Specials Spotlight
See what's new in art, music, PE, library & STEAM.
May 7, 2026
Art with Mrs. Koehn
Cyanotypes
Sixth graders are experimenting with cyanotypes-sun prints. Tuesday was a cloudy day, so I repurposed our glow gallery lights and turned them into ultraviolet light boxes. Wednesday's class got to take their materials outside to expose their prints in the sun for about 10 minutes. Then we rinsed in plain water. Next week, we will use a hydrogen perioxide and water blend to develop our images faster. Artists were given the option of using geometric shapes or organic botanicals. We learned about master artists like Anna Atkins and Bryan Whitney, and then I showed them some of my work from my photography class last summer. The problem with cyanotypes is once you start, it's hard to stop! They are so much fun. We'll finish out the year working on these and then adding an alternative color method to these on the final day.
Library with Mrs. Turbes
17,395 Books and Counting!
With 17,395 books circulating through our library so far this year, "busy" is an understatement! It truly takes a village to keep our shelves organized and our students reading, and I couldn't do it without the tireless dedication of four incredible volunteers.
A huge St. Cecilia Thank You to:
Jennifer O'Brien: Mother of alums Tara, Liam, and Reilly.
Dave Brown: Parishioner and St. Cecilia Grade School alum.
Melissa Harrer: School Board member and mother of Isaac (alum) and Amelia (current student).
Joan Hahn: Mother of Mrs. Powley and my son-in-law, Kyle.
What are the kids reading? Graphic novels are the undisputed champions of the library this year! Our Top 5 list includes:
Mo Willems (Pigeon / Elephant & Piggie)
I Survived (Graphic Novels)
Weird but True
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The Baby-Sitters Club & other graphic favorites.
We are so grateful for the "village" that keeps our library running!
Music with Mr. Tucksen
Songfest is Friday!
Happy Songfest Week! I am looking forward to sharing some music and dance with you this Friday, starting at 2:00 pm.
This week we have been focusing on our performance skills. Students have been working on standing still while singing expressively. Singers and dancers also have to be actors, and while we may be focused on the inside we have to show the music on the outside.
We have also been working on the logistics of a concert where we have so many groups performing. It is really coming together!
PE with Coach Dunn
Song, Dance, and Perhaps More!
This week has been a great showcase of preparations for Songfest. As we have been combining classes (Music/Physical Education) to rehearse the procedures, singing, and in some cases the dance.
With any additional time, PreK and Kindergarten have been engaged in Sharks & Minnows. 1st and 2nd grade have been focused on teamwork during Bridge Tag. Doubling the participants creates a new challenge with spatial awareness. 3rd through 8th grade continue to learn the rules of Kickball while prioritizing teamwork with sportsmanship. As we continue the remainder of the year, students will have refreshers on activities related to Field Day and/or playing Kickball.
STEAM with Mrs. Hickey
Technology Tidbits
Another fun week of activities in technology class!
1st Grade: We introduced circuitry using Magtronix kits. After a brief discussion on the basics of a complete circuit, students worked in groups with magnetic components to build their own. This is an excellent activity for developing problem-solving skills, and the children had so much fun watching their fans launch into the air.
3rd Grade: Students were introduced to Google Earth. They learned how to navigate the interface and explored various global locations while identifying the specific landforms of those regions.
Kindergarten: We discussed the water cycle and how rain clouds form. The students then experimented by creating their own "rain clouds" using water, shaving cream, and blue food coloring. The food coloring helped them visualize how clouds release rain once they become heavy with moisture. They truly enjoyed the process, and I hope it sparks a lasting interest in science!