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
Danielle Beneteau
Teacher - Steam Special, Wonder Lab
Danielle Beneteau is the Innovation Specialist at Shawnee Early Childhood School.
She has been part of Lakota’s Early Childhood staff for more than a dozen years and joined Shawnee in 2020. She supports teachers with curriculum, technology integration, project based learning, and best educational practices. She also helps plan lessons and activities in the Innovation Hub, alongside the Innovation Hub Aide and classroom teachers.
Theresa Debrunner
Teacher - Music, Music
Theresa DeBrunner is the music teacher at Creekside and Heritage ECS. She has taught music in Lakota since 2001. Theresa also enjoys singing and playing piano and organ at area churches. She has three adult children, the oldest of whom is also a music teacher, and enjoys reading, exercising, going to concerts, taking walks and being outdoors. Music is an important part of her life.
Allison Downing
Teacher - Elementary Technology Special Teach, Technology
Allison Downing graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching for 13 years. She enjoys implementing engaging technology lessons that inspire creativity, build foundational technology skills, and promote responsible digital citizenship.
Tracy Henderson
Teacher - Physical Education, Physical Education
Tracy Henderson, who has taught physical education for two decades, has been teaching at Shawnee since 2011 and Wyandot since 2019. She also taught ESL (English as a Second Language) for seven years. Tracy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health and Sports Studies. Tracy is certified K-12 in Physical Education, Health and ESL education. Tracy also earned her Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership with a concentration in Administration. Tracy conducts a physical education program that progresses from simple to complex skills, with a concentration in enhancing one’s self esteem. Through a wide variety of state standards, students are introduced to a multitude of skills and activities that they can carry with them in the future to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Leslie Herald
Teacher, Social Emotional Learning
Leslie Herald has been an early childhood educator in Lakota since 2000. In summer 2021, she worked with the Lakota SEL team to plan and write the SEL curriculum for this K-2 special. During their time in the SEL special, students will learn about the connections between their minds, bodies, feelings and relationships. Time will be spent learning about and practicing social skills, self-regulation, emotional awareness, growth mindset and health standards.
Amy Kleinfeldt
IA - Hub, Media Center
Macie Smith
Teacher - Art, Art
Macie Smith is the art teacher at both Shawnee and Wyandot ECS. She has been teaching at Lakota since 2019. Macie graduated from Mount Saint Joseph University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education. In classes K-2, students focus on following the Ohio State Standards in Art Education with each lesson. Students use different materials to learn new skills and strengthen fine motor skills. Macie loves getting to teach students and seeing their love of art grow.