The Film Program at the Elementary School includes students in grades 3-5. The focus is on visual storytelling. Throughout the year, students learn the elements of good storytelling techniques through the study of film examples. Students learn film vocabulary, including basic shot types, the use of various pieces of film equipment, and how to create scripts, storyboards, shot lists, and other essential pre-production documents. As the students get older, they have more opportunities to develop their own film projects. Students also learn the many different roles in the film industry. Whenever possible, we take field trips to film festivals, the Museum of the Moving Image, and other opportunities that may arise in this thriving, film-producing city.

• Spanish Classes begin in Kindergarten

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

― Albert Einstein

A major component of the OWNCS Library program is to instill an appreciation and love of reading.

Elementary School students have weekly library classes during which they learn a variety of library skills, including:

• how to choose a book based on interest and reading level
• difference between fiction and nonfiction
• proper care of books and material
• how libraries are organized
• how to use our computer catalog
• research and citation skills
• online searching skills and strategies
• how to evaluate sources (both text and online)
• digital literacy and citizenship

Elementary School students are exposed to many different genres of music and types of instruments. The curriculum focuses on music theory, including note values and placement on the treble and bass clefs. Students also learn about rhythm and develop tools to create rhythmic patterns on their own. Students perform vocally at annual events, such as the Spring Arts Festival, and begin learning how to play recorder flutes.

The Physical Education Curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the K-5 students with a varied, age-appropriate, and challenging curriculum. The units are sequenced and kept short to maximize interest and participation. Fundamental skill development is emphasized at all grade levels and in all units. From the primary students' fundamental movement and physical skills to the more involved skills, games, and sports concepts of the intermediate grades, knowledge of the benefits and the enjoyment of physical activity is taught and reinforced in each class. The social, emotional, and character traits necessary to be successful and a good community citizen are taught and repeated from the first class. Safety factors relative to physical activity are constantly stressed. Personal and social responsibility, self-directed learning, and problem-solving skills are also reinforced throughout the K-5 physical education curriculum.

Through various physical fitness activities and gameplay, students will learn how to improve their performance and sharpen their individual abilities.

The elementary STEAM course creates an engaging experience through project-based learning, guiding students through the engineering design process. With a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, we empower students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Utilizing the esteemed Project Lead the Way Launch (PLTW) curriculum, our students delve into hands-on activities and real-world challenges, igniting their curiosity and fostering a passion for innovation.

At OWNCS, we are working toward seamless integration of technology and curriculum: students using technology daily, and having access to a variety of tools that match the learning task at hand -- tools that increase engagement, lead to a deeper understanding of content, and open the door to innovation and creativity.

When effectively integrated into the curriculum, technology can extend learning in significant ways. Students have greater access to the primary source material and more engaging multimedia content. They gain facility in digital methods of collecting and analyzing data. Students experience creating, editing, publishing, and presenting their work in new and authentic ways to a broader audience. They are given new opportunities to interact and collaborate with others (peers, teachers, and experts) outside the classroom walls.

Each student in Grade K-5 is provided with an iPad to be used in school. Classrooms are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards. We are a Google Suite for Education school, ensuring that our students are proficient in the most current core productivity tools and Google Classroom. We also offer many online resources that provide regular opportunities to practice and apply academic and technical skills. Our teachers are encouraged to use technology creatively to enrich learning in their classrooms; their efforts are celebrated in our Technology Integration Spotlight.