ART

Art instruction is provided weekly for students in grades K-6. The program is designed to sequentially promote the development of artistic skills while encouraging creativity. Students work with a variety of materials incorporating techniques with art history.

Smocks are required for students in grades K-3 and are strongly recommended for students in grades 4-6. Adult shirts with sleeves cut to fit are preferred. We suggest that children NOT wear their best clothing on art day.

Students in grades 4-6 will receive a grade for art on their report cards.

MUSIC

Our music program is broad, offering many avenues for children.

Elementary music instruction is a regular part of academics in grades K-6. 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 – singing, playing instruments, moving, listening, and creating. Students in grade 4-6 receive a report card grade for music.

Students in grades 3-6 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 4-6 on a volunteer basis. Parents and students are informed of the opportunities available and the necessity of student commitment during the spring recruitment process. There are two elementary bands – beginning and advanced – that perform several times throughout the year. There is also the possibility of participation in Solo music festivals and county wide band.

Advanced band rehearsals are held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:20 pm - 3:00 pm. Beginning band meets every Tuesday from 8:00 am - 8:45 am. Students must ride the High School bus or get their own ride to school. Lessons are given as part of a pull-out program one time per week.

MEDIA CENTER

The Media Center houses the district's collection of books, magazines, videos, film strips, 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. All grade levels enjoy stories read aloud.

Through the use of technology, our library is part of an inter-library loan program, and students can access books and videos from libraries throughout the 31 school districts in the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES supervisory area.

COMPUTER

Computer instruction is given to all elementary school classes every week. Specific computer concepts are taught at each grade level.

Students in grades K-3 are taught the components of a computer and spend time working on creativity programs, thinking skills, keyboarding, word processing, and specific software programs that match their grade-level curriculum.

Students in grades 4-6 are taught computer basics, keyboarding skills, spreadsheets, and graphing using Microsoft Excel, word processing using Microsoft Word, Internet skills, and PowerPoint. An attempt is made to plan work relating to what children are doing in their regular classroom.

Students in grades 5 and 6 spend time in the computer lab working on projects assigned by their classroom teachers.

Students in grades 4-6 receive a grade for computer class on their report cards. Grades are based on their effort and performance in class.

If you would like to have your child 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.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

Physical education is required by New York State law. Our K-6 program teaches correct exercise techniques, and 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-6 are required to wear sneakers and appropriate clothing for movement activities (pants or shorts). K-4 meets for 45 minutes twice a week. Grades 5-6 meet twice a week for 1 hour each.

Sneakers are designed for the physical activities/sports that are taught in our program. Wearing inappropriate footwear leads to injuries and dangerous situations. 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.

All students should come to physical education class dressed appropriately for outside activities during the fall and spring months.

Parental excuses from physical education classes 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.

Grades 5 and 6 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 a replacement. 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 every quarter for physical skills, attitude, and preparation for class.