Core Instructional Program
Core Program Instruction
We provide access to a well-rounded education for grades early kinder through sixth in the core academic areas of Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies as aligned to the Common Core Standards.
However, it is not just all about academics and test scores. We also teach and model positive social and emotional interactions and development. We value diversity as an asset. We are part of a community, and we have a responsibility to care for and to respect one another. Character counts at our school. We teach a monthly character trait and recognize students who consistently exhibit those traits in their day to day work.
English Language Arts
The Common Core standards allow us to employ an integrated model of literacy. To be ready for higher learning and their future careers, students must be able to comprehend and analyze what they read.
In the early grades, we use a phonics-based approach to teaching the foundations of literacy skills. This approach not only teaches them how to read and write words but also builds their fluency and stamina as readers.
As we are a GATE cluster site, we integrate the use of the William and Mary Language Arts program. This program is designed to meet the needs of advanced readers and writers. As we have many students who are GATE or advanced learners, William and Mary Language Arts instruction are accessible to all students in grades 2-6 regardless of GATE designation.
Science and Social Studies
Science and Social Studies are part of our core program despite many years of the high-stakes testing environment which pushed many schools into focusing mainly on Language Arts and Math.
As students move on to higher learning, they not only need to know how to read and analyze the text associated with these subjects, but they need to have content area proficiency as well. Additionally, social studies are essential towards developing an active citizenry, a hallmark of our democratic society.
Physical Education
Students in grades 1-6 receive formal PE instruction weekly. Students learn how to stay healthy through regular exercise, and they learn to enjoy being active through building foundational skills in common sports games and activities as aligned to the PE standards for their grade. Team work and good sportsmanship are emphasized.
GATE
We teach children, not labels, and we work to design and adjust instruction to meet the individual needs of our students both academically and socially. To that end, we are a GATE Cluster school, which allows us flexibility in our instructional approach. All students are assessed for GATE qualification in the first and third grades.
School Library and Computer Lab
Each class visits the library to check out books, listen to a story, or to conduct research at least once a week. Classes also attend computer lab weekly to build technology skills. Teachers utilize the computer lab to integrate the use of technology into content-area instruction. Our computer carts are mobile, so many teachers extend the use of technology into the classroom.
Kindness Campaign and Character Education
What good is it to know vast amounts of content, but lack the skills to be able to work well with others? Character and positive social-emotional development is integrated into our day to day work.
What good is it to know vast amounts of content, but lack the skills to be able to work well with others? Character and positive social-emotional development is integrated into our day to day work. Monthly, we highlight a character trait to emphasize expected common social values.