Literacy ~

• ABC Music – is an OES program offered in addition to kindergarten music that integrates the components of early literacy: alphabet recognition, letter sounds, rhyming words, natural rhythm/beat, and blending letter sounds.

• Animated Literacy – are teaching activities that help children learn to read and write through the use of alphabet stories, songs, gestures, and phonetic activities.

• Assessment of Reading – Through grade-level reading assessments, we identify students who are reading below grade level and develop individualized plans to close the reading gap.

• Beginning, Middle, and End – is a school-wide focus on the importance of great beginnings, descriptive middles, and effective endings whenever we write. 

• Community of Learners – is classroom approach to writing that views children as authors.  Each day, young authors continue planning, writing, and sharing from the point they progressed to on the previous day.

• Fluency Testing and Instruction – is our grade 3 focus on helping students improve fluency - a child’s ability to easily, effortlessly, and smoothly speak, read, and write with automatic word recognition.     

• Guided Reading – is a teaching strategy used at OES that helps children learn to use independent reading strategies.  Students work in small groups and are matched to text by ability.  The teacher coaches students to develop tools, cues, and strategies that improve reading.

• Leap To Literacy – is a collaborative program with Chinook’s Edge and community agencies to identify pre-school children who will benefit from pre-kindergarten learning opportunities.  The program also provides parents and caregivers with resources, information, and support in the area of Early Literacy.

• Nursery Rhymes – OES has a school-wide focus on nursery rhymes.  Why?  Research clearly indicates a strong relation between early exposure to nursery rhymes and a child’s success in reading, writing, and spelling. 

• Reading at OES – Teachers at OES use many approaches for developing excellent readers and celebrating early literacy.  There is a school-wide focus on five reading components – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.  (as articulated by Dawn Reithaug)  As well, a program called Literacy Backpacks (developed by OES teachers Shannon Basisty and Helene Fisher) helps families become involved.  

• OES Library – is a special place.  Its 19,000-volume collection is used extensively by teachers and students to support all areas of learning within the provincial curriculum. All students have a book exchange period.  In addition, they develop library search skills and research strategies for life-long learning.  Our library helps us emphasize literacy through book fairs, traveling book cases, and celebrations.

• Writing at OES – Teachers at OES use a variety of approaches for developing excellent writers.  There is a school-wide focus on the writing process and recognizing children as authors. OES teachers give timely, specific feedback, and students learn to use tools such as writing guides, dictionaries, and spelling lists.

Numeracy ~

• Daily Repetition and Review – result in student success.  OES teachers help students learn and review key math concepts every day and connect math to daily, real-life situations.  We also focus on process rather than just the getting the “right answer”. Many of our programs are based on “Math for Success” by OES teacher Darlene Kusick, “Developmental Mathematics” by John van de Walle and “Power of Ten” by Trevor Calkins.

• Estimation and Problem Solving – At OES, we teach estimation and problem solving every day.  Teachers use contexts such as calendar activities, money, and games to help children become critical thinkers.

• Love for Math – At OES, kids love math because teachers make math fun.  Our program is about helping kids gain confidence, become great mathematicians, and tell others that they can do it!

• New Program of Studies – A new program of studies was implemented in September 2008 for K,1,and 4 and September 2009 for grades 2 and 3. Grade 3 will follow in 2011   PD activities for teachers recognize this.

Effective Teaching and Lifelong Learning for All ~

• Assessment for Learning – OES teachers play the role of “coach” by providing children with clearly defined targets, exemplars, opportunities to practice and improve, quality feedback, and plans for the next steps in learning.

• Classroom Instruction – In our school, teachers help students master learning outcomes through active learning opportunities, cooperative learning activities, independent practice, as well as direct instruction.

• Classroom Routines – Daily procedures and routines are clearly established and practiced and practiced and practiced again, and again.  The use of routines builds success for children and reduces distractions and stress.

• Core French – is what all our grade 4 students take to learn about the French language and culture.

• Educational technology – serves as a transparent tool for teaching, learning, and communicating. Every K-5 clasroom in our school is equipped with an interactive white-board called a SMART Board. A detailed technology plan addresses professional development for staff and how we use technology to write, research, organize, present, communicate, store, and learn.  

• Field Trips and Guest Speakers – At OES, we recognize the important role that guest speakers and field trips play in the curriculum.  All efforts are made to limit additional costs for students and a benevolent fund exists.

