Destination Imagination (DI)
DI is an enrichment activity offered to all Fourth and Fifth Grade students. It is a four-month-long program where students are grouped into teams with parent team managers. These teams work to take what they know and what they are good at and apply these to solving problems and working on "Team Challenges". Almost all work is done outside of school hours. Students learn to work cooperatively as a team and push the limits of their imagination. Their goal is not to beat the competition, but to improve themselves. Students showcase their talents at a regional tournament.
Eighth Grade Class Trip to Washington, D.C.
Every year, St. Pascal's Eighth Grade Class visits the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. This trip provides students with the opportunity to see many of the sights in and around Washington, D.C. Some highlights of the trip include visiting many of the famous memorials, including the Lincoln, FDR, Vietnam and World War II Memorials, a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where we will visit the Tomb of the Unknowns and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a trip to the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a tour of the U.S. Capitol building, and a trip to Gettysburg, PA, where the class tours the famous battlefield. Students work on numerous fund raising projects during the year to help defray the cost of the trip. The Washington D.C. trip began in 2000 as a means of providing St. Pascal's Eighth Graders with a means of learning more about the history and government of our country in a firsthand manner, while at the same time allowing them to enjoy a fun trip near the end of their time together at St. Pascal's. The trip has quickly become a highlight of the eighth grade year and is eagerly anticipated by each class throughout the year, as well as younger grades who look forward to their turn to visit Washington, D.C. as eighth graders.
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (ELC)
The Sixth Graders participate in a three-day field trip to Wolf Ridge ELC in December as part of the Sixth Grade Science curriculum. Wolf Ridge is located in Finland, Minnesota, about 45 miles northeast of Duluth. Many parents are also involved as chaperones. All students, along with the two Science Specialists from St. Pascal's and many parents, are immersed into an environmental experience to more fully understand the interdependence of nature and living organisms. Students come to a greater appreciation of the wonder and beauty of our Earth and our responsibility to be good stewards of this environment. Classes include academics with scientific concepts, as well as outdoor activities and challenges to enhance personal growth and cooperation. Environmental concepts learned at Wolf Ridge are incorporated into the Middle School Science curriculum.
Math Masters
Math Masters is a parent run program showing that learning math can be fun. The format challenges fifth and sixth grade students to use higher-order thinking skills and problem solving abilities. After a year-long preparation, as team members work to improve their math skills, there is a regional competition. This event includes individual and team competition in a wide range of math areas to permit students with many interests and backgrounds to excel.
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