Cathedral High School 2025 J Term SIGN UPS occurred during CORE on Wednesday, Nov 6th. EVERY Cathedral student should be in a J Term course. If you have not signed up yet, Sched has CLOSED. Please visit Mrs Schmidt in the Counseling Office to address any issues.
Please come to the Counseling Office and meet with Mrs. Schmidt to get your course selected. . From January 6 through January 10, Cathedral students will take a break from their usual classes and immerse themselves in a single subject of their choosing. January Term, or J-Term, will offer our students the ability to explore curiosities and allow for some balance and time to explore things that they may be interested in learning at a deeper level.
All freshmen will have a designated Freshman J-Term that will offer a broad spectrum of experiences. No registration is required for freshmen.
J-Term 2025
Registration via Sched (this platform) closed November 6th at the end of the school day
January 6-10 from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Before school bus transportation will occur at the regular times and locations. In the afternoon, busses will leave Cathedral at 2:30pm.
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If you can't leave the country for J-term, at least you can leave campus and explore some unique and fun activities around the city: Go-karting at former race car driver Sara Fisher's facility in Speedway; visiting the Boulder gym on Mass. Ave that has rock climbing and yoga, among other possibilities. Fowling--a cross between football and bowling; A visit to the Back 9 golf facility where you don't have to be good at golf to play all of the games! And other possible activities like laser tag and an escape room. You won't be bored! Capacity: 26 Fee: $150
MUST BE IN or HAVE TAKEN PRE-ENGINNERING with MR TAPPEL You will start at American Structurepoint HQs each morning. Day 1 – All things Architecture o Basics of Building Design and Construction & Codes o Site Tour/Visit to the Carmel Paladium o VR Headset – Walk through of Allison Transmission Innovation Center o 3D Printing Technology and Building Modeling Day 2 – Mechanical and Electrical Engineering o Zero Carbon Footprint Design o Hypersonics and Aeronautical Lab design o Circuits and Robotics Day 3 – Civil Engineering o Round Abouts - 3D Modeling of Keystone Parkway and Rangeline Road o Hydrology and Detention Pond design+ River Hydraulics o Race Track Design – the Rusty Wallace Story o Forensic Engineering – THE CSI Miami of Civil Engineering Traffic Accident Reconstruction for Insurance Companies Building column failure through thermal nuclear gauges Fire/Arson Investigation Day 4 – Structural Engineering and Construction Inspection o Bridge Design o Building/Skyscraper design o Construction Inspection o Public Hearings/Public Meetings Day 5 – Idea Creation (half day) o Develop a concept o Work as a Team
Museum Visits Places we may visit - Carmel Roundabout Sculpture Art /Zionsville Yard Art, Newfields Museum and Art Garden, Indiana State Museum, Soldiers and Sailors Monument Tour, Eiteljorg Museum and White River Park, Indianapolis Children's Museum, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Capacity: 30 Fee: $100
Monday January 6, 2025 9:00am - Friday January 10, 2025 2:00pm EST
Students must be enrolled in band in order to participate in this J-term. We will spend the week touring Cathedral's feeder middle schools to perform and present on Cathedral's band program. Capacity: 40 NO COST
This course will be an opportunity for advanced ceramics students to have an intense workshop - with large amounts of focused time spent on wheel throwing techniques, mold making and other various special teqniues that require more than the 65 minute regular class. This is for students who are currently enrolled in Ceramics 3 or AP 3D Studio Art or have preiviously completed Ceramics 2. Capacity: 20 Course FEE: $110.00
This J-Term is for students who want to tour a variety of colleges and get a better sense of college life and services. We will tour 5-6 different universities (such as University of Dayton, Miami University, UIndy, Marian, etc). We will be stopping for lunch each day and students will need to bring their own money for food each day. $10 per day is suggested. We will travel every day (weather dependent). Capacity: 12 FEE: $125
The current DECA club participants and anyone interested in joining the business plan competition course will work on developing new and innovative products. Students will begin writing business plans for their company and new products. Later in the Spring semester, we will compete against other schools locally in Central Indiana, then at the State level, and finally, at the national level. Students will focus on the business plan writing process, marketing their new product, selling the product and making professional presentations to peers, adult leadership, and potential investors. Capacity: 20 NO COST
Do you love working with children and babies? Do you have an interest in early childhood education and infant care? In this J Term course, we will spend time in the three Irish Blessing classrooms (3-12 months, 1-3 years, and 3-5 years) learning about different developmental milestones in children ages 3 months to 5 years, creating and implement lesson plans based on Reggio and Montessori approaches to education, learning infant and child CPR/First Aid, and hearing from preschool teachers about their experiences at their schools. Capacity: 12 NO COST
