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Academics

Academics

Orange County Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student graduates prepared and inspired for a thriving future. We empower students with a superior academic experience, essential life skills, and boundless opportunities.

On this page, you’ll find information about what our school offers to help lead all of our students to success. 

  • Pershing Middle School offers the following elective courses:

    Art (2D Art, 3D Art)
    Music (Band, Orchestra)
    Physical Education
    Project Lead the Way
    Spanish
    Peer Counseling
    News (Morning Announcements)

  • Art

    Kindergarten art includes exploratory experiences that introduce a variety of concepts and ideas, art, and processes, and the safe use of materials. They learn art vocabulary, terms and procedures during the creative process that help them describe and talk about their work.

    First Grade builds on what they learned in Kindergarten. Now, they are experimenting with the different concepts and ideas in order to begin to convey their personal interests. They learn accurate art vocabulary, terms, and procedures during the creative process so they can describe and talk about their work.

    Second Grade experiments with two-and three-dimensional concepts and ideas in art and art processes. They use materials correctly and safely in order to convey personal interests and self-expression. Students use accurate art vocabulary, terms and procedures with resources and time-management skills during the creative process. Attributes of artworks from individuals, cultures and time are identified, described, and discussed.

    Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades incorporate a variety of two-and three-dimensional concepts and ideas in art and processes. They use materials correctly and safely to convey personal interests and self-expression. Observation skills, prior knowledge, and art criticism skills are employed to reflect on and interpret works of art. They use accurate vocabulary, terms and procedures and time-management skills.

    ES art room

    Music

    The K-5 music program is designed to meet the needs of all our students. We believe that active involvement in singing, playing, moving, listening and creative activities gives children confidence and pride in their abilities. Step by step sequencing of concepts and skills teaches children how the different elements fit together and how to listen critically to what they hear. Integration of current music practices of Orff and Kodaly with traditional instruction engages a child's mind, body and spirit in the richness of music. Exploring music can have a profound effect on every student.

     

    ES music room

     

    Physical Education 

    Students are taught motor skills such as running, jumping, hopping, galloping, skipping, throwing, catching, dodging, striking, and kicking here at Pershing School. They are introduced to these skills through cooperative games, team sports, and fitness training. They are also introduced to and practice the concept of teamwork, fair play, and good sportsmanship. We encourage children to make physical education a lifelong skill. Good health habits and fitness established early in life will help each child make this a vital part of his/her lifestyle.

    A student runs through an obstacle course.