Option 1: Rosary-making with Mr. Baker
This is a hands-on workshop in which we will be making wire rosaries and/or chaplets with glass beads. If you like to work (and pray!) with your hands, then this is the class for you. The rosary dates back at least to the ninth century as a method of keeping track of reciting the psalter and is nowadays usually used to pray the “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and “Glory be…” prayers. A rosary also makes a great gift. A small supply fee will be charged; all tools and supplies will be provided.
Option 2: World Religions with Mr. Lewis
This course will introduce students to the world’s religious traditions and the Christian approach to these traditions. Each trimester will cover a different set of religions, and students may choose to take however many trimesters they wish. The courses will be as follows:
- Trimester 1: The Abrahamic Religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism)
- Trimester 2: East Asian Religions
- Trimester 3: Modern Religious Traditions
The purpose of the course is to familiarize the student with non-Christian beliefs and practices so that we may all be better witnesses of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6). There will be no homework, and the instructor hopes to offer small field trips as well.
Option 3: How to Read an Icon (the Art of Iconography) with Ms. Wegener
Like art and interested in experiencing Christian art more deeply? Come discover the tradition of sacred iconography! Catholic and Orthodox Christians have used icons in worship, in private and in public, for almost two thousand years. This course will explain how iconography uses different symbols and visual patterns, explore what Christians believe about these sacred images, and show students how to pray with icons. Students will draw their own version of an icon to complete the course (no artistic skills required!).
Option 4: Studio Art with Mr. Usalla
This course is for students with high motivation in further developing individual interest and skills in various forms of artistic expression. Students will investigate contextual perspectives of visual communication and visual culture while developing their own aesthetic and artistic voice.
Option 5: Handbell Choir with Ms. Oh
The Handbell Choir elective will teach students to play handbells and/or improve upon their handbell ringing skills in a choir setting. Emphasis will be placed upon learning proper handbell ringing techniques, as well as developing skills in key musical elements such as rhythm, tempo, key signature, time signature, and dynamics. The students in this course will form St. Monica's Handbell Choir that will perform at Mass and for school-wide concerts!
Option 6: Intro to Spanish Language and Culture with Mrs. Pérez
This course is for students who want to further their Spanish skills and discover more about culture in Spanish-speaking countries. We’ll do songs, games, stories, dialogs, and other fun language learning activities.
Rotating Non-Option Option: SLC with Ms. Takemori
Are you a role model in virtue? Do you have a solid work ethic? Are you just itching to let those creative juices flow through the mediums of drama, speech, and/or art? If so, wonderful! If not, you’ll have a change to grow in these ways with Ms. Takemori as a member of the Student Leadership Crew (SLC)!
You’ll perform saintly skits, decorate posters, run family meetings (and fundraisers!), and so much more. In the immortal words of Stan Lee, with great power comes great responsibility. SLC members need to step up and lead by example in the middle school. Just like in history class, expect a lot of work but plenty of fun. ^_^
Be the leader St. Monica middle school needs and join SLC!