PE

Orchard Hill’s PE program is designed to engage students in a fun and dynamic environment that promotes not only physical fitness but also overall well-being.

In PE, our goal is to help students develop lifelong habits of health and wellness by focusing on:

• Physical Health: Through diverse activities that enhance coordination, strength, endurance, and flexibility, we aim to foster an appreciation for physical fitness.

• Mental Health: We incorporate mindfulness practices and encourage a growth mindset, helping students manage stress, build resilience, and develop a positive attitude towards challenges.
• Social Health: Students learn the importance of teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. We create opportunities for cooperation and leadership, helping students build confidence and empathy.

Our program includes traditional sports as well as creative activities like gaga ball, dance, and cooperative games that encourage inclusivity and participation. With a focus on safety, fun, and skill development, my goal is to equip students with the skills and attitudes they need to lead active, balanced, and healthy lives, both now and in the future.

ART

Orchard Hill's Art program places the child at the heart of the artistic experience, transforming the classroom into a studio where students discover and emulate the practices of real artists. This approach is called Teaching for Artistic Behavior.

Our studio is divided into centers including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, fibers, printmaking, and building. Students begin each class with a standards-based mini-lesson, after which they gather materials, set up their workspace, create art, reflect on their work in teacher-guided conferences, clean up, and share their creations.

This structured routine combined with a student-centered approach fosters a highly engaging environment that enables all students to find success and grow as artists. Through self-directed art-making, students cultivate vital problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are applicable to all areas of their lives. 

SmartLab

Orchard Hill has the honor of piloting one of Weld RE-4’s first SmartLabs. Learning is different here in the SmartLab as students are engaged in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through student-led, project-based learning. 

Students learn best with a diverse, hands-on approach to learning and that’s exactly what they experience in SmartLab. The project-based STEM learning environment and curricula exposes and prepares students for the careers of tomorrow.

Music

The Music Program at Orchard Hill gives students the opportunity to explore a multitude of musical genres, cultures, and instruments through an inquiry approach.  They are encouraged to be creative, collaborate, and incorporate new ideas while expanding on the Colorado State Standards of Music. Students have the chance to express themselves, be open- minded, and reflect on the musical process in a safe and caring environment where taking a risk is celebrated.