OUR VALUES

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CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CURRICULUM

• Units are designed to bring in multiple perspectives and think critically about history and patterns

• Classroom libraries represent the diversity in our world

• Lessons help students develop identity and empathy for those that are different from them

• Social action projects are integrated into units of study

• Partnership with NYU Metropolitan Center on Equity and the Transformation of Schools

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CHILD CENTERED APPROACH

• Student choice built into units 

• Curriculum is designed to have students learn authentically as authors, readers, mathematicians, historians, and scientists (no textbooks or workbooks here!)

• Students have class and school jobs to have a voice in school community such as emcees at school assemblies, newscasters, and EMTs

• Creativity nurtured through music, PE, art, dance, and grade-level specialized programming such as 2nd grade swim and 5th grade screenwriting

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INCLUSIVITY / DIFFERENTIATION

• Two teachers in most classrooms support diverse learners through flexible grouping

• Students receive support or enrichment they need (e.g. cross-grade grouping for literacy)

• Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Guidance Counseling, English as a New Language, and family support services offered on-site during the school day

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SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

• There is a dedicated time each week school-wide for teaching social-emotional skills that build from 3K-5th grade to support students in becoming independent problem-solvers

• Each classroom has a feelings chart that help students identify and regulate their emotions

• Students build awareness of their social-emotional skill-set through reflection and goal setting

• STAR language (self-managed, team-player, accountable, respectful) is embedded into school-wide expectations and lessons

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