Special Area Teachers

Special area classes for every grade level include: Physical Education, Library, Music, Art, Computers, Science Lab and Spanish. A full-time Reading Specialist is available.

Art

The Art Program encourages the joy of creativity and individuality through the use of a wide variety of media. The development of art skills and problem solving are an integral part of our program. Through the use of observation and discussion students also learn how art relates to all areas of study. Student art is continuously displayed to encourage pride and exchange of ideas. Our challenging art program is a fun experience that encourages success.

Computers

Students have the opportunity to work individually with the computer on a daily basis. Each classroom is equipped with a complete computer, printer and developmentally appropriate software.

Library

The Library functions as an integral part of the total educational program. The goal of the library is to provide a rich literature-related program which will play a vital part in the development of a lifelong relationship with libraries, books and reading and to ensure that each child acquires the information literacy skills necessary to become a self-reliant, lifelong learner.

Every classroom has a scheduled library class once a week. Students may visit the library every day to exchange books, to do research or to take Accelerated Reader tests.

The library has both an electronic circulation and catalog system with four search stations. These stations can be used for Accelerated Reader testing which is also available in the classrooms. These computers have internet access for internet-related activities.

Music

The music program exposes children to a wide variety of musical experiences. Basic musical concepts of melody, rhythm and harmony are taught at each grade level beginning in Pre-K, with each year building on the concepts and skills taught the previous year. Singing, the playing of xylophones and rhythm instruments, keyboard skills, recorder playing, listening lessons, and both choreographed and creative movement are prime components of the music curriculum. Performance opportunities are an integral part of the school year. All students perform in weekly assemblies, individual classroom projects or plays, or in one of the four major annual musical productions. The Lower School Choir made up of students in third-fifth grades rehearses after school and performs for school assemblies as well as in the Gainesville community. Classes are offered after school in dance, African drumming, strings, woodwinds, brass and piano.

Physical Education

Our physical education program is taught by two certified PE instructors. We aim to contribute to a child’s life, both now and in the future, by providing each student with tools for healthful living. The preschool students have class one day a week for thirty minutes. The kindergarten through third grade has class for thirty minutes, four times a week. Fourth and fifth graders have class four times a week for forty-five minutes. Each child should develop a realistic self-image and acquire a desirable self-concept through their years in a positive physical education program.

Science

Students utilize the science lab, which is equipped with an interactive Smart Board, for weekly science lessons. The Harcourt Science curriculum provides students with the opportunity to explore various areas of physical, Earth and life sciences. Lessons provide hands-on investigations in all areas designed to stimulate curiosity and interest. Students are taught to observe, measure, classify, infer and predict as they learn the scientific method of investigation.

Junior Kindergarten will experience science informally on a daily basis through the reading and math curriculum. Formal science lessons will be twice a week on a variety of topics.

Kindergarten and First Grade will have science bi-weekly in the ECLC multipurpose room.

Second and Third Grade students visit the lab twice weekly.

Fourth and Fifth visit three times a week. Please visit the science web page. 

Spanish

Students will have Spanish language twice a week beginning in Pre-Kindergarten. Spanish class is an immersion experience in which children play, interact and learn in a Spanish-only environment. The workbook curriculum, designed specifically for OHLS supports the acquisition of vocabulary as a means to participation and fluency. The objectives of our foreign language program for Lower School are to generate enthusiasm, and to achieve basic understanding and conversation skills. We invite parents and friends to join us in Spanish class whenever possible!