Student Life

Students in grades 2nd-3rd participate in biweekly art lessons.  While exploring a variety of art media, trying new techniques, and introducing a range of artists, students are encouraged to express their creativity and imagination.

 

Students in 4th grade participate in a trimester minicourse where they explore the basic building blocks of art, the Elements of Art, and develop a better understanding of a variety of art media, techniques, and the function of the Elements of Art within various projects and works of art.

 

The Art Program is open to students in grades 5th-8th as an elective.  Students may choose the art elective for one semester only.  An Advanced Art class is offered to students for the entire school year in grades 7th and 8th based on a performance evaluation from the previous year and teacher recommendation.

The focus of the counseling program includes the enhancement of communication among all individuals in our school. The program fosters relationships as a Christian community, helps to improve academic achievement, furthers student self-discipline, and provides guidance for social and emotional growth. Staff members and/or parents can make referrals to the counselors. Students may also visit the counselors on their own. If parents refuse counseling services for the child, they must notify the school in writing.

Cathedral-Carmel School has a fully equipped library which is available to all students and teachers. Students are able to use the wide variety of library materials and resources for study, reference, and enjoyment. Classroom work of the students is closely correlated with the school library, and each student learns proper use of the library and its resources. The library has a certified librarian and a full-time library assistant. The library uses a computerized card catalogue system, and students are able to check out books electronically.

The Accelerated Reading Program is a computerized reading software program that is utilized by students in grades 3rd – 8th. It enables teachers to manage literature-based reading by their students. Accelerated Reader’s main purpose is to motivate students to read more and to become lifelong learners who love to read. The program is also designed to help teachers assess reading comprehension and to aid in diagnosis and intervention. The Accelerated Reading Program has proven to be a successful component in the language arts curriculum and is a fine example of blending technology with literature-based reading.

The French elective is offered to students in 7th and 8th grades. Students who participate in the French elective in 7th and 8th grade may receive one World Language credit in high school if they receive a passing grade both years. Further, Accelerated Bilingual class is offered to students who qualify based on academic ability.  The Accelerated Bilingual course consists of a full year combination ELA and French with French I taught in the 7th grade and French II taught in 8th grade.

The Liturgical Choir is made up of talented dedicated singers who volunteer their time and talents to sing for our school's weekly liturgies.  Students in grades 4th-8th are invited and encouraged to join.  If there are a large number of interested singers, auditions will be held, otherwise all are welcome to join.  Rehearsals are held before school on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 7:20 until classes begin.  The choir sings for weekly liturgies and any special event on campus when asked to participate. 

 

Handbell Choir is a mini-course designed to study the art of handbell ringing. Students should have some knowledge of music and must audition to be accepted into the class. The handbell choir is a full-year course and is offered to 8th graders. Handbell choir members perform for special liturgies and special programs on campus throughout the school year. Music class is offered as a semester elective in 7th grade and is a preparatory course for the Handbell Choir.

CCS offers a comprehensive band program for 5th-8th grade students who wish to learn how to play wind and percussion instruments. The Cathedral-Carmel Band has engaged in extraordinary opportunities for music performance. In 2016, the band travelled to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to perform for the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In 2019, the band travelled to New York City to perform on top of the USS Intrepid. In addition, the band participates in numerous school events and church activities. The CCS band program also includes a handbell ensemble, a percussion ensemble, and numerous chamber wind ensembles. 

• To improve basic reading, math, and language arts skills
• To develop independent learners
• To improve study skills
• To assess personal strengths and weaknesses

• Football (5th–8th grade)
• Cheerleading (7th / 8th grade)
• Golf (5th–8th grade)
• Baseball (5th–8th grade)
• Softball (5th–8th grade)
• Tennis (5th–8th grade)
• Basketball (6th–8th grade)
• Volleyball (5th–8th grade)
• Track (5th–8th grade)
• Soccer(5th–8th grade)
• Cross-country (5th–8th grade)
• Swimming (5th–8th grade)

The National Junior Beta Club is an educational organization for junior high school students in grades 6th – 8th. Membership in Beta signifies that “the student is a student of good character and mentality, creditable achievement, and commendable attitude – a student worthy of special recognition because of outstanding attainment and promise.”

The CCS Science Club is organized to provide students with the opportunity to explore science and technology outside of the normal classroom. Meetings provide students with enriching experiences in both the branches of science and new emerging technologies.  CCS Science Club is open to all students in the 5th through 8th grades.

The Library Club helps students develop leadership qualities, as well as provide opportunities to promote the services of the school library and reading celebrations throughout the school year. Membership is open to students in grades 5-8.

The CCS French Club offers students an opportunity to participate in fun, French related activities that will further enhance their appreciation and knowledge of the French language and culture. Membership is open to students in grades 6-8.

REC Mentors offers students an opportunity to provide assistance, as needed, to the REC students and their teachers. Helping with Special Olympics and various other REC projects fosters an appreciation for the gifts of special needs students.