Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
 
Full day Kindergarten
Fully prepares the student for 1st grade as academic skills are more advanced.
More time spent on reading, writing, and math.
Helps to socially adjust
Listening skills
Assisting community as no day care is available.
 
Small Classes
More individualized attention and instruction as low teacher to student ratio.
Daily interaction with individual students.
Peer interaction
Quiet environment.
In-depth instruction
Extension activities related to higher level learning
       i.      Cooking
      ii.      Writing class books
     iii.      Science experiments
     iv.      Poetry analysis
      v.      Plays and puppets
 
Literacy Blocks
School-wide 120-minute uninterrupted instruction in literacy.
Allows time to do thematic units.
Allows for more practice and consistency with reading.
Greater flexibility in moving students to perform at their optimal level.
 
Inquiry-based science
Hands-on
Highly experiential
Includes cross-curricular literature and writing
On-going formative assessments
Format of FOSS program leads to high student motivation and interaction.
 
Partners-in-Art
Parents volunteer in classroom to show and explain a classic work of art with an extending activity.
Helps meet state art standards.
 
Instruction at Elgin includes Physical Education, Health, Library, and computers for a well-balanced curriculum.
 
Authentic and performance based assessments demonstrate knowledge and understanding through projects, plays, journal writing, etc.
 
Librarian – literacy circles, right brain, go to link.
 
Music- emphasis on the inner beat, go to link.

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3rd-5th Grade
 
We adhere to Arizona Standards and curriculum; however, we go above and beyond.  We don’t hope for the best, we plan for and expect the best.  These high expectations create a culture where academic excellence and citizenship can flourish.

Kind, gentle, but persistent and consistent discipline build character and foster success, where failure is not an option.  Our staff mentors and sets classic examples of citizenship and goals to emulate.
 
Communication
Agendas
Family Correspondence
        i.      Carbonless notes
       ii.      Phone calls
      iii.      Eagle Tales
 
Looping
Grades 2-3, 4-5
Summer Bridges
Recent Studies
 
Literature Block
 
Literature Analysis
 
Accelerated Math
 
FOSS Kits
 
Social Studies
Time for Kids
We the People
Arizona history and geography
USA Studies Weekly
Arizona Studies Weekly
 
Writing
Across the curriculum
Veterans’ Day essays
Young Author Stories
Journalism
Literature responses
Masonic lodge essays
 
Small Class Size
Individualization
Librarian
Aides
Reading Specialists
Low ratio
 
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Elgin Middle School
Unique qualities of the Middle School Program
 
Morning Flag Ceremony
Student Directed
Announcements – birthday celebrations
Pledge of Allegiance
Civics lessons
 
National Junior Honor Society
Charter member
 
Student Christmas Program Performance
Music
Drama
 
Academic Advisory
Students assigned advisor to set and follow up on short and long term goals
Each class meets once per week
Robert’s Rules
Teamwork
Class gift to school
 
Laptop Computers
Portable
Internet Accessibility
 
Science
FOSS Kist based on inquiry method
Small group instruction
Science Fair mandatory participation
Cooperative learning
 
Math
MathCounts Team
Regional Competitions sponsored by American Society of Professional Engineers
1st place team at regional competition qualified for state competition in 2005
Accelerated Math
Individualized, computer-based mystery learning which complements vigorous direct instruction
Rocket Day
Students design, construct and launch model rockets
 
Language Arts
Writing
   VFW and American Legion Essay Contests
   Masonic Lodge Essay Contest
   Nationally published work

Reading
   Interdisciplinary, challenging units
   Collaboration with Social Studies department

Yearbook
   Layout
   Advertising
   Marketing
   Cost-effective, available to all students at minimal cost
 
Social Studies
Teambuilding and independent work
   Project oriented
   Collaboration with Language Arts department 

Student Government
   3-branch government
      Snack Bar
         *Proceeds benefit 8th grade Camp Surf Trip
         *Proceeds benefit 6th-7th grade fundraisers
      House-Senate Grant Program
      Classroom governors
      National Geography Bee
      Partners In Art
      Geo-economics
 
Required Enrichment
Spanish
Library Around the World Project
Computer Lab
Physical Education
Health
Research
 
Electives
Choir
Band
Annual Community Service
      *Wildflower Seed Dispersal Walk-A-Thon
      *Class gift to school
Annual 8th grade trip
      *Marine Biology Camp
      *Ecology of the estuary
Annual Middle School Breakers Trip