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Cultural Arts Program

Welcome to the St. Mary Cultural Arts Program!

We are delighted that you are interested in the St. Mary Cultural Arts program. This program incorporates the Illinois Elementary School Standards and has been developed as a cross curricular presentation of art works and field trips to expose our students to famous artists in all mediums, to architecture and museums in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Cultural Arts is an easy and great way to be involved in the classroom.  Each grade has a different schedule of monthly art presentations, which generally take place in October and November and January through April (these are listed under “Curriculum”).  <<< this blue text refers to the legacy site and will need to be revised; also, the Curriculum page on the legacy site (click here to view that page) doesn't have that information.  Class field trips take place in May. Each class has a volunteer coordinator that will help find a date and time that works for you and the teachers. Coordinators can also help you locate the resources you need.

What do you do as a volunteer? First, you find a partner who can work with you. Generally, this is another parent but you can also invite your spouse, a grandparent, etc. to help you.  You and your partner present the “picture of the month” to the class. The research is done for you on the artist and the artwork and all the information is available on the website. Second, you lead the students in each classroom in an art related activity as a follow-up to the artist and artwork that was studied that day (this is why it’s a good idea to have a partner – one helps one classroom; the other works with the second classroom). Ideas and suggestions for activities are also provided on the web pages for a specific artist under “Class Projects,” by clicking Curriculum, scrolling to the grade, clicking on the artist, and scrolling down beneath the artwork section to “Class Projects”.  The whole presentation and activity takes about 40 – 45 minutes (10 – 15 minutes presentation and 20 – 30 minutes activity. 

NOTE FROM JOHN: the preceding blue text needs to be updated as it refers to the legacy site; also, the Curriculum page on the legacy site (click here to view that page) doesn't have grades or class projects on it.

Click here to view the Art Location Directory listing the location of all St. Mary’s beautiful art collection.

You can prepare and pass out to students an “Ask Me” memo, encouraging the parents to engage their students about the Cultural Arts presentation. Click here to download the "Ask Me Memo" template.

How Do I Volunteer? Please contact your child's teacher to volunteer.

Thank you!

Foreign Language

We currently offer Spanish through Language Adventures for grades PK through 8. Mrs. Farfan teaches PK through 4 and Mrs. Mamani teaches grades 5 through 8.

Music

St. Mary students have Music class once a week.  In class, the students practice songs, learn about music, and do exercises for singing and musical knowledge. Students play instruments in class as well such as the piano, guitars, harps, rhythm instruments, xylophones and recorders.  Students are also prepared to sing at mass as well as St. Mary’s annual Christmas Program.

Physical Education

All of our students have Physical Education once a week. The students learn many sports and the proper rules, procedures and form to use during drills and practice games. Teamwork is a focus in all of the classes. Students also learn about nutrition and health.

Visual Arts

Students have Art class once a week in a fully equipped Art room.  They do a variety of projects using a wide variety of mediums.  Students study various artists, art history, and methods.