Zionsville TRI-M = Modern Music Masters (middle school - ongoing)
The Zionsville TRI-M music honors society is partnering with our middle school band, choir and general music classes to work on leadership and service through music. They will work with us throughout the year on small group ensembles, and our students will go to the state solo and ensemble contests. Their goals also include partnering with us on a technology and music piece, performing a concert for an older folks home as a service project, beginning an after school dance team, creating a strings program and fundraising through their school to help us continue to build our program. The final outcome would be for our students to create a TRI-M honor society here at SJA.

Field Trip to the IMA-(Middle School Students - Nov. 7)
Tying in with our cultural curriculum theme of Asia, the middle school students will visit the IMA to explore the Asian Spotlight Gallery and the special exhibit of the Ming Dynasty, “Power and Glory."

Field Trip to the Indianapolis Art Center- (grades 4 and 5 - Nov 21; 6 to 9 - Nov 14)
After learning about the traditional Japanese firing technique of RAKU (firing clay in an open fire pit, using a reduction chamber to change the effects of the glaze), students will go to the Art Center to participate in an actual firing experience. Students will spend the day firing their pieces with professional RAKU artist Loren Hill. They will also create a reflection piece in the ArtsPark and visit the art center’s Day of The Dead exhibit.

Las Posadas Prep Field Trip (grade 4 - Nov. 17; grade 5 - Nov. 13)
We have been invited to partner with the Central Library and the Indianapolis Art Center to create 4 large art pieces that will be used in the city’s celebration of Las Posadas on December 14th. The students will go to the Learning Curve in the Central Library where they will create a digital art piece, then they will work with the Art Center to create a large tin sculpture as the ‘framework for the art.' The large lanterns will be carried from the Historical Society to the Eitlejorg during Las Posadas. The students are invited to bring their families and join in the procession.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Workshop (grades 7 and 8)
On October 27-29th our 7th and 8th graders participated in a 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Workshop with Bill Campbell from Dow Agro Sciences. This training was based on the book by Sean Covey and ties in to our Middle School LIS focus-Leadership, Integrity and Service.

Make Your Own Radio Show (grade 6 - ongoing)
Our 6th graders have received a grant to be a part of Young Audiences-Make Your Own Radio Show. Three guest artists in the acting and producing profession will join us several times throughout the fall semester to create a radio show from start to finish. Students will write the script and take the show all the way to production where they will perform their final product over the loud speaker for our school. They will interview a professional musician who will share ancient Japanese music with them. The students have also been invited to go to a live taping of “From the Top” on Dec 6th at the Warren Performing Arts Center. The show is featured on NPR and the students will be able to tour a radio studio as well. The planning has begun, but the actual taping will not occur until 2nd semester.

Special Person’s Day Art Show-Wed, Nov 26th 9:00 mass and art show to follow
Special People are invited to join our students on Wed, Nov 26th at 9:00am for our Special Person’s Day Mass and then come for refreshments and an art show immediately following.

We Win!

This past March, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis hosted the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). During this convention, several local awards were presented. St. Joan of Arc Parish received the Sadlier Dinger Award in the parish category for Catholic Identity.

Also, Mr. and Mrs. James Morris (Jennifer Schaefer’s parents) received the same award in the family category. Congratulations to all!