The District is introducing new curriculum this upcoming school year. The curriculum has been created and organized by a volunteer staff of 17 teachers and two instructional coaches, led by Dutch Broadway School Principal Cynthia Qasim. The group met for 10 days in July to collaborate on the curriculum updates, which encompass multiple subject areas and districtwide initiatives.

For English Language Arts, the updates include revised pacing guides for Fountas and Pinnell reading and writing minilessons for grades 3-4; the creation of F&P pacing guides and minilessons for grades 5-6; and the addition of five books to the district’s Inclusive Community Read list, including suggested reading and writing activities. For mathematics, the updates include revised K-6 math pacing guides, revised K-6 computer-based chapter tests and answer keys for the GO Math! Program, practice test packets for the NYS Math Assessment, and organization and uploading of GO! Math resources for easy access for staff. For science, the updates include additional hands-on experiences for grades 3-5, the NYS Science Test overview for teachers, practice questions for grades 3-5 to prepare them for the state exam, and resources for fifth graders who will be taking the state test.

Additionally, due to the state mandates for the rollout of computer-based testing, the group created resources for staff to help prepare students for this testing format.

Date Added: 7/25/2024

The District has welcomed more than 350 students to its annual Summer Accelerated Program. The program, which is being held at Clara H. Carlson School from July 1-25, provides academic and enrichment activities for students in pre-K through fifth grade.

The Summer Accelerated Program offers students a review of the previous school year, as well as prepares them for their upcoming grade level. Students participate in STEAM, art, music, physical education, social-emotional learning and Lego robotics. The daily activities and projects incorporate interdisciplinary learning. There was also a themed Spirit Week, “Elmont Road Trip,” with each day focusing on a different place across the United States. Students also enjoyed relay races and games during outdoor Field Days.

All grade levels participated in the STEAM Read Aloud Challenge, which combined STEAM and Project-Based Learning components. Students read “Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit” by Chris Van Dusen and “The Life of a Plastic Bottle” by Suzanne Fossey. After reading the books, the students were tasked with creating their own robots and creating art out of used plastic water bottles.

The students will present what they’ve worked on to families and friends at the Summer Showcase and Art Exhibit on July 24. They will display their STEAM Read Aloud Challenge projects, provide Lego robotics demonstrations, showcase their artwork and more.

Date Added: 7/24/2024