Gifted Program

The program consists of clusters of gifted students in intermediate classes (grades 4-5). Children's needs will be met by offering an enriched and expanded curriculum to all students, but in particular to gifted students. Students will be involved in oral presentations and will be encouraged and expected to take leadership roles within the classroom and in the school. Students will be expected to reach for and achieve their potential in all subject areas. GATE students will be offered "challenge" activities and be involved in a different curriculum where appropriate. They must demonstrate mastery of the core curriculum. We encourage all of our students to take part in challenging tasks.

Visual and Performing Arts

We have an outstanding arts program, which includes 5 artists. We are most fortunate to receive a special grant (Lane Family Trust grant) which allows us to hire a poet and a theater artist who will work with every classroom. In addition, we have received an Elementary Arts grant which allows us to hire a dance artist, a music artist and a visual artist. All classrooms will receive the service of at least one or two of these artists.

Also included in the program is a one-day a week instrumental music teacher for grades 4-5.

Resource Specialist Program (RSP)

Mrs. Louuis Jones is our R.S.P teacher. Mrs. Jones is always available to speak with parents and teachers regarding students who need special help. Students with specific learning problems receive individual help on a daily basis.

Qualifying for this program requires special individual testing of the student in several skill areas. Students are then diagnosed for specific learning disabilities.

English Language Development

Students who speak a language other than English are clustered in classrooms along with English only speaking children. All of our teachers have been trained in teaching Limited English students. These students are given special instruction in order that they may learn English. All of our classrooms are designated "General/ELD".

Speech Services

The speech and language clinician provides instruction for students who are experiencing problems in the area of speech production and oral language expression. Teachers and/or parents may refer students.

Student Success Team (SST)

The Student Success Team meets once a week to discuss children who have special needs. The team consists of the Principal, the Resource Specialist Teacher, the Referring Teacher and one other classroom teacher. Children are referred to the Student Success Team based on academic or social need. Teachers as well as parents can request a student referral.

Library

Each class is scheduled for their own session in the library each week. During this time students will hear a story from the librarian, learn to use the library and check out books. Older students learn reserach skills.

Student Council

We elect student body officers and student representatives from every class in grades 2-5. Our Officers come from grades 4-5. In October we hold elections. The Student Council is responsible for many projects. They are in charge of selling ice cream on Fridays and they make suggestions for special projects during the year. We encourage our students to take active leadership roles.

Inclusion Program

Students who have special educational needs are placed in our inclusion program. This program allows students with specific disabilities to participate in our regular school program. They are given assistance with paraprofessional help under the direction of our inclusion teacher, Mary Hamilton.