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TAG Activities

John F. Kennedy Catholic School Speech Contest

At John F. Kennedy Catholic School, all 5th-8th grade students participate in a speech contest.  Formerly associate with Modern Woodmen of America, JFK has taken this over after MWA’s sponsorship of “civic oration” ended.  Each year students are given a broad topic that enables students to take pride in personal accomplishments, their community and America.  The students gather resources, write a research paper, and create a 3 to 5 minute speech.

The oral presentations are done within the classrooms first with the top six speeches in grades 5 and 6 and the top six speeches in grades 7 and 8 advancing to the “Parish Center round” to give their speeches to a panel of guest judges and JFK students.

We are proud to have this excellent enriching program for all of our students.  The knowledge students gain from the experience is immeasurable.  John F. Kennedy teachers allow each student to excel as they guide the students through the process of research, note cards, outlines, rough drafts, works cited, final version, memorization of speech, and the actual oral presentation.

Musical Performances and Drama

Crusader Theater

Crusader Theater is offered to students interested in theater productions.  While mostly compromised of 8th graders, some 7th graders also participate.  The students and staff put in many hours of practicing lines and putting together the scenery, props and costumes.  There’s as much to do working the light and sound boards as performing on stage!

Christmas and Spring Show

The fifth and sixth grade classes and the third and fourth grade classes alternate performing the Christmas and spring shows. Each student has a unique opportunity to showcase their individual acting, dancing, or singing talents.

Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Christmas Show

This show, performed by our youngest students, is held in the church each December.  A combination of festive winter songs and Christmas Carols are a joy for all the young at heart.

Science Fair

All seventh and eighth grade students prepare and present a science fair project in the winter.  Science fair projects are the only time in a K-12 education, and possibly through college as well, that students proceed through all the steps of the scientific method on their own.  Several projects are chosen by a panel of teachers to be displayed at the area Catholic schools’ science fair competition at Assumption High School.

Creative Crusaders:  Literary Magazine and Crusader Chronicle

Creative Crusaders in our 5th-8th grades produce at least an annual publication of short stories, articles, and illustrations.  This publication is distributed to each JFK and Guardian Angel family.  In addition to the paper version, it is also posted to our website:  Literary Magazine and Crusader Chronicle

 

Junior Achievement

Students at JFK participate in the Junior Achievement program by welcoming community leaders who take time out to share their experience and expertise in various business related areas. The sessions are once a week for approximately 4 weeks. In the seventh and eighth grades, students also take a field trip to the Junior Achievement Finance Park where students participate in a hands-on budgeting simulation.

Junior Achievement educates and inspires young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives. More information can be found at www.ja.org.

Mock Trial, Speech & Debate, Lego League

Many students also participate in after school activities such as Mock Trial, Speech & Debate competition, and Lego League.  These activities are often led by parent volunteers.  Those interested in leading these or similar activities should contact the school office.