• Professional Development  – opportunities for teachers and support staff include conferences, AISI sessions, CESD workshops and PD days, Lunch + 30 collaboration, staff meetings, the new CESD supervision model, professional growth plans, Palliser Teachers’ Convention and student teacher partnerships with post-secondary institutions.  OES uses a “teachers as leaders” model.  Focal points for educational assistants include Non Violent Crisis Intervention, first-aid, and special education.  A detailed PD policy helps ensure equity and fairness.

• Science – is where we create opportunities for children to explore and investigate, see inside things, and find answers to their questions.  It is also where we help to nurture a child’s sense of wonderment.

• Social Studies – develops children who are engaged, active, informed, and responsible citizens.  It also helps children develop their sense of self and community, remembering to “think of the other person.”

Fine Arts ~

• A Full-Time Music Specialist – teaches every OES student music and builds on our reputation for having an outstanding music program.  Our program emphasizes vocal development, rhythmic awareness, instrument technique, creative movement, ensemble playing and valuable social skills.    

• Art from the Start – is a traveling exhibit that showcases more than 300 OES student art projects at the local hospital, library, and aquatic centre.

• Art – is a powerful learning medium for all areas of the curriculum.  We believe in the value of using art to represent our children’s work. Our students’ artwork is showcased in our hallways, murals, and in our community. 

• Clay Projects – are enjoyed by our children on an annual basis using our very own kiln.  A professional artist and clay specialist is contracted to support this very special program.

• Cultural Events – are scheduled 2-3 times each year to introduce children to bands, musical performers, instruments, dance, and magic.  We also have a Traveling Art Show display art in our hallways twice each year.

• Hallway Murals – are created or extended every three years through the Artist in Residency program.

• OES Performances – at every grade level help showcase our children’s talents in fine arts and literacy.  In addition, grade four classes and individual students participate in the Olds Kiwanis Music Festival.

• Our OES Choir – practices every week and represents OES well by performing at the Olds Kiwanis Music Festival, retirement homes, churches, and other community events.

Learning Supports ~

• A Special Education Teacher – is always available to coordinate programs to support the unique learning needs of our children.

• Assistive Technology Project – is exploring the ways that computer technology can help children become better readers and writers.  This grade 3 project is being piloted at OES in conjunction with Chinook’s Edge.

• Classroom Teachers – go the extra mile to create inclusive classrooms and meet the needs of every child.

• Educational Assistants (EA) – play a vital role in our school.  EA’s work with classroom teachers to provide small group, one-on-one, in-class, and pull-out instruction to help kids learn. 

• Early Literacy Initiative (ELI) – provide struggling readers with individualized, one-on-one instruction with certified educational assistants (under the supervision of our special education teacher) several times each week.

• Level B Testing – is available through our special education teacher.

• Pre-Kindergarten  – is an innovative 375-hour program offered to 4-year olds with mild/moderate needs and to 3-4 year olds with severe learning needs. Our program is in its second year of operation.

• Program Unit Funding (PUF) – provides additional support to 3-5 year olds to attend kindergarten at OES.

• Speech Services – are coordinated by a Speech/Language Pathologist.  Students receive weekly programming.

French Immersion ~

• A Bilingual Culture – at OES is enhanced by celebrations, drama events, special guests, French Carnival, French songs, field trips, French Immersion Information Night, building signage, communication, and marketing. 

• Canadian Parents For French (CPF) – has a local chapter that supports our program, our students, and our parents.  They continue to play a leadership role in our program.  

• Chinook’s Edge K-12 Plan – was developed, in part, by the Olds French Immersion Focus Group.  The plan paints a K-12 picture for parents and provides additional divisional support for French Immersion in Olds.

• Communication and Marketing – through radio, newspaper, internet, daycares, private kindergartens, OES parents, registration documents, CESD Communications Officer, community businesses, realtors, and community events play a vital role as our French Immersion program continues to grow.  

• Kindergarten – classes at OES receive instruction in French and buddy with French Immersion students to learn more about French Immersion and to gain an appreciation for the French language and culture. 

Physical Activity, Health, and Wellness  ~

• A Full-Time Physical Education Specialist – who teaches every OES student physical education and coordinates a school-wide approach to physical activity, health, and wellness. 

• Activities for Kids – OES students have opportunities to learn new skills in swimming, curling, skating, golf, climbing, gymnastics, dance, games, fitness, cross-country running and basketball.

• Daily Physical Activity (DPA) – OES is committed to 30 minutes/day of physical activity for every child, and recess time at OES adds up to 55 minutes/day.  This commitment helps students become active for life.

