FORENSICS

Forensics at Our Lady of the Lake School is an interscholastic public speaking club. Our league is comprised of about ten schools. Forensics refers to competition in speech, debate, and drama events. Students in grades 5-8 are provided the opportunity to use speaking, analytical, and critical thinking skills. These opportunities can improve poise, academic achievement, and confidence.

The students meet with the coaches once weekly to practice forensics pieces. Judges evaluate the students before a  meet to determine the six competitors and two alternates to represent Our Lady of the Lake School in the league meets. The four meet categories are: dramatic reading, declamation, drama, and humor.  

Our students have garnered many awards over the years, both individually and as a team. Forensics can be great preparation for collegiate and professional careers. It is also offered at the high school and college level. 

CHOIR
Along with the weekly school classroom music, there are two music performance activities offered at Our Lady of the Lake for students in grades five through eight - the school choir and percussion ensemble. The boys and girls in these groups sing and perform on various percussion instruments at the school liturgies from September to May. Vocal and music reading skills are taught, and practiced. Opportunities are given to eligible students to serve as cantors, leaders of song, and solo instrumentalists. Along with participating in liturgies, the choir and percussion ensemble are a central part of the annual Christmas concert and pageant and school assemblies.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
Our Lady of the Lake School recognizes outstanding achievement in academics through induction into our NJHS chapter. NJHS is the elementary school counterpart to the National Honor Society in high schools. Students in grades seven and eight are eligible for membership provided they meet the requirements set forth in the Parent Student Handbook. In addition to scholarship, students must exhibit leadership, citizenship, character, and service.

Membership requires commitment. These students are asked to share their gifts in service by participating in the peer tutoring program. Teachers recommend students in grades one through seven who would benefit from tutoring. With their parents’ permission, one afternoon per week they meet with their NJHS peer tutor.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Band at OLL is provided by the Creative Music Service and includes lessons on all woodwinds, brass and percussion. Students may begin lessons (in small groups, on a rotating schedule once per week, so as not miss the same class twice in a row) in 4th grade, and are promoted to the Advanced Band when qualified, usually the following year. Advanced Band meets the same day from 7:30-8:05 AM, followed by lessons throughout the day. Third graders are invited to participate in the recorder program, a good way to learn a little about reading music and find out what it's like to be part of a musical team. The Creative Music Service is directed by Ms. Lisa Pena 

For more information about band please contact

Creative Music Service
 34 Starlight Drive, Colonia, NJ 07067
 732-396-9756