The Love of LAB LEARNER
Science at OLMC is cutting edge. Using LabLearner, a 100% research-based, hands-on science system used as a platform for STEM learning worldwide, we have established a comprehensive laboratory set-up with curriculum integration and each step of the process enables us to make science meaningful and enjoyable for each of our students…Pre K through 8th grade. LabLearner provides research-grade equipment, furniture, storage and everything else needed for a comprehensive approach to learning the intricacies of science from early childhood through elementary and middle school.
Research – this program is the product of careful research taken from the input of teachers and administrators across the country.
Spiraling Curriculum – rather than thinking in isolated categories like Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, etc., our LabLearner science curriculum revolves around nine Core Concepts which offer a much more useful way to organize elementary and middle school science instruction. A spiraling curriculum results in scientific concepts being built upon each other, year after year, which is the recommendation of the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
Over 60 CELLS (Core Experience Learning Labs) are strategically inserted throughout the PreK-8 science educational experience for a truly spiraling curriculum. At each grade level, developmental and academic skills are accounted for. These skills range from mathematical, reading, writing, critical thinking, and fine motor skills among others. In addition, LabLearner CELLS have been designed so that essential scientific themes spiral throughout the curriculum from PreK through eighth grade, taking into account the neurocognitive processing mechanisms of elementary and middle school students, while remaining perfectly correlated with academic standards.
Beyond the cross-cutting concepts, LabLearner Program is infused with the Common Core English Arts (ELA) and Math Standards which greatly enhances our approach to wholistic and integrated learning.
Miss Koval, OLMC Principal
Our OLMC students are truly blessed and enriched in their learning experiences!
RELIGIOUS STUDIES in all Areas!
In the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) we read that Catholic schools serve the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis. It is their primary purpose. The NDC states: “Whether Catholic schools are part of a parish structure, or are regional, diocesan, or private, growth in the Catholic faith for the children and young people who attend them is essential to their identity and purpose (p.262).”
Catholic schools, and in our case, OLMC, provide sacred space for the student to learn how to view his/her world with the eyes of faith. Every subject area must be imbued with the central message of the Gospel giving the students hope and purpose in life. Throughout the halls, classrooms, gym, cafeteria, etc. our environment is dedicated to making OLMC a sacred space…a special space, a distinctive niche in which we can develop spirituality and foster an attitude of service to others.
Each of our religion classes along with our co and extra curricular activities, are designed to impart the many facets of our faith coupled with our Catholic doctrine integrated with service to others throughout our immediate neighborhood as well as global society. Our OLMC students excel in the many ways they reach out to others and put their faith into action!
SOCIAL STUDIES brings Hispanic Heritage to a New Level
National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contribution of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the group’s heritage and culture. Our OLMC students are in the midst of the action celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month through their Social Studies programs. From PreK through grade eight everyone spends time, study and activities…expanded lessons which enrich studies with Spanish intellectual traditions, field trips to expanded student learning beyond the four walls of our classrooms, and service to others as a way to reach out beyond our school community…all of this to recognize and celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture! At OLMC, this year’s theme was “Hispanics: One Endless Voice to Enhance our Traditions”, which had our OLMC family joining others in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced, impacted, and enriched our nation and society as a whole.
Differentiation in Action!
(taken from an article by Cathy Weselby originally 10/1/14 updated For Teachers 8//21/18…education.cu-portland.edu)
Everyone has a unique fingerprint and equally each student has an individual learning style. Teachers know that not all students grasp a subject in the same way or share the same level of ability, so they work to better deliver the lesson to students through Differentiation. We at OLMC recognize this as a major need and strive through Professional Development opportunities as well as best practices to implement a differentiated approach to learning in each of our subject areas.
Carol Ann Tomlinson is a leader in the area of differentiated learning and professor of educational leadership, foundations, and policy at the University of Virginia. Tomlinson describes differentiated instruction as factoring students’ individual learning styles and levels of readiness first before designing a lesson plan. Research on the effectiveness of differentiation shows this method benefits a wide range of students, from those with learning challenges to those who are considered higher ability.
Differentiating instruction may mean teaching the same material to all students using a variety of instructional strategies, or it may require the teacher to deliver lessons at varying levels of difficulty based on the ability of each student.
Teachers who practice differentiation in the classroom may:
- design lessons based on students’ learning styles
- group students by shared interest, topic, or ability for assignments
- assess students’ learning using formative assessment
- manage classroom to create a safe and supportive environment
- continually assess and adjust lesson content to meet students’ needs
DON’T MISS…
Welcoming our new full-time Spanish teacher, Ms. Veronica Mezieres who joins us at the Academy on Nov. 7th
Veterans Day Service…we need you..our annual celebration of US Veterans…this year student council is creating a memorial wall with the names of veterans who have served…from our own families…please send names and photos and any info you would like to share…send to fourthgrade@nullacademyolmc.org
Annual Veterans’ Day Service will be November 8th 11-11:45 am in Odyssey Theatre
Friday, Nov 16th is our Fall Drama presentation…Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, curtain rises at 7 pm
Fifth bi-annual HALL of FAME Induction Ceremony, November 30, 7pm at THE ROCKLEIGH COUNTRY CLUB