Enrichment Classes

Library & Technology EL3-5th 
Students EL3 – 5th grade visit the Library once a week to build literacy and research skills.

  • Grades EL3–JK: Story time, songs, and learning book basics.
  • Grades K–2: Phonics games, typing practice, simple illustrations, and maps in stories.
  • Grades 3–4: Online catalog use, Dewey Decimal, evaluating sources, and creating reports, presentations, and multimedia projects.
  • Grade 5: Keyboarding, online safety, social media etiquette, Google Workspace basics, hands-on work with Chromebooks and how a computer is built.
  • Grades 6-8: Research and citation skills, creating reports, Google Workspace basics with more advanced technology projects, Canva, and hands-on work with Chromebooks.

Fine Arts (EL3–8)
Students explore creativity through hands-on art making once or twice a week.

  • Grades EL3–JK: Basic motor skills, personal expression, and confidence in art.
  • Grades K–2: Experiment with techniques, learn art as communication, and connect art to other subjects.
  • Grades 3–5: Problem-solving through artmaking and study of past and present artists.
  • Grades 6–8: Critical thinking and self-expression, art critique, and projects that support moral, emotional, and    intellectual growth.

Spanish (EL3–8)
Students study Spanish weekly (increasing in frequency through middle school) with focus on communication and cultural understanding.

  • Grades K-2: Songs, movement, and storytelling.
  • Grades 3-5: Reading, writing, listening, pronunciation, and interactive games.
  • Grades 6–7: More structured practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with cultural studies.
  • Grade 8: Spanish I (for high school credit), emphasizing real-life communication and cultural exploration.

Physical Education (EL3–8) and Health Classes (6-8)
Students attend PE weekly, developing fitness, teamwork, and lifelong healthy habits.

  • Grades EL3–JK: Foundational movement, spatial awareness, and healthy routines.
  • Grades K–4: Locomotor and manipulative skills, teamwork, and wellness concepts.
  • Grades 5–8: Fitness, skill development, personal responsibility, and preparing for lifelong physical activity.
  • Grades 6-8 (Health):  Apply health concept skills , identify health concepts, decision-making skills, evaluate health information
Music (EL3–8)

Students attend weekly music classes (with increasing complexity) and explore the ten essential elements of music.

  • Grades EL3–K: Beat, pitch, loud/soft sounds, and voice types, with rhythm instruments.
  • Grade 1: Basic notation, solfeggio (sol-mi), and music staff introduction.
  • Grade 2: Beat groupings, half notes, and expanded pitch range.
  • Grade 3: Recorder study begins, rhythm/beat patterns, and musical form.
  • Grade 4: Recorder skills expand with more pitches and rhythms.
  • Grade 5: Recorder mastery, syncopated rhythms, scales, and key signatures.
  • Grades 6–8: Middle School music deepens study of musical elements, notation, and performance. Students explore all instrument families, bring in personal music, and participate in choir or instruments at school Mass.

Marine Science (EL3–8)

  • The Waterfront Classroom and Living Shoreline are prominent features of Saint Mary’s unique marine-focused STEM program. They provide students with opportunities for direct observation and hands-on science learning while fostering awareness of the importance of conserving the Chesapeake Bay.
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