Across the curriculum, from Pre-K to the 8th grade, projects, literature, celebrations, and guest speakers enhance learning about our diverse backgrounds and appreciation for all cultures. Oak Hill Academy implements initiatives that support diversity and inclusion in all of its collective endeavors as well as creating a supportive learning environment that encompasses respectful communication of diverse perspectives, experiences, and realities.
Pre-Kindergarten: To celebrate Hispanic-Latino heritage month, PreK read “Growing an Artist” by author and illustrator John Parra. We discussed the life story of John Parra and then made a no bake dessert called frutas con crema.
PreK learned about the life and works of Pablo Picasso. We studied his piece called “Boquet of Peace” and then used that piece for our inspiration while we easel painted.
Kindergarten: The children watched two short videos on the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and learned about Hispanic Americans who made significant contributions to society. We focused on Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space when she served on a nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. We also danced to the music of Gloria Estefan.
During rest time, the children watched Dora the Explorer to practice counting in Spanish and to learn some new Spanish vocabulary words.
First Grade: As a class we completed a book about the culture of Hispanic-Latino Heritage including famous people, food and music. We also had a chips and salsa party while listening to Spanish music! We also learned about Dolores Huerta and did a writing assignment on her.
We watched a few videos on Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, and we read a booklet where we learned about countries and people who are Hispanic and Latino. We also read about different foods that are eaten, and we enjoyed chips and salsa in class. We learned about Frida Kahlo. Then we made our own self-portraits and butterflies, and we created a bulletin board in the hallway in honor of Ms. Kahlo.
Third grade: Student watch videos and slides about famous Hispanic people and their contributions to society. We also read a Scholastic news article and watch videos from that link.
Third Grade – Students have been studying about influential people of hispanic culture. We are making posters to hang in the classroom. We are also learning about Dia de los Muertos. We have been doing a “virtual field trip” together to learn all about how they celebrate the Day of the Dead!
Fourth Grade – Students learned why we celebrate Hispanic-Latin Heritage month in September. It is because many Latin countries celebratet their independence from September 15- October 15. We focused on Chili. We learned how Chileans celebrate Independence Day. The differences and similarities to United States were discussed.
Fifth Grade Literature – 5th graders have started their novel study, Esperanza Rising. The author, Pam Munoz Ryan, uses this historical fiction book to teach us some Spanish vocabulary, including some Spanish proverbs, as well as Mexican history and culture.
Performing Arts: Students in 3rd grade read and acted out 2 Reader’s Theatre scripts entitled “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month” and “Hispanic Heroes.” They also learned a little bit about Lin-Manuel Miranda and his contribution to Broadway theatre.
Explorations: We viewed a 2 minute video clip about nations with dirty drinking water. This will tie in to our global problem solvers unit next week. Students then chose countries to research if their drinking water was clean or dirty. If it is dirty, they needed to find out what the cause or causes are.
Students continued their learning about entrepreneurs. They researched Hispanic modern or historic entrepreneurs. They also integrated AI technology to finalize their work for wall décor.
Library: Students got to learn about a special author named Matt de la Pena. We learned about his life and shared numerous books he has written but read together the Caldecott/ Newbery award winning book called Last Stop on Market Street.
Computers: The Computer Class lesson focused on Luis von Ahn, a Guatemalan entrepreneur, software developer, and consulting professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University. He is renowned for developing CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, systems designed to differentiate between humans and bots online. During the lesson, students viewed a slideshow detailing his achievements and the evolution of CAPTCHA technology. They also had the opportunity to complete CAPTCHAs themselves.
French: Our class focused on the creator of Duolingo, Luis von Ahn. Dr. Luis von Ahn was born in Guatamala city We explored his numerous accomplishments and engaged in a detailed discussion about his contributions to the field of language learning.
Musical Arts: Music students learned about musical artists and instrumentalists like Selena, Celia Cruz, and Arsenio Rodriguez! They played maracas and castanets and learned how Mexico uses the Pan Flute! Students learned songs and games from Puerto Rico and Spain!
Kindergarten – We had a parent come in to discuss their family’s Rosh Hashanah traditions with us. She provided the class with apples and honey to celebrate a sweet new year.
PreKindergarten – We had a parent come in and read a short story to the PreK class about Diwali and gave a firsthand account of the the symbols and traditions associated with Diwali. He and his daughter wore traditional celebratory attire and gave each student a Diya to take home.