• Ever Active School – means that Olds Elementary has been provincially recognized for our commitment to providing and promoting the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, and mental health. 

• Family School Wellness Program – is a confidential, voluntary, preventative service offered to children and families.  OES has a full-time Family School Wellness Worker who spends 100% of her time helping kids succeed.

• Handwashing Campaign – is an ongoing classroom-based program coordinated with our health region.

• Kilometre Club – walking/jogging program motivates students and teachers to get outside on a daily basis.  Fun awards like “The Golden Shoe” recognize students and classrooms for going the distance, literally.

• Nutrition Initiatives – like dental health and healthy eating are coordinated with David Thompson Health Region on a monthly basis.  Our milk and yogurt program and learning activities in our Kitchen help children make healthy choices.  In addition, Olds Co-op graciously donates healthy food for kids who miss meals.

• Playground – Our students have seven different playground structures and many large playing fields on which they can develop strength and agility while having fun.

• School Celebrations – like First Kilometre Club Run, OES Fun Run, Terry Fox Run, Run Skip Jump and Play Day and Western Day help us celebrate our healthy and happy school.

• Youth Empowerment and Support (YES) Program – provides OES with a Youth Mentor who facilitates fun activities for kids (during & after school ) while coaching children in the areas of decision-making and resiliency.

Communication and Parental Involvement ~

• Bus Driver Breakfasts – help keep lines of communication open with the special people who provide thousands of kilometers of safe transportation for our children.

• Newsletters – from the school and from individual classrooms play key roles in communications.

• OES School Council – supports our programs and creates opportunities for kids through fundraising, recognition, program evaluation, parental input, and shared decision making.   

• The OES Website – at www.oldselementary.ca provides stakeholders with up-to-date calendars, newsletters, announcements, updates, community supporters “Friends of OES”, programs, plans, and reports.  

• Parent Volunteers – are important and appreciated.   We love it when parents volunteer in our school.  A detailed list of procedures helps welcome our visitors and volunteers while also ensuring the safety of our children.

• Special Events – such as our Welcome Back BBQ, ABC Music Showcase, classroom open houses, Welcome to Kindergarten, Children’s Fair, OES Sock Hop and parent-teacher interviews help us connect with parents.

• Reporting Student Progress – is done in a variety of ways, including interviews and progress reports that are sent out three times each year.  As a staff, we are examining the way we report to parents using Assessment for Learning as a basis for discussion.   Progress report formats and content are changing. 

A Safe and Caring School ~

• Academic and Social Development – are equally important at OES.  That’s why so much of our time is spent on the character education initiatives described in this section.

• Extra-curricular activities – such as choir, cross-country running, drop-in morning basketball, French club, Hooper’s Hoops, leadership club, science fair, and the sunshine fund provide social development along with great memories for our children.

• Grade 4 Transitioning – facilitated by our teachers helps our grade 4’s find early success at Deer Meadow.

• Hooper’s Code – “Be helpful not hurtful” is how we teach children to do what is right.  Discipline at OES isn’t reactive; it’s proactive. 

• Hooper’s Grade Themes – Hooper has a secret message for each grade.  “It’s cooooool to ….”  Sorry, Hooper only reveals the rest of the messages if you come and visit our schoolJ
   
• Horizon School – students and staff are included in many classes and celebrations at OES, and vice versa.  Many friendships have been formed through our link to Horizon School.  

• Jungle Junction – is a before and after school care program right in our school.  Children don’t even have to leave the building at the end of the day. 

• Keeping our School Clean – is very important at OES.  Students and staff do their part to help our dedicated custodians keep OES clean.

• Leadership Club – organizes special events and celebrations for our school and shows how kids help kids.  

• New Student Introductions – are important to us.  Every new student meets Hooper and the office staff, goes on an OES tour, and gets a special buddy to help him/her during the first few months at OES. 

• Office Support Staff – provide care to students, parents, and staff.  They also take pride in making a great first impression upon OES guests and visitors.

• Special Programs – in cooperation with the Olds Fire Department, Alberta Farm Safety, Olds RCMP, CESD Transportation, and Family School Wellness help teach children how to avoid risks in our world.

• Student Recognition – comes in the form of daily encouragement, pictures, cards, positive phone calls, science fair awards, the “Golden Shoe”, the Grade 4 Farewell Ceremony, and February’s Hooper’s Heroes.

• Thinking of the Other Person – motivates us, as a school community, to support organizations such as Foster Child; Food Bank, Christmas Angels, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, Terry Fox Run, and Unicef.