Co-Curricular Classes

Art

• Art students learn how to be engaged fully in the artistic process and gain skill and confidence by learning to work in the following two and three dimensional mediums: drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, print-making, collage, fiber, and computer arts. Drawing receives the greatest emphasis because it provides the basis for all other creative activities. Drawing is the single most accessible form of art available and provides a direct link between reading, writing, and math. 
• The art program is integrated with the core curriculum in order to establish historic relevance and offer students the opportunity to create and do in all subject areas. The program nurtures inventiveness as it engages students in a process that aids in the development of self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, and self-motivation.
• The goals of the visual arts program at NPES are to provide students with the tools to understand human experience; to learn to adapt to and respect others way of thinking; to learn creative methods of problem solving; understand the historical andcultural influences of art; to make decisions in situations where there are no standard answers; to analyze non-verbal communication; and to communicate thoughts and feelings using a practiced and highly developed visual vocabulary.
  
  

Spanish

• By emphasizing the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading, and writing--NPES strives to develop a passion in students for comprehending, using, and connecting Spanish language with the Hispanic culture in order to communicate with Spanish speakers in the United States and around the world.

• NPES Spanish classes are filled with Spanish-language activities, games, music, art projects, books, and

•  more to utilize Spanish in an engaging manner. The Spanish program is based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign 

• Language’s five Cs to learning a foreign language:

1. COMMUNICATION: Students learn how to communicate orally and in writing using the Spanish language in "real life" situations.

2. CULTURES: Students are exposed to cultures different from their own and develop a 

3. better understanding and appreciation for language and culture.

4. CONNECTIONS: Content from other subject areas, including Character Education, is integrated into lessons.

5. COMPARISONS: Students compare and contrast languages and cultures. They analyze similarities and differences which strengthens understanding of their native language and culture.

6. COMMUNITIES: Students experience field trips, cultural activities, and are given opportunities to hear Heritage speakers at school and in the classroom. They are encouraged to continue language learning outside of the school setting and use what they have learned in their communities.

Music

• NPES students enjoy a general music class from kindergarten through 8th grade. In their general music classes, students become familiar with music terminology, aesthetics of music, creating music, history and culture as it relates to music.  All students meet for general music once a week.
• The middle school music curriculum parallels the social studies curriculum and focuses on music history.  Music class provides students the opportunity to gain insight into different cultures by studying the music and musical techniques of various cultures.
• Band is offered to grades 4-8 as an extracurricular activity. Students learn to play a band instrument of their choice as well as read music and perform in concert. Band focuses on ensemble playing, team building, and self discipline through music.

Physical Education

• The Physical Education (PE) program at NPES promotes favorable attitudes for active lifestyles, physical fitness, and safety through teaching the fundamentals of lifetime and leisure sports.
• Instruction focuses on instilling a positive self-image, teaching appropriate social behavior, promoting sportsmanship, and helping students learn how their bodies can perform more efficiently.
• PE provides students with multiple opportunities to assess fitness levels, to engage in opportunities that will strengthen already developing gross and small motor skills.
• Students develop lifetime skills that enable them to lead full and productive lives both in and out of school—an active body for an active mind.

Creative Drama

• Research shows that creative drama improves students' language and communication abilities, the Creative Drama program is taught in conjunction with the Language Arts program at NPES. Creative Drama class empowers students to speak publicly with confidence and encourages creative expression and teamwork in a supportive environment.
• Part of NPES’ after-school program involves producing an original musical show involving students from kindergartenthrough eighth grade.  Theater is a fun, engaging way for students to express themselves, practice memorization and musical skills, and build camaraderie. Almost all students from kindergarten through 8th grade participate. While students in upper grades are given significant roles, all students from 2nd grade on have speaking parts. The youngest cast members are featured in their own musical number.  With the assistance of parent volunteers creating costumes, sets, and props, over 100 students rehearse and prepare for their performance. 

Library

• Classes visit the library on a weekly basis for story time, assisted research and book checkout. The library is open to students during study and free periods and for homework and study after school.
• Annual reading programs, such as the winter reading program, the annual Rebecca Caudill books and the Battle of the Books, help to stimulate students' appreciation for reading.
• Middle school students complete various projects in conjunction with the Language Arts program.  Projects include an oral interpretation unit, independent book reviews and projects and age appropriate reading competitions.