Specials
Our early childhood and elementary learners in grades K-6 participate in year-round daily specials. This daily rotation provides different learning experiences beyond core academics in the areas of art, music, physical education, technology, STEAM, and social/emotional learning.
Art
The early childhood and elementary art education program provides each student with a weekly hands-on experience in producing art, enhanced by the integration of art history, art criticism and aesthetic critiques. Art education classes at this level will encourage critical and creative problem-solving skills, as well as empathy for historical and contemporary works of art.
Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is part of the specials rotation for all early childhood and elementary students. Through this program, Lakota students acquire and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals. They also learn to feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
Music
The focus of the early childhood and elementary music education program is to introduce each child to the joy of music and begin to develop a variety of music-related skills. Through singing, playing, listening and reading, each student will experience the various elements of music.
STEAM / WonderLab
For students in grades 3-6, Lakota's STEAM special combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. STEAM emphasizes innovation, design and aesthetics and engages students in interactive, hands-on learning. STEAM also connects learning across subjects through problem-solving and exploration to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
For students in grades K-2, WonderLab is a precursor to the STEAM special and inspires wonder and curiosity. Students in WonderLab will explore materials and media that will prepare them for their future learning in Lakota's STEAM labs.
Physical Education
The mission of Lakota's physical education program is to instill a love of regular physical activity in students and motivate them to take responsibility for their lifelong health. As students participate in a wide range of games and activities, they develop their motor skills and a sense of fair play. In addition to teaching about healthy fitness levels, teachers provide instruction in personal hygiene and nutrition.
Technology
Technology in early childhood and elementary education is vital in preparing students for the digital future. We teach 21st-century skills that are necessary to be successful in today’s world. The course teaches our students how to be digital citizens while navigating online content, curriculum resources and media.
Meet Our Specials Teachers
Amy Feller
Titles:
Teacher, Physical Education
Email:
Biography:
Amy Feller began teaching at Adena in 2019. Prior to coming to Lakota, she taught elementary physical education for 10 years. In Physical Education class, students will learn a variety of motor skills and movement patterns. These learned skills will help them develop strategies and tactics in various games, sports, and activities that they will explore throughout the year. Students will also learn to problem solve, cooperate, and use teamwork. These skills will be beneficial to students in the gym and in the classroom. Amy enjoys building relationships with students and creating excitement for physical activity.
Lauren Martin
Titles:
Teacher, Technology
Email:
Biography:
Lauren Martin began teaching at Adena Elementary in 2019. Prior to coming to Lakota, she spent two years as a classroom teacher and ten years as a Library Media Specialist. In Technology class, students work toward becoming proficient, innovative users of various computer applications they will use throughout their time with Lakota schools and beyond. This includes, but is not limited to, the Google Workspace and WeVideo. They also learn how to be safe, respectful, and responsible digital citizens. Lauren enjoys building relationships with students and seeing the growth they make throughout their time at Adena.
Stacey Pease
Titles:
Teacher, Music
Email:
Biography:
Stacey Pease has served the Lakota Local School District since 1999. Stacey graduated from Miami University of Oxford in December 1998 with a degree in Music Education and received her master’s degree in 2005 from the University of Rio Grande, Ohio. She specializes in teaching elementary music. In music class, students learn to move, play, sing, and dance to many different genres of music. Some activities include playing percussion instruments, learning folk dances, singing many forms of music, and performing concerts for parents. In her spare time, Stacey teaches private music lessons, performs with her church orchestra, and assists with the Lakota West High School Marching Band.
Josie Schlachter
Titles:
Teacher, Social Emotional Learning
Email:
Biography:
Josie Schlachter started working at Adena Elementary in 2021. Prior to her time here, she worked for 15 years at Cherokee Elementary in Lakota, teaching ELA and health education to sixth graders. In the SEL (Social Emotional Learning) role, Josie works with all students in grades 3-6 to develop social and emotional skills as well as general health education. The core social and emotional health competencies that she focuses on include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills.
Josie also works with students on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices when it comes to proper sleep, nutrition, physical activity, balancing screen time, and substance abuse (using grade-appropriate content). Guiding students as they develop skills and strategies to gain resilience, a growth mindset, and a positive attitude are among Josie’s goals. She finds great joy in helping her students learn to be the healthiest, best all-around version of themselves they can be.