Fine Arts Committee

This year the Fine Arts Committee scheduled a performance by Opera Iowa, which is the Des Moines Metro Opera’s Educational Touring Troupe. The opera, “The Barber of Seville,” was performed by professional troupe members from all over the country. Students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade attended a workshop put on by the actors. These workshops, called “Let’s Make an Opera,” “Decide, Design, Direct!” and “Singers and Vocal Styles,” were fun as well as informative. All students in grades Kindergarten through eighth grade attended the performance of the opera. Everyone, including students and teachers, enjoyed the performance.

Fine Arts cosponsored a field trip for seventh grade students to Circa’ 21 in Rock Island. They attended workshops in acting, costumes, make-up, and backstage production. The students were treated to lunch and then attended the musical, “Johnny Cash: Ring of Fire.” Fine Arts made several purchases this year including the “Mulan” Musical Show Kit for the annual fifth - eighth school musical, Show Choir costumes and props for the fall concert, a tuba and timpani for St. Paul’s Band, storage containers for the art room and rhythm sticks, and other musical instruments for the music room. Funds raised through Market Day made these presentations and purchases possible.

Building and Grounds Committee

The Building and Grounds Committee has worked extensively this year to prepare the physical plant for a second preschool classroom and our new daycare program. To accomplish this feat the second floor of the Early Learning Center was converted into two large classrooms which now house band and the music programs. The movement of the seventh grade and third grade rooms also required extensive cabinetry, plumbing, and finishing work, much of which was done by volunteers. The entire project was completed for $44,000 thanks to the donated labor of parents and parishioners. Thanks to everyone who helped in this effort.

During this coming summer, the roof above the stage is being replaced with funding from our Home and School Association and a grant from the Scott County Regional Authority. After completing this project the main school building is nearly done with roofing project for five to ten years. Plans are also being drawn up for landscaping improvements to the front of the school, possibly for this summer, and discussions are taking place on how to air condition the main school building during the upcoming three to five years.