French Hill Elementary School staff and parents meet once a month to discuss goals, issues and concerns related to French Hill Elementary School. The academic programs are in alignment with the New York State Learning Standards and district curricula goals. Students spend the majority of their school day with their classroom teacher participating in child-centered integrated learning activities which address the following curricula areas: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Health. Many of these learning experiences are differentiated in order to meet the developing abilities of students.
Language Arts, students have a wide range of opportunities to learn about literacy in a way that promotes reading, writing, speaking and listening in their daily lives. Teachers use a variety of appropriate, appealing and substantive literature and non-fiction books to involve students with reading. The formal spelling program begins mid-year during first grade. Handwriting is taught and emphasized throughout the students’ K-2 experience. Sharing writings and insights about literature are also key components to the English Language Arts program.
Mathematics, students participate in hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, basic mathematics skills and beginning problem-solving strategies. Key to this is providing ample opportunities for students to explore, use manipulative and practice, which enables students to begin the transition from concrete mathematical thinking to abstract thinking.
