Visual Arts (PK-8)
In the art classroom, the goal is to guide students into a world of imaginative expression. Providing them with proper guidance, encouragement, and information that will help scaffold the students to higher levels of success.
- Create, performing, and produce by exploring a variety of artistic processes, tools, and materials as well as utilizing the elements and principles of design.
- Explore art history with the goal of appreciating artwork throughout history and learning how it relates to the world today.
- Study the value and meaning of art while responding to the environment and surroundings.
- Integrating the studentsโ core curriculum and surrounding environment with the study of art.
Technology (K-8)
In the technology lab, students attend one time a week. Chromebooks and iPads are available for all students. Technology tools and resources are used to enhance learning and provide enrichment and academic support for students.
- Learn proper keyboarding techniques
- Acquiring knowledge of technology terms, including names of computer hardware and functional terms related to web and software use
- Develop computer skills through the use of age-appropriate projects that are integrated with their classroom curriculum
- Explore coding for all grade levels including block coding, Python and Java Script
- Learn about internet safety, cyber-bullying, and how to appropriately research and cite sources
- Use GSuite for Education tools including Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Classroom and Google Drive.
- Receive instruction on Chromebooks and various iPad apps
Library (PK-8)
The primary function of the school library/media center is to serve as a main source for the educational and recreational reading needs of the students; to provide resources for teachers; and to support the curriculum with a goal of making students information literate as well as teaching them the skills needed to access information, both print and non-print, in an age of burgeoning knowledge.
- Pre-k through second grade attend weekly story hour
- Library skills instruction is given to all grades in the course of research projects
- Pre-k through eighth grade have weekly check outs.
- Access to online library databases such as Destiny, OPAC (online public access catalog), Grolier, Gale Junior Reference Collection, EBSCO, NoodleBib, and World Book are made available to all students.
- Approximately 15,000 items are maintained in the library
- Read Across America Week, Battle of the Books, and two book fairs are coordinated through the library
Music
Music Grades Pre-K through Third
All students learn the fundamentals of music (rhythm, steady beat, melodic line, expression, and some basic musical notation) through singing and echoing exercises along with the use of some wind and percussion instruments. A variety of musical cultures, styles, composers, and historical time periods will be studied.
Band (Grades 4-8)
- Provides students with the experience of learning and playing a musical instrument
- These newfound talents and rehearsal techniques can be transferred to all areas of study, excelling in all areas of academia
- Students learn the value of teamwork as well as accomplishing goals
- Third grade students are given recorders to introduce them to playing musical instruments
Chorus (Grades 4-8)
- Students are given the opportunity to singing in a more advanced vocal ensemble.
- Skills such as musical terms, physiology of singing, and music fundamentals
- New vocalizing and sight-reading skills are also developed
STREAM (PK-8)
The purpose of the STREAM program at OLA is to increase learning opportunities for students to participate in lessons that integrate Science, technology, religion, engineering, art and math. In our new state of the art lab, students receive hands-on opportunities to explore and create using various manipulatives, Dremel 3-D printer, Mac computers and iPads.
Students across all grade levels go through the engineering design process and use 21st century life skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, to solve different challenges. Challenges allow students to work in teams to explore circuitry, computer graphics, digital communications, mechanics and structures, robotics and control technology, scientific data and analysis, and software engineering. Through these opportunities, all students are exposed to many different types of career fields including electronics, computer graphics, software design, coding, and engineering.
Middle school students keep an e-portfolio to document and share the difficulties and successes they have had as they work through many different engineering challenges.
Physical Education (PK-8)
Through the implementation of the National Standards for Physical Education, students work at developing the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to maintain lifelong physical activity and wellness. Physical Education also helps to develop the whole person by incorporating psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains in each skill.
- Physical Fitness
- Locomotor Movements (i.e. running, jumping, skipping)
- Manipulative Skills (i.e. kicking, striking, throwing)
- Non-Manipulative Skills (i.e. balancing, transferring weight, stretching)
- Cooperative and Recreational Games
Spanish (PK-8)
All students in grades Pre-K through eight participate in Spanish class at least once a week. Instruction builds over the years from basic vocabulary and expression to grammar and writing. Students in grades three through five meet twice a week while middle school students meet three times each week.
- Develop basic Spanish communication skills
- Learn about various Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures
- Learn basic Spanish vocabulary and expressions
- Learn prayers in Spanish
