Technology Program

The technology program goals are to develop a sense of computer literacy in each student, to enable the students to perform various computer operations, to experience new technologies, and to use that knowledge in a responsible and independent manner.  The use of technology is integrated in other subject areas of the curriculum.

Computers and Laptop Carts in the Classroom

Students will use the computers in their classroom and the laptop cart to:

• reinforce skills in other subject areas
• practice keyboarding
• learn new programs
• research information
• use word processing and other programs to create projects

Computer Lab

Students will go to the computer lab to:

• increase their computer literacy
• learn how to use a computer and various programs correctly
• learn proper keyboarding techniques
• learn and use correctly, word processing and other programs used in classroom generated projects
• learn how to correctly and safely use the Internet
• learn to use digital cameras, scanners and other technology tools
• learn how to create multimedia projects
• learn how to use a computer responsibly

The following is an agreement between the student and Duchesne Academy regarding the acceptable use of electronic resources used in the Lower School.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

The use of the computer and internet is a privilege.  Lower School student use of computer and the Internet will be closely supervised by a teacher at all times and will be for an educational purpose which meets the goals and criteria of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart.  Each Lower School student will learn that she has responsibilities in the use of computers and the Internet as an educational resource.

Student Responsibilities:

• I will treat all computers and other technology equipment with care and respect.
• I will learn to backup my work correctly in my network folder.
• I will not interfere with other students' folders and work.
• I will not copy material and say that I wrote it.
• I must be taught how to use the Internet by a teacher and will only use it when I have been instructed to use it and with teacher supervision.
• On-line e-mail and on-line conversations with others will take place only under the supervision of a teacher.
• If I find myself on an inappropriate site, I will immeditely tell a teacher.
• I will follow the teacher's instructions about downloading files and any other activities on the Internet.
• I will always use appropriate language.
• I will not give out my name, phone number, address, or any other personal information over the Internet.
• I will tell my computer teacher immediately if I know of someone who is not following these rules.
• I understand that if I do not follow these rules, I may lose my computer and Internet privileges for a while.

In consideration for the privilege of using the system and in consideration for having access to the information contained on the Internet, Duchesne Academy, its operators and any institutions with which they are affiliated, are  hereby released from any and all claims of any nature arising from the student's ability, or inability, to use the Internet.

Music

Students learn music through sequential instruction, integrating Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze type movement as core methods of instruction.  The concepts of expressive qualities, timbre, duration, pitch, form, texture and style are taught utilizing a vocal approach.  Performance is an outgrowth of the curriculum.  Choir (Le Petit Choeur) is available to any third or fourth grader.  An appreciation and love for music is fostered in each child.

Art

The Duchesne Lower School Art Program fosters an appreciation of the fine arts through activities that enable each student to express ideas through art making at an appropriate developmental level.  The elements and principles of art are taught from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade using a variety of Media and processes. An understanding of art history and culture is cultivated through discussion and art viewing. Art activities are veritcally aligned with core subjects to enrich teaching and offer a wholistic approach to learning.

French

The French language is part of the cultural heritage of the Sacred Heart Schools.  At the pre-K, and kindergarten levels, the focus is on oral language learned through games, songs and oral practice drills.  In grades one through four, the students are introduced to basic grammar and learn to read and write in French.  French history and culture are components of the third and fourth grade curriculum. Students address each other in French during class.

Library

The Lower School Library provides a collection of print and electronic resources to meet the academic and recreational needs of our students.  Our two main goals are to foster a love of books and reading and to teach students to use the library confidently and efficiently in order to find information.  They are taught how to use the library by using a hands-on approach, which is curriculum driven.  We wish to produce life-long readers who are information literate.  The library is open 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Physical Education

The physical education curriculum has been developed in order to help each student build a solid foundation in motor skills and physical fitness.  P.E. activities are designed to promote gross motor skill development, body awareness and coordination.  The physical education program helps the students to use their bodies more efficiently and knowledgeably through the practice of a wide variety of fundamental and sports related movement skills.  Good Sportsmanship and team spirit are important components of the physical education program. 

All students are expected to participate in P.E. classes and outdoor recreational activities.  No student will be excused from these classes without a note from home.  On cold days, students should dress warmly enough to go outdoors.