Singing For Success
A practice which has made a significant difference in the character development and academic achievement of the students at St. John’s Elementary is the use of music and song which has been integrated throughout the music curriculum. Many of the school’s public performances are musicals whose themes are character centered , focusing on themes such as patriotism, making good choices, taking care of the earth, accepting differences among cultures and races , showing respect and consideration for one another. The student body, kindergarten through fifth grade, knows a plethora of songs which relate to good manners and good habits. Music classes start everyday with character songs. Talent shows are sprinkled with them. You will hear the children singing them at recess, in the classrooms, and in the shower at home, parents report. It’s not unusual, if need be, for the teacher to pause from the lesson and break into the song “Check It Out-It’s about respect”. Many of the songs are memorized and sung throughout their years at St. John’s so that they are embedded in the students’ lives and minds providing a repertoire of great reminders to always be their best selves.