 |
 |
||||||||
|
Academics Oliver Wendell Holmes School is committed to providing a top-notch education for a very diverse, high-performing group of inner-city Milwaukee students. The Holmes curriculum promotes critical thinking and engages every student learner in an active scholastic environment. Students master basic skills through innovative instruction integrated with technology to reinforce and enhance their educational experience.
Language Arts/Writing Language Arts/Writing
Reading
Mathematics Holmes utilizes the Expressions Math series for K4-grade 5 classrooms and the Glencoe series for grades 6-8. Additionally, teachers spend at least 20 minutes every day working with students on constructed response items that foster critical thinking skills.
In kindergarten, children discuss colors and shapes as well as how to count, sort and compare numbers. Grade 1 learners are taught the basic processes of addition and subtraction and how to recognize patterns. In grade 2, students increase their knowledge of geometrical shapes, describe data and use measurement tools. Grade 3 focuses on multiplication and division, while grade 4 expands upon these topics and introduces fractions and decimals. Students also study the concepts of geometry, algebra and data. Grade 5 learners focus on estimating and predicting outcomes while studying data. Students in grade 6 and 7 apply basic skills in a range of application problems. They develop their ability to reason, draw conclusions and focus on understanding processes and finding solutions. As they prepare for graduation, students explore all strands of mathematics and gain confidence using proper mathematical vocabulary that will be used in high school math classes.
Science At Holmes, instruction in Science begins at an early age. Kindergarten students observe the natural world and discover that science lessons teach them about the world in which they live. In grades 1 and 2, learners use tools to conduct simple experiments while discussing various topics and technologies. Grade 3 learners develop a deeper understanding of science and demonstrate how a system works, investigate the properties of objects and identify people who have contributed to science. In grade 4, students begin interpreting their observations and learn how to group and classify living and nonliving things. In grade 5, learners record their scientific work and communicate results. Grade 6 students continue to learn about themes they studied in grade 5. Some areas of study include important scientific events, forces such as weather and geological movements, ecosystems and technology. Grade 7 students learn about different areas of science through careful instruction, reading and experimentation. Students use models, diagrams and charts to compare and contrast findings. In grade 8, most students are able to critically evaluate scientific ideas. They also refine research skills while studying chemical reactions, the solar system and the functions of systems within the human body.
Social Studies As the world becomes increasingly inter-related and cultures are valued for their uniqueness, it is of great importance that students build a strong foundation in Social Studies instruction. At Holmes, Social Studies consists of five areas of study, including Geography, History, Civics, Economics and Behavioral Sciences.
Kindergarten students begin their Social Studies education by identifying themselves as members of a diverse world and exploring their role in society. Grade 1 learners discuss the interdependence of families and social groups. They familiarize themselves with maps, charts and graphs. In grade 2, students focus on diversity of neighborhoods by describing the community around them and identifying different cultures. Grade 3 students learn about the larger world and connect it to their lives in Milwaukee. In grade 4, students learn about states and regions within the United States, particularly the state of Wisconsin. Students construct a timeline of historical events, study immigration, discuss colonization and explain supply and demand in grade 5. In grade 6, students learn about ancient and medieval civilizations while grade 7 students focus on the modern world. Grade 8 students focus on historical documents, the United States government and the impact of science and technology on the nation.
Physical Education The overall goal of Physical Education instruction at Holmes is to develop an awareness of the importance of physical activity among students. As children grow and increase their physical abilities, Physical Education teaches then how to participate in activities within groups as well as to develop lifelong interest in both team and individual sports.
K4-K5 students practice basic movements, follow directions and demonstrate self-control. Grade 1 learners begin playing physical games together. Students in grade 2 are presented with new physical challenges and stretch themselves to meet them. In grade 3, students practice good sportsmanship as they learn the rules of new physical games. Grade 4 students move into group activities as they improve their own individual skills. In grade 5, students discuss how their bodies work and apply that knowledge to physical activities. The focus of grade 6 is on developing the individual’s ability to assess and monitor his or her own physical activity. As they progress to grade 7, students further develop their personal skills and exhibit good decision-making skills. In grade 8, learners observe and explain the characteristics of advanced skills and practice sequential movements in dance, martial arts, basketball and other activities. As part of the Physical Education curriculum, students are expected to respect one another during competitive games and encourage each other to achieve.
