“We chose St. John Paul II Regional School for the small class sizes, warm family environment and amount of opportunities provided for our son. We also love how family participation is encouraged.”
- St. JPII Parent
Students will have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 electives each year. All electives are designed to be engaging and run parallel to the NYS CTE curriculum. Electives meet once a week for 12 weeks.
Home Economics
In this middle school home economics course, students will learn the basics of kitchen organization, basic cooking skills, how to shop smart, meal planning, money and time management, hospitality, house cleaning and decluttering, basic sewing skills, routine home maintenance, first aid, preparing for emergencies, and more.
Child Care Studies
This introductory course provides an overview of information that students should understand before working with young children. This course covers developmental stages, age-appropriate activities for children, positive guidance techniques, ways to build children’s self-esteem, health and safety practices, ways to support children’s learning and development and basic supervision. Students will spend several days working with our PreK students.
Career Exploration
In this course, students will have the opportunity to build self awareness, learn about potential careers, and develop a plan for reaching future goals. They will be able to take career assessments where they will explore different careers based on their unique personality and interests. Middle school is a critical time for students to learn about the skills and professionalism needed to succeed in different fields of work.
Broadway Music
Stemming all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman theatre, the history of the musical stage has become a vital part of the human experience. In this course, we will learn the history of the musical stage, beginning in the 1860s and ending with present day. We will explore the actors’ strike, the Golden Age of music, Disney musicals, and everything in between. *Trimester II (Returning 8th grade students will not be eligible.)
Music in Film
In this course, we will discuss the role that music has played in motion pictures. We will discuss the history of film music, the important role it plays–both in silent films and films of recent years, how it enhances the movie-watching experience, and how it helps evoke different emotions. We will also study present-day film composers and their careers. *Trimester II
Chorus
This is for anyone who enjoys singing! In this course, we will learn about effective solo and ensemble singing, different voice parts, effective breathing techniques, and spring concert music. If time permits, we will also study different voice solos for anyone interested in participating in the NYSSMA festival in the spring. *Trimester III
Public Speaking/Human Communication
Students will be introduced to practical communication skills. Topics to include: Articulation & Annunciation; Attention Command; Overcoming Nervousness & “Speaker Anxiety”; Special Occasion Speech; “How To” speech; Elevator Pitch; Large Group Presentations; Negative Speech & its fallout; Debates vs. Arguments; Effective Listening Skills
Sculpture
This is an advanced art class where students will be creating three-dimensional art using mixed media, clay and other repurposed goods. This class will highlight sculptors throughout history and discuss works of art. Students will learn different methods and materials that sculptors use and explore their imagination bringing their visions to life.
Painting 101
In this advanced course the students will create still-lifes, portraits, landscapes, and abstract paintings using acrylics, watercolors and tempera. Students will focus on developing content and personal expression while also studying art history and learning different styles and techniques of painting.
Exercise & Science Nutrition
Exercise Science is a discipline that studies movement and the associated functional responses and adaptations. The goal of exercise science is to facilitate an understanding of the links between fitness, exercise, diet and health. Ultimately, the discipline provides a scientific approach to study how exercise and the human body interact in order to understand the physiology of exercise as well as its benefits and results. Nutrition will cover concepts at the intersection of food and health, including nutrition for health and fitness, and the nature and impact of cultural dietary traditions.
Business Management 101
What do we need to learn this for? This is a common question students ask when learning new material in class. Business management offers students the basic skills of real world math problems like paychecks, taxes, credit cards, budgeting. *Students will run the school store.
Keyboarding
This course is intended for students to learn or improve their keyboarding technique and skills. Students will master touch keyboarding and improve their proofreading, editing and writing skills while formatting letters, reports, tables and other documents.
Graphic Design
Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. Graphic designers also develop material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Students will learn the basics of graphic design, how to use Coreldraw and how to create and install signs, banners etc.
Introduction to Law - Part I Civil Law
This elective course is designed to allow students to gain an understanding of a citizen’s legal rights and responsibilities. It will provide practical knowledge of civil laws such as contracts and family law. Students also learn and practice the basic skills of public speaking, debate, and crafting arguments. All students will participate in mock trials as attorneys or witnesses.
Introduction to Law - Part II Criminal Law
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Introduction to Law I. Through hosting mock trials, students will participate in in-depth studies of criminal law, such as crimes against the person and against property. This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their ability to use expert testimony and evidence during a trial. It also allows students to further develop and practice their skills of public speaking, debate, and crafting arguments. All students will participate in mock trial competitions as attorneys or witnesses.
Prayer & Worship
Join a praying and worshiping community that is focused on students. Prayer & Worship promotes a vibrant campus worshiping community centered around the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life. Additional opportunities include Mass, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Reconciliation, Charismatic Praise, Candlelight Prayer, and Adoration.