Elementary Schools
Program Of Studies
Grades K-5

Description of Elementary Programs

The Ottawa School District strives to provide a quality educational program for all students. Emphasis is placed on meeting each student's individual needs Parents are kept informed of student growth through progress reports and parent-teacher conferences. High value is placed on the interaction of the parent-teacher organization and the school community. Parents are welcome and encouraged to be in our schools.

The elementary curriculum consists of the following areas. A brief overview of each area is given.

Reading/Language Arts		Mathematics
The goal of the reading/language arts program is to provide children with the tools they need to become fluent, independent readers. Instruction is phonics based and provided through the use of literature books, guided reading books, reference materials, and through integration with other cirricular areas. Students are taught the writing process through the six trait writing model. A language arts portfolio is kept for each child beginning in kindergarten.		The K-5 math program provides students a solid mathematical foundation. The objectives taught include algebra, estimation, patterns, geometry, measurement, problem solving, reasoning, computation, number concepts, technology, data analysis, number sense, and probablity. Instruction is provided through textbooks, computers, and games. Students learn to computerwith and without calculators. Students are expected to apply mathematical concepts and ideas in problem-solvin situations.
Social Studies		Science & Health
The K-5 social studies curriculm focuses on: geography; understaning of the role of individuals and group in the past, present, and future societies; citizenship; and using good decision-making skills. Concepts from history geography, economics, political science and behavioral sciences are taught.		Students learn through hands-on, inquiry based learning that promotes a curiosity in how the world works. Heath concepts such as safety and healthy habits, structures and functions of the body systems, growth and development, and HIV/AIDS causes and prevention ar introduced at developmentally appropriate levels.
Art		Library
The art program reinforces concepts that are being studied in the classroom. Students learn an appreciation for the visual arts as well as different theories of art and its formal properties. Information and skills learned in art are related to and transferred to learning in other subject areas.		Students visit the library frequently with their classroom teachers in addition to a scheduled visit with the librarian each week. The goals of the library program are to show students how to: use a variety of media sources; develop search strategies; become lifelong learners; and appreciate literature.
Music		Physical Education
The elementary music program is designed for all students to develop their musical potential and understanding or music through active participation. The curriculum develops students knowledge of melody, harmony, rhythm, tone color, musical expression, and develops the musical skills of singing, listening, movement, and playing instruments.		Physical education focuses on the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of children. It is important that education focus on the development of the mind and body at the same time. Students learn a wide variety of movement activities. Students in grades K-5 have PE either two or three times per week.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

An English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides English instruction to students who are Limited English Proficient. Students district-wide are identified for the ESL program by completing a Home Language Survey, which indicates a language other than English is spoken, understood or had been used in the home. Prospective ESL students are then evaluated to determine English proficiency in the areas of speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Based on the student's level of English proficiency, ESL services are determined.

Special Education		Technology
Special Education offers a ranges of services and supports designed to meet the needs of individual students who are exceptional; including both disabled and gifted students. Specialist throughout the district serve these students through Individual Education Programs (IEP) that include specific goals and objectives. Important components in special education include: the inital evaluation, IEPs, service and support, and parent involvement in IEP planning. Each school has a student improvement team (SIT) process which helps to meet the needs of students. If deemed appropriate the SIT team will refer the student tobe tested for special education services. Should the student qualify for special education services, an IEP team consisting of the parents, teachers, administrator, school psychologists, and others deemed necessary by the team will covene to put in place the IEP.		Each elementary school is equipped with a networked, internet access computer lab. Students have scheduled weekly visits to the lab as well as other times the classroom teacher may sign the class up to use the lab. Technology outcomes are written for each grade level. Students learn how to take care of the computer, computer terminology, keyboarding, producing documents, research skills, develop powerpoint presetations, as well as using computer software to reinforce academic subjects.