Art
In K4-K5, children talk about their artwork and explore the use of various materials to produce art. Grade 1 learners are taught new words to effectively describe art while grade 2 students advance their skills using different materials and colors. In grade 3, students explore different types of art, such as folk and ethnic art. The focus in grade 4 is on artistic design. Grade 5 learners experiment with perspectives from which art is created and viewed. In grades 6-8, students deepen their understanding of the role art plays in society. Grade 6 students discuss the artwork of different cultures and begin to study art created through new technologies. In grade 7, learners create a portrait that communicates the characteristics of an individual and discuss how artistic works show us life in the past. Grade 8 students continue what is learned in grade 7 and distinguish between different styles of art.
Health Health education at Holmes includes both a personal and community approach to health care. In kindergarten, children are taught the basics of caring for themselves and keeping themselves safe. Grade 1 learners expand their knowledge by learning how to react in an emergency and discussing the importance of respect. Children in grade 2 connect their own actions and health habits with others in the community. They are also taught how diseases can be passed from one person to the next. Grade 3 learners examine messages the community gives and receives about health and safety. The focus in grade 4 is on the human reproductive system while grade 5 learners make a connection between health and personal habits. Grade 6 students learn about healthy relationships and self-respect in depth. In grade 7, students discuss community responsibilities and complete a community service project. As Holmes students prepare for high school, they learn about health issues they may soon encounter and are provided with healthy alternatives and lifestyles.
In addition to instilling students with an appreciation of healthy lifestyle choices, Holmes employs a full-time Nurse. Students visit the Nurse when they don’t feel well and learn valuable lessons about health care. The importance of cleanliness, proper nutrition and daily activity are always emphasized.
Music The Music curriculum at Holmes provides children with musical understanding at a beginning to intermediate level. Children begin their study of music in kindergarten by singing and learning the basics of verse and melody. Grade 1 learners evaluate and appreciate musical performance while increasing their understanding of music and the arts. In grade 2, students learn basic music notation as they continue working with song and verse. Grade 3 learners explore different instruments and continue their instruction in rhythm, melody and harmony. By grade 4, most students can read basic music. They begin to listen to and identify different musical styles and are introduced to musical ensembles. In grade 5, students play instruments in the classroom and participate in choir. Grade 6 learners advance their understanding of musical elements and improve their musical skills. Grade 7 students perform together in choir and band. Before graduation, students attain greater skills in using instruments and voice while combining those skills with other musical forms, such as ensembles. By the end of their time at Holmes, most students are able to identify elements of music and have developed an intermediate musical vocabulary. |
||||||||
Get directions to O. W. Holmes here. Para obtener información |
|||||||||
|
Please click on the MPS logo below to go to the MPS Portal.
|
|||||||||
At Holmes, the Language Arts/Writing curriculum gives students the skills to express their ideas with confidence using a variety of techniques. K4 and K5 classrooms focus on students’ oral skills and on the connection between the spoken and written word. Children are introduced to the media, computers and research. Grade 1 learners continue to study words and their definitions and sounds. They learn how to express themselves using spoken and written language while advancing their knowledge of research skills. In grade 2, teachers guide their students to improve listening and oral communication skills while building upon all the topics they have already discussed. Students in grade 3 create a variety of writing selections, applying correct grammar and spelling. Grade 4 students compose a well-organized writing assignment with details, effective word choice and correct sentence structure. In grade 5, students conduct basic research, write reports and develop presentations that are delivered to their peers. Grade 6 learners are taught the importance of proper note-taking and advance their research skills by learning to list resources correctly and summarizing facts. As they move into grade 7, students use resources to defend their ideas while offering constructive criticism to their classrooms and using feedback to improve upon their own skills. In their final year at Holmes, students learn to judge effective writing and speaking and make informed judgments about media and products.
Holmes implements SRA’s Direct Instruction, by McGraw Hill, in kindergarten – grade 5 classrooms as part of its Reading curriculum. Instruction is complemented with the Houghton Mifflin series. Additionally, Holmes utilizes 120-minute reading blocks to maximize student progress. To promote reading outside the classroom, Holmes uses a variety of reading incentive programs such as the DREAM program, TRIFECTA and the 600-Minute Reading Club. 
Holmes uses the McDougal Littell series for the middle school grades, with Internet resources and paperbacks to support lessons. Grade 6 students read for meaning and explore themes. In grade 7, most students are able to evaluate a variety of texts and read critically by analyzing whether or not sources of information are accurate and correct. As students complete their education at Holmes and head for high school, they are equipped with a wide variety of reading strategies and are able to judge the accuracy and value of different sources.
Art education is essential to the basic education of all children. Art education at Holmes includes understanding how things are presented visually, knowing what makes beautiful art and solving problems creatively.