As children work and play together, they learn to make choices that affect their environment. Developing a healthy sense of self-worth allows students to take risks that are essential to the learning process. Play, when skillfully supervised, is the essential work of childhood and an important part of developing physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills. Our spacious classrooms are well equipped with materials that enhance imagination and socialization.
In our Nursery Program, a focus is placed on building socialization skills and helping children learn the routines of school. Children develop healthy habits such as what it means to share, to take turns, and to be a part of a group. Children begin to understand the idea of “community” through experiential play, problem-solving and a developing sense of curiosity in those around them. Language development and self-expression are an integral part of the Nursery curriculum. Preschool children learn to express themselves verbally as they build their vocabulary through stories, books, dramatic play and circle time. Children are strengthening their small motor and gross motor skills through a variety of engaging activities such as blocks, manipulatives, drawing, art projects, and both indoor and outdoor play-based activities. Children begin to develop numeric and spacial concepts and study different thematic units, which open their minds to the world around them.
In Pre-Kindergarten, children build upon the foundational skills they have already acquired and are supportively challenged to further develop their social skills while emphasizing pre-academic activities that will prepare them for their Kindergarten experience. Students continue to learn to make choices, use classroom equipment properly, follow directions, and begin to internalize what it means to take responsibility for one’s actions. Children have jobs which they carry out and learn to solve problems and show concern for others. Selfhelp skills are an important part of making children feel capable of accomplishment. Motor skill development is taking place organically, as exciting thematic units help build math and literacy skills. The Balanced Literacy approach begins with our youngest children developing a love of literacy through both a whole language and phonics hybrid approach. Teachers model literacy strategies and foster of a love of reading through shared reading in both whole and small groupings, having children dictate stories, making class books, and engaging children in open-ended literacy activities that help develop their thinking skills. Through guided use of an array of manipulatives, blocks, calendar work and other materials, children begin to develop numeric and spacial concepts. Formal Handwriting begins, as children begin to understand the complexities of the written word. The World Language program begins in Pre-Kindergarten with the study of both French and Spanish.
Our teachers are trained specifically in early childhood development. They are able to respond to each child’s interests and skills within the group. Science, math, music, creative movement, art, world language, library and physical education enrich our Nursery and Pre-K curriculum. The Pre-K boys and girls learn Spanish and French in World Language. They also learn compassion, patience and cooperation.
Parents are an important part of the Early Childhood Program. Working with young children means working closely with families, parents and teachers to form a partnership as they exchange insights and experiences. Preschool parents are encouraged to volunteer for class activities. Parent Enrichment Workshops are offered throughout the year to explore issues and concerns of general interest.
The major goals for Kindergarten are to develop self-confidence, self-awareness, independence and social skills along with the academic skills important for young students. They learn about themselves, each other and the world around them during daily Morning Meeting. A guided discovery and process approachhelps students explore areas of the curriculum and build concepts. Children receive individual attention and work in large and small groups. Kindergarten children also learn to play cooperatively and interact socially. They are given several opportunities each day to make choices involving creative play, art activities, books, computers and listening centers. The class size is 30 with four teachers.
Language Arts
In a print-rich environment, children are exposed to many different types of literature from stories to poetry. Teachers use a balanced literacy approach, incorporating both whole language and phonics instruction, to teach reading and writing. Children utilize a variety of literature and have opportunities to create their own stories through dictation.They read in small guided-reading groups at their individual levels and read to themselves and with each other during book enjoyment time. They also choose books from the classroom to hear and share at home. Process writing occurs daily with dialogue journals and in Writers’ Workshop, in which the girls write their own books.
Mathematics
Kindergarten children develop number concepts through the use of a variety of math “manipulatives.” Pattern blocks, unifix cubes, Cuisenaire rods, tiles, geoboards, scales and other materials also help the children understand patterns, classification, graphing, geometry, measurement, time and money. Addition and subtraction to 10, place value and problem solving are introduced. As children are ready, they begin recording their experiences and concepts in a variety of ways. Many activities are adapted from the Mathematics Their Way and Everyday Mathematics curricula, which are based on current research confirming the most effective ways to teach young children math concepts.
