Literacy
Benchmark Workshop: We, and surrounding feeder schools, are in our first year of implementation this school year. We are excited to delve into this comprehensive literacy program and all its components. Benchmark Workshop is a set of literacy modules for all grades that include Reader's and Writer's Workshop along with Phonics and Word Study instruction.
Benchmark Phonics: Frontier Valley Elementary has adopted this new program to address a structured and predictable approach to developing early phonics skills. This program is utilized in our kindergarten-3rd grade classrooms, as well as being used by our literacy interventionists.
Mathematics
Frontier Valley utilizes the EnVisions math program, as well as a variety of other supplemental materials, to develop mathematical thinking in our students. Students develop proficiency through the following strands:
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Conceptual Understanding refers to the "integrated and functional grasp of mathematical ideas", which "enables students to learn new ideas by connecting those ideas to what they already know." A few of the benefits of building conceptual understanding are that it supports retention and prevents common errors.
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Procedural Fluency is defined as the skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately.
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Strategic Competence is the ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems.
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Adaptive Reasoning is the capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, and justification.
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Productive Disposition is the inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief in diligence and one's own efficacy.
Social Studies and Science
In Science, students develop knowledge of scientific concepts through hands-on experiences, based on grade level standards. Our teachers use Discovery Education and Stemscopes at each grade level to support this development and understanding.
In Social Studies, students develop skills in the overarching areas of global awareness, financial literacy, civic responsibility, and systems thinking. Each grade level builds upon one another as students develop knowledge and understanding.
Technology
At Frontier Valley Elementary, we strive to prepare our students for the ever-changing advances in our technological world. Our students have access to iPads, Chromebooks, and Macbooks through devices housed in our classrooms, as well as availability to Chromebook and laptop carts that can be checked out by our teachers from our Library Media Center. Currently, we have a 1:1 ratio of technology devices for students.
Specials
Our students benefit from a rotating schedule of physical education, music and art classes. Students have weekly access to our school librarian assistant to hone their research and reading skills. Students also have frequent class visits from our school counselor to build social-emotional wellness and coping skills.
Character Education
Frontier Valley adopted our personalized program years ago using the title H.E.R.D. to identify our highest character goals for our students. Students and staff participated in the development of this acronym, which emerged from our school mascot, Blaze the buffalo.
Our teachers and support staff encourage our students to show how they are a part of the HERD on a daily basis by showing Honesty, Encouragement, Respectful and Dedication. Students are recognized through positive phone calls home and school wide positive reinforcement and recognition.
We are proud of our students at Frontier Valley for the ongoing positive attitudes and behaviors that they bring to our school each and every day. Rewarding them for using strong and positive judgment is our pleasure, and truly supports our warm and caring community.
We have a full time counselor on site that provides universal instruction to all students, small group counseling, and individual counseling to support students' academic success. Our classroom teachers use the Second Step curriculum to deliver in-class lessons that focus on self-awareness, self management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness. All universal lessons are based on the CASEL framework and The Colorado Coscial Emotional Wellness Standards. Our school uses common language around the Zones of Regulation to help students develop self-awareness. In addition, our school participates in the districts' School Therapy Dog Program