Curriculum
Literacy
Granite Street staff and students are benefiting from using the Houghton Mifflin core reading program. Differentiated instruction is provided in the five following areas : Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency and Comprehension. Emphasis is also placed on writing, using a workshop model.
Library
We have a children's library on site where each class visits weekly. Our librarian, Rose Raymond, assists the students in choosing a book from a wide variety of picture books, nonfiction and chapter books. They take the book home and return it the next week.
The teachers have access to a lending library with professional development texts and leveled readers to use within the class. There are also other materials for teachers to borrow for use in content areas.
Twice each year with the help of the Librarian and parent volunteers the school offers a Scholastic book fair, which is open to the public.
Each year the library hosts an author visit where students and teachers meet with a published author and discuss their work as writers.
Music Program
Each classroom attends Music class at least once a week with Brenda Angotti. They work on activities surrounding music knowledge including rhythm, tone, lyrics, and notation. Students learn songs based on monthly themes as well as other childrens' music. All students participate in a holiday concert for the public. Students in 4th and 5th grade can participate in Granite Street Elementary Chorus where they work on harmony and singing as a group.
Mrs. Angotti teaches the 4th and 5th grade students to play recorders during music class. This introduces them to playing an instrument. In 5th grade students can participate in Granite Street Elementary Band beginning with lessons taught by Kris Vigue. Granite Street also has a group of students that play Choir Chimes taught by Mrs. Angotti.
Physical Education
Physical Education is scheduled twice a week for each classroom by Jessica Leach. Adaptive PE is provided for individual students based on their needs. Students are engaged in indoor and outdoor activities. Not only do Granite Street students participate in cooperative and collaborative activities, they also develop the concept of teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Art
Art instruction is provided once a week by our Art teacher Debbie Grabber. The program gives an opportunity for the students to be exposed to a variety of skills and techniques used to create different forms of art. The students also learn the history and foundation of art and incorporate it into their artwork. All students participate in a book illustration contest sponsored by the Literary Club. Selected students’ work is exhibited in the Bangor Mall Art Show.
Math
At Granite St. School the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt program is the foundation for math instruction. This model provides opportunities for whole group instruction, differentiated small group instruction, and independent practice. Hands-on activities are incorporated into the learning process. The program is closely aligned to the national mathematic standards.
Science & Social Studies
Science and Social Studies content is embedded in the K-3 literacy instruction. In grades 4 and 5 students participate in Science and Social Studies classes using Scott Foresman Science and Hougton Mifflin Social Studies programs.
Technology Use
To prepare children for their digital future, Granite Street provides weekly classes in the computer lab taught Renee Burby. 5th grade students are issued laptops for classroom use throughout the school year. Laptops are available on a sign-out basis for individual classrooms. SmartBoards are another common use of technology in the building. |
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Granite Street