Waterford-Halfmoon Elementary School

Art instruction is provided weekly for students in grades K-4. The program is designed to sequentially promote the development of artistic skills while encouraging creativity. Students work with a variety of materials incorporating technique with art history.

Smocks are required for students in Kindergarten through grade 3 and are strongly recommended for students in grade 4. Adult shirts, with sleeves cut to fit are preferred. It is suggested that a student does not wear his/her best clothing on art day. Grade 4 students receive report card grades.

The Media Center houses the District's collection of books, magazines, videos, filmstrips, tapes, records, film loops and other non-book aids to learning. Computers and printers are also located in the Media Center. Students visit the Media Center on a regular schedule each week and divide their time equally between the librarian and the computer teacher.

In the library section there is instruction in library skills; \research techniques as assigned and use of the many available audio-visual materials. Stories read aloud are enjoyed by all grade levels. Through the use of technology, our library is part of an inter-library loan program and students can access books/videos from libraries throughout our BOCES.

Our policy for overdue items is as follows:

. students receive weekly reminders

. when item is 1 month overdue - parent will be notified

. replacement cost is expected at this time

. report cards will be retained if items are not returned or paid for

Computer Instruction is given to all elementary school classes on a weekly basis. Specific computer concepts are taught at each grade level. Primary students are taught the components of a computer and spend time working on creativity programs, thinking skills, keyboarding, word processing. Intermediate students are taught keyboarding skills, history of the computer, databases, graphing, word processing, Internet skills and critical thinking skills. Also, an attempt is made to plan work relating to what children are doing in their regular classroom. We have many interdisciplinary educational software programs. Students in grades 4 are assigned letter grades on their report cards based on their performance in class work and homework assignments. If you wish for your child to use the Internet in school, carefully read and sign our district Internet usage policy if you have not already done so. You may request a copy of the Internet usage policy from the elementary office.

Our Music Program is broad offering many avenues to our children.

Elementary music instruction is a regular part of the academics in grades K-4. The elementary student is guided through an understanding of the elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and expression. It is a "hands on" experience in which students actively participate in musical activities: singing, playing instruments, moving, listening and creating. Grades 4 receives report card grades.

Students in grades K-4 participate in choir. It is a privilege to be part of this group; good conduct is of the utmost importance. Some grade levels may participate in evening concerts.

Instrumental lessons are offered to students in grade 4 on a volunteer basis. Parents and students are informed of the opportunities available and the necessity of student commitment, during the Spring recruitment procedures. There are two elementary bands, "beginning" and "advanced", which perform several times throughout the year. There is also the possibility of participation in Solo music festivals and county wide band.

Band rehearsals are held once a week from 8:00 - 8:45 am. Students must ride the High School bus or get their own ride in. Lessons are given as part of a pull-out program one time per week.

Physical Education is required by New York State Law. Our program K-4 teaches correct exercise techniques, gross motor skills required for correct body development as well as skills needed for track, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and archery. Also included in the program are square dancing, gymnastics and a variety of rhythmic activities.

Students in grades K-4 are required to wear sneakers and appropriate clothing for movement activities (pants or shorts). Kindergarten will meet for 30 or 45 minutes, 2 times per week. Grades 1-4 will meet twice a week for 45 minutes each.

We do not allow slip-on footwear, hiking boots or other fashion/fad footwear resembling sneakers such as those with heels or very thick soles to be substituted for regular sneakers. Sneakers are designed for the physical activities/sports that are taught in our program. Wearing inappropriate footwear leads to injuries and dangerous situations.

All students should come to physical education class dressed appropriately for outside activities during the fall and spring months. Parental excuses from physical education class, for medical reasons, are accepted for up to one week. Excuses must be dated and specific as to the nature of the illness/injury. Extended medical excuses (more than one week) must be signed by a physician. Students may return to class with a release.

Grade 4 students will have the use of a locker. Each student will be given a school combination lock to be used throughout the year. The lock must be returned in June or the student must pay for replacement of the lock. Students are required to have a change of clothes which includes a pair of sneakers, white socks, shorts or sweat pants and a T-shirt. Marks are given on a quarterly basis for physical skills, attitude, and preparation for class.