A Tradition of Academic Excellence

FINE ARTS

 

The Fine Arts program at St. Gertrude School offers a vibrant and nurturing environment where students can developtheir artistic talents. Through exploration of various media and techniques, students sharpen their perception of beauty bystudying its reflection in God's creation. Whether expressed through brushstroke, movement, or melody, the arts invitestudents to engage with truth, goodness, and beauty in ways that enrich both mind and soul. By fostering creativity andappreciation for the aesthetic, our Fine Arts program supports the formation of the whole child, helping each studentdiscover and celebrate the wonder of the world around them.

 

MUSIC

 

The music program at St. Gertrude School invites students to enjoy music while building their skills and appreciation acrossa range of styles and cultures, including sacred liturgical music. In the early grades, students focus on foundational musical concepts by learning simple rhythms through Orff instruments and movement. Beginning in fourth grade, all students areintroduced to the recorder, where they develop proper technique and learn to perform collaboratively. Junior high studentsexpand their musical creativity by using Soundtrap, an online digital workstation that allows them to compose and producetheir own music.Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to showcase their talents in beloved annual performances such as theChristmas Pageant, Primary Program, Passion Play, and Talent Show, enriching the life of the school and parish community.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 

Physical education teaches students the value of sportsmanship, the rules of games, and the importance of discipline andendurance. In the early grades, the focus is on safety, teamwork, and respect for equipment, laying a foundation of responsibility and cooperation. As students progress, the program emphasizes physical fitness and builds self-confidence, encouraging each child to develop strength of body alongside strength of character.

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LIBRARY

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The library at St. Gertrude School plays a vital role in supporting the educational program by teaching students essential research skills, including how to effectively use library resources and identify high-quality information. Students learn to navigate both traditional print materials and a range of digital tools, empowering them to complete cross-curricular projects with confidence. Beyond research, the library fosters a love of reading by guiding students to discover exciting recreational books tailored to their interests.

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Through the Accelerated Reader program, students receive developmentally appropriate book recommendations that inspire a lifelong passion for reading, along with motivating rewards to celebrate their progress.

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TECHNOLOGY

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In keeping with our Dominican tradition, technology at St. Gertrude is used in a balanced and purposeful way. We offer a low-tech learning environment where screens are introduced gradually and integrated thoughtfully—always in service of human connection, intellectual formation, and the pursuit of truth. 

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Our students begin learning to use computers as a tool for education starting in kindergarten, progressively building their skills through eighth grade. With access to Chromebooks, students become proficient in the Google Suite of Apps—including Docs, Sheets, and Slides—using technology to support and enhance classroom learning. Each classroom is equipped with Dell interactive boards, further enriching students’ engagement with digital tools and deepening their understanding of technology.

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TECHNOLOGY IS USED TO: 

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• Support the creation and implementation of learning plans.

• Expand educators’ instructional repertoire to appeal to the needs of a variety of learners.

• Facilitate and encourage digital literacy across the curriculum.

• Foster collaborative relationships between teachers, students, and their families.

• Promote a healthy respect for and usage of technology.

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School Advisory Committee

 

TECHNOLOGY STATEMENT 

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Each classroom has Dell interactive boards further augmenting the students’ interaction with and understanding of technology. Consistent with St. Gertrude’s commitment to providing academic excellence in the Dominican tradition—preaching truth, practicing virtue, and loving one another in Christ—the school embraces a community-wide approach to the identification, evaluation, and integration of technology to support our students’ learning.

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