Specialty Classes

 

Special Features of the Lower School Curriculum

P.E. — Through activities that involve fine and gross motor development, hand-eye coordination, fitness, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and body strength, students have opportunities to improve physical abilities. They participate in individual and team games, cooperative activities, and inclusion activities that reinforce classroom work. Favorite events include Jump Rope for Heart, Field Day, and the Dr. Seuss Fun Run.

Computer — First and second graders meet weekly to learn basic keyboarding and mouse skills and work on projects related to classroom activities. Third and fourth graders meet twice weekly to build keyboarding skills, learn proper internet and email etiquette, discover internet research secrets, and gain experience in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Front Page.

Foreign Language — Twice a week, 1st and 2nd graders attend German Class, and 3rd and 4th graders attend French Class. In a program emphasizing listening, comprehension, and speaking skills, the children are introduced to the sounds of German and French using basic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Students gain increased awareness of cultural similarities and differences through acquaintance with children’s rhymes, songs and stories, and the comparison of customs, holidays, school, and everyday life.

Music — Twice weekly, students meet in a performance-based vocal music class. They sing at special concerts and assemblies throughout the year. Other performing opportunities include Girlchoir (4th-6th), and Boychoir (1st-8th).

Positive Steps — Students meet weekly to reinforce the virtues of treating others with consideration, respect, honesty, and understanding; manners are the tools used to accomplish this with confidence.

Art — Students meet weekly to learn basic drawing skills, elements and principles of art and design, and art history. As many different mediums of art as possible (clay, tempera paints, watercolor, oil pastels) are introduced. Special museum field trips and workshops with local artists supplement this wonderful program.

Science — All grades in Lower School attend science in a separate classroom lab with a special science teacher. The program emphasizes process learning with hands-on experimentation. Students spend two to three class periods weekly exploring and expanding their knowledge of physical, earth, and life sciences, and enjoy several exciting field trips. The science curriculum includes exposure to many kinds of animals. Many students also take advantage of the Young Astronauts After-School Science Program.

Library — Students meet weekly to learn basic library skills and both read and hear wonderful stories. Reading incentive programs and the Young Authors Conference help reinforce the value of reading for information and pleasure.

Kid’s Club is an extended day program for children in preschool through Grade 4. Before-school care is free, and is offered from 7:15 a.m. - 7:40 a.m. After that time, children are escorted to class. There is a nominal charge of $3.50/hr for the after-school program. The after-school program is in session from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., and from 7:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. when regular classes are not in session. Parents are billed monthly for the after-school program.