Science and Social Studies
Much of the Kindergarten curriculum is thematic. In science, children learn about animals, seasons, plants, small machines and structures, musical instruments, water and sand, nutrition, dinosaurs and the five senses. In social studies, they learn about self, families, communities, occupations and other cultures, including holidays and geography. Teachers welcome families into the classroom to share their traditions and cultures. All themes are integrated with arts, reading, writing and math. Field trips, assembly programs and many hands-on activities complement these areas.
Arts
Kindergarten students participate in classes with the Primary music and dance specialists. They hear and explore rhythm, melody and a variety of musical genres. In dance class the students develop motor skills and creative movement potential. Often the music and dance curriculum is integrated with the Kindergarten curriculum. In the classroom, the children enjoy drama, music appreciation and puppetry as extensions of their language arts program and as part of “choice time.” Art activities introduce children to a few chosen works by well-known artists and offer children hands-on experiences in a variety of media.
Technology
Kindergarten students come to the computer lab in half-class groups. The girls are introduced to computer terminology and to the proper care and use of the computers. The girls use multimedia programs that integrate mouse and keyboarding skills. They learn how to use the keyboard and computer graphics tools to write about and illustrate topics learned in class.
World Language
Students continue with French and Spanish in Kindergarten and select one language to study for Grade 1. Students continue through the end of Primary School. Classes at all levels aim to nurture enthusiasm for learning a second language while encouraging confident and uninhibited expression. Material is presented in meaningful communicative contexts through activities using manipulatives, music, games, videos, dance, arts and crafts, drama and computer programs. The focus of the program is oral, and classes are conducted almost exclusively in the target language. At the lower levels, comprehension and pronunciation are emphasized. First attempts at reading and writing are introduced in Grade 3, while Grade 4 and 5 students have increased opportunities to develop in these areas. At all levels, students continue to hone their listening and speaking skills. In addition, elements of the cultures of countries where the target language is spoken are included in the curricula.
Physical Education
Kindergarten girls enjoy sessions twice a week with the Primary physical education specialist. These classes help the children develop game skills, coordination and gross motor skills. Children also enjoy outdoor play on the Kindergarten playground.
Grade 1 builds on skills gained in Kindergarten. Each child continues to progress at her own speed in small- and large-group instruction. The girls begin their studies of science and art with specialists from those fields. A calm environment and daily routine allow students to thrive intellectually, emotionally and physically.
Language Arts
The goal of Grade 1 is to inspire the students to have a lifelong love of reading and writing. Focusing on building strong basic skills, the teachers expose the students to a print-rich environment through the shared reading of poetry, “big books” and other fiction and non-fiction stories. The students read with a teacher in small guided-reading groups at their own reading level to foster fluency and comprehension. They also enjoy many independent reading opportunities. Phonics and vocabulary skills are reinforced in a variety of small- and whole-class activities. The writing process is equally important. Skills such as spelling, capitalization, punctuation and the ability to convey ideas for a variety of purposes are developed through numerous creative writing experiences, journal writing and shared writing activities. Drama, listening centers, poetry recitations, songs and computer activities round out the Grade 1 language arts curriculum.
Mathematics
Children are introduced to new mathematics concepts through the use of a variety of math manipulatives in order to emphasize conceptual understanding. Topics include place value, one- and
two-digit addition and subtraction, introductory multiplication and division concepts, fractions, time, money, problem solving, patterns and spatial relationships. Teachers pull from a range of resources and curricular materials to teach these skills, emphasizing deeper conceptual understandings as well as practice and facility with operations.
Social Studies
In Grade 1, students expand their study of the relationship of the self to family. They begin the year writing a mini-biography and then explore diverse ethnic and cultural heritages through a comparative study of children and families in Mexico and Japan. Simple research skills are acquired by having each child learn and write a paragraph about an important African American. An introduction to map skills lays a firm foundation for the Grade 2 geography-based curriculum.
