Enrichment Opportunities

List of 16 items.

• Extension Class

  High-achieving/gifted learners qualify for the programming based on multiple criteria that include teacher input and both achievement and cognitive assessments. These students are offered an enrichment course that emphasizes writing instruction while also utilizing various subject areas to explore a centralized theme.

• Scholar Projects

  Students who are motivated and show interest in additional learning have the opportunity to work with an instructional coach to design a project with an appropriate topic of their choosing to complete and share with their peers. Students are able to choose the way they present the material to best match their preferred learning style and intelligence.

• Accelerated Reader

  This motivational reading program allows all learners to work with their teachers to set reading goals for themselves that are reflective of their ability and potential. Points are awarded for correctly answering comprehension quizzes for the books read. Students who meet their goals are thrown a quarterly party!

• Writing

  Teachers differentiate their writing instruction and expectations according to a student's ability. Students identified as strong writers are encouraged to participate in various writing contests in the community throughout the year.

• Social Studies

  First Grade - The first grade students explore our Native American heritage in a unique unit of learning. A trip to Gilcrease Museum of Art provides a visual tour to gain knowledge of the storied history of the land we now call home. Additionally, they rotate through various activities so they too can practice the artisanship that our Native American ancestors began.

  
  Second Grade - Students participate in the beloved Economics Fair Unit that allows them to take charge of their own small business and become overnight entrepreneurs. As they learn about consumers, production, cost analysis and other important business aspects, they develop a product or a service to "sell" to their classmates in exchange for Monte Cassino Bucks that they earn during the unit.

  
  Third Grade - Third grade students have many adventures off campus! These fun trips take students to areas in Oklahoma to learn about our great state. During the year, students will visit Woolaroc, Harn Homestead in Oklahoma City and downtown Tulsa as they learn the rich history of our state and city and the people who have contributed to its success.

  
  Fourth Grade - At the end of each social studies unit in fourth grade, all students are given a list of project ideas to showcase their knowledge of that particular unit. The tasks represent the various levels of Bloom's Taxonomy, giving all students opportunities to showcase their understanding in meaningful and appropriate ways tailored to their talents.

• Math

  Students in first and second grade who exhibit a strong aptitude for math receive enrichment materials to explore concepts at a deeper level. Third and fourth grade students have access to accelerated and advanced-level math courses, if they qualify. Students who have an affinity for math are encouraged to participate in Math Masters, an after school offering comprised of fun and challenging problem-solving activities.

• Science

  Our Elementary science programming includes demonstrations, experiments and modeling in each unit, so students have hands-on knowledge of the topic. Elementary students who show a love for science are encouraged to participate in Science Explorers, an after-school program taught by Middle School science teachers that explores fun, cool and relevant topics in a hands-on, experimental fashion. Additionally, students are given an opportunity to showcase their curiosity and love for science in our annual Elementary School Science Fair.

• Music

  Elementary students at all grade levels are engaged in weekly music lessons that open their minds to the beauty of music. Students are introduced to instruments, theory, composers, how to read music, choreography and what it takes to put on a musical production.

• Art

  Elementary students take a tour through art history as they progress through the elementary years, learning about the artists, culture, media and techniques used during each time period. Students who show an affinity and talent for art are encouraged to participate in Young Rembrandts, an after school art club.  Additionally, throughout the year, student pieces are chosen to participate in various art shows in the Tulsa community. All students are represented in our own annual elementary art show, as well.

• Foreign Language Awareness Program

  Monte Cassino Elementary's Foreign Language Awareness classes are designed to foster a knowledge and appreciation for the various cultures and countries who speak Spanish (first semester) and French (second semester). Latin is also studied in the second semester to give students a basic understanding of the origin of many languages in general.

• Physical Education

  Twice a week, students engage in physical education activities that focus not only on physical skills but the social and emotional skills that are only achieved during routine physical activities. The school year culminates in the Super Kids Field Day for all grade levels.

• Lifeskills Class

  Monte Cassino Elementary School students meet with the School's counselor once a week to learn about lifeskills such as respect, responsibility, having and keeping a sense of humor, conflict and friendship. Through role playing, discussion and other activities, students learn practical ways to handle typical interactions that may lead to conflict and/oe mean-spirited behavior.

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

  First through third grade students get to participate in a Montessori-based supplemental religion program called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Monte Cassino is proud to offer students quiet contemplation and the enjoyment of God. Students learn about God's love for them, reenact Bible stories, study the liturgical seasons, and plan and participate in prayer services.

• Robotics

  Fourth grade students can't wait for Robotics! This hugely popular class is a weekly, hands-on meeting of the minds to work together to create and build something extraordinary. Through project-based activities, students' skills are enhanced across science, engineering, technology and coding. The unique combination of LEGO, classroom-friendly software, and inspiring standards-based science projects result in improved self-confidence and problem-solving skills.

• The Benedictine Quarterly

  Have a budding journalist in your family? Then the Benedictine Quarterly is the perfect offering! Monte Cassino's Elementary School newspaper is assembled by the fourth grade editors who recruit staff writers from first through fourth grade to contribute articles, comics, puzzles, short stories and art. Proceeds from the newspaper are donated to a charity chosen by the editors.

• After School Programming

  We strive to offer after school programming that allows students to continue their love for a subject outside of the traditional classroom setting. Offerings include Chess Club, Science Explorers, Math Masters, Technology Club, Keyboarding, LEGO Building Club, Instrumental Music Class, Coding, Book Clubs, Theater Arts, and Fourth Grade Academic Bowl, as well as a multitude of athletic skills groups and team offerings. Descriptions of these can be found in the Extracurricular section of the website as well as the Athletics section.