Signature Programs at OLHSL
VexIQ Robotics Programs
The Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School VexIQ Robotics program was started in 2015. Each year (with the exception of 2020 and 2021 because of Covid restrictions) our school has participated in the challenge. Teams have competed in events sponsored by Baltimore County schools as well as in an annual in-school competition. The VexIQ materials are also used in middle school STEM classes to teach programming. Our teams have won the Judges award two years in a row at the Ridgely Extravagance VexIQ Competition.
STEM/Makerspace
K-5th
During the 2022-2023 school year, a maker space was added for students in grades K-5. Students have access to 3D printers, Lego building, and Lego robotics. Projects are created in the maker space based on various pieces of Children’s literature. We have also featured various presenters who have discussed topics on engineering and scientific method.
Middle School
The Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School middle school students have a scheduled STEM/Makerspace class which offers a trimester of programming using the VexIQ framework, a trimester of creating projects using 3D printing, and a trimester of developing engineering and design projects which have including researching causes of concussions and designing helmets, creating rubber band cars, and designing a circuit to illuminate an art design, among many other projects.
Ripken Foundation Grant
During the 2024-2025 school year, Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School received a Ripken Foundation Grant which provides many resources for our students including STEM Pathways labs, LittleBits STEAM learning kits, Sphero Bolt Power Packs, Snap Circuits Educational Series, Makey Makey among others. These are now incorporated in the middle school STEM education curriculum.
Performing Arts
The Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School Performing Arts program offers students several opportunities to showcase their talents. Each year, we perform for local community events in addition to our programs at school. During the spring trimester, we perform a main stage musical production that involves students from grades 1–8. A few other notable programs include our Christmas concert featuring Bucket/Rhythm Band and Honor’s Choir Performances. In addition, we have also participated in the Hippodrome Theater Summer Workshop and partner with our local community theater.