Science
Science instruction in Grade 1 is inquiry based and hands on. Students begin to observe, experiment, investigate, predict and communicate their findings. Teaching these skills enhances and encourages the students’ natural sense of wonder about the world and provides a working format for the students’ questions. The scientific method is introduced in Grade 1. Students begin to think scientifically: they question, hypothesize, test and validate conclusions or observations. Finally, the students begin to develop environmental awareness through experiments, class activities and discussion. Science instruction is integrated with Grade 1 social studies, math and language arts curricula. Grade 1 science fosters an excitement in science and ignites a lifelong interest in and love for science. Both fiction and nonfiction picture books are used for content and reinforcement of concepts as they relate to each area of scientific study.
Technology
Grade 1 students come to the computer lab in half-class groups. During this year, the students learn how to create and modify computer graphics. The students learn to properly type a sentence and manipulate text using various fonts, sizes and colors.
Art, Drama, Dance, Music - See the Arts section
World Language
Students continue with French and Spanish in Kindergarten and select one language to study for Grade 1. Students continue through the end of Primary School. Classes at all levels aim to nurture enthusiasm for learning a second language while encouraging confident and uninhibited expression. Material is presented in meaningful communicative contexts through activities using manipulatives, music, games, videos, dance, arts and crafts, drama and computer programs. The focus of the program is oral, and classes are conducted almost exclusively in the target language. At the lower levels, comprehension and pronunciation are emphasized. First attempts at reading and writing are introduced in Grade 3, while Grade 4 and 5 students have increased opportunities to develop in these areas. At all levels, students continue to hone their listening and speaking skills. In addition, elements of the cultures of countries where the target language is spoken are included in the curricula.
Physical Education
The Primary School physical education program emphasizes enjoyable participation in physical activity. The aim is to provide students the opportunity to develop appropriate motor and behavioral skill sets and the confidence needed to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. In Grades 1 and 2, the girls participate in physical activities that help them develop small- and large-muscle coordination. Activities are based on skill themes beginning with fundamental movements that are later modified into more specialized patterns on which activities of increasing complexity are built. Within the skill theme units, the girls also experience modified team and independent sports such as soccer, tennis, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, kickball, t-ball, lacrosse and tumbling. Effort is made to integrate the physical education curriculum with the girls’ classroom studies. Games, dances and rhythmic activities from around the world offer a glimpse of other cultures – both past and present. Spelling and math movement activities help to reinforce what is learned in the classroom in a fun and physical way. Girls are encouraged to challenge themselves, to respect differences among their peers and to understand that teamwork and good sportsmanship lead to a more positive experience for all.
Library
The Primary School librarian works closely with all Primary teachers to ensure that the best resources are available for all aspects of the curriculum. The library supports our reading and writing program. It is the research center for papers and projects. Flexible scheduling allows for maximum use of the library for each grade level. Library time is used for working on class-related projects, choosing literature for outside reading and for sharing stories.
Women’s Life Studies
This Grade 1-12 curriculum explores issues that reflect the physical, social/emotional and psychosocial development of women throughout their lives. Through class discussion, group activities and role-play, emphasis is placed on the development of skills in problem solving, decision-making, values clarification, coping and communication. Parent involvement is an essential part of the curriculum at each grade level. In the Primary School, Women’s Life Studies consists of 10 lessons each year in Grades 1 through 4. Topics that are explored include appreciating similarities and differences in families, helpful and harmful drugs, personal safety, friendships, assertive communication and body image. Grade 5 students take a one-trimester course that focuses on the physical and emotional changes of puberty in girls.
The Grade 2 curriculum consolidates skills learned in Kindergarten and Grade 1 and moves children on to a new level of understanding in all areas. The social studies theme of world geography and cultures blends diverse topics. Children at this level increase their number of weekly science classes. They continue to strive toward mastery of language arts and math concepts.
Language Arts
The Grade 2 language arts program focuses on fostering fluency in reading and writing in a rich literary environment. The girls read a wide variety of trade books in both small and large groups. They work on strengthening both their decoding and comprehension skills. They work not only on fluency but also on reading with expression. Grade 2 students memorize and recite poetry weekly. The writing program stresses imagination and logical sequencing. Spelling, sentence structure, punctuation and grammar are learned and applied as children write and publish their own stories and poems. The girls also keep journals and reading response records.
