, oral and listening activities, as well our students feel comfortable and confident during their individual oral reports and presentation.

Technology at Saint Bernadette School covers a wide range of topics for grades first through eighth. For the lower school, there is a focus on developing beginning typing skills, understanding how a computer works, learning how to be a good digital citizen, and starting to work with different computer programs like Google Docs and Google Slides.

In middle school, that is enhanced as we work with programs like Canva for graphic design and start exploring concepts like Web Design. At Saint Bernadette, there are three Chromebook carts throughout the building that the students and teachers are encouraged to use. Additionally, middle school students are allowed to bring their own computer device if they would like. Overall, Technology at Saint Bernadette is there to help students become comfortable with the ever-changing technological world around them.