First Grade – We had a student in our class who celebrates Diwali share his experience. We watched All About Diwali on YouTube. Afterwards the students colored an information booklet about Diwali.
8th Grade – Native American Chippewa Traditional Poem: “A Song of Greatness” is a Native American tribal poem about heroes. Students read and analyzed the poem as it related to “Who can be a hero?”
5th Grade Math Workshop – We studied the parfleche which is a type of suitcase used by the Shoshone Native Americans in Wyoming. The parfleche illustrate beautiful examples of brightly colored symmetrical designs. The students watched a video narrated by an elder of the Native American Shoshone and were tasked with making their own designs with the primary focus of symmetry.
First Grade – Students learned about the history of dream catchers and made their own. We read a book about Squanto and then students were given a read-along booklet to color. We also gave each family a packet about famous Native Americans and the First Thanksgiving.
First Grade – used ChatGPT to make a Native American booklet about the Wampanoag, dream catchers, the first Thanksgiving, Chief Massasoit, Squanto, Sacagawea, Samoset, and Pocahontas. The children brought the booklets home to share with their families. Then we made beautiful dream catchers which we hung in the lower school hallway.
Fourth Grade – 4th grade read an amazing book about the real experiences of Native Tribes in the US. We had class discussions about what they learned and what other people should know about these issues. They made a bulletin board for the lower school to share the most important takeaways (in their opinion) from this book.
Eighth Grade – Jim Thorpe was researched and studied for our Olympian Projects. We learned about his life, his sports, and his Native American tribe. Our discussion included what it means to be a hero.
Kindergarten – The children read and discussed the Scholastic Magazine titled, Let’s Go to a Powwow. They learned that a powwow is a Native American celebration with music, dancing, crafts, and food. They were taught the vocabulary word regalia (special clothes Native Americans proudly wear for dances in a powwow).
The Kindergarten students learned about the Pilgrims voyage on the Mayflower and their arrival in New Plymouth. They studied the Native Americans and their role in the Pilgrims’ survival. The unit culminated in the Kindergarten performance of the first Thanksgiving.
6th Grade French – We celebrated Native American History Month by talking about Art inspired by Native American and French Cultures. How some tribes speak French as one of their languages as We included many French words in their descriptions of different tribes. They each contributed a project on a tribe assigned to them and researched.
4th Grade Science – Students learned about the daily life, culture, interesting facts of six major Native American tribes located in the United States. Students then created a prototype for the Native Americans (past or present) to make their lives easier. This STEM project had to relate to a profession, transportation method, culture, or contribution of the Native American tribe.
Music Arts – Learned about the Native American Flute, an instrument made from wood to sound like a bird or the wind. Used for spiritual connection’s and healing throughout different Native American Tribes.
6th Grade Language Arts5th Grade Language Arts – In our Wonders anthology, students read a historical fiction story about Navajo code talkers called “The Unbreakable Code.” Then, students read a nonfiction story called “Code Talkers” and made text-to-text connections. Finally, students read current events articles about Native American tribes today and how they are continuing to preserve and pass on their language, history, culture, and traditions.
6th Grade Language Arts – We learned about the “Code Talkers” from World World II. We read the incredible true story of the Navajo Marines and their role in helping develop a special code using their native language of Dine to help Americans send messages. These Navajo heroes truly made a valuable contribution to the American cause.
Lower School Science – Students learned about the daily life, culture, interesting facts of six major Native American tribes located in the United States. Students then created a prototype for the Native Americans (past or present) to make their lives easier. This STEM project had to relate to a profession, transportation method, culture, or contribution of the Native American tribe.
5th Grade Global Studies – There is no story more important to the Iroquois Nation than that of the Peacemaker. Over 1,000 years ago the five original Longhouse Nations were engaged in an endless cycle of warfare with each other. He is a man seen as a messenger from the Creator, sent to preach another way, a way of unity, peace, and equality. The result of his efforts was the formation of the Great League. Admired by such Founding Fathers as Benjamin Franklin, it has been held up as one of the models for the United States Constitution and American democracy in general. Messages, images, leaders all curated to enhance cultural appreciation and awareness.
5th Grade Art – Jeffrey A. Gibson is an American Mississippi Choctaw/Cherokee painter and sculptor. He has lived and worked in Brooklyn, New York; Hudson, New York; and Germantown, New York. We will be writing a positive message surrounded by colors and patterns. Gibson is especially special because he is a living working artist! So many are not famous while they are not alive.