Mathematics
Grade 2 students undertake a study of all the numbers from 10 to 1,000, focusing on place value and the structure of the number system. They study the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on a concrete level using manipulatives. The students concentrate on problem solving, computation skills and mathematical thinking. Calculators become both a tool for computation and a means for exploring the number system. Computer programs make fact work fun and engaging. Students continue to learn about measurement, geometry, money and time. A wide range of resources, methods and activities provide rich and interesting learning opportunities for practice of operations and the building of deep conceptual understandings.
Social Studies
World geography and cultures is the theme for this exciting year of exploration. Children study one culture from each of the seven continents and also learn about landforms and waterways. Map skills are emphasized as children explore the communities of the Australian Aborigines, the Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania, the French, the Tibetans, the Peruvians and the Amish. In addition, the girls learn about the temporary scientific communities of Antarctica. Children do comparative studies of these cultures and begin to understand the interconnectedness of peoples across the globe and see themselves as members of a broader global community.
Science
Grade 2 science uses hands-on, activity-based instruction. Students continue to investigate and experiment as they improve their scientific skills. They continue to develop the ability to ask appropriate questions, collect data and communicate their findings. Their natural curiosity for the world around them is nurtured, and they are encouraged to think deeply and critically. The Grade 2 science curriculum is closely aligned with the social studies and language arts curricula. Students study each of the seven continents on earth; in science they conduct appropriate investigations and experiments about the environments and living organisms on these continents. Through these studies, as well as field work done on campus, the students become more aware of the importance of habitats and biodiversity. Their sense of environmental concern and responsibility for all living things is guided through discussion, observation, reading and writing. Both nonfiction and fiction picture and chapter books are used to enhance these areas of study.
Technology
The Grade 2 computer curriculum is closely integrated with the social studies curriculum. Students learn the basics of word processing and more advanced graphics software as they write about and illustrate the seven continents they study. Proper keyboarding instruction is introduced and reinforced throughout the year.
Art, Drama, Dance, Music - See the Arts section
World Language
Students continue with French and Spanish in Kindergarten and select one language to study for Grade 1. Students continue through the end of Primary School. Classes at all levels aim to nurture enthusiasm for learning a second language while encouraging confident and uninhibited expression. Material is presented in meaningful communicative contexts through activities using manipulatives, music, games, videos, dance, arts and crafts, drama and computer programs. The focus of the program is oral, and classes are conducted almost exclusively in the target language. At the lower levels, comprehension and pronunciation are emphasized. First attempts at reading and writing are introduced in Grade 3, while Grade 4 and 5 students have increased opportunities to develop in these areas. At all levels, students continue to hone their listening and speaking skills. In addition, elements of the cultures of countries where the target language is spoken are included in the curricula.
Physical Education
The Primary School physical education program emphasizes enjoyable participation in physical activity. The aim is to provide students the opportunity to develop appropriate motor and behavioral skill sets and the confidence needed to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. In Grades 1 and 2, the girls participate in physical activities that help them develop small- and large-muscle coordination. Activities are based on skill themes beginning with fundamental movements that are later modified into more specialized patterns on which activities of increasing complexity are built. Within the skill theme units, the girls also experience modified team and independent sports such as soccer, tennis, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, kickball, t-ball, lacrosse and tumbling. Effort is made to integrate the physical education curriculum with the girls’ classroom studies. Games, dances and rhythmic activities from around the world offer a glimpse of other cultures – both past and present. Spelling and math movement activities help to reinforce what is learned in the classroom in a fun and physical way. Girls are encouraged to challenge themselves, to respect differences among their peers and to understand that teamwork and good sportsmanship lead to a more positive experience for all.
Library
The Primary School librarian works closely with all Primary teachers to ensure that the best resources are available for all aspects of the curriculum. The library supports our reading and writing program. It is the research center for papers and projects. Flexible scheduling allows for maximum use of the library for each grade level. Library time is used for working on class-related projects, choosing literature for outside reading and for sharing stories.
