What do we do in Enrichment?

Here's a summary...

The Enrichment program is designed to stimulate creative and critical thinking skills, and enhance the regular curriculum. The Enrichment teacher meets with each 4th and 5th grade class once a week from September through January, and each 2nd and 3rd grade from February through June. Some learning units are process oriented stressing skills such as the fluent production of original ideas. Others focus more heavily on content such as Astronomy or Newspapers.

Extra enrichment classes for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are open to all students on a self-selected basis--every student has the opportunity to choose from a variety of mini-courses offered for small groups at each grade level. Students "revolve" in and out depending on individual interest in the topics available. Examples of topics include The Brain, Dance and Movement and Oil and Energy. Course selections, detailed information and sign up sheets are explained in class, then sent home for parent review.

A third component of the program is Destination ImagiNation, an international multifaceted problem solving competition which involves brainstorming, designing, writing, a commitment to teamwork and production of creative solutions to an unusual array of cultural, social and/or technical challenges. All fifth graders are invited to apply for team membership in DI which runs from October though April. Parent volunteers are needed to assist with coaching and judging responsibilities.

Staff, students and parents have always provided support and enthusiasm for all aspects of the Enrichment program. Please contact the Enrichment teacher with questions or suggestions, and look for Enrichment notes in the school newsletter on a regular basis.