Kindergarten – Kindergarten celebrated Christmas with gifts from Santa and a family Gingerbread House decorating party. In addition, we learned about the significance of the menorah and participated in lighting a candle representing each night of Hanukkah.
First Grade – For Christmas students wrote about their favorite Christmas tradition with their families. For Hanukkah students listened to a story, The Hanukkah Bear, and answered comprehension questions on the dreidel paper. After watching a video about Kwanzaa, students colored a little booklet about Kwanzaa.
Third Grade – In 3rd grade student learned about different ways people celebrate New Year’s Eve around the USA. In Temecula, CA they drop a ball of grapes because they grow grapes there, In Boise, Idaho they drop a giant lit potato! In Bethlehem, PA they drop a giant fiberglass “peep” because that is where they were in vented. In Plymouth, Wisconsin they drop… you got it a big Cheese. I will be doing a celebration for the Lunar New Year on Jan. 29th. I will be teaching students about the lunar new year and the many traditions. I will also teach about Chinese calendar that has 12 animals named for 12 years of their calendar. Students will act out a folktale with the animals. (If allowed students will get small treats.) Also, we will be doing a dragon/lion dance all throughout the school to wish each class “Gong Hay Fat Choy!” Have a happy and prosperous new year!!!
Sixth Grade – Students read, discussed and were evaluated on the understanding of the Storyworks articles, “Marching Toward a Dream” and “Change the World”. The first article explains the true story of Tom Ellison’s real life experience at the March in 1963. The second article is in interview with Dr. King Jr.’s granddaughter Yolanda Renee King and how she is continuing his dream.
Pre-Kindergarten: To celebrate Hispanic-Latino heritage month, PreK read “Growing an Artist” by author and illustrator John Parra. We discussed the life story of John Parra and then made a no bake dessert called frutas con crema.
Kindergarten: The children watched two short videos on the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and learned about Hispanic Americans who made significant contributions to society. We focused on Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space when she served on a nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. We also danced to the music of Gloria Estefan.
Third Grade – Students have been studying about influential people of hispanic culture. We are making posters to hang in the classroom. We are also learning about Dia de los Muertos. We have been doing a “virtual field trip” together to learn all about how they celebrate the Day of the Dead!
Fifth Grade Literature – 5th graders have started their novel study, Esperanza Rising. The author, Pam Munoz Ryan, uses this historical fiction book to teach us some Spanish vocabulary, including some Spanish proverbs, as well as Mexican history and culture.
Performing Arts: Students in 3rd grade read and acted out 2 Reader’s Theatre scripts entitled “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month” and “Hispanic Heroes.” They also learned a little bit about Lin-Manuel Miranda and his contribution to Broadway theatre.
Computers: The Computer Class lesson focused on Luis von Ahn, a Guatemalan entrepreneur, software developer, and consulting professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University. He is renowned for developing CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, systems designed to differentiate between humans and bots online. During the lesson, students viewed a slideshow detailing his achievements and the evolution of CAPTCHA technology. They also had the opportunity to complete CAPTCHAs themselves.
Musical Arts: Music students learned about musical artists and instrumentalists like Selena, Celia Cruz, and Arsenio Rodriguez! They played maracas and castanets and learned how Mexico uses the Pan Flute! Students learned songs and games from Puerto Rico and Spain!
First Grade – We had a student in our class who celebrates Diwali share his experience. We watched All About Diwali on YouTube. Afterwards the students colored an information booklet about Diwali.
8th Grade – Native American Chippewa Traditional Poem: “A Song of Greatness” is a Native American tribal poem about heroes. Students read and analyzed the poem as it related to “Who can be a hero?” 
5th Grade Math Workshop – We studied the parfleche which is a type of suitcase used by the Shoshone Native Americans in Wyoming. The parfleche illustrate beautiful examples of brightly colored symmetrical designs. The students watched a video narrated by an elder of the Native American Shoshone and were tasked with making their own designs with the primary focus of symmetry.
First Grade – Students learned about the history of dream catchers and made their own. We read a book about Squanto and then students were given a read-along booklet to color. We also gave each family a packet about famous Native Americans and the First Thanksgiving.
First Grade – used ChatGPT to make a Native American booklet about the Wampanoag, dream catchers, the first Thanksgiving, Chief Massasoit, Squanto, Sacagawea, Samoset, and Pocahontas. The children brought the booklets home to share with their families. Then we made beautiful dream catchers which we hung in the lower school hallway.
