Academic Subjects & Special Area Classes

In keeping with the Mount Olive School district's mission statement to develop students' unique abilities as literate, ethical and contributing citizens of the world, we have designed curriculum to ensure our students are prepared to be 21st century learners. Utilizing differentiated instruction, RTI, small group instruction and innovative teaching techniques, we individualize instruction to make sure that all learners are successful and working towards their fullest potential. Below you will find a brief overview of the components of our academic subjects. If you would like to take a more in-depth look at specific areas of curriculum, please visit our curriculum page.

Academic Subjects

ELA

Our language arts program takes a balanced literacy approach, using both Fundations, a phonics based program, from K-2, and a workshop style for both reading and writing instruction across all grade levels.

The "Workshop" framework of instruction delivery, offers the perfect combination of whole-class, small-group, one-on-one instruction, and independent practice.

Each session begins with a minilesson.
The minilesson ends with the students being directed to individualized activities.
As students work, the teacher confers with them and leads small groups.
The workshop ends with a share.

Math

Savvas enVisionmath 2.0 is a comprehensive, blended digital and print mathematics program designed to help your child achieve the mathematical proficiency levels established by our district. Your child will be actively involved in using concrete and digital tools to develop deep mathematical understanding, and will apply this understanding through practice and problem solving in every math lesson. In addition, you can expect your child to learn and practice new math ideas and concepts in various ways, such as:

Solving problems and explaining their thinking in a write-in text and online
Using online animations to help build understanding in a visual way
Working individually, in pairs, and in small groups to solve problems and share their thinking
Completing homework that promotes computational thinking, fluency, and application through rich problem solving
Engaging in online practice that provides help as needed through worked-out examples and sell-help videos
Experiencing a variety of math activities that include Math Games, Math and Science Activities, and Today’s Challenge in order to apply understanding in different contexts and different levels of learning

Science

McGraw Hill's Inspire Science sparks students’ curiosity through fascinating real-world phenomena. Students investigate, problem-solve, argue, and discuss scientific phenomena to make sense of the world from their perspective.
The Inspire Science experience is organized around the 5E Instructional Framework. The compelling resources housed in this familiar framework empower educators to provide equitable science experiences for all learners through flexible approaches and research-based best practices.

Social Studies

A primary goal of IMPACT Social Studies is to prepare young learners to become active citizens—both locally and globally—in an ever-changing world. Throughout this elementary social studies curriculum, students are given opportunities to learn about and apply good citizenship practices. The texts and activities focus on developing civic values and democratic principles as students build an understanding of their role in the community, the nation, and the world.

With IMPACT Social Studies for grades K–5, students will gain building blocks for critical thinking, develop a strong reading and writing foundation, and learn what it means to be responsible, active citizens. With engaging content, geared to today’s elementary school students, IMPACT takes a fresh approach to social studies curriculum in the elementary classroom.

Fundations

Wilson Fundations makes learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for life-long literacy. Students in grades K-2 receive a systematic program in critical foundational skills, emphasizing:

Phonemic awareness
Phonics/ word study
High frequency word study
Reading fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension strategies
Handwriting
Spelling

Schoolwide Reading FundamentalsThis program allows opportunities to read to students (mentor texts), to read with students (shared texts), and to have students read independently (books and other texts at their independent reading levels). Through exposure to various genres and texts, students use skills and strategies to deepen their understanding and connect with literature.

Units of Study:

Launching-What readers do!
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Poetry

Schoolwide Writing FundamentalsTeachers provide explicit instruction on the various stages of the writing process. At each stage students look at great models of writing by authors who serve as mentors. Students are encouraged to take risks as they develop their own individual writing styles and become part of a writing community who shares ideas and learns from one another.

Students focus on 3 genres of writing throughout the year:

Narrative
Informational
Persuasive

Special Area Classes

Art

Library

Music

Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children's education.

Yo-Yo Ma

The elementary music program covers general/vocal music beginning in kindergarten as well as optional instrumental music instruction, beginning in 4th grade. Students in 4th or 5th grade are able to choose from a variety of instruments for instruction.

Sandshore Music Staff

Lisa King- General/Vocal Music Instructor
lisa.king@motsd.org

Katie Cardillo - Instrumental Music Instructor
katie.cardillo@motsd.org

Chris Spendley-Instrumental Music Instructor
christopher.spendley@motsd.org

General/Vocal Music

In elementary school, the General/Vocal Music program will guide students through the beginnings of music education, exploring the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm, form and timbre), learning proper singing techniques, and discovering the history of music in our country and around the world. Students will develop skills for playing instruments and will develop critical listening and evaluative skills.

Through the study of music, students will develop the following understandings.
The study of music and development of musical appreciation will contribute to a well rounded perspective that includes an appreciation for all aspects of music and its influence on the world.
An understanding of the elements of music is foundational to basic music literacy.
Music is a form of communication and self-expression.
Music composition is governed by prescribed rules and forms.
Proper singing and playing instruments have distinct techniques and characteristics.
Active listening with focus, intent, and understanding is an important component of the full appreciation of music.
Music invokes emotions, ideas, mental pictures that can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the