Specialty Classes

Computer Class

Teacher:  Mrs. Joyce Roberts

  • Special teaching Certification by the Diocese of Fort Worth
  • Pensacola College
  • 10th year at HFCS
    - 5 years as teacher's aide
    - 5 years teaching technology

Philosophy: These children of God are the future of the world; therefore we must inspire them to always be Christ centered doing their best. A good teacher is dedicated to developing the student intellectually, spiritually and morally.

Special Projects and Activities During The Year:

Computer Lab Curriculum Highlights 

First Grade
- Educational games: helping to also learn computer navigation skills
- Introduce keyboarding

Second Grade
- Introduce Microsoft Word and applications
- Introduce Information Literacy (Internet Research)
- Continue building keyboarding skills

Third Grade
- Continue building keyboarding skills and Information Literacy
- Expand Microsoft Word knowledge
- Introduce Microsoft Publisher creating a card

Fourth Grade
- Begin typing short sentences in keyboarding
- Expand Information Literacy skills
- Introduce Microsoft PowerPoint creating a 4 slide presentation

Fifth Grade
- Begin keyboarding for improved speed of 20 wpm
- Introduce Microsoft Excel creating charts
- Learn the rules of Netiquette
- Expand knowledge in all Microsoft Office programs

Sixth Grade
- Continue keyboarding for improved speed
- Learn Microsoft Office terminology
- Learn Internet terminology
- Expand knowledge in all Microsoft Office programs
- Microsoft Publisher-create a brochure

Seventh Grade
- Continue keyboarding for improved speed of 25 wpm
- Learn important people in the History of Computers
- Learn and create a timeline of the History of Computers
- Expand knowledge in all Microsoft Office programs
- Microsoft PowerPoint-create a presentation on a decade
- Microsoft Publisher-create a 13th birthday invitation

Eighth Grade
- Continue keyboarding for improved speed
- Expand knowledge in all Microsoft Office programs
- Microsoft Publisher-create an HFCS school brochure
- Microsoft PowerPoint-Create an "All About Me" presentation

Physical Education

Teacher:  Ms. Janice Barker

  • Certification 6-12
  • BS, Kinesiology with a minor in Education and History, UNT
  • Associate of Science, TCJC
  • 17 years of teaching experience

Philosophy:  Ms. Barker feels it is important to incorporate Christian philosophy in all teaching areas.

Special Projects and Activities During The Year:

K-3rd Grade

  • Gross and Fine Motor Movements
  • Coordination skills
  • Basic Game concepts
  • Presidential Fitness
  • Bowling
  • Dance

4th-8th Grade

  • Sports skills including Volleyball, Basketball
  • Life skills including Bowling, Badminton, Presidential Fitness, Jump Rope
  • Social Skills including Dance, Health, Family Relations, Teamwork
  • New skills introduced this year-Aerobics, Pilates, Yoga with YMCA instructors coming in for demonstrations

Art/Dance

Teacher:  Mrs. Anna Marie Brittain

  • BA in English from TCU
  • Former TCU
  • 15 years dance teaching experience

Philosophy: I believe that every child is a gift from God.  Through a nurturing classroom environment, I strive to inspire my students' God-given creativity through interesting projects and art history lessons.  In dance, I provide the students with an atmosphere that is filled with positive reinforcement to build self esteem and encourage a life-long love for music, dance and physical fitness.

Highlights of Art Class:

  • Virtual tours on the Starboard of the Lascaux Cave Paintings in France and other relevant sights, such as museums and architectural masterpieces
  • Exposure to many great artists and genres from countries around the world.
  • Multiple opportunities to participate in art contest.

Highlights of the Dance Class

  • Lessons in both ballet and jazz weekly
  • Students gain a full understanding of the French terms used in ballet
  • Spring performance opportunities at the recital and talent show.

 

Spanish

Teacher:   Mrs. Lourdes Medrano, K-8th Grade

  • Special Instructor Certificate issued by Diocese for Spanish. 
  • Completed two courses toward teaching degree at Columbia College-Fort Worth. 
  • National Catholic Educational Association teaching workshops from 2002-2004. 
  • 1st year teaching Spanish at Holy Family Catholic School. 
  • 4 years teaching Spanish in Diocesan school 

Philosophy:  Ms. Medrano believes that every child should learn a second language. She enjoys teaching and wants to make learning Spanish an enjoyable experience.

Special Projects and Activities During the Year:

In May, around Cinco de Mayo, Holy Family will celebrate with a Fiesta Day.  This celebration includes Mass, some parts of which are in Spanish, treats and activities led by the Spanish teacher. 

Music

Teacher:  Mrs. Linda Gangolf

  • Mid-America Christian University, now located in Oklahoma City
  • dual major in Music and Bible/Theology
  • 8th year to teach K-8 music at Holy Family

Philosophy:   I absolutely love the freedom we have at Holy Family to express our faith through music.  I'm thankful for a school that strongly supports Fine Arts!

  • K-5th grades have a wonderful opportunity to tell the real Christmas story at our Christmas musical in December. 
  • The upper level classes combine to present the highlight of our Junior High musical year in a Spring Program held in May.

 

Liturgical Singing

Mrs. Wanda Styrsky