SPECIALS
J.O. Wilson Elementary School offers five "Specials" classes—Art, Music, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Spanish—that students from PreK-3 to grade 5 attend on a regular, rotating schedule.
Art
The Art Room at J.O. Wilson is HUGE and stocked with an art education library, cozy spots to co-create, and plenty of space to paint, draw, and build! (Watch Ms. Kelly's intro video here or check out her Instagram account @ms._kellys_artsy_class.) The curriculum teaches the elements of art, principles of design, and tenets of art history while promoting creativity, celebrating diversity, and facilitating self-expression.
Ms. Kelly previously taught pre-K to 8th grade art in Haiti and at other DCPS campuses. She has a master's degree in educational studies from Johns Hopkins University and a master's degree in art education. She is also a certified children's yoga and mindfulness instructor.
Performing Arts
Mr. Jenkins leads J.O. Wilson's performing arts program, where students learn acting, improv, and directing in a nurturing environment. The culmination of their efforts have included skits, commercials, plays, and musicals. See more on the Cardinal Players' Instagram account @cardinaldramaplayers or check out their playlist on the JO Cardinal Channel on YouTube.
Music
Ms. Boone brings her energy and experience to J.O. Wilson's music program. With degrees in music, education, and finance, she has taught music, dance, and drama, among other subjects. She makes it her goal to ensure her students have fun and engaging experiences in the classroom and on stage, during the school's impressive winter and spring student performances.
Physical Education
J.O. Wilson has a range of indoor and outdoor facilities to keep our Cardinals active and energized as they build their coordination, strength, and leadership and teamwork skills. Ms. Duff-Whylie, the school's athletic director, also oversees the cross-country team, which is open to students in grades 4 and 5.
Spanish
Señorita Guzmán oversees Spanish instruction at J.O. Wilson. Beginning in her ECE (PreK-3 and PreK-4) classes, she focuses on developing her students' listening, speaking, and reading skills. She begins with the Spanish alphabet, numbers, and colors and then builds on her students' knowledge as they progress. Her classes incorporate singing and dancing.