Academic Enrichment & Athletics

Academic Enrichments

St. Matthew’s School is constantly looking to enhance the learning that goes on everyday in the classroom. Some activities happen every year such as:

6th Grade Annual Field Trip to Eagles Bluff
Every year the 6th grade class gets a great opportunity to attend an environmental camp in Lannesborro, MN. Eagle Bluff teaches the children the importance of conserving our natural resources and teamwork through many fun and exciting activities.

7th grade Annual Field trip to Camp St. Croix
During this 3-day trip, students work together on many team-building activities, including wall climbing, evening adventure hikes and adventure initiatives. Students stay in a rustic environment that encourages students to enjoy the outdoors.

8th Grade – Youth in Government Model Assembly
4-day trip with students from around the state who form a mock government where they get hands-on experience with the workings of government including, drafting bills, passing laws and lobbying their fellow delegates.

STARBASE Minnesota
5th grade students participate in a rigorous one-week science, math, and technology camp where they learn to think like scientists and engineers while exploring the wonders of flight and space.

Field trips
Every year the school plans field trips that are based on the curriculum and special events for that year. Destinations may include:

• The Minnesota History Center
• The Science Museum of Minnesota
• The Children’s Museum
• The Minneapolis Institute of Art

Visiting Artists

Last year, St. Matthew’s hosted CLIMB Theater, which uses performance to help children develop and improve a variety of skills such as problem resolution and leadership.

Other Clubs and Activities

Science Activities
The Science Museum of Minnesota will be visiting the school and conducting presentations for all grades. In spring of 2007, all St. Matthew’s students will participate in a science fair.

Homework Club
Students in grades 4-8 can get help with their homework after school. Homework club runs in the middles school from 2:30 to 4:15, Monday - Thursday and includes a free snack.

Chess Club
Students receive instruction from a Chess Master and have the opportunity to participate in local tournaments through this after school program.  From beginners to experienced players, Chess Club challenges children intellectually while developing many cognitive skills, all while they’re having fun. 

Scouting
Beginning in first grade, boys and girls can participate in parish sponsored scouting activities including: cub scouts, brownie troop, boy scout and girl scouts.

Band
This is a new program available to students in 5th-8th grade.  Offered in collaboration with Hill-Murray High School the program allows students to explore their musical interests and try out different instruments.  We are in the process of raising money to provide scholarships to help students cover the costs of this program which is not covered by tuition.

Technology Club
Technology Club is available for students in grades 6-8. The club meets from 4:15-5:00 Monday through Thursday. The club works on a variety of technology projects.

Athletics

St. Matthew’s School offers a competitive inter-school athletic program in which students grades 5-8 are encouraged to participate. Last year, 87% of eligible students participated in one or more sports.

Fall Sports:  Girls volleyball, Co-ed soccer
Winter Sports:  Boys & Girls Basketball
Spring Sports:  Boys Baseball, Girls Softball

St. Matthew’s is a member of the Catholic Athletic Association which provides student athletes with competition among other member schools at the same age and skill level.