To Learn About an Area of Academics at the Elementary School, Click on the Subject From the Listing Below...

Art
Computer/Technology
Library/Media Center
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Reading/Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
Writing

Art

The elementary art program is a comprehensive sequential art curriculum, and is based on the state education department’s art curriculum for elementary schools. The program encourages students to experience and explore a variety of art forms and media. Its objectives are:

• to design skills and concepts through drawing, painting, and sculpture.

• to develop creative and critical thinking through personal expression.

• to promote esthetic awareness of color, texture and shapes.

• to further students’ knowledge of individual artists past and present through their study of sides and prints of great artists’ works.

Students meet each week with the art teacher for a 45 minute period. Students are expected to wear a smock of some type to protect their clothing from paint, clay, etc.

Computers/Technology

Students in Gr K-5 are given opportunities to work with computers both in the lab and in the classrooms. This year a laptop cart has been added to the available computers.
 

Library Media Center

The primary aims of the Library Media Center Program are to promote an understanding of the value of reading and the library and to teach the children the many resources available to them in the center. All students Gr K-5 are scheduled for a weekly library class. During this class the librarian spends time developing library skills based on grade level subject curriculum and literature appreciation. Additional time is spent on browsing and book selection by the children. Books circulate weekly.

The Library Media Center is opened from 8:30 a.m.-3:40 p.m. for student use. Students may come to the library during the school day for research or book selection with the permission of the classroom teacher. The library aide and library parent volunteers are available to assist students when the librarian is teaching a scheduled library class. The Library Media Center offers a pleasant environment in which a lifetime love of books and reading may be developed.

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Mathematics

Our mathematics program follows the scope and sequence of the skills recommended by New York State. Our main text is a newly adopted series from Houghton-Mifflin. A variety of other materials are used to introduce, supplement, reinforce and enrich concepts.

Music

At each level the music program meets the four standards: creating, performing, and participating in the arts, knowing and using arts materials and resources, responding to and analyzing works of art, and understanding cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts. Tonal and rhythm work are key components of the program.

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Physical Education

The physical education department offers a diversified program. Each student acquires as many skills as possible and develops wide and varied interests. Calisthenics are given at the beginning of most gym classes. Some of the activities included are gymnastic activities, ball skills, group games, track etc.

Students in Gr K-3 are responsible for wearing sneakers to their gym classes.

Students in Grades 4-5 require:

• gym shorts and shirts

• socks or tights

• sneakers

To be excused from physical education for medical reasons for any extended period, the student must supply a signed note from the physician. This note should include the reason and length of time the child will be excused and when he/she can return to full activity. A parental request for excuse from physical education class for up to one week will be honored. Students unable to participate in regularly scheduled physical education activities will receive instruction using an adaptive program from a physical education teacher.

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Reading/Language Arts

Our reading program uses Invitations to Literacy by Houghton-Mifflin as a core element. The major strands presented to students include: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary building, fluency and comprehension. To supplement the series, the teachers have a book room available where they can use sets of books at various levels to deliver small group instruction to meet individual needs. Additional trade books, newspapers, magazines, workbooks and computer software programs are also used.

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Science

The goals of our Science program are to develop an awareness of science in our society, foster scientific literacy and curiosity, provide awareness of career opportunities in science related areas, and to foster an appreciation for the qualities of nature. Topics explored during the elementary school experience include such things as weather, solar system, rocks and minerals, electricity, our five senses, magnetism, and ecology. The science lab is used by all students.

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Social Studies

The content of our social studies program at Voorheesville is based upon the scope of the K-12 social studies program in New York State. Ten key concept goals are stressed throughout the K-5 curriculum. They include: change, citizenship, culture, empathy, environment, identity, interdependence, nation, state, scarcity, and technology.

As each child progresses through the grade levels, the curriculum presented begins with the development of the child as an individual and spirals to encompass global understanding of all cultures.
 

Writing

Of the many skills learned in school, writing is one of the most vital. It is a communication skill that is very useful in a great many careers and in personal life. Writing is an integral part of the total program of every classroom. From writing words and simple sentences at the primary level to letters, outlines, reports, and stories at the intermediate level, the process becomes increasingly complex.

Writing involves thinking, planning, drafting, revising, and a final product. Within this process punctuation, grammar and spelling are also emphasized.

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