a Christ-like and learner friendly environment
to better serve God and community.
Enrichment Programs
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ArtThe Annunciation art program focuses on teaching the many different aspects of art instruction. JrK create artwork that works on improving their fine motor skills by working with different types of clay and paints. K thru 2nd grade focus on creating artwork based on the elements of art. 3rd thru 5th grade emphasis is on art history, while creating art based on each particular artist or era. Principles of design are studied in 6th grade while working with various mediums. 7th grade is a focus on New Mexico art and artists, in conjunction with Social Studies. 8th grade work on more ambitious projects which culminate in an independent project of their choosing for the second semester.
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STEMJrK - 4th Grade
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is a multidisciplinary curricular approach to learning. We incorporate not just fundamentals, but art, creativity, ethics, language arts, literacy, and many more subjects, in a hands-on, active, and student-led learning environment. Students work alone on some activities, while at other times, they work in groups to develop interpersonal skills and problem-solving as a team.
“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” ( National Science Foundation)
Students are encouraged to problem solve, stretch themselves, go out of their comfort zone sometimes to find what they are adept at, as well as what they don’t prefer. They develop a variety of skills such as coding, inventing, building, robotics, circuitry, research, public speaking, technology trends, patterning, strategic games, life and earth science, computer basics, and much more. STEM helps children see that what they are learning now is pertinent to their future. We encourage the understanding that concepts have real-life carry-over that is applicable throughout their lives. What we know is important, but learning how to apply the knowledge will equip students with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information both at home and globally.
STEM 5 th
In 5 th grade we focus on important computer skills such as using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and typing. We also explore robotics using the Lego Mindstorms system to accomplish various tasks like getting your bot to follow a line on the ground or navigate a maze. Additionally, we use SCRATCH (an MIT developed programming course) to introduce computer coding skills to the students.STEM 6th
In 6th grade we have a 1 to 1 iPad program where the students are assigned an iPad that they keep for the school year. We split our time evenly between computer skills and iPad projects. For computers we continue to learn about Microsoft Office and typing skills. We also add Adobe Photoshop to learn how to edit and alter photos to create very original computer art projects. For the iPad half of the curriculum we use various apps to create projects and explore coding. Examples include: iMovie to create short videos, Numbers to explore the power of spreadsheets, Keynote to work on presentation skills, and Swift Playgrounds which is an app developed by Apple to teach coding skills. Finally towards the end of the school year we hold an entrepreneur competition where the students use many of these skills, apps, and programs to create a company idea to present to a panel of judges for prizes.STEM 7th-8th
For our 7th-8th grade students we offer electives that the students get to choose from. For STEM electives we offer: Adobe Photoshop (photo editor), BattleBots (robotics using Lego Mindstorms), Independent Coding (introduction to programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), and finally Studio/Broadcasting (create audio/video projects in our new recording studio here at ACS). -
Music
Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic School offers music to every student. Students explore music through movement, listening, singing, literature, technology, and playing instruments. Through these mediums, students learn about the elements of music (rhythm, tempo, meter, duration, melody, harmony, pitch, texture, timbre, dynamics, and form). JrK through 6th graders develop their musicality while learning coordination, motor skills, aural skills, cultural music, composition, theory, notation, sight-reading, sight-singing, instrumental techniques and digital music production with the use of iPads and the app Garage Band. 7th & 8th graders choose among electives like Ukulele, where students can enrich their musical education by learning to read chord progressions and practicing voice techniques through ensemble and solo projects. Another elective is Storytellers, where students study skit-writing, production, rehearsal, and production as well as musical theatre scenes and songs. Our Music Program also offers extra curricular opportunities like band, where students can learn how to play the traditional instruments like flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. All students also develop performance skills in class and through their concerts and graduations.
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Physical Education (PE)JrK - 3rd Grade
Physical Education (PE) will expose the students to multiple kinds of activities. Activities range from team sports skills, lifetime sport skills & games they can play with friends or by themselves. With this exposure they will be able to pick, choose and expand upon their favorites in order to carry on throughout their lifespan. The goal is to keep kids busy with some kind of physical activity that they found to enjoy and will help promote a healthy lifestyle for them. Along with learning the skills, there are some standards that are addressed. Rules of the game/activities, sportsmanship, honesty, taking turns, sharing, respect for each other's playing ability and respect for the equipment. Incorporating all these things together in a fun kind of way will promote a happy, confident, and healthy student.
4th - 8th Grade
Physical Education is much more than organized recess. Especially with middle school students. Students are exposed to multiple lifelong activities that promote fitness and general health. All students are special and posses a wide range of skills and abilities. It is our mission to bring forth a love and passion for activity. Activities are presented in a positive and professional manner, as to maximize the self-esteem and self-confidence of our students. As a result of physical education students learn the value of physical activity. Another goal of our courses is to teach and help students understand the important social aspects of physical education that are not always practiced in the classroom. Honesty, respect, fairness, and activity for enjoyment are some of the characteristics that are built up in students.
Throughout the year students will engage in physical fitness assessments, where the students are taught the 5 characteristics of physical fitness. Those characteristics include: 1. Cardiovascular Endurance, 2. Muscular Strength, 3. Muscular Endurance, 4. Flexibility, and 5. Body Composition. Each activity we do will improve ones fitness throughout the year and hopefully give students a goal to reach and maintain throughout their lifetime.
Health - 7th & 8th Grade
Health will cover the other topics as they relate to healthy living. This includes a wide range of topics that include: nutrition, diet and exercise, body image/self image, drugs, alcohol, smoking, prescription drugs, life threatening diseases, conception/birth cycle, sexually transmitted diseases, and mental health. The goal is to foster mature and healthy conversation and instruction to students. So that through instruction they will have awareness of many of the dangers and potential risks that are present in todays society. The goal is to teach abstinence from any risk behavior and help students from an early age to understand the consequences of all choices made that can affect their lifelong health. As well as teach the healthy alternatives for students to choose from in order to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.
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Spanish
Elementary Spanish
1st grade
Students have the opportunity to explore the Hispanic Culture and learn basic Spanish language skills. Students learn through a fun, hands-on and interactive approach that includes music, games, skits, activities and prayer.
2nd - 3rd Grade
At this level the Spanish language acquisition progresses as students are immersed in the Spanish language. Students develop strong speaking, listening, writing and reading skills through the use of the Symtalk program. Students celebrate their Cultural Heritage; learning important Spanish celebrations and traditions. Students are exposed to a variety of projects that encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
4th and 5th Grade
At this level, students are engaged in full emersion as they develop advanced reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills through the implementation of the Symtalk program.
Middle School Spanish
Middle School focuses on the integration of language skills (putting everything together). Students develop an advanced understanding of the structures of language and Spanish grammar. Students demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish Language through various projects including: music, film, research, poetry, narrative, reading comprehension and cultural investigation. Upon the completion of our middle school program students will be prepared for advanced language courses as they enter high school.