ACADEMICS

Computer Lab Upgrades

Completely upgraded computer lab, with flat screen monitors and more powerful systems. Many curricular improvements have been implemented as well. Keyboarding is introduced in the third grade; computer literacy in fourth grade, and by eighth grade students will have learned how to design their own web pages!

Assignments Available On Line!

Parents like to know what their children are doing in school. And students ill at home want to keep up with classwork and assignments. We set up yourhomework.com so teachers can update that information daily. Just click on the site to see what your child is doing (or should be doing!) that day in class. Another benefit: it’s like instant PTA – because parents and teachers can e-mail each other one-on-one on the site.

Regularly Updated Texts Make a Huge Difference

Stale study materials promote stale thinking, and burden students with outmoded information. That’s why we take the process of assessment and updating of textbooks very seriously. Recent examples of refreshed teaching materials include:

• Elementary Math and Language Arts
• English and Spelling
• Middle School Literature
• Middle School Foreign Language text
• Sixth Grade Social Studies
• Eighth Grade Geometry

New! 8th Grade Geometry Option

We recently noticed certain middle school math students achieving at levels that far exceeded course materials. So we decided it was in their best interest to begin offering Algebra to qualified 7th graders. Those who do well may then move on to Geometry in 8th Grade. This puts our graduates on a fast track to Advance Placement Calculus in high school. And from there, who knows?

Transitional Kindergarten

We designed this “Special K” for children who are ready to spend time in a structured environment. Modeled after the 5—year old class, it’s a full day program. The children are immersed in various mentally stimulating activities, presented in an involving, non-intimidating way. Mornings are spent with Language Arts and Math. The afternoon is for Social Studies and Science (with afternoon rest time for those who need it). Specialty teachers introduce students to Computers, Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education and Spanish. Since we believe in exposing even the very young to enrichment beyond the campus, we arrange field trips throughout the school year.
At the end of the school year, we evaluate each youngster to determine his or her appropriate placement for the following term.

Elementary Internet Adventure

It’s never too early to learn to interact with the whole wide world! All our elementary classrooms are now equipped with wireless broadband internet access. This resource is invaluable to those students doing research, especially those with no internet access at home.

Music and Languages — The Essence of Civilization

It’s never too early to become civilized! Educational studies reveal a strong correlation between music and academic achievement. Further, many outstanding musicians attribute a large measure of their talent to active exposure to music in early childhood. Hence our elementary music program. Students K — 5th Grade get music training twice a week, including basic theory and hands-on experience playing various instruments. Complementing that work is our ongoing relationship with a local music school, which provides our students with dancing and instrumental lessons. Our music program also includes guest speakers and field trips.

Language Training, the Sooner the Better

Linguistic scientists agree that the earlier children are exposed to new languages, the more completely and easily their neural pathways will process language learning throughout their lives. That’s why The Valley Schools provide Spanish classes twice a week, from Kindergarten through 5th Grade, taught by our middle school Spanish Master, Sr. Gomez.

And Speaking of Civilization...

It’s never too early to become a good citizen! Manners matter in life. Our Proper Behavior curriculum consists of twenty two—week units that instill the values of honesty, self—respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, honor, respect and forgiveness. In recent years we have extended this program into the community, working with local civic organizations to schedule roughly one outreach event per month. This introduces well—mannered youngsters to a broad variety of community activities.

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