Elementary School
Grades 1-6
At Pinewood, we encourage our learners to be curious thinkers, creative thinkers, and caring thinkers. We are building our curricula based on a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) model, which promotes critical thinking, and problem-solving and prepares children for the 21st-century job market.
Grades one through three provides a secure and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to develop as curious individuals. Students continue to refine basic problem-solving skills from Grade 4 through Grade 5. Emphasis is on an independent study with frequent use of available resources for learning and regular long-term projects and presentations.
Grade 6 joins the Elementary School
Last Year we introduced Grade 6 into our Elementary School. After years of evaluating the needs of students at this critical age, we have decided that their placement in the upper Elementary is the best fit for their developmental and learning needs. As the new leaders of the Elementary, Grade 6 students will have a host of opportunities to lead, learn, and grow before transitioning to the demands of the Secondary School.
What you can expect in Elementary at Pinewood
English Language Learning Program
Pinewood offers an ELL program to students who have limited proficiency in English. Students who speak English as a second or additional language are evaluated upon entry to Pinewood and placed on an English Language Proficiency scale of 1-5 (Level 1 students who do not speak English at all; Level 5 are fully proficient). Students are evaluated with the Maculaitis test of English Language Proficiency. The program is designed to develop English communication by focusing on the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and interaction.
Homework
Homework is designed to be a meaningful extension of the learning that takes place in the classroom. It is often in the form of projects and practices from the daily lessons. It provides reinforcement and enrichment for the children. Students in the Elementary grades are also encouraged to pursue outside interests and spend time exploring these interests after school. Thus, not all homework is generated directly from the school curriculum.
Textbooks & Educational Supplies
The school supplies all textbooks and workbooks needed for the core academic subjects. The textbooks must be returned in good condition at the end of the school year. All other supplies that students need for their school work will be supplied by the parents. A complete list of necessary supplies will be provided during the first days of school.
Standardized Testing
The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) is a computer adaptive assessment given annually to students in Grades 1-6 and measures reading and mathematics. Test scores and results are reported directly to the parents as soon as possible by the elementary teachers. Questions and/or concerns should be directed either to your child’s classroom teacher or the Elementary Principal.
Monthly Assemblies
Each month that school is in session, an assembly of the entire elementary school is held in the Pinewood gymnasium for the purpose of creating a closer feeling of community among the elementary grades. The assemblies are primarily organized to display curricular content on which individual grade levels are focusing in the classrooms, but they also provide a forum for discussing issues of general concern to the elementary school students. Parents are always invited to attend these assemblies.