Arts Education

At St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School, students enjoy a multitude of artistic enrichment opportunities in both the performing and visual arts. We offer the following programs to foster comprehensive growth.

Performing Arts

Orchestra

At St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School, students can explore a range of instruments, including the violin, viola, and cello, through our orchestra program. Starting in Kindergarten, orchestra offers students the chance to showcase their talents twice a year: at our annual Christmas program and their final Spring String Recital in the spring.

Drama

Drama is available as an elective for students in sixth through eighth grade. The drama group concludes each year with a highly anticipated spring musical. Recent productions have included The Lion King, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Annie and most recently, Shrek, the Musical!

Speech

All sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students have the chance to join the Speech Team at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. Our team participates in three tournaments hosted by Catholic high schools in the Seattle area. Last year, these tournaments took place in December, January, and February, with students traveling to Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle Prep High School, and Archbishop Murphy Catholic High School. Typically held on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., these all-day events offer enriching experiences for our students.

Participating in these tournament-style events offers students an exceptional opportunity to hone their speaking skills. With each tournament, students undergo significant growth in their ability to communicate effectively. Additionally, being part of the Speech Team serves as excellent preparation for their high school years.

  • Dramatic Interpretive Reading:  A reading of one or more selections from a book (prose), play or poetry that is serious in nature. TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (includes intro) – max = 8 minutes
  • Humorous Interpretive Reading: A reading from a book, play or poetry that is humorous in nature. Introduction YES; TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (includes intro) – max = 8 minutes
  • Duo Interpretative Reading:  A cutting from a published prose or play involving two or more characters. Material can be humorous or serious and is presented by two individuals. This is not an acting event (no costumes, props, etc.). Introduction YES; TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (includes intro) – max = 8 minutes
  • Editorial Commentary:  The student will take a position and present a speech he/she has prepared on a topic of current interest/concern. NO Introduction: STRICT TIME LIMIT: 1 minute/45 seconds to 2 minutes
  • Impromptu:  Students must “think on their feet” and deliver an organized presentation without the use of notes or other material. The contestant will have two minutes to prepare and will then speak for a maximum of five minutes on one of the choices. NO Introduction: TIME LIMIT: 1 – 5 minutes
  • Oratory: This is a memorized speech written by the student to persuade the audience. Speech must be the original work of the speaker (with no more than 100 words of quoted material). NO Introduction: Memorized: TIME LIMIT: 6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (max = 8 minutes)
  • Expository:  This is a speech written by the student to inform the audience. You will describe, clarify, explain and/or define an idea, object, concept, or process. Visual aids (props) are allowed. Mostly memorized: TIME LIMIT:  6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes (max = 8 minutes)

Visual Arts

Art Docent Program

The Art Docent Program enriches arts education at SMM by bringing hands-on creative experiences and artist studies into the classroom. Working alongside teachers, parent volunteers introduce students to a variety of artists, artistic styles, techniques, and mediums, encouraging creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the visual arts.

Our thoughtfully designed curriculum introduces featured artists and unique projects at each grade level, building artistic skills and knowledge as students progress through the school. Throughout the year, students also participate in special traditions, including our annual Nativity artwork submissions for the school Christmas card and the schoolwide Art Walk.

Program Highlights:

  • Grade-level featured artists and creative projects
  • Annual Nativity artwork submissions for the school Christmas card
  • Student artwork showcased during the Art Walk
  • Curriculum resources and instructional support for volunteers
  • Opportunities for parents to participate in classroom art experiences

Get Involved!

Parent volunteers are the heart of the Art Docent Program! No artistic experience is necessary, and all the resources needed to lead an engaging and enjoyable classroom lesson are provided. Whether you’re passionate about art or simply enjoy working with students, we welcome your participation!Parent volunteers play an important role in the success of the Art Docent Program. No artistic background is required, and resources are provided to help make classroom lessons engaging and enjoyable for students. Through artist studies, hands-on projects, the annual Art Walk, and special traditions such as the Christmas card artwork selection, students are encouraged to explore creativity, develop artistic skills, and gain an appreciation for the visual arts.

Art Docent Resources

Current families serving as Art Docents can access curriculum materials, project resources, and Art Room scheduling information below.

Have Questions?
Please contact Jem Alexander, Art Docent Coordinator, at mjemalexander@outlook.com.