Special Courses

Each SJHA student is given an opportunity to enrich and develop an appreciation of art with lessons designed to sharpen learning skills, challenge visual perception and utilize principles of art and design to problem solve. Exploring perspective, scale and point of view, developing creativity and stirring imagination are all part of art appreciation. Students learn the richness of art history and become inspired to learn new skills and develop confidence in their unique talents. Mrs. Rosemary Klein has been the SJHA Elementary School Art Teacher for over four decades. As an educator, Mrs. Klein's goals are to share her talents and knowledge with her students so they will grow and enjoy the journey.

 

The comprehensive music curriculum at St. Joseph Hill Academy serves students from Pre-K-4 through Grade 8, recognizing that the arts are unique forms of knowledge and expression. Through music education, young people develop the ability to give creative and critical expression to their deepest thoughts and insights about themselves, God, and the world around them.

Students cultivate an appreciation for music while actively preparing for various Masses, prayer services, and performances at assemblies and ceremonies. Our lessons are thoughtfully coordinated with classroom and subject teachers to provide an enriching interdisciplinary experience, reinforcing academic subjects by seamlessly integrating them into musical learning.

Pre-K-4 through Grade 2: Singing instruction is enhanced through movement in general music classes, creating an engaging, multi-sensory learning environment that builds foundational musical understanding.

Grades 3-8: Students explore essential musical concepts including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, expression, timbre, and counterpoint. These elements are taught and practiced through active singing experiences that bring musical theory to life.

Fifth Grade Choir: Fifth grade students have the special privilege of serving as the school choir for Masses, prayer services, ceremonies, and events. All appropriate musical selections are carefully prepared during their scheduled music classes, fostering both musical excellence and spiritual leadership.

Our curriculum celebrates both patriotic and religious music while encouraging discussion and appreciation of cultural musical traditions from around the world. As a school focused on providing STREAM education, we incorporate innovative digital projects including lyric writing, digital storyboards, PowerPoint presentations, and music videos.

The entire student body joyfully prepares and performs in themed Grandparent's Day celebrations, learning songs from past generations and creating meaningful intergenerational connections. These special performances are captured in YouTube videos that preserve these cherished memories. 

Teacher: Mrs. Regina Innocente, music teacher and pianist, has been sharing her passion for music education at SJHA since 1999. Mrs. Innocente serves as the accompanist for elementary school events and holds a Masters of Art Degree in Learning with Emerging Technologies, which proved to be effective during the pandemic and continues to be beneficial in current and future digital education initiatives.

• Focus on exposure and oral comprehension.
• Songs, games, and stories in Spanish.
• Basic vocabulary: colors, numbers, animals, greetings.
• Emphasis on listening and mimicking sounds.
• Learning through visual activities.

• Continued emphasis on listening and speaking.
• Introduction to simple phrases and commands.
• Vocabulary expansion: days of the week, classroom items, family.

• Increased vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Practice with yes/no and simple “wh-” questions.
• Thematic units (e.g., food, weather, body parts).

• Focus on listening, speaking, and early literacy skills.
• Students begin reading short sentences in Spanish.
• More structured oral and written responses.

• Continued development in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing.
• More complex vocabulary and expressions.
• Increased use of Spanish for instructions and interactions.
• Cultural content: holidays, traditions, family.

• Greater emphasis on grammar and sentence structure.
• Students write short compositions and begin peer conversations.
• Focus on verb conjugations (present tense).

• Strengthening fluency and independent use of Spanish.
• Reading and responding to short stories or informational texts.
• Continue with verb conjugations.
• Oral presentations, group projects, and cultural comparisons.
• Prepares students for middle school language pathways.

St. Joseph Hill Academy is recognized as a 2024–2025 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School—with second-year recognition for our Launch Program (Pre-K to 5th) and fourth consecutive year as a Distinguished Gateway School (6th–8th). Ms. Teresa Maresca was named an Outstanding PLTW Launch Teacher for 2025–2026.

