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Parent Handbook- Curriculum














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Curriculum
















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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