Fourth Grade – 4th grade read an amazing book about the real experiences of Native Tribes in the US. We had class discussions about what they learned and what other people should know about these issues. They made a bulletin board for the lower school to share the most important takeaways (in their opinion) from this book.
Eighth Grade – Jim Thorpe was researched and studied for our Olympian Projects. We learned about his life, his sports, and his Native American tribe. Our discussion included what it means to be a hero.
Kindergarten – The children read and discussed the Scholastic Magazine titled, Let’s Go to a Powwow. They learned that a powwow is a Native American celebration with music, dancing, crafts, and food. They were taught the vocabulary word regalia (special clothes Native Americans proudly wear for dances in a powwow).
The Kindergarten students learned about the Pilgrims voyage on the Mayflower and their arrival in New Plymouth. They studied the Native Americans and their role in the Pilgrims’ survival. The unit culminated in the Kindergarten performance of the first Thanksgiving.
6th Grade French – We celebrated Native American History Month by talking about Art inspired by Native American and French Cultures. How some tribes speak French as one of their languages as We included many French words in their descriptions of different tribes. They each contributed a project on a tribe assigned to them and researched.
4th Grade Science – Students learned about the daily life, culture, interesting facts of six major Native American tribes located in the United States. Students then created a prototype for the Native Americans (past or present) to make their lives easier. This STEM project had to relate to a profession, transportation method, culture, or contribution of the Native American tribe.
Music Arts – Learned about the Native American Flute, an instrument made from wood to sound like a bird or the wind. Used for spiritual connection’s and healing throughout different Native American Tribes.
6th Grade Language Arts5th Grade Language Arts – In our Wonders anthology, students read a historical fiction story about Navajo code talkers called “The Unbreakable Code.” Then, students read a nonfiction story called “Code Talkers” and made text-to-text connections. Finally, students read current events articles about Native American tribes today and how they are continuing to preserve and pass on their language, history, culture, and traditions.
6th Grade Language Arts – We learned about the “Code Talkers” from World World II. We read the incredible true story of the Navajo Marines and their role in helping develop a special code using their native language of Dine to help Americans send messages. These Navajo heroes truly made a valuable contribution to the American cause.Lower School Science – Students learned about the daily life, culture, interesting facts of six major Native American tribes located in the United States. Students then created a prototype for the Native Americans (past or present) to make their lives easier. This STEM project had to relate to a profession, transportation method, culture, or contribution of the Native American tribe.
5th Grade Global Studies – There is no story more important to the Iroquois Nation than that of the Peacemaker. Over 1,000 years ago the five original Longhouse Nations were engaged in an endless cycle of warfare with each other. He is a man seen as a messenger from the Creator, sent to preach another way, a way of unity, peace, and equality. The result of his efforts was the formation of the Great League. Admired by such Founding Fathers as Benjamin Franklin, it has been held up as one of the models for the United States Constitution and American democracy in general. Messages, images, leaders all curated to enhance cultural appreciation and awareness.
5th Grade Art – Jeffrey A. Gibson is an American Mississippi Choctaw/Cherokee painter and sculptor. He has lived and worked in Brooklyn, New York; Hudson, New York; and Germantown, New York. We will be writing a positive message surrounded by colors and patterns. Gibson is especially special because he is a living working artist! So many are not famous while they are not alive.
First Grade – For Christmas students wrote about their favorite Christmas tradition with their families. For Hanukkah students listened to a story, The Hanukkah Bear, and answered comprehension questions on the dreidel paper. After watching a video about Kwanzaa, students colored a little booklet about Kwanzaa.
Third Grade – In 3rd grade student learned about different ways people celebrate New Year’s Eve around the USA. In Temecula, CA they drop a ball of grapes because they grow grapes there, In Boise, Idaho they drop a giant lit potato! In Bethlehem, PA they drop a giant fiberglass “peep” because that is where they were in vented. In Plymouth, Wisconsin they drop… you got it a big Cheese. I will be doing a celebration for the Lunar New Year on Jan. 29th. I will be teaching students about the lunar new year and the many traditions. I will also teach about Chinese calendar that has 12 animals named for 12 years of their calendar. Students will act out a folktale with the animals. (If allowed students will get small treats.) Also, we will be doing a dragon/lion dance all throughout the school to wish each class “Gong Hay Fat Choy!” Have a happy and prosperous new year!!!
