Curriculum
Elementary K-4 |
Intermediate 5-6 |
Middle School 7-8 |
High School 9-12
Elementary Curriculum -
Grades
K-4
Learning Expectations |
Elementary grades provide a sound foundation for later learning. Our goals for students are:
• to acquire and apply basic skills,
• to grow in their abilities to cooperate and collaborate with others,
• to learn and exercise the qualities of good character,
• to learn and participate in positive nutrition choices and physical activity. |
Grade Level Skills |
The skills taught at each grade level are based on Kansas State Curriculum Standards. Teachers develop a “map” for each grade level based on the school calendar to ensure students master each of the necessary skills. The skills addressed at each grade level are outlined in grade level skill checklists:
Pre-Kindergarten Skills
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
The performance of each child is reviewed with parents during parent-teacher conferences and other times as needed. |
Technology |
Technology is used as a teaching tool in classrooms, and in addition, each school has computer labs for group instruction. |
Elementary Topics of Interest
Gifted and Talented
The gifted program for the district is a sponsored program of the Special Education Coop for Sedgwick County. Students must meet eligibility requirements of the gifted category and must need the services of special education before being placed in the gifted program. The extent of services is determined by the educational appraisal team and is based on individual needs.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students attend school half-day. One extended day kindergarten class is held at each elementary school for students who have been identified as in need of additional early instruction.
Preschool
Pre-k programs are sponsored by both the district and by the Sedgwick County Special Education Co-op. Both programs have qualifying criteria.
Intermediate Curriculum -
Grades
5-6
Learning Expectations |
Intermediate grades expand on early skills and allow application. Our goals for students are:
• to read with comprehension,
• to express their ideas clearly in written, graphic and oral communication,
• learn and display problem solving skills,
• to begin to understand the geographical and cultural characteristics of specific places in the world,
• to use technology to access, organize, analyze, and communicate information,
• understand and demonstrate good citizenship in the school and community,
• to grow in their abilities to cooperate and collaborate with others,
• to learn and exercise the qualities of good character and accept responsibility for their social behavior,
• to learn and participate in positive nutrition choices and physical activity, forming good health habits,
• to participate in elective subjects and activities. |
Grade Level Skills |
The skills taught at each grade level are based on Kansas State Curriculum Standards. Teachers develop a “map” for each grade level based on the school calendar to ensure students master each of the necessary skills.
Students at the intermediate schools are assessed in reading and math each year and social studies in alternate years. The following guides outline the skills assessed:
Grade 5 Parent Guide
Grade 6 Parent Guide
The performance of each child is reviewed with parents during parent-teacher conferences and other times as needed. |
Technology |
Technology is used as a teaching tool in classrooms, and in addition, each school has computer labs for group instruction. |
Middle School Curriculum -
Grades
7-8
The middle school philosophy is that young adolescents have special intellectual, social and emotional needs which must be addressed through curriculum offerings, teaching strategies, the school environment and extracurricular offerings.
The teaching staff have organized into teaching teams of four each for the study of language arts, social studies, math and science. Students stay with the same teachers several periods a day. Elective offerings include band and choral music, technology lab, journalism, drama, art, family and consumer science, and industrial technology. Extracurricular activities include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, tennis, track, volleyball and wrestling.
Middle School Topics of Interest
Developmental Assets
Research has shown that the differences between troubled teens and those leading healthy, productive lives is strongly attributed to the presence of "developmental assets." These are the positive resources that a young person can draw on that help them make wise decisions and grow to be competent, caring and responsible. The middle school character education program focuses on the development of these resources, which include school and family expectations, adult role models, constructive use of time, a commitment to learning and social competencies.
Diversity Education
This curriculum is designed to help young people accept themselves and their peers while they work together to move toward an inclusive society. "Action Speaks Louder" is a series of activities which will help students contribute to a positive classroom environment and communicate with others in a civil and positive manner. School counselors are responsible for the program.
In School Suspension
In school suspension is used when a student needs to be removed from one or more classes, but remains at school during those grade levels. This discipline measure is for minor infractions of rules or attendance violations.
Project Alert
Seventh and eighth grade students participate in Project S.T.A.R. (Students Taught Awareness and Resistance), a school-based program aimed at substantially reducing drug and alcohol abuse by young people. It is a program designed by the Kauffman Foundation to help students resist pressures and influences to use drugs.
Saturday School
Saturday detention is an approved discipline measure to assist in deterring unexcused absences, truancy and other discipline problems. Detention is assigned by a school administrator when deemed necessary. Transportation is provided if needed.
Sex Education
Both seventh and eighth grade science classes have students participate in a unit on Human Sexuality and A.I.D.S. education. This program is a portion of the Board of Education approved curriculum designed to meet the State Department of Education mandate.
High School Curriculum -
Grades
9-12
Information to be added as available.
