Special Programs

 

Bullying Prevention and Conflict Resolution

 

Aquinas Academy has a bullying prevention and conflict resolution program to help the students develop peacemaking skills, both to further their own social development and to uphold the Christian atmosphere of Aquinas Academy. Students are trained in communication and conflict resolution skills and meet periodically to practice these skills, using common situations, which may be encountered. Students are also trained in how to handle a bully and what to do if they are bullied by someone. 

 

The teachers have taken workshops in bullying prevention and in conflict resolution in order to help their students solve problems peacefully.

 

Catholic Schools Week

 

Catholic Schools Week is held during the month of January. Each year students around the nation celebrate the importance of Catholic education by participating in various grade level activities to honor all those who contribute to the schools success.

  

C-Mites

 

Also known as the Carnegie Mellon Institute for talented elementary and secondary students, the organization’s Web site can parents determine if their child is eligible. Learn more.  

 

Peace Day

 

Peace Day is a celebration held school wide during the early Easter season. Students in grades kindergarten through eighth grades begin the day with breakfast, followed by thematic grade level activities. The focus of Peace Day is to celebrate the joy of the Easter season, recognizing and respecting the differences of others, and fostering a sense of community among the students within the classroom and throughout the school. Students join together at the conclusion of the day to worship at a Peace Day Prayer Service.

 

Prayer Partners

 

Prayer Partners is a monthly program that pairs fourth through eighth grade students with students from grades preschool to third grades in a mentoring partnership. The goal is twofold. The older students provide a positive role model behavior for the younger students. The younger student benefit from developing a lasting friendship that continues beyond the activities throughout the school year.

 

Teachers assign partners in September. Students then meet and get to know their partners throughout the year. In addition to offering prayers for their partners each day, students meet on a monthly basis to socialize and work on an age appropriate activity. Students also occasionally attend Mass or prayer services together.

 

Red Ribbon Week

 

Red Ribbon Week is recognized each year during one week in the month of October. The purpose for this special week is to make students aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Students participate in a week filled with activities to stress the importance of a drug-free lifestyle. 

 

Robotics Lab

 

The robotics lab is a nine week program in which eighth grade students are given the opportunity to build and program their own robot. Student assessment is based upon the ability to work cooperatively and to successfully maneuver their robot through the maze.