Women’s Life Studies
This Grade 1-12 curriculum explores issues that reflect the physical, social/emotional and psychosocial development of women throughout their lives. Through class discussion, group activities and role-play, emphasis is placed on the development of skills in problem solving, decision-making, values clarification, coping and communication. Parent involvement is an essential part of the curriculum at each grade level. In the Primary School, Women’s Life Studies consists of 10 lessons each year in Grades 1 through 4. Topics that are explored include appreciating similarities and differences in families, helpful and harmful drugs, personal safety, friendships, assertive communication and body image. Grade 5 students take a one-trimester course that focuses on the physical and emotional changes of puberty in girls.
In Grade 3, students begin to think more abstractly, and they begin to understand their connection with the past. Thus, the curriculum is able to address more complex aspects of language, social studies and math. Students continue the study of foreign language and increase the number of science lab classes. The theme, Native Americans, connects various fields of study.
Language Arts
As students gain fluency in reading, they can focus on content in literature. The Grade 3 reading curriculum focuses on skills such as making inferences and predictions, analyzing the author’s point of view and distinguishing main ideas. The girls examine a variety of genres, from legends to biographies, as well as books relevant to the social studies curriculum. Students write on a daily basis to reinforce the importance of expressing ideas in a clear, organized manner. The girls are encouraged to develop both the creative and formal aspects of writing during Writers’ Workshop. In this setting, the girls develop their own topic, confer with peers and edit for spelling, grammar, organization and clarity. Weekly spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation exercises reinforce basic skills.
Mathematics
Grade 3 math emphasizes estimation and problem solving. Rote calculation has its place within a framework of concept mastery. Previous knowledge of place value is reinforced and expanded to include millions and decimals. Children do basic operations with whole numbers and fractions. Calculators become valuable tools in problem solving. The groundwork is laid for other areas of mathematics, such as gathering data, working with measurements and understanding geometry. A range of resources and instructional methods are used in mathematics instruction at this pivotal level to reinforce and expand mathematical operations and to solidify basic math facts for ready use in both operations and problem solving.
Social Studies
Grade 3 social studies investigates the interaction between people and the land. Children begin with a question: “Who were the first peoples of the Americas?” After studying the ancient basket-maker and pueblo societies, the girls begin a comparative study of Native Americans by region. The geography of North America is emphasized and the element of time is introduced through use of timelines. Later, students learn about European explorers and study the collision of two vastly different civilizations. Through report writing and presentations, Grade 3 students begin to develop specific research and study skills.
Science
Grade 3 science begins with a formal introduction to the scientific process. Students become familiar with the idea of proposing a question and the process of experimentation during their study of flight, magnets and simple machines. They will use this knowledge to design a useful invention. The Grade 3 study of the Native American cultures is integrated into the science curriculum with the study of geology. Students finish up the year with an in-depth study of the ocean, including differences between aquatic habitats, animal adaptations and an introduction to classification methods. A field trip to the NJ Marine Sciences Consortium allows the girls to observe the animals they have studied and to collect salt marsh organisms for further study.
Technology
Grade 3 students incorporate technology into many of their classroom projects. In addition to receiving instruction in the lab, the students use laptops to learn more about word processing techniques as they compose, edit, revise and publish their work. Keyboarding is reinforced throughout the year with an emphasis on accuracy. The students also learn how the computer can help reinforce mathematical concepts as they use the computer’s graphics capabilities to illustrate such.
Art, Drama, Dance, Music - See the Arts section
World Language
Students continue with French and Spanish in Kindergarten and select one language to study for Grade 1. Students continue through the end of Primary School. Classes at all levels aim to nurture enthusiasm for learning a second language while encouraging confident and uninhibited expression. Material is presented in meaningful communicative contexts through activities using manipulatives, music, games, videos, dance, arts and crafts, drama and computer programs. The focus of the program is oral, and classes are conducted almost exclusively in the target language. At the lower levels, comprehension and pronunciation are emphasized. First attempts at reading and writing are introduced in Grade 3, while Grade 4 and 5 students have increased opportunities to develop in these areas. At all levels, students continue to hone their listening and speaking skills. In addition, elements of the cultures of countries where the target language is spoken are included in the curricula.
