The visual arts program at OGA integrates studio practices with technology and interdisciplinary connections.  We believe that Art Education is essential to the development of all children. It is well established that the developmental benefits of art encompass a range of areas, including motor skills, language development, decision-making, visual learning, cultural awareness, and enhanced academic performance. All of the art lessons adhere to the learning goals and standards provided by the Florida Department of Education.

Elementary Art Supply List     Middle School Art Courses Supply Lists

English Language Learners/ English for Speakers of Other Languages

The purpose of the ESOL curriculum is to improve student skills in reading and writing for academic success. ESOL provides English language instruction so the student can increase their ability to communicate in English. Students strengthen their reading and writing skills for success and overall academic achievement. In class, they will practice creative writing skills and develop an expanded vocabulary.

ELL/ESOL Compliance: Dr. Cybulski, ext. 3472252

The Language Arts curriculum focuses on improving grammar, vocabulary, and spelling skills – all essentials for great writing!

In addition to these areas, we work closely with the Reading Department to align our curricula and to develop best practices that support reading for our scholars.

Accelerated Reader (AR) tests numerous books that are used to promote reading and reading comprehension.

The Junior Great Books program (grades 2-5) and the Junior Great Books Round Table (grades 6-8) combine high-quality fiction and nonfiction literature, student-centered discussion, and activities that support reading comprehension, critical thinking, speaking and listening, and writing. It provides outstanding classroom materials. It helps students get the most out of reading and interacting with their teachers and classmates, while providing instruction and support in Shared InquiryTM, a method of learning that gives teachers the approach they need to help their students succeed. 

Shared InquiryTM is an inquiry-based approach to learning to assist students in becoming independent readers and thinkers. While this is used with Junior Great Books, we have integrated this methodology into other areas of our curriculum (Social Studies, Science, and Math). Shared Inquiry uses the following techniques:
• Balancing literary and informational texts
• Building knowledge in the disciplines
• Providing a staircase of text complexity
• Requiring text-based answers
• Focusing on evidence in writing
• Expanding vocabulary

The Schoolwide Enrichment Model - Reading Framework (SEM-R) is an enrichment-based reading program, based on the model created by Sally Reis and Joseph Renzulli, both pioneers in Gifted Curriculum. The program is designed to:
• Stimulate interest in and enjoyment of reading
• Promote and develop higher reading achievement
• Improve self-regulation and automaticity in reading
• Encourage students to select high-interest books that are slightly to moderately above their current reading levels
• Create independent, lifelong readers

Students learn, practice, and master a set of skills and attitudes that are embedded in and continuously used throughout the units that are central to success in the English Language Arts classroom. At these levels, students are on their way to becoming independent readers, writers, and learners. 

2nd Grade Supply List     3rd Grade Supply List     4th Grade Supply List     5th Grade Supply List

Middle School English Language Arts Supply List

All grade levels will be preparing for FAST or EOC Exams that will test them on their respective state course standards. In addition to the daily review that the students receive in class, there will be a more intense focus on the standards through a variety of venues, including web-based programs and collaborative learning.

Project M²: Mentoring Young Mathematicians is a series of eight curriculum units designed for grades K-2 to foster inquiry and engage students in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication activities. Aligned to the State Standards for geometry and measurement, Project M² units focus on “in-depth” mathematics using research-based practices and standards in mathematics education and early childhood education. Level K focuses on geometry and measurement, while Levels 1 and 2 focus on geometry, measurement, and numbers. Through the use of engaging characters who guide students through the curriculum, students are led to new learning environments where they can develop reasoning and communication skills related to each area of emphasis.

Project M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds is a series of curriculum units developed to motivate and challenge mathematically talented students at the elementary level. Project M3 has long been recognized as one of the nation’s top programs in gifted mathematics education and is now available in Flourish. Project M3 delivers even more ways for teachers to motivate and challenge advanced students in grades 3-6. The Project M3 curriculum features explorations of simulated or real-life problems so students can actively solve them in the same ways that practicing mathematicians do.

Math Innovations is a coherent and focused middle grades curriculum that aligns to State Standards and is designed to engage students in gaining a richer, deeper, and more proficient understanding of mathematics. Mathematical ideas are presented in a real-world context to help students understand how math is related and relevant to their daily lives. The curriculum consists of three levels that address critical mathematical areas and support student learning with a variety of real-life problem-solving scenarios that are addressed through activities, games, and investigations.

2nd Grade Supply List     3rd Grade Supply List     4th Grade Supply List      5th Grade Supply List

Middle School Math Supply Lists

In the music program at OGA, students receive an enriching music educational experience comprised of singing, playing instruments, creating music, and movement. All students have the opportunity to join performing groups such as the Music Ensemble. The program provides several concerts throughout the school year, displaying students’ work.

Physical Education classes at OGA provide an opportunity for students in 2nd through 6th grades to experience various types of physical activity  which can include:

*team sports 
*individual sports 
*leisure sports
*health and nutrition
*bicycle and pedestrian safety

In elementary school, Florida state statute currently requires 150 minutes per week of physical education.  Elementary physical education focuses on movement competency, cognitive abilities, lifetime fitness, and responsible behaviors and values.  OCPS school district policy prohibits interscholastic athletic contests at the elementary school level.  

Students in 6th grade learn about the fitness components. 

Lesson plans are based on guidelines set by  OCPS Benchmarks & Essential Skills.
 

OCPS Policy:

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES

Students who, because of illness or injury, are temporarily unable to participate in physical education activities need to present a note each time from their parent to the PE teacher explaining the problem. Students are required to attend classes to observe the lessons when unable to participate. Students who need to be excused from activities for a week or more need to provide a doctor’s excuse. If your child has any permanent physical restrictions or disabilities, please notify the physical education teacher and the Main Office.
 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION WAIVER

The physical education requirement shall be waived for a student who meets one of the following criteria:

1. The student is enrolled or required to enroll in a remedial course.
2. The student’s parent indicates in writing to the school that:

• The parent requests that the student enroll in another course from among those offered as options by the school (courses are subject to availability at each school)

OR

• The student is participating in physical activities outside the school day (excluding school programs)which are equal to or in excess of the mandated requirement.

Your child must meet one of the waiver criteria listed above or he/she will be enrolled in physical education each year while in grades 6 through 8. 

It is important to note, you may NOT request a waiver after the student’s schedule has been completed.

Middle School PE Waiver Form.pdf

At OGA, we learn science in exciting and meaningful ways! We use inquiry and hands-on activities to learn and think. We also use our Interactive Science Notebooks in all science classes, which enables students to explore and learn about science in even more ways. At the same time, we are developing our critical thinking skills, staying better organized, and being more creative. Please remember to talk about science at home and stay actively involved in the learning process!

2nd Grade Supply List     3rd Grade Supply List     4th Grade Supply List     5th Grade Supply List

Middle School Science Supply Lists

Students in grades 2-5 have Social Studies one day per week. Social Studies content is also infused into the Language Arts curriculum. 

Middle School students have one period of Social Studies each day. In 6th grade, students study World History, 7th grade students learn Civics, and 8th grade students study American History. Please work closely with your child's social studies teacher to help them be successful.

2nd Grade Supply List     3rd Grade Supply List     4th Grade Supply List     5th Grade Supply List

Middle School World History Supply List

Advanced Academics     Spanish      French 

ICT/Video Production     Journalism/Yearbook     Odyssey of the Mind     Speech and Debate