Student Life
 
 
Extra-Curricular Programs

Participation in all extracurricular activities is contingent upon good academic standing and satisfactory grades in both effort and conduct. Students not maintaining good standing may be placed on extracurricular probation and excluded from team activities, until good standing is restored. Absence from school during the day precludes participation in school sponsored extra-curricular activities on that day.

Science Fair
The annual science fair allows our students, particularly in the Middle School, to truly experience the science curriculum. Over a twenty-week period, students follow the scientific method focusing on testing their hypothesis. This independent inquiry-based learning experience allows our students to think creatively and critically, use technology to research and test their ideas, develop organizational and time management skills, and communicate their results clearly in both a written and oral format.

Academic Decathlon
The Academic Decathlon Team is open to students in Grades 6 - 8. Students train in several academic events, including individual events in Religion, Math, Literature, English, Social Studies, Science, and Fine Arts. Additionally, students compete in two team events: the Logic Quiz and the Super Quiz. Students compete with other Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for a chance to compete at the state and national levels. Students meet regularly to prepare for the annual Archdiocesan competition held in March. Students on the Academic Decathlon Team must maintain at least a B average, with no single grade lower than a B-.

CYO Athletics
St. John Fisher School is a member of the Catholic Youth Organization and participates in intramural team sports including flag football, boys and girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, and track and field. CYO sports are open to students in Grades 4 - 8. Students may try out for teams seasonally. Practice and game schedules are available from the coaches or the Athletic Director. A fee is charged for each after school sport in which a student participates. This fee is due before the first game of each season and helps cover some of the many expenses incurred by the sports program (referees, uniforms, etc.). Practices for games are held after school. School insurance covers participation in school sponsored athletic events and practices. Parent permission forms must be on file in the office before a student may participate in the sports program.

Student Council
St. John Fisher School is a member of the Association of Catholic Student Councils. Each year the student body elects the Student Council, which includes officers and commissioners from Grades 6 - 8. The Student Council meets weekly to plan events that build school spirit and minister to the needs of the entire school family. During the term of office, the student’s academic grades must average a “B,” with no grade lower than a “C”, and a “B” in conduct. If the student’s average academic grade drops below a “3.0”, the student will be placed on probation from the Student Council, as per administrative directive.

Student Newspaper Staff
The School Newspaper Staff is comprised of students from all grades. Students may apply to the moderator to join the staff. Using the latest technology tools, members work together to plan, interview, write, edit, design, layout, and create a monthly newspaper for the students of St. John Fisher.

After School Drama
St. John Fisher students are invited to participate in after school drama. Students learn dramatic genre as they participate in planning, practicing, and performing two productions annually. Applicable fees will be assessed.

School Families
The School Families program involves every member of St. John Fisher School. Student families are created with at least one student from each grade. Eighth grade students act as the family leader. Families meet throughout the year for prayer, activities, and spirit building projects. These projects are planned by the Student Council and take place during school hours.

Archangel Choir
The St. John Fisher Archangel Choir is comprised of auditioned singers from Grades 4 - 8. The choir’s mission is two-fold: to provide members opportunities for individual musical and spiritual growth, and to strengthen community-building and ensemble team skills. The choir rehearses during lunch recess (approximately 20 minutes) two days a week and participates in over 20 events each school year, including monthly school Masses, special parish Masses and concerts, school music programs, and local competitions and festivals. As a member of the American Federation of Pueri Cantores, members of the choir have participated in festival Masses in Washington, DC and Rome, Italy. The members of the Archangel Choir are enthusiastic about sharing their faith through a broad range of music, and show their dedication by doing so from the first week of school through the final day of classes.

Special Emphasis Days
St. John Fisher School continues its commitment to excellence in education by embracing interactive learning. Students in all grades receive hands-on experience during special emphasis days. Grades K - 3 participate in International Day, which is a daylong festival celebrating world cultures. Fourth graders enhance their study of California history with California Day, which is a celebration of our state history complete with period costumes, food, and crafts. Colonial Day is a chance for fifth graders to re-create life in a colonial American town. Finally, our Middle School students get a glimpse of life in the “real world” during Career Day.

Other Activities
Many SJF School students are active in altar serving, the parish youth choir, parish youth ministry activities, and scouts. The School supports these activities and will gladly provide more information on these programs, as requested. Please call the School office for details.