OMA

    1. Fundamental Value
        Arts integration addresses the whole child in the following fundamental ways: spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Without the arts, the whole child is neglected.

      2. Mission
         The mission of OMA is to develop successful children and adult life long learners by using multiple ways to infuse the arts into the lifeblood of the school curriculum.

    3. Overriding Goal
          The goal of OMA  is to demonstrate the power of the arts as a vehicle for systematic change within the schools.

Opening the Minds Through the Arts (OMA) integrates fine arts into the curriculum to promote strong linkages to learning in math, language arts, and reading. Kindergarten students work with a Tucson Symphony Orchestra Quartet, first grade with opera music students from the U of A and Ms. Rinehart, a retired music specialist. Second grade work with creative movement specialists. Third grade will learn how to play the recorder from our new music specialist, Mrs. Nelson. Fourth grade students are learning to play the violin with Mr. Leek, our orchestra director. Next year all fifth grade students will choose to either continue with a stringed instrument or learn to play a band instrument such as a trumpet or clarinet.

Objectives

1. Improve student achievement
 
        Increase perceptual development

2. Improve children's sense of self-worth
 
        Increase creative self expression
        Increase creative problem-solving
        Increase interpersonal skills
        Maximize student aptitudes

3. Integrate the arts into the curriculum

4. Improve instructional effectiveness through the use of arts infusion teaching strategies
 
        Support teachers in developing new strategies to educate the whole child