Curriculum
Whole Child Instruction
“Learning isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we do.” -Mr. B.
We believe an education that addresses all aspects of a child’s life creates balanced, happy learners. That’s why, in addition to core curriculum like English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, social studies, and science, we incorporate complementary instruction across all grade levels.
Heart
Character Education
SOURCES
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
WHAT WE DO
- Shared Start
- PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports)
DETAILS
Character Education is a main focus that is promoted through a schoolwide Daily Shared Start Assembly. We practice being good citizens by being trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, and caring, which are the core tenets of Character Counts. We promote this through our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) System.
Service Learning
SOURCES
WHAT WE DO
- Project-Based Learning–integrated across all subject areas
- Community Connections–through field trips, guest speakers, and service components
DETAILS
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a core component of our instructional program and is integrated across all subject areas whenever possible. All grades have overarching themes and essential questions for each unit. PBL allows students to better retain knowledge and helps with community connections through field trips, guest speakers, and service components.
Leadership
SOURCES
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
WHAT WE DO
- Classroom leadership opportunities
- Middle School Leadership Class
DETAILS
We focus on being leaders by being good citizens and using the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to develop important life skills. All students have leadership opportunities within their classrooms based on their grade level. Middle School students have the option of participating in a weekly Leadership Class. These students help lead many aspects of school including, Shared Start, recess and lunchtime activities, schoolwide contests, and fundraisers. All middle school students also participate in a pathways course, which helps them further apply the habits, refine their problem solving and decision-making skills, as well as develop college and career readiness skills.
Mind
English Language Arts
SOURCES
Daily 5 and CAFE (Comprehension/Accuracy/Fluency/Expanded Vocabulary)
Step up to Writing/6+1 Traits
HOW WE DO IT
- Daily 5 Structure
- Literature Circles
DETAILS
In English Language Arts, we use a Daily 5 structure to teach the Common Core State Standards. We teach mini-lessons, then students work on one of five tasks (read to self, listen to reading, read to someone, word work, and work on writing) while the teacher meets with small groups or individual students. We focus on CAFE (comprehension, accuracy, fluency, expanded vocabulary) strategies. Step Up To Writing is the main resource used to teach writing. We use PBL Units in order to teach the content in an integrated manner. Middle School students have this subject with a single subject language arts teacher.
Mathematics
SOURCES
HOW WE DO IT
- Daily 3 Structure
- Manipulatives
DETAILS
In Math, we use a Daily 3 structure, to teach the Common Core State Standards. Teachers use hands-on activities and manipulatives in order to help students better understand the concepts. We use Big Ideas: Modeling Real Life for K-5 students. Middle School Students use Big Ideas Math, which offers both regular and accelerated pathways. Students in the accelerated pathways are able to complete Algebra 1 by the end of 8th grade. Middle School students have this subject with a single-subject math teacher.
Social Studies
SOURCES
Studies Weekly
DETAILS
We follow the state content standards and Studies Weekly is used as a supplemental text Social Studies concepts are integrated into PBL whenever possible, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding by creating projects. Middle School students have this subject with a single subject social studies teacher.
Body
P.E./Rec/Sports
WHAT WE DO
- Weekly Recreation with a credentialed Physical Education Teacher
- Elementary and Middle School Sports (Cross Country/Volleyball/Basketball/Football/Track/Ultimate)
DETAILS
All students have weekly recreation classes with a credentialed Physical Education Teacher. We focus on grade-level state standards, as well as building stamina, by having ongoing walking/running challenges. There is also an emphasis on collaboration and cooperation, as students work together and practice the habits in the area of recreation. In addition, we focus on health and wellness. We also offer elementary and middle school sports, including cross country, volleyball, basketball, football, ultimate, and track & field.
Art & Drama
WHAT WE DO
- Virtual Art Lessons
- Annual Art Show
- Annual Theatre Production
- Annual Talent Show
DETAILS
Students have access to weekly art lessons in grades K-5 and middle school students have options for art and drama electives. Additionally, we have three showcases each year, including an art show, theatre production, and talent show.
Technology
WHAT WE OFFER
- iPads
- Chromebooks
- Google Apps for Education
- Google Classroom
DETAILS
All students have access to technological devices, including iPads in the younger grades and Chromebooks in the older grades. We use Google Apps for Education and all classes use Google Classroom. We also have many applications and websites that we use for all students, as well as to provide interventions.
Soul
Music
Students have access to music within their classrooms in grades K-5 and middle school students have options for music electives. Additionally, we showcase music during Shared Start, an annual winter showcase, and a talent show.
Science
We follow the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) in order to focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). Students are able to participate in an after-school STEAM-based program called Destination Imagination and all students participate in an annual maker faire. Science Weekly is used as a supplemental text. Science concepts are integrated into PBL whenever possible. Middle School science includes labs, with a single-subject science teacher.