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Oak Park Programs

Athletics

Our student-athletes currently compete in MS Basketball and MS Track. Under the direction of Mr. Coppola, our coaches and volunteers strive each day to prepare our athletes for High School and teach them a sense of pride and respect. Our goal is to help our student-athletes self-advocate and strive for success. GO, PANTHERS!

Practical Arts/Art Creations

This engaging course is designed to provide an opportunity for art students to explore the fundamentals of three-dimensional and two-dimensional art and to work with a variety of traditional and new materials. Emphasis is placed on creating works which translate personal expression, which allows students to communicate through their art projects.

Technology

In our fast-paced world, basic technology skills are a must! In this class, students can visit Dr. Kourapis in our technology lab to learn the fundamental principles of computer science. They are also encouraged to practice important skills such as keyboarding and navigating Microsoft Office 365 along with other common software programs.  Adaptations ensure that computers are accessible to all and include the use of switches, adaptive software, and other peripheral devices. 

Music Education and Therapy

Let's get ready to rock and roll! From classic rock band instruments to traditional classroom instruments, students will have the opportunity to learn how to make and enjoy music. Come ready to sing and dance -- there are no wrong notes in this music class!

In addition to music education, we are excited to offer one-on-one music therapy sessions to our students! Ms. Hassall, MT-BC, works closely with students and their classroom teachers to create individualized music therapy sessions to address students’ IEP goals. Students will also get to use adapted instruments and technology to help them be engaged working on their individualized goals!

Horticultural Studies 

In this exciting unit, led by our very own Mr. Boesenberg, students learn to grow flowers and vegetable transplants from seed in the school greenhouse. The students learn to properly plant seeds, transplant seedlings, and care for the plants by using recommended culture methods. Ask about purchasing some of our plants to support the program!

Culinary Arts

Now, we're cooking! In this course, led by Mr. Craycraft, students will learn basic kitchen etiquette, including proper washing and sanitation skills. They will also help bake cookies from scratch, chop vegetables for soups, learn yummy new recipes, and whip up some fresh homemade dog treats to share with our friends at the Sarasota Humane Society. 'Bone' appétit!

Culinary Arts II/Careers Program (STC)

This STC Program is new to select seniors this school year. The objective is to offer access students the opportunity to enroll in a vocational training program component for four credit hours. The students take the Safe Staff certification and participate in hands-on training in the Bistro professional kitchen with full inclusion for half day training sessions.

 Courtyard Café

The Courtyard Café is a part of Oak Park School’s Structured Work Program. It is a student-run café where staff can purchase snacks and beverages during business hours. Students in the Courtyard Café learn various vocational skills specific to a café and food service setting such as interacting with and serving customers, stocking items, taking inventory, using a cash register, and cleaning jobs. Students also learn and daily practice skills in pre-employability, self-advocacy, self-determination, and self-care.

Therapy Pool

Oak Park's therapy pool and spa has a newly resurfaced deck. Our indoor pool offers a place for students to learn to swim, work on balance and stability, receive different types of aquatic therapy, and most importantly, to have fun! Our pool offers a ramp as well as a lift to help all our students have access to this wonderful experience.