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Music
The Music Program engages students in music appreciation by creating an exciting learning environment with a goal of understanding various types of music and musical cultural differences. We accomplish this goal through performing, creating, and responding to music per the Archdiocese of Washington Standards. The students learn how to sing in multiple languages, including the use of American Sign Language, as well as gain a broad understanding of music, musicians, and instruments from around the world. Students learn dances to accompany songs for the Spring Show and throughout the year when studying various cultures. The Music Program is interdisciplinary, referencing other academics and utilizing projects that collaborate and engage on a multi-disciplined platform. Technology is incorporated using Safe YouTube videos and music software on ipads and Chromebooks.
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Grades Pre-K-5: In the elementary school, the emphasis is on performing. Fourth grade learns to play the recorder, and other grades learn to use various instruments to accompany an array of songs. There are many opportunities for performances throughout the year, including our Christmas and Spring Music Program along with Grandparent’s Day. As the students’ progress, they acquire the skills to read and write music.
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Grades 6-8: Once our students reach middle school, they build on their previous skills. Students in grades 6th-8th listen to and analyze music and musical performances. They begin to understand the relationship between music and art, history, and culture. Opportunities to perform throughout the year include the Christmas and Spring Music Programs, along with Grandparent’s Day.
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OUR VISIONSt. Martin’s Catholic School is a student-centered learning community committed to academic excellence and the development of strong characters embedded in the Gospel values and Catholic tradition. A pillar in the Gaithersburg community, St. Martin’s is committed to educating the whole child and to providing a place where students not only thrive academically but also are challenged to be leaders in their school and society. By diversifying the curriculum to encompass authentic learning experiences, it continues to strive to meet the needs and learning styles of children from varied backgrounds and cultural experiences. Technology literacy, 21st century teaching/learning skills, and core academic content at advanced levels empowers the students to become responsible persons in their own educational experiences now and in the future.
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SCHOOL HISTORYSt. Martin of Tours School is a Catholic elementary school (Grades Pre-K - 8) affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington and St. Martin of Tours Parish. St. Martin’s holds the distinction for being the first Catholic School in the Archdiocese to be established in Montgomery County. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur welcomed the first classes on September 14, 1925, and continued in ministry at St. Martin’s until 1970. Following the Sisters’ withdrawal, the Pastor, Monsignor Paul Meyer and the Parish Council continued the Sisters’ commitment to Catholic education by establishing a School Board as well as a Home and School Association (HSA). Subsequently, the transition to an all–lay faculty was made. In 1988, a new school and parish center building was opened, through the dedication and efforts of Rev. Americo DiNorcia. The school expanded to include a licensed After-Care Program. Today, the school offers a strong academic program under the direction of the Principal, Anthony Sahadi, and an outstanding faculty and staff. Together with the current Pastor, Monsignor Mark E. Brennan, and the assistant pastors, St. Martin’s provides an excellent faith-centered education program. The Faculty and the Administration, working together, empower the students to develop their unique gifts, as well as their full potential, in an atmosphere embedded in the Gospel Values, mutual respect, and Catholic traditions. St. Martin's School recently commemorated its 90 anniversary in 2015. Our community looks forward to many more years of faith, service, and scholarship.