This course is focused on a multitude of topics relating to "healthy living". We will discuss healthy relationships/red flags, view of body (food, working out, eating habits...), mental health stigma and red flags, drinking and drugs etc... We will talk about the hard things... what harassment looks like, red flags in relationships, abuse of alcohol etc. to 1. Explain things in an educational manner. 2. Showcase how to healthily make decisions for yourself with awareness of what is considered "unhealthy", and ultimately 3. Give students training in how to be an "empowered bystander" and to recognize these unhealthy signs in peers and come to the right channels to get help. We will participate in a sexual assault awareness training at Butler University, learn from the organization "One Love", watch movies and discuss impact of these decisions, and more! Empowering Healthy Minds leaders are required to take this course, but all participants will be given the opportunity to become "EHM Ambassadors" if they are interested after being trained. Capacity: 12 No Cost
Research and learn about fashion from the past and how it influences fashion today, visit stores and boutiques to learn about fashion, look at advertising and how it has pushed the fashion industry, have guests who are fashion designers and influencers, research fashion schools, research career opportunities in fashion, and potentially try to host a fashion show at the end of the term using the skills and ideas learned. Capacity: 26 FEE: $25
Are you sick of Monopoly and Clue? Have you ever wanted to play some of the best board games that were not popularized during the Great Depression? Have you ever wanted to dive into the systems of your favorite tabletop games, like Catan or Ticket to Ride, and then completely break them? Then the (Good) Game Design course would be a good way to spend a week of J-Term! In the (Good) Game Design course, we'll be exploring excellent examples of tabletop games from the last twenty years and analyzing what makes them so great. We will spend the first part of J-Term experimenting and learning about what makes a good game. During the second part of class we will be designing our own card or board games. Will you come up with the next Carcassonne? Even if you don't it would still be a blast playing the "New Classics" or even some of the most popular up-and-coming games! Capacity: 32 FEE: $15
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and creativity at our four-day "Harmony in Motion: Yoga and Art Retreat." This immersive workshop offers a harmonious blend of yoga, meditation, and artistic expression, with visits to local yoga studios. Flexible spirits and willing hearts are required; flexible bodies are not. Be prepared to get centered and get moving! Capacity: 24 FEE: $30
Indy Fused Glass - One-week course Students can learn how to design with glass. Students typically will produce two to three different pieces of artwork. Maximum of 15 students
IF YOU HAVE TAKEN 3D PRINTING BEFORE - YOU CAN NOT TAKE IT AGAIN Learn what a 3d printer is, how they work, and how to operate. Learn how to use thingiverse/tinkercad to find or make stl's; and cura to slice into ready to print gcode. Find things to print and donate as a service project. CAPACITY: 24 COST: $20
FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS ONLY: Consult with Family and Friends to find a job shadowing opportunity. Students will set up their own internship experience and will submit it to Mr. Matthews through a Google Form for approval BEFORE we leave for Christmas Break. Students will submit daily journals of their experience and email Mr. Matthews for attendance.
If you fail to submit a form by Christmas Break - you will be added to a J Term on campus for the week.
This week-long class explores how athletics can be a lifelong passion and profession, even beyond being an active athlete. Students will learn about the business side of sports, how sports organizations function, and the various roles individuals can play within the industry. Students will understand how physical fitness and mindset learned through sport continue to be important and essential in life after athletics. Additionally, students will engage with topics related to life after sports, including how former athletes transition into roles as business leaders, mentors, or entrepreneurs within the sports world. We will also discuss the importance of service within our communities and beyond. The following topics will be incorporated throughout the week: Importance of Physical Fitness; Mindset after Athletics The Business of Sports Career Paths in Sports Transitioning from Athlete to Professional Building a Future in Sports Capacity: 48 NO COST
Mission and Morality in Middle Earth will certainly be one J-Term to rule them all. This course will explore J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy world of Middle Earth as we watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and read excerpts from the original source material and other scholarly articles. We will discuss the epic narrative and journeys of the Fellowship while relating it to our own lives of faith. In particular, we will be asking ourselves questions of morality and mission highlighted in the Catholic tradition. Whether you are already a LOTR enthusiast or are just in it for the snacks, all are welcome to explore the grandeur of Middle Earth. Capacity: 24 NO COST
Students will spend the week making (sewing by hand) their own unique Bucilla Christmas Stocking from a kit that will need to be purchased on the following website (approximately $30) at least 3 weeks in advance to J-term. https://merrystockings.com/christmas-stocking-kits/felt-applique-stocking-kits.html
Capacity: 12 Cost: $5 (plus cost of stocking from Amazon)