What Makes Our STEM Program Special

Our formal STEM curriculum runs from Pre-K 3 through 8th grade, combining scientific inquiry with creative problem-solving and real-world design challenges. Students don't just learn about science and engineering—they do it, using industry-standard tools and practices. Read more here. 

Our Technology Program emphasizes responsible use of technology, collaboration with classmates, and an age-appropriate introduction to emerging tools such as artificial intelligence. From Kindergarten through Grade 8, students build the skills they need to use technology safely, confidently, and creatively both in school and beyond.

Kindergarten – Grade 2
Our youngest students focus on building confidence and comfort with Chromebooks. They learn how to log in and out, navigate with the keyboard and trackpad, and understand how to properly power down and care for their devices. Lessons also introduce safe internet habits, such as recognizing trusted websites and avoiding advertisements. Students begin typing practice through fun activities and games, which help them develop early touch-typing skills. Collaboration begins in simple ways, such as working together on shared activities, learning the basics of teamwork, and practicing respect when using technology with classmates. Toward the end of Grade 2, students begin transitioning into Google Workspace. They practice signing into their school Google accounts, removing accounts properly, and managing logins so they are prepared for the expectations of Grade 3. At this level, students are also introduced to the idea of artificial intelligence in very simple terms, with examples and short discussions to help them recognize how technology is part of their everyday world.

Grades 3 – 5
Students continue developing typing skills while strengthening their knowledge of online safety and responsible use of technology. At this stage, they begin learning digital citizenship, which includes understanding the importance of treating others respectfully online and avoiding inappropriate or unsafe uses of technology. Collaboration becomes an important focus, as students learn how to share documents, invite classmates to work together, and divide responsibilities on group projects. They also learn how to use Google Docs and Google Forms, and beginning in Grade 4, they place a strong emphasis on Google Slides. Students practice not only creating digital presentations but also presenting them in front of their classmates, building confidence in both teamwork and public speaking. Artificial intelligence continues to be explored through simple lessons and projects that encourage curiosity and problem-solving. By Grade 5, students are also introduced to the basics of Python coding.

Grades 6 – 8
Older students apply their skills in more advanced projects, with a strong focus on responsible technology use and digital citizenship. They learn about privacy, ethical behavior online, and how their choices can impact both themselves and others. Collaboration is emphasized at a higher level, as students regularly share documents, work in teams, and manage shared responsibilities to complete complex assignments. They continue developing proficiency with Google Workspace tools, with a strong emphasis on Google Slides presentations, both digital and in-class. Students also deepen their exploration of artificial intelligence, not only as a tool but also as a subject for discussion. Lessons include the ethical use of AI, safety considerations, and following the school’s technology policies as outlined in the student handbook. Coding skills with Python grow more advanced, and technology is often integrated across the curriculum — such as extending projects in religion, social studies, or writing workshops. By the time they graduate, students have the confidence and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and successfully.

Teacher: Mr. John Pucilla

 

Our Writers’ Workshop is a student-centered class designed to help every child grow as a writer. It is not just about writing papers, but about building a strong foundation of skills that take students from simply putting words on paper to truly bringing their ideas to life.

During Writers’ Workshop, students move through the writing process with support and guidance. They will have time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and share their work, gaining independence while also learning from one another. Collaboration is an important part of the class, giving students the chance to exchange ideas, practice constructive feedback, and build confidence in a safe and encouraging environment.

Lessons are designed with all types of learners in mind, so every student can find a way to connect with the work and grow at their own pace. Some students will thrive in creative storytelling, while others may discover their strengths in organization, details, or nonfiction writing. Every child has a place in Writers’ Workshop, and even those who may not consider writing their favorite subject will find opportunities to succeed and shine.

Over the course of the year, students will explore a variety of projects including personal narratives, descriptive pieces, creative stories, and nonfiction assignments. Along the way, they will develop stronger vocabulary, clearer organization, and a deeper understanding of how to use writing as a tool for both thinking and expression.

Writers’ Workshop is a supportive space where students discover their voices, take pride in their progress, and learn that writing can be both powerful and enjoyable.

Teacher: Ms. Amanda McPolin