Enrichment
SCIENCE
The science curriculum is designed to provide a broad-based spiraling exposure to three main units of study: Earth Science, Physical Science and Biological Science. Each year the core areas of study are visited and the depth of the inquiry becomes more detailed. Different areas of interest are explored and the knowledge base of the student is expanded. The laboratory facilities are designed to allow students to carry out actual age- specific experiments following proper scientific methods of inquiry.
ART
An elementary vocabulary of artistic expression is woven into the framework of the art curriculum. Children are introduced to line, color, texture and shape, the building blocks of creativity. Students are taught that the application of these building blocks and principles, and not necessarily individual skill, are responsible for exciting and beautiful projects. A wide range of media and materials is introduced to the children including clay, tempera, wood, papier mache, collage and photography.
MUSIC
Music education in the elementary level begins with students experiencing music first with singing, musical games, movement, and classroom instruments. Music terms, theory, history, and reading notation are then identified and form a strong basis for further music learning. Students begin playing recorder at the end of third grade. Fourth grade students study recorder throughout the year and it is used with the ongoing experiences of music class such as instrument ensembles, singing in parts, games, movement, history and appreciation of music. Students meet twice a week for 35 minutes and perform two concerts a year.
COMPUTERS
Computer usage and instruction in grades one through four is based on the use of age-appropriate software to enrich and support the academic program. In addition to using computers regularly in the classrooms, students receive weekly instruction in the use of the computer and appropriate programs in the Internet-connected computer lab.
FRENCH
Students in grades one through four explore the French language and culture in classes that meet twice a week. Thematic, linguistic and cultural units expose the children to French songs, dances, games, customs and art. The emphasis is on the acquisition of contextually relevant forms and usage of the language. Children are encouraged to speak in French through role-playing, drama, and partner and small-group activities.
LIBRARY
Every class comes to the library weekly for book exchange and a lesson or story. Each grade from kindergarten through four has a full year program of bibliographic instruction tailored to the age of the child, starting with individual research done by kindergartners to studies in poetry and the creation of a timeline of the school's history by fourth graders. The children learn when and how to use reference books such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases and almanacs. They start learning how to correctly cite sources, how to take notes, paraphrase, and summarize. They learn to use the online catalog and Dewey Decimal System to find books. Children check out books for pleasure reading as well as school assignments.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education classes occur four times a week in grades one and two, and three times a week for grades three and four. The program for the elementary school years emphasizes physical, as well as cognitive, skills. Physical fitness is developed and evaluated through a combination of the “Physical Best” program and the “Presidential Fitness” program. Teamwork, sportsmanship and individual skill development are stressed. The child learns games that teach basic rules, fundamentals and strategies of the different sports.
HEALTH
During the first, second and third grades, health and nutrition are integrated into the elementary school curriculum and are taught by the individual classroom teacher. In the fourth grade, health class is taught by the school nurse. Topics discussed are exercise and diet, family life styles, interpersonal relationships, exercising caution with strangers, as well as with people known to the student, self-awareness and the uniqueness of the individual and responsible behavior.
