# Enrichment
*Enrichment Programs*
Beyond our core curriculum, St. John's offers rich enrichment opportunities that help students explore their interests, develop their talents, and connect learning to the real world in meaningful ways.
## Our Enrichment Philosophy
We believe every child has unique gifts waiting to be discovered. Our enrichment programs provide opportunities for students to explore areas of interest, develop talents, and build confidence through hands-on experiences that make learning come alive.
These programs aren't separate from our academic mission—they enhance and support it, helping students make connections between different subjects and see how learning applies to life beyond the classroom.
## The Arts Program
### Visual Arts
Our art program encourages creativity while teaching foundational skills and appreciation for artistic expression. Students work with various media including painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. They learn to experiment, revise, and express ideas through visual art, often integrating projects with science, history, and literature studies. Student artwork is regularly showcased throughout the school.
### Music Program
Music education develops both individual skills and community participation. All students take part in weekly general music classes focusing on singing, rhythm, and music appreciation. Performance opportunities include the Christmas and Spring concerts, as well as the annual May Day tradition, where a theme is chosen and songs and choreography are developed around it. Students also gain exposure to diverse musical styles and traditions.
### Drama and Performance
Our performance opportunities help students build confidence and communication skills. Each spring, the sixth grade hosts the Air Jam Talent Show—an outrageously fun event open to faculty, staff, parents, friends, and students in grades K3 through 6th. Students participate in acting, improvisation, and storytelling activities, as well as public speaking opportunities. The May Day Pageant features songs and dances developed by the music instructor, complete with costumes that fit the chosen theme.
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## Organic Garden Program
### Alice Waters-Inspired Learning
Inspired by Alice Waters, Lynda Posey had longed wanted a method to inspire and instruct young people in Mississippi to grow, prepare, and eat healthy foods. Despite our fast-food mentality, Lynda feels that children will embrace fresh, nutritious food if given the opportunity to experience those foods in a personal, hands-on way.
As a result of their exchange of ideas and goals, the incredible edible sustainable organic garden at St. John's was born and has proven in the last seven years to be one adventure after another.
### Garden Structure and Learning
Each class, from K3 through 6th grade, had its own area to cultivate, plant, and harvest. Our first garden produced squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, with marigolds planted in front of the beds. The program offers hands-on learning opportunities, including
- Learning about seasonal planting and choosing crops appropriate for each time of year
- Harvesting, washing, storing, and preparing greens for a salad
- Selling vegetables at the Farmer’s Market in June and July
- Understanding organic methods and environmental stewardship
### Curriculum Integration
The garden program connects naturally to many subjects, such as
- Science with lessons on plant biology, weather patterns, soil science, and ecosystems
- Mathematics through measurement, data collection, and problem-solving
- Social studies exploring food systems, geography, and community economics
- Language arts with garden journals and observation writing
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## What Makes Our Enrichment Programs Special
**Hands-On Learning**
Our programs emphasize experiential education where students learn by doing, creating, and discovering rather than just reading about concepts.
**Community Integration**
From hosting Eaglefest to performing for families at May Day, our enrichment programs connect students to the broader Laurel community.
**Tradition and Innovation**
We honor our 75 year heritage while embracing new opportunities for learning and growth, as seen in our established May Day tradition alongside our newer organic garden program.
**Character Development**
All enrichment activities support our mission of helping students develop the skills, habits, and traits of lifelong learners and productive citizens.
Enrichment Programs | Academics - St. John's Day School