Course Title: Monetizing Content: Turning Hobbies into Passive Income Course Description: Have a passion for gaming, vlogging, crafting, or any other hobby? Why not turn it into a source of income? In this hands-on J-Term course, students will learn how to monetize their content across major social media platforms like Twitch, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Whether you’re interested in streaming gameplay, creating viral videos, or sharing your artistic talents, this course will teach you the essential strategies to build and grow your online presence for profit. Learn how to attract followers, engage with your audience, and utilize advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing to generate passive income. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your creativity and an interest in social media! Skills You'll Learn: Setting up and managing business profiles on Twitch, X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok Growing your audience and building an engaging online brand Exploring monetization strategies like ads, subscriptions, and sponsorships Managing content creation to maximize passive income streams Leveraging analytics to optimize content and engagement Grade Level: Open to all Soph, Juniors and Seniors Capacity: 30 NO COST
Students will spend a week writing their own original lyrics to record their own original musical composition of any genre using a microphone and instrumentals off the computer. If they have a guitar they would like to record on the composition , they can bring a guitar to put on their record. Students will perform their piece to the group and others that are interested in attending at the end of the week. An interest in writing, self-expression, and the patience to write and rewrite are a must in order to showcase your musical talents. Capacity: 24 NO Cost
Spend J-Term reading around Indy like you're Rory Gilmore and this is Stars Hollow. Some potential, cozy corners? Porter Books and Bread up the street at Ft. Ben; Central Library, Indy Reads and Whispering Shelf downtown; Tea's Me at Fall Creek Place; Golden Hour Books in Broad Ripple; Newfields and the Vonnegut Museum. We'll fit in some thrifting, coffee (or tea), crafts, an episode here and there, and READ. "I just take a book with me everywhere. It's just a habit." - R.G. Capacity: 25 FEE: $25
This J Term takes Sophomores and Junior athletes (boys and girls) through a text that can help our student-athletes find meaningful ways to show true leadership as athletes and young adults. Capacity: 36 FEE: $15
Star Wars and Mythology will explore the spiritual, religious, and mythological material found in the Star Wars Universe, with specific regard for the concept of the Force, the Jedi and Sith Orders, and ideas of enlightenment, morality, depravity, and redemption as depicted in the films and in some of the canonical literature. Films viewed will include canonical Star Wars films and readings will consist of selected Greek myths, excerpts from Mary Henderson’s Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth, and selected scholarly articles. Capacity: 24 No Cost
In this course, students will be taking photos for the yearbook and for Irish Connection social media, videos for irishconnection.net and social media, and recording podcasts with other students that are enrolled in other j-term classes. Students will receive a crash course in using the equipment and how to tell the story of J-term, Cathedral students, and educators. Capacity: 14 NO FEE
Step into the studio to spend time creating your own work! Do you want to be creative but just can’t find the time? This is your opportunity to work with a variety of media on projects of your choice. We’ll also visit Newfield's Museum of Art and The Art Institute of Chicago to be inspired by other artists’ works. Capacity: 15 Cost: $100
Students learn about the history of the game and it's modern version. This course will look at the history of golf overall – where it comes from, where it's at, and where it's going. We'll watch golf movies and research aspects of the game for a presentation at the end of the week. We will visit 5 iron and X Golf facilities to get the chance to play courses around the world on the simulators, experiencing the history virtually through the newest technology. We will also visit TopGolf as a vehicle for introducing new demographics to the game. Capacity: 40 FEE: $100
Do you feel wanderlust? Do you feel cooped up by the winter gray? Well - be ready to get outside, see some of the most scenic spots in the Midwest, and learn a thing or two about being outdoors. While exploring places like Southern Indiana, Eastern Illinois, and our very own back yard at Fort Ben, we will learn about the seven Leave No Trace principles and participate in a service project by picking up trash as we hike. There will be an overnight in Illinois, a surprising waterfall, and a unique hot dog restaurant all on the itinerary. The best part - there is no such thing as bad hiking weather, just bad clothing. Capacity: 28 FEE: $70
In this course, we will explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We will sort into Hogwarts Houses, earn House Points, and enjoy some Harry Potter trivia. Capacity: 26 FEE: $10
We will learn very basic crochet stitches. We will make hats for the Community North Cancer Center and for the bone marrow transplantation center at St. Francis Hospital. Capacity: 18 No Cost
Monday January 6, 2025 9:00am - Friday January 10, 2025 2:00pm EST
Have you ever wanted to make an amigurimi? We'll crochet small animals or characters. Patterns for a penguin, a chick, a heart, a sheep, an octopus, an elephant, a hedgehog, and Snoopy, Woodstock and Hello Kitty will be available. You can also bring your own pattern. You'll need to cover the cost of yarn (I'll let you know the price once you decide what you want to make), and you'll need a 4 mm (G) crochet hook. Capacity: 12 No Cost
