Report Cards/Conferences
Report cards reflecting the academic and social development of kindergarten students are distributed at the end of each trimester.
Report cards for kindergarten through second grade indicate progress toward the standards, through stages in language arts and benchmarks in mathematics. Report cards for third through sixth graders contain indicators for academic achievement and classroom performance.
The district uses a trimester reporting system at the elementary level. The first report will be received at the fall Parent/Teacher conferences in November. The second report is received at the spring Parent/Teacher conference in March. Students will also receive a final written report at the end of the school year.
Communication between the home and school is important. Parents are encouraged to call for an appointment with teachers, counselors, and others as the need arises.
Language Arts
A literature-based program emphasizes comprehension facilitated by the use of strategies and skills, including phonics. This provides students with multiple opportunities to learn to become proficient readers and writers. The language arts curriculum defines the skills and strategies employed by effective readers and writers; therefore, all teachers will assist their students in learning them. Instruction is designed to teach and assess the following: learning to read independently; reading critically in all subject areas; reading, analyzing and interpreting literature; writing; speaking; listening; characteristics and functions of the English language; and research. The curriculum is based upon the PA academic standards for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum explores the human community and how a young person exists within that community. Also studied are North American geography, Pennsylvania history, United States history, and the geography and culture of ancient western civilizations.
Science
The hands-on and student-centered elementary science curriculum is based upon the PA academic standards. Students learn scientific content and processes through thematic units spiraled through the grades. The curriculum offers a wide variety of developmentally appropriate learning experiences related to biological science, physical science, chemistry, physics, earth science, technology, environment and ecology. Numerous activities are utilized to promote science learning, including science fairs, career days, and environmental studies on the campus nature trails!
Mathematics
The elementary mathematics program provides multiple and varied age-appropriate experiences for students to develop mathematical thinking to understand the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. Students also learn about the construction of, and patterns in, our number system: place value and the importance of 10 and multiples of 10. In this information-laden world, geometry and measurement are also of great importance, as students need to be able to name, describe, visualize, and manipulate 2-D and 3-D shapes. In addition, the mathematics curriculum fosters in students the ability to interpret and analyze data, to think critically, and to problem solve. The program is based upon the PA academic standards for mathematics.
Health
The health education program is skills-based in kindergarten through grade six. This program integrates decision-making and problem-solving skills. The curriculum addresses mental and emotional health, nutrition, substance abuse, personal health and fitness, disease prevention and control, injury prevention and safety, consumer health, and environmental health.
Physical Education
In physical education at the primary level (kindergarten through grade two), the emphasis is on movement experiences, rhythm and balance, low-organized games, manipulative skills, and self-testing activities. In grades three through six, students are introduced to an array of fitness activities, problem-solving, and specialized skills in a variety of sports and games.
Music
The music program at the elementary school level provides structured classroom opportunities for students to experience music through sequential and thematic lessons. A number of musical systems and teaching methods are used.
In addition to scheduled music classes, choral and related activities are available to interested students in grades four through six. Instrumental music is offered starting in fifth grade and strings in fourth grade. Music is commonly integrated with other curriculum. Artist-in-residence and special guest performances enrich the curriculum.
Art
Art education is provided for students in grades one through six. The curriculum focuses on creating art through a variety of media. Children also study art through displays and exhibits. The curriculum is enriched through artist-in-residence programs. Fine motor development is incorporated in kindergarten during a six-week program.
Computer Skills
Computer Skills classes teach age-appropriate computer skills, including applications, programs, and using the Internet.
Spanish
Spanish class in grades three through six introduces students to a foreign language. Students learn conversational Spanish as well as explore the culture of the country.
Guidance
In grades three through six the Guidance class uses the Peaceworks model to discuss conflict resolution, anger management, and communication skills.
Healthy Habits
Developing positive social skills through the Peaceworks program, as well as providing students with a health program to develop lifelong healthy habits, are the goals of Healthy Habits for K-2 grade students.
Creative Movement and Dramatic Play
In grades K-2, Creative Movement and Dramatic Play allows children to engage in activities that incorporate social learning to develop literacy skills by motivating children to communicate in a variety of ways.
