Program of Studies K-3
The Connellsville Area School District’s Primary Program (Grades K – 3) provides a strong foundation for children in English/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. All children are also exposed to science, social studies, music, art, health and physical education, computer applications, and library. The ELA and Math curricula (K-5) have been aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards. All other curricular areas are aligned to the PA Academic Standards.
English/Language Arts (ELA)
The Journeys series by Pearson is used in Grades K – 5. ELA is taught in a 90-minute block of time, daily. Journeys is a comprehensive language arts program which emphasizes reading, grammar, writing, spelling, phonics, speaking, and listening. In addition Grade K-2 utilize Wilson Fundations for foundational skills and Heggerty for phonics skill building.
Through the implementation of Response to Intervention and Instruction (RTII) in ELA, children receive targeted instruction based on their needs, as determined by the data from AIMSweb and Diagnostic testing. Students are assessed throughout the year to assure proper instructional grouping. Instruction includes, but is not limited to, phonetic skills, phonemic awareness, comprehension skills, and word fluency skills. Intervention periods are incorporated into the schedule for an additional 35 minutes per day, five days each week, to target specific skill deficits. Decodable readers and activities provided through the Florida Center for Reading Research are used to target skill weaknesses.
Supplemental Instructional Programs
Technology is an integral part of English/Language Arts instruction. Students in Grades K – 2 may access Study Island Reading Eggs for additional practice and support. Each student was issued a username and password. Students in Grades 2 – 6 may access Study Island for additional ELA support.
Mathematics
The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Math is the math series used in Grades K – 5. It is based on the Common Core Standards. The core math program will help students to develop a conceptual understanding of mathematics. Math is taught daily for 60 minutes.
In Kindergarten, the students will learn the following concepts: Counting and Cardinality, Geometry, Measurement and Data, Numbers and Operations in Base Ten, Operations and Algebraic Thinking. In Grades 1 – 3, the students will learn the following concepts: Geometry, Measurement and Data, Numbers and Operations in Base Ten, Operations and Algebraic Thinking. Also in Grade 3, the students will learn Numbers and Operations – Fractions. With the Common Core Standards, concepts are developed each year as the children progress through the grade levels.
Supplemental Instructional Programs
Technology is integrated into the math curriculum as well. Each student may access these resources through CLEVER.
Science
The Science curriculum is aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Our students in Grades K – 8 use Science Matters kits and Project Lead the Way (PLTW), in addition to the grade level standards-based curriculum, for Science instruction.
Social Studies
Various content skills are taught at each grade level. The students learn about civics and government, history, geography, economics, and sociology through various activities. Social studies instruction occurs every other day.
Kindergarten
Students will be introduced to the basic elements of social studies with emphasis on their relationships with their peers, their school, their families, and the local community. Other topics will include: basic geography skills, using maps and globes, holidays, local government authorities, and school and community rules. Local and historical figures of importance will be studied. The map skills for Kindergarten students may include basic maps of the school building.
Grade One
Students will continue with their understanding of relationships with their peers, school (rules), families, and the local community. Maps and globes will continue to be used as geographic tools. An example of the type of map skills for first grade students may include a map of the school district. Holidays, local and historical figures of importance will be studied.
Grade Two
Grade Two will provide students with a basic study of Pennsylvania and the United States. The students’ understanding of social studies will be expanded to the nation, continent, and world using maps and globe skills. Basic economic principles and civic education will be addressed. World history will be addressed. Holidays will continue to be studied, as well as local and national historical figures of importance.
Grade Three
A more in-depth study of Pennsylvania groups, history, government, economics, people, places, and events will be the focus for Grade Three social studies. Students will be introduced to the three branches of government and understand the roles of each. Map and globe skills will continue to be used.
Health
Students will learn how to build healthy lifestyles through the health instruction. Topics include: nutrition, the human body, exercise, wellness, and good health practices. The health and physical education teacher, along with the classroom teacher, teach the health lessons. Health and physical education are taught by the Health and Physical Education-certified staff. Progress in Health and physical education are reported to parents on the students’ report cards for the second and fourth nine weeks as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The School Nurse and Guidance Counselor make presentations to reinforce topics(relevant to their respective fields) that are taught by the classroom teacher.
Library/Media
The students are scheduled one time per week for Library class with a Library/Media Specialist. The students are exposed to various forms of literature and learn library skills. Other skills that the students learn during Library class include research skills and how to retrieve information using the Internet and other resources. Students in Grades K – 5 are given the opportunity to obtain books from the library through the use of the computerized card catalog system.
Music
Students are schedule one time per week for Music class with a Music teacher. Students are provided with musical knowledge through various activities which include singing and movement. Students will gain an understanding of the music elements such as rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students will also learn about various composers, time periods, and style.
Physical Education
The students will be provided with skill development activities, games, relays, athletic games, activities that encourage physical fitness, dance, cooperation, and will learn lifelong skills which will help to promote a healthy lifestyle. Students in Grades K- 5 are scheduled for physical education one time per week with the Health and Physical Education Teacher.
Special Programs
Art Standards are addressed in the content areas through projects assigned to the students in Grades K – 5.
Computer Applications are presented across the curriculum in grades K-2. All students in Grades K – 12 are instructed in Internet Safety by the computer teachers, library/media specialist and computer teachers. Students in Students in Grade 3-5 are taught basic computer operations, proper typing skills, computer care, media storage, coding and how to use various Google programs.
Handwriting. The Peterson Handwriting Program is used in Grades K– 3. Students in Grades K and 1 are taught how to print properly (formal manuscript). Students in Grade 2 are taught how to properly write in the cursive style, through the use of the Peterson Handwriting Program.