Library
The OLBS library-media program strives to promote a love of reading while empowering students to be effective users of ideas and information in all formats. In addition to supporting the teachers and their curriculum, the program helps students grow to be independent, efficient, responsible and creative users of information. Student visits to the library introduces them to various genres, authors and literacy-rich print materials.
Physical Education
The early childhood, primary physical education curriculum introduces students to basic movement concepts and fitness activities. Students utilize 21st Century skills of cooperation, collaboration, communication, flexibility, and critical thinking as they engage in team lessons in soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, four square and hockey. Good sportsmanship is emphasized in all grades promoting healthy competition, rather than winning, as the priority.
Art
Art classes are held twice each week. Classes are designed to offer all students a broad range of art experiences and activities. While supporting the New York State Standards for the Arts, art is taught through a framework of demonstration and a multitude of hands-on projects incorporating the elements of art and principles of design. Students are exposed to creative opportunities in various media and areas of self-expression, which are enriched further with art history and an introduction to the works of accomplished artists. Students enjoy creating artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.
Music
Our program exceeds the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and the curriculum of the Diocese of Buffalo. Lessons grow in complexity as the children progress. Students are exposed to a wide variety of vocal and instrumental music from many different world cultures. Students will develop skills in singing, music reading and notation. Units will include high/low sounds, fast/slow tempos, loud/soft dynamics, as well as listening and creating. Movement games will reinforce steady beats and appropriate rhythms. As their knowledge of musical literature expands, new notation of whole notes, dotted rhythms, rests, bar lines, and fermatas will be added. Tempo markings will be recognized both visually and aurally. Students will demonstrate their abilities as they perform in our annual Christmas and Spring concerts.
RTI: Response to intervention
Response to Intervention, or RTI, is an educational strategy used in schools to:
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Provide effective and high-quality instruction,
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Monitor all students’ progress to make sure they are progressing as expected, and
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Provide additional support (intervention) to students who are struggling.
RTI can be considered an early intervention tool that is designed to quickly identify students who need extra help, thereby preventing long-term failure. The monitoring of students allows teaching professionals to identify the exact skill areas where pupils need additional instruction that is targeted to a student’s individual needs.
If the student is not responding, other instructional approaches are used and/or the intensity is increased (for example, students may receive extra help more often, in smaller groups or from academic intervention teachers). This progression through more intensive instructional practices is the reason RTI is often described as a “multi-tier” system.
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Tier 1 = Universal or core instruction
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Tier 2 = Targeted or strategic instruction/intervention
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Tier 3 = Intensive instruction/intervention
This year students in K-2 will be evaluated in multiple ways; teacher observation, classroom assessments, as well as through our STARR Renaissance program. Students that are identified as needing extra support will meet with me in small groups or individually, depending on the need, 3 times per week. Trimester goals will be set and I will send a parent report 3 times a year.
If at any time you need to contact me please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call the school office at 716-685-2544.
STEM
This year we will incorporate a routine STEM special and Makerspace area into your child’s schedule.
STEM- is an approach to learning that includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
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Lessons, units, and community education programs promote a higher level of critical thinking and a deeper understanding of content materials.
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STEM activities are hands-on; project-based based, include engineering design, and have relevant applications in the real world.
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Makerspace is a place where students are encouraged to create, tinker, explore, discover, and invent using a variety of tools and materials. Students will work independently and collaboratively to solve real-world problems through hands-on exploration.
In order to offer the best program we can, we are looking for some donations of everyday objects. There is a list of items under the School Supplies page under the Parents tab. If you have any of the items around the house and would like to donate them, please send them to school with your child, or drop them off in the main office at school. We appreciate any and all donations. Or if you are so inclined, you can donate items through our OLBS Amazon wish list using the following code:
In addition, if you or you know someone in one of the fields related to STEM, we would love to work with you or them to gain a deeper understanding of how STEM relates to the larger community as students get older. Perhaps coming into school to do a presentation or demonstration. Please contact [email protected]