Elementary Division

1. Learning Outcomes
Our Learning Outcomes state the knowledge, skills and understandings all students should possess upon graduation from First Presbyterian Weekday School. Our goal is to produce students who are:

2. Curriculum Overview
The basic subjects of language arts, mathematics, social science, and science are emphasized in accordance with the California State Board of Education Code 8503.

Language Arts:(Houghton-Mifflin Reading)

Our Language Arts curriculum has an emphasis on creative writing and composition, providing knowledge of capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling and appreciation of good literature.
Spelling: (K-2 uses Zaner-Bloser; 3-5 uses Stec-Vaughn) Our two spelling curriculums offer emergent literacy to create developmentally appropriate spellings that will enable them to write for their own purposes.

Mathematics:(Scotts-Foresman)

Our mathematics curriculum helps children learn computation skills, critical thinking, logic, and reasoning, with application of these skills to mathematical word problems.

Social Science: (Houghton-Mifflin)

Our Social Science curriculum helps children connect the past and present world through exciting units that include an appreciation of cultural diversity. Geography and map skills are highlighted throughout the program.

Science:(Harcourt)

Our Science curriculum maximizes the scientific curiosity inherent in all children, with hands-on experience.

3. Modified Programs

First Pres. Does not have the resources to offer classes or individual instruction that can meet Special Education needs.
Slight modifications to the curricular program and/or extended time for test-taking may be arranged with documentation by a licensed or certified professional educator.

4. Field Trips

All Elementary students participate in curriculum-related field trips.
These trips take students to places such as:

The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Festival
The tide pools to have hands-on experience with creatures of the sea
The works of masters at the Getty Museum

5. Homework

Provides practice and reinforcement of classroom instruction
Parents can assist students by providing definite time and appropriate place for study
Parents may show interest in a student’s work by checking homework and making sure homework is complete. Parents should not correct mistakes as the teacher needs to be aware of the areas needing additional attention by the teacher and student.

6. Standardized Testing

First Pres. students uses the Standard Achievement Testing Program, Version 10, for students in grades 1-5.
The SAT 10 is given every spring. Results are reported to parents and used by the school to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses both for the group and the individual.

7. Awards

Academic (Grades 3-5)
Citizenship (Grades 1-5)
President’s Award for Educational Excellence (Grade 5)
Presidential Award for Physical Fitness (Grade 5)

8. Auxiliary Classes

Physical Education: Our physical education program stresses exercise, physical fitness, sportsmanship, and teamwork, fostering a healthy competitive spirit.
Music: Our music program offers a variety of experiences including: singing, drama, movement, music theory, and instrumentation. Students have the opportunity to perform in two school productions each year.
Bible Studies: Our Bible study classes make the Bible come alive for the students. They study both the Old and New Testament and learn how God’s word can guide and enrich their lives.
Computer Science: Our computer science class incorporates computer technology into all areas of study.
Spanish: Our Spanish class offers conversational Spanish to all students.
Discovery Lab: Our Discovery Lab encourages discovery, wonder, and problem solving through hands-on exploration and investigation that maximizes the scientific curiosity inherent in all children.

**2008-2009 Back-to-School Supplies


Viisit Our Home Church's Site!	Elementary Division 1. Learning Outcomes Our Learning Outcomes state the knowledge, skills and understandings all students should possess upon graduation from First Presbyterian Weekday School. Our goal is to produce students who are: Effective communicators Critical thinkers and problem-solvers Collaborative workers Involved citizens Productive individuals Well-rounded individuals 2. Curriculum Overview The basic subjects of language arts, mathematics, social science, and science are emphasized in accordance with the California State Board of Education Code 8503. Language Arts:(Houghton-Mifflin Reading) Our Language Arts curriculum has an emphasis on creative writing and composition, providing knowledge of capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling and appreciation of good literature. Spelling: (K-2 uses Zaner-Bloser; 3-5 uses Stec-Vaughn) Our two spelling curriculums offer emergent literacy to create developmentally appropriate spellings that will enable them to write for their own purposes. Mathematics:(Scotts-Foresman) Our mathematics curriculum helps children learn computation skills, critical thinking, logic, and reasoning, with application of these skills to mathematical word problems. Social Science: (Houghton-Mifflin) Our Social Science curriculum helps children connect the past and present world through exciting units that include an appreciation of cultural diversity. Geography and map skills are highlighted throughout the program. Science:(Harcourt) Our Science curriculum maximizes the scientific curiosity inherent in all children, with hands-on experience. 3. Modified Programs First Pres. Does not have the resources to offer classes or individual instruction that can meet Special Education needs. Slight modifications to the curricular program and/or extended time for test-taking may be arranged with documentation by a licensed or certified professional educator. 4. Field Trips All Elementary students participate in curriculum-related field trips. These trips take students to places such as: The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Festival The tide pools to have hands-on experience with creatures of the sea The works of masters at the Getty Museum 5. Homework Provides practice and reinforcement of classroom instruction Parents can assist students by providing definite time and appropriate place for study Parents may show interest in a student’s work by checking homework and making sure homework is complete. Parents should not correct mistakes as the teacher needs to be aware of the areas needing additional attention by the teacher and student. 6. Standardized Testing First Pres. students uses the Standard Achievement Testing Program, Version 10, for students in grades 1-5. The SAT 10 is given every spring. Results are reported to parents and used by the school to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses both for the group and the individual. 7. Awards Academic (Grades 3-5) Citizenship (Grades 1-5) President’s Award for Educational Excellence (Grade 5) Presidential Award for Physical Fitness (Grade 5) 8. Auxiliary Classes Physical Education: Our physical education program stresses exercise, physical fitness, sportsmanship, and teamwork, fostering a healthy competitive spirit. Music: Our music program offers a variety of experiences including: singing, drama, movement, music theory, and instrumentation. Students have the opportunity to perform in two school productions each year. Bible Studies: Our Bible study classes make the Bible come alive for the students. They study both the Old and New Testament and learn how God’s word can guide and enrich their lives. Computer Science: Our computer science class incorporates computer technology into all areas of study. Spanish: Our Spanish class offers conversational Spanish to all students. Discovery Lab: Our Discovery Lab encourages discovery, wonder, and problem solving through hands-on exploration and investigation that maximizes the scientific curiosity inherent in all children. **2008-2009 Back-to-School Supplies