Curriculum
Information / Homework / Emergency Situations
Curriculum
Information
Reading,
writing, and arithmetic are important components of the curriculum. Social
studies, science, Spanish, art, music,
physical education, and information skills are also included. We believe
that children learn best when subjects
are integrated rather than segmented into separate blocks of time; we
believe that children learn best when they are
actively involved; and we believe that children learn best when
all modes of learning are incorporated, such as auditory, visual, and kinesthetic
experiences.
Reading includes the basal reader along with novels designated for particular
grade levels. Skill groupings occur
as needed. Responding to literature is an important part of the reading
program in all grade levels.
Spelling is incorporated with content, but is also addressed as needed
with mechanics. Spelling textbooks
are also used. Phonics is introduced as sounds are used, but not in isolated
situations. Sight words, dictionaries,
and journals are used as needed in the communications program. Writing
is a part of all subjects—focusing
on thought processes and mechanics. Children are allowed to use inventive
spelling in their early writings and
attention is given to conventional spelling as it is developmentally appropriate.
Math addresses strands such as computation, geometry, and measurement and
emphasizes hands-on activities. The
use of calculators is a part of the math program, but only in determining
the answer to process-not to take the
place of basic computation.
Science instruction includes the SCIIS program. This is a developmentally
appropriate hands-on program designed
to give children a balance of instruction in physical and life sciences.
Experimenting,
exploring, and predicting
are all important activities with the science instruction.
Social studies includes learning about people and the community. Geography
and economics are two basic components
of the social studies program. Working together, respecting one
another’s culture, and taking responsibility are
valuable experiences within social studies and in all school
experiences.
Special areas such as Spanish, art, music, and physical education have
particular
competencies to be
addressed. These areas will be integrated into other subject matter as
appropriate. Specialists are made aware of units
of study experiences.
Information Skills
are taught as they apply to subject areas as well as in the library media
period. Computer skills and other technology
are incorporated within the classroom., special projects, and through
scheduled use of the technology Labs.
Guidance is a part
of the daily life of all students, Special areas such as resolving conflicts,
making friends, and growing up are introduced
as requested by the classroom teacher and by Mr. Furr, our school
guidance counselor.
HOMEWORK
Homework
will be assigned according to the Homework Policy adopted by the Wilkes
County Board of Education. Homework will be assigned
on a regular basis as a way to supplement and strengthen
the student’s regular class work and will be part of the student’s grade.
Students will be held responsible for
turning in homework completed and on the due date. A student who has been
absent from school may request homework
assignments from the teacher. Parents should call the school office early
in
the morning regarding
homework requests. Our teachers do not have a "planning" period during
the day, and this will allow them time
to gather the assignments and materials needed. Homework assignments
may be picked up in the school office after 3:15
p.m.
Student in grades 3-5 will be given a Student Assignment Book to better
help students develop organizational
skills. An organized student will do better in school. Daily and long range
assignments will be written down by
the student and checked daily by the teacher. Parents are to sign each
day’s work also. This will assist the
student, teacher, and parent in monitoring student progress and will be
an excellent way for parent-teacher
communication. Lost Student Assignment Books may be replaced at a
cost of $3.00. It is each student’s responsibility
to keep up with the assignment book. Your child’s teacher will
discuss how the assignment book will be filled in and checked. It is the
student’s responsibility to update
the Assignment Book daily.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
When
emergency situations arise and your child needs to be given a message,
please call the school before 2:30
to guarantee delivery of the message. The last few minutes of the day become
somewhat hectic with afternoon announcements,
messages being delivered, final preparations for dismissal, etc.
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