Specials

An Art education program should consist of more than just arts and crafts activities. The Our Lady of Mercy Academy art curriculum is designed to improve the student's technical vocabularies, increase their appreciation of various art forms, and provide outlets for their creativity.

Primary Level - At the primary level, the program emphasizes art as a way for children to express themselves and their perception of the world around them. The children are introduced to specific terms, concepts, and experiences with art. Color, line, and form are stressed, and major artists are introduced throughout the year.

Intermediate Level - Students at the intermediate level begin to use their art background to study the basic principles of art. Their understanding of the artistic process is reinforced through a variety of techniques. The Masters and the concept of design are also introduced and discussed.

At the upper-grade level, the art program stresses critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Seventh and eighth-grade students work on projects that require them to think creatively and to apply their knowledge of art principles and techniques in the planning, development, and execution of the assignment.

Throughout the grades, Our Lady of Mercy Academy's art curriculum encourages creative expression and helps students to appreciate the world and all its beauty.

The goals of Our Lady of Mercy Academy are:

• To introduce music appreciation in a manner that enhances and supports all other subject areas.
• To develop recognition skills of key signatures and music composition.
• To provide a source of reinforcement and to install confidence in the musical beginner through a wide range of note-reading and writing activities.

In all grades, we establish a foundation in and an understanding of the basic elements of melody, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics.

In grades Pre-K through 3, we use the Kindermusic Program which incorporates percussion and mallet instruments to develop an awareness of rhythm patterns. Students in grades 2 and 3 learn to play the recorder.

In grades 4 through 6, we introduce basic music theory and composition to give the students the background needed to enjoy music. They become acquainted with a variety of styles and representative works.

In grades 7 and 8, we study music history. The students are introduced to music from different eras, which include the renaissance, classical, and baroque. romantic, and modern periods. We also study more advanced music theory.

Liturgical awareness and vocal preparation for participation at Mass enhance our formal music program.

Our special events and activities are:

School Liturgies
Christmas Concerts
Spring Concerts
May Crowning
Kindergarten Celebration
Eighth Grade Graduation
School Choir
Handbell Choir

Students in grades 3-8 also have the option to take instrumental music lessons once a week during school hours. Students meet in small groups on a rotating schedule with a certified instrumental music instructor. 

Beginning in preschool and kindergarten, students learn digital citizenship.  Topics include cyberbullying, choosing appropriate websites, and distinguishing between fact and fiction on the web. We are committed to ensuring our students can protect themselves while using the internet to explore and learn.

From the start, students learn the language of computers and begin to code using a code blocking language called Blockli. As their skills and understanding grows, they move on to learn other coding languages. Coding helps students as young as kindergarten to problem-solve and think critically.  It improves stroytelling and provides the ability to think differently.

Students also enjoy learning graphic arts using our new 3-D printers.  Students use CAD (computer aided design) programs and to create designs based on a scientific concept or to design a solution to an authentic problem from their community.  They learn to problem-solve and work collaboratively as part of a team.
 
At OLMA, our unwavering commitment is to empower and equip our students with the essential 21st century skills that are paramount for success in today's dynamic and competitive global landscape. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative and inclusive faith-based learning environment where children not only gain knowledge but also develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability.

The purpose of resource room instruction is to meet the individual needs of the students in a supportive environment by using modifications of the established curriculum and diversified teaching techniques and materials.

Our dedicated Special Education teacher provides small group and individualized instruction to the students to help them with their study skills, organization, and to provide additional support in their core classes (English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Religion).  Services are provided to children from grades K through 8 with “pull-out” and “inclusion” programs in language arts and/or mathematics. In the pull-out program, students with special needs have the advantage of learning in small groups. In our inclusion program, classroom and special education teachers collaborate to meet all the student's needs in a regular classroom setting.

The use of computer programs, manipulatives, materials on overhead projectors, supplementary books, and behavior modification techniques bring learning to these students on a level that is exciting, understandable, and fun.

Aqui Se Habla Español
Our school-wide Spanish program offers an integrated approach to language learning that develops the student's listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. These four basic skills, essential to attaining proficiency in a foreign language, are emphasized through classroom instruction and practice drills. Projects, videos, and games supplement instruction and enhance learning. In addition, our students gain an appreciation for the culture and customs of Spanish-speaking countries.

Our physical education program helps our students to improve their levels of physical fitness while developing knowledge of various sports and relative proficiency in each. By emphasizing good sportsmanship and fair play, we develop a healthy competitive spirit in each child. In our modern full-sized gymnasium, we make learning fun and we show students how to improve their fitness and skills.

Our Annual Program Events include:

The Elks Club Hoop Shoot
The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship
The American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart
The President’s Physical Fitness Test
OLMA Field Day
 

Our health program (Kindergarten through grade 8) encourages students to build friendly relationships with others. They gain, self-confidence, practice good hygiene and sportsmanship, and they learn how to deal with feelings that they may have. Our health program uses a variety of different teaching techniques - workbooks, videos, class and peer discussions, group learning activities and games, and some hands-on projects. For grades 1 through 4, a Life Skills program helps the children deal with relevant topics of today, such as peer pressure, bullying, and strangers.

Some of the topics are:
Kindergarten to Grade 2 

Getting along with others
Recognizing and respecting one’s gift and talents and those of others
Good “clean” habits
Social skills
Exploring feelings

Grade 3 to Grade 8 

Friendships and relating to others in your community
Personal care and fitness
Safety skills
Conflict management and resisting peer pressure