Elementary Education Program
Jamestown Public Schools takes pride in providing our youngest students with a solid foundation in literacy and mathematics. This foundation begins with our Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK) for four year olds (4 on or before Dec. 1st) and ends at the elementary level with 4th grade.
The Jamestown UPK program is a mix of school and center based programs. Parents have several options for PreK including full day, half day, integrated setting with special needs students, and center based programs. For the center-based programs the district contracts with community agencies that are able to provide wrap around day care services. The UPK classrooms provide a rich learning environment with many active learning opportunities for the children. Reading and math readiness skills are taught along with assisting our youngest students to develop their social skills.
Jamestown Public Schools provides a full day kindergarten program. To enter Kindergarten a child must turn 5 years old, on or before December 1st. Because the kindergarten program is full day, the children experience a wealth of learning experiences. Early literacy and basic mathematics skills are taught through a variety of learning centers.
Reading instruction is the backbone of the elementary education program. Jamestown follows the recommendation of the National Reading Panel by providing age appropriate instruction of the five components of reading. The components are phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Harcourt Trophies was selected as the core reading program to use as the framework for reading instruction. Reading is taught in whole and small groups using a variety of learning strategies and materials to address the needs of all learners. The Step Up to Writing program is used to provide the framework for writing instruction.
Math and science programs emphasize “learning by doing”. Manipulative items are provided for hands-on instructional experiences that capitalize on the nature of our youngest learners. Thinking, problem solving, and scientific method are emphasized in our early math and science programs. The use of special science kits dealing with animal life cycles, measurement, electrical circuits, plant growth, weather, and many other areas are a central part of the elementary science program.
Our elementary instructional program is made complete with additional programs in health and social studies. Art, music, library, and physical education programs are fully staffed and provide important opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and enjoyment. In addition, close working relationships with other community agencies have created many opportunities to enrich our instructional programs in history, the arts, science, and a variety of other areas.
The elementary program strives to develop positive relationships with the families of the students. With the assistance of local agencies, such as, the Jamestown Community Learning Council, the district is able to provide home/school visitors to assist families. The PTAs at the various elementary schools provide another opportunity for home/school connections.
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