Enrichment

St. Theresa Catholic School’s extracurricular program complies with the mission of the school to develop students to their full potential in a Catholic and academically excellent environment. The extracurricular program is part of the whole curriculum and strives to develop a well-rounded individual, with emphasis on responsibility, commitment and best personal effort. Goals include the following:

• Develop and maintain an environment that promotes Christian character, sportsmanship, physical activity and teamwork
• Provide students with high-quality extracurricular and social experiences
• Provide quality leadership and management
• Provide middle school students with the opportunity for interscholastic competition in a variety of sports, music and academics

Student Eligibility and Discipline

The criteria and parameters for participation in extracurricular activities are defined in the Parent/Student Handbook. St. Theresa Catholic School strives to create an atmosphere of Christian charity and respect for all students and faculty. Coaches and sponsors provide many opportunities for students to develop a strong self-image. Positive reinforcement is used to help students grow in self-discipline and personal responsibility.

Early Elementary, Intermediate and Middle School Activities (Grades Pre-K – 8)

Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA): St. Theresa students participate in the Private School Interscholastic Association’s academic competition. A school-wide competition, in a variety of subject areas, is held for 1^st through 8^th grade students. Leading students advance to an Austin-area district competition. Top-placing students then advance to the state competition.

Altar Servers and Lectors: 4^th through 8^th grade students can serve the parish by assisting as altar servers during Mass. Participating students must complete a training program. Middle school students who are 13 years or older can serve as lectors.

Scouts: Both Girl Scout and Cub Scout organizations are active at many grade levels. Each troop or den meets at the time and frequency determined by their leader. Cub Scouts hold monthly Pack meetings and semi-annual campouts.

Quiz Bowl:  This game places two teams competing head-to-head to answer trivia questions from all areas of knowledge.  This is an after-school activity available to students in 5th - 8th grades and practices are mock competitions.  Tournaments are optional.

Middle School Activities (Grades 6 – 8)

Athletics: St. Theresa offers a competitive sports for 5^th through 8^th grade students.  Sports offering vary each season and all students are encouraged to participate in a sport based upon their interest.  The emphasis of the athletics program is to develop and advance individual and team skills, as well as Christian character and conduct during practices and games. 

National Junior Honor Society: The St. Theresa Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was formed in 2005 to promote appropriate recognition for 7^th and 8^th grade students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship and service. Making a positive difference in the lives of individual members and in the spirit of the community and school, NJHS is a co-curricular activity open to all students who choose to apply themselves and meet the five established criteria for membership. 

Social Events: Middle school students have several opportunities to socialize outside of the classroom. The 7^th and 8^th grade students may attend school dances. Additionally, students can participate in social activities organized by the parish middle school religious education program as well as participate in other Catholic school socials.