Physical Education
The Primary School physical education program emphasizes enjoyable participation in physical activity. The aim is to provide students the opportunity to develop appropriate motor and behavioral skill sets and the confidence needed to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. The goal of the physical education program in Grades 3 through 5 is to increase the student’s knowledge about the physical and social dimensions of wellness. Students learn to describe and monitor the physiological changes that take place in the body during exercise (e.g., warm face, increased heart rate, increased rate of breathing and sweating). By taking inventory of their individual exertion rates, students learn that vigorous physical activity is essential to achieving improved levels of physical fitness. Throughout the school year, students also continue to develop and refine control with their movement skills. Students are exposed to approximately seven different traditional sport games and a myriad of cooperative recreational activities. Classes regularly discuss the importance of positive competitive character and how the attitude of an individual impacts the overall success of a group. With a focus on enhancing personal and social choices with regard to physical activity, students develop meaningful behaviors – the roots of becoming physically active for a lifetime.
Library
The Primary School librarian works closely with all Primary teachers to ensure that the best resources are available for all aspects of the curriculum. The library supports our reading and writing program. It is the research center for papers and projects. Flexible scheduling allows for maximum use of the library for each grade level. Library time is used for working on class-related projects, choosing literature for outside reading and for sharing stories.
Women’s Life Studies
This Grade 1-12 curriculum explores issues that reflect the physical, social/emotional and psychosocial development of women throughout their lives. Through class discussion, group activities and role-play, emphasis is placed on the development of skills in problem solving, decision-making, values clarification, coping and communication. Parent involvement is an essential part of the curriculum at each grade level. In the Primary School, Women’s Life Studies consists of 10 lessons each year in Grades 1 through 4. Topics that are explored include appreciating similarities and differences in families, helpful and harmful drugs, personal safety, friendships, assertive communication and body image. Grade 5 students take a one-trimester course that focuses on the physical and emotional changes of puberty in girls.
The Grade 4 program continues to build skills in abstract thinking. Students are given more responsibility and are provided with many opportunities to learn about and discuss the importance of cooperation, integrity and self-esteem.
Language Arts
As students gain more sophisticated language skills, they progress to more complex reading and writing tasks. The Grade 4 curriculum focuses on abstract thinking and strong communication skills: inference, analysis, speaking, writing and listening. Students read and study novels, short stories and poetry that correlate with the social studies program. Vocabulary and writing skills are developed across the curriculum as students write research reports, essays, personal response journals, letters and creative pieces. Grammar lessons continue, formalizing the understanding of parts of speech, sentence construction and punctuation. Students write fiction, nonfiction, poetry and essays.
Mathematics
The Grade 4 curriculum covers two- and three-digit multiplication, one-digit division, fractions, decimals, measuring in the metric system and an introduction to percentages. Teachers emphasize problem solving, and students use manipulatives to make concepts concrete. The girls begin to explain the process by which they arrive at specific answers to challenging problems. Working in groups or with partners provides opportunities for learning at different rates and at random levels. Individualization of instruction is available when necessary. Teachers introduce algebra, statistics and geometry concepts. The collection, interpretation and graphing of data correlate with the science and social studies curricula. Teachers use a broad range of curricular resources and instructional methods to provide challenging mathematical activities and to encourage deep and complex mathematical thinking, as well as a facility with operations and problem solving strategies.
Social Studies
Continuing an emphasis on geography from Grades 2 and 3, the Grade 4 program highlights the different regions of the United States. With the mastery of concrete facts attained in earlier grades, the students are now ready to explore the interrelationship between geography, culture and economics. Research skills are reinforced through independent study projects and oral presentations.
Science
Grade 4 science students further develop their data collection skills and knowledge of scientific equipment. They are introduced to the methods of dissection during the muscle and skeletal system units. Students research the objects in our solar system and create a presentation to share with their peers. A trip to the planetarium ends their study of space. They also explore natural resources and electricity as they prepare to be scientifically literate adults.
Technology
The Grade 4 students incorporate technology into most of their curricular subjects. In addition to receiving computer instruction in the lab, they often use the school’s laptops to complete their class work. The students receive instruction on using the Internet appropriately for research projects. They learn the concept of multi-tasking and are able to use the Internet and word processor simultaneously. Grade 4 students learn more advanced word processing, graphics and keyboarding skills.
Art, Drama, Dance, Music - See the Arts section
World Language
Students continue with French and Spanish in Kindergarten and select one language to study for Grade 1. Students continue through the end of Primary School. Classes at all levels aim to nurture enthusiasm for learning a second language while encouraging confident and uninhibited expression. Material is presented in meaningful communicative contexts through activities using manipulatives, music, games, videos, dance, arts and crafts, drama and computer programs. The focus of the program is oral, and classes are conducted almost exclusively in the target language. At the lower levels, comprehension and pronunciation are emphasized. First attempts at reading and writing are introduced in Grade 3, while Grade 4 and 5 students have increased opportunities to develop in these areas. At all levels, students continue to hone their listening and speaking skills. In addition, elements of the cultures of countries where the target language is spoken are included in the curricula.
Physical Education
The Primary School physical education program emphasizes enjoyable participation in physical activity. The aim is to provide students the opportunity to develop appropriate motor and behavioral skill sets and the confidence needed to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. The goal of the physical education program in Grades 3 through 5 is to increase the student’s knowledge about the physical and social dimensions of wellness. Students learn to describe and monitor the physiological changes that take place in the body during exercise (e.g., warm face, increased heart rate, increased rate of breathing and sweating). By taking inventory of their individual exertion rates, students learn that vigorous physical activity is essential to achieving improved levels of physical fitness. Throughout the school year, students also continue to develop and refine control with their movement skills. Students are exposed to approximately seven different traditional sport games and a myriad of cooperative recreational activities. Classes regularly discuss the importance of positive competitive character and how the attitude of an individual impacts the overall success of a group. With a focus on enhancing personal and social choices with regard to physical activity, students develop meaningful behaviors – the roots of becoming physically active for a lifetime.
Library
The Primary School librarian works closely with all Primary teachers to ensure that the best resources are available for all aspects of the curriculum. The library supports our reading and writing program. It is the research center for papers and projects. Flexible scheduling allows for maximum use of the library for each grade level. Library time is used for working on class-related projects, choosing literature for outside reading and for sharing stories.
Women’s Life Studies
This Grade 1-12 curriculum explores issues that reflect the physical, social/emotional and psychosocial development of women throughout their lives. Through class discussion, group activities and role-play, emphasis is placed on the development of skills in problem solving, decision-making, values clarification, coping and communication. Parent involvement is an essential part of the curriculum at each grade level. In the Primary School, Women’s Life Studies consists of 10 lessons each year in Grades 1 through 4. Topics that are explored include appreciating similarities and differences in families, helpful and harmful drugs, personal safety, friendships, assertive communication and body image. Grade 5 students take a one-trimester course that focuses on the physical and emotional changes of puberty in girls.
Grade 5, the culmination of the Primary School experience, looks to the past and to the future. An emphasis on responsibility, selfsufficiency and conscientious work habits help the girls become independent and assertive learners. Study skills are woven into every aspect of the curriculum, providing a solid foundation for the middle school years. Grade 5 students also explore the field of computer programming as they learn the LOGO language using MicroWorlds EX.
Language Arts
The Grade 5 language arts program encourages student mastery of both oral and written communication skills. In Writers’ Workshop, students apply their growing knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling to their own work. Close attention is paid to these mechanics as students improve their critical-thinking skills and their creative abilities, develop an effective writing style and share their work with others. The study of literature focuses on basic reading skills, comprehension and interpretation, as well as the understanding of important literary terms, basic elements of plot, character and setting. Literature is also tied to the social studies curriculum. The girls respond to literature through a variety of class activities, from response journals to creative writing projects and formal essays. Through dramatizations, oral reading and artwork, students use literature as a springboard for creative expression.
Mathematics
The Grade 5 math curriculum reviews and expands on the algorithms of all four operations as applied to whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Units on geometry, graphing, measurement and percentages are included. The teachers introduce variable and algebraic expressions. While computational skills are stressed, teachers place equal importance on nurturing the conceptual foundation of mathematics and developing the critical-thinking skills needed to become successful problem solvers. The math-writing connection is reinforced as students learn to explain math concepts with precise language. Individual work, as well as cooperative group activities, daily homework assignments and use of manipulatives, enhances the learning process. Deep understanding of mathematical concepts, combined with a range of strategies for problem solving and practice, sit at the core of the Grade 5 math program.
Social Studies
American history, literature, geography and economics are all interwoven in the Grade 5 social studies curriculum. The question “What is freedom?” is central to our study of early American history. Classes take special note of the contributions made by women, African Americans and young people in this period. Activities are designed to help students develop strong skills in reading both fiction and nonfiction texts. Students conduct library research, debate issues in class, write journal entries, design maps, role-play and create computer presentations. Throughout the year, active discussion on current events expands students’ critical-thinking skills.
Science
Grade 5 is the culmination of the Primary School general science program. Increased use of the scientific process allows students to be closely involved with the scientific world around them. Students explore ecology and natural resources as they prepare for their overnight trip to the NJ School of Conservation. Students investigate sound, light and weather and continue the study of the human body through the digestive and circulatory systems. Students further delve into the study of space through a simulated space mission to the moon. Grade 5 students learn the importance of women in the science field. The increase in the use of the scientific method prepares students for their final science project, an experiment they devise and conduct themselves, ending with a presentation of their findings to their peers.
Technology
Grade 5 students incorporate technology into most of their subjects. In addition to receiving computer instruction in the lab, they often use the school’s laptops in the classroom to assist with their learning. Students receive e-mail accounts in Grade 5, and this enables them to collaborate more easily with their peers and teachers. The students also explore computer programming this year as they learn the LOGO language using MicroWorlds EX.
Art, Drama, Dance, Music - See the Arts section
World Language
Students continue with French and Spanish in Kindergarten and select one language to study for Grade 1. Students continue through the end of Primary School. Classes at all levels aim to nurture enthusiasm for learning a second language while encouraging confident and uninhibited expression. Material is presented in meaningful communicative contexts through activities using manipulatives, music, games, videos, dance, arts and crafts, drama and computer programs. The focus of the program is oral, and classes are conducted almost exclusively in the target language. At the lower levels, comprehension and pronunciation are emphasized. First attempts at reading and writing are introduced in Grade 3, while Grade 4 and 5 students have increased opportunities to develop in these areas. At all levels, students continue to hone their listening and speaking skills. In addition, elements of the cultures of countries where the target language is spoken are included in the curricula.
Physical Education
The Primary School physical education program emphasizes enjoyable participation in physical activity. The aim is to provide students the opportunity to develop appropriate motor and behavioral skill sets and the confidence needed to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. The goal of the physical education program in Grades 3 through 5 is to increase the student’s knowledge about the physical and social dimensions of wellness. Students learn to describe and monitor the physiological changes that take place in the body during exercise (e.g., warm face, increased heart rate, increased rate of breathing and sweating). By taking inventory of their individual exertion rates, students learn that vigorous physical activity is essential to achieving improved levels of physical fitness. Throughout the school year, students also continue to develop and refine control with their movement skills. Students are exposed to approximately seven different traditional sport games and a myriad of cooperative recreational activities. Classes regularly discuss the importance of positive competitive character and how the attitude of an individual impacts the overall success of a group. With a focus on enhancing personal and social choices with regard to physical activity, students develop meaningful behaviors – the roots of becoming physically active for a lifetime.
Library
The Primary School librarian works closely with all Primary teachers to ensure that the best resources are available for all aspects of the curriculum. The library supports our reading and writing program. It is the research center for papers and projects. Flexible scheduling allows for maximum use of the library for each grade level. Library time is used for working on class-related projects, choosing literature for outside reading and for sharing stories.
Women’s Life Studies
This Grade 1-12 curriculum explores issues that reflect the physical, social/emotional and psychosocial development of women throughout their lives. Through class discussion, group activities and role-play, emphasis is placed on the development of skills in problem solving, decision-making, values clarification, coping and communication. Parent involvement is an essential part of the curriculum at each grade level. In the Primary School, Women’s Life Studies consists of 10 lessons each year in Grades 1 through 4. Topics that are explored include appreciating similarities and differences in families, helpful and harmful drugs, personal safety, friendships, assertive communication and body image. Grade 5 students take a one-trimester course that focuses on the physical and emotional changes of puberty in girls.
