home Parent Handbook- Curriculum |
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Preschool Our preschool program is
carefully designed to provide three- to five-year-old children with a positive
school experience in a nurturing atmosphere. Classroom teachers help the
children feel good about themselves and the world in which they live. Through
constructive play and learning activities, teachers concentrate on developing
academic readiness and social skills. Kindergarten The formal academic
curriculum for elementary school begins in kindergarten with the gradual
introduction of the skills needed for reading, writing, and mathematics at this
level. The main aim of kindergarten is to give the students a solid foundation
for these basic academics as they master the social skills necessary for future
school experiences. The students explore their environment in a scientific
manner and develop early concepts of time, money, and measurement. The social
studies program stresses the importance of the individual as a well-adjusted,
productive member of a group, willing to share and to accept responsibility.
The students are always encouraged to ask questions as they learn about the
world around them. First-Fifth Grade The school offers students in
first through fifth grade a well-rounded curriculum that includes language
arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, art, music,
French, library, and computer skills. Small classes allow close interaction
between teacher and student. The school’s goals are to develop students’
individual abilities while encouraging independent thinking and problem
solving. A phonics-based reading system, started in kindergarten, is reviewed
and strengthened in first grade. The emphasis on writing and listening skills
further develops a strong reading and writing vocabulary at all levels. The mathematics program
combines drill, problem solving, and application of concepts in everyday
living. These activities help students achieve practical math competence and a
firm understanding of the concepts necessary for higher mathematics. Introduction of French in the
first grade familiarizes the students with the sounds and structure of a second
language. Drills, songs, games, and conversation develop oral vocabulary for
all grades. Reading and writing are introduced in the upper grades. The school’s science program
offers the students an awareness of the world in which they live. The science
curriculum follows a carefully structured system whereby elementary scientific
theories presented in the lower grades are expanded with graduated levels of
difficulty in the higher grades. The social studies program
focuses on people, both past and present. Through the study of history,
geography, and government, students are introduced to our society’s diverse
cultural heritage. A feel for time and place is enriched through field trips,
movies, crafts, map work, and research projects. Special Classes Students participate in art,
French, music, physical education, and computer classes, and make weekly visits
to the library for story time, instruction in library skills, and to check out
books. Exceptions: ·
Pre-kindergarten students do not check out books from the library. ·
Pre-kindergarten two-day-a-week students do not have computer instruction. · French and formal art
instruction begins in first grade. The school’s resource teacher
provides informal assessment and extra instructional support for students as
requested by classroom teachers. Visits may be one time only or on an on-going
basis. Parents of children referred for on-going instruction will be notified
in advance of the commencement of such instruction. The daily school schedule
includes a morning recess for pre-kindergarten through second grade and an
afternoon recess for full-day kindergarten through fifth grade. Special Education NAPS does not have the
resources necessary to educate children with special-education needs and
accordingly, reserves the right to condition admission or continued enrollment
at the school based on the following stipulations: ·
Complete cooperation by the student and parents in special education
assessments deemed necessary by NAPS personnel. ·
Full access to pre-existing individual educational plans prepared for students
by special education service providers. ·
Full access to any special education providers, medical personnel, counselors,
and mental health professionals providing services for student or potential
student. · Agreement that in situations
identified by the school’s director, the student or potential student will be
made available for evaluation by appropriate special education assessment
professionals. Internet at NAPS
This section is only for those
with children in the kindergarten-fifth grades. Students are always under
teacher supervision when using the Internet. However, we also expect students
to develop the ability to take individual responsibility in their use of the
Internet without prompting by the teacher or her assistant. After reading the
policy below, we ask that you discuss the rules with your child(ren) to the
extent they are old enough to understand. Should a student disobey any one of
these rules, he or she will be forbidden further access to the Internet. While using the Internet,
students will: ·
be polite, and use appropriate language when communicating with others; ·
respect copyright laws; ·
respect the privacy of others; ·
not reveal any personal information, e.g. their name, address, or phone number
or that of any other student; and · not perform any non-school
activities. Library NAPS library includes a wide
variety of picture books, easy readers, juvenile fiction, and a collection of
non-fiction suitable for use at the elementary-school level. Students and
teachers are encouraged to use the library’s resources for research as well as pleasure
reading. During weekly scheduled visits to the library, the librarian will
introduce the students to basic library skills; provide guidance in choosing
books; and encourage and stimulate reading through games, story telling, and
contests. At the beginning of the year, the school librarian will send
information home about the students’ use of the library. If you have any
questions concerning your children’s library use, please call the librarian. The NAPS Birthday Book Program
for Kindergarten through fifth grade students helps build and enrich the
library’s collection. Students whose parents wish them to participate in the
program choose a birthday book from a wide selection of fiction and
non-fiction. A special bookplate honoring the child is affixed to the book, and
it becomes part of the permanent library collection to be used and enjoyed by
all. Enrollment forms on this tax-deductible program are included with the
forms mailed out in the summer and also available in the office throughout the
school year. Preschool students are
offered other opportunities to support library activities. Detailed information
is announced yearly. Discipline Any infraction of the school’s
rules (see CODE OF CONDUCT) will result in disciplinary action. This
disciplinary action cannot be confined to a specific set of rules, for every
situation is different. Each offense will be reviewed in its entirety with
consideration for the circumstances involved. Following this review,
appropriate action will be taken. The teacher is the first and
most important person involved in dealing with behavioral problems that
necessitate disciplinary action. Minor problems will be worked out between
teacher and child. Teachers expect parental support in reinforcing classroom
rules and procedures. Frequent communication between teacher and parent(s) can
often preclude minor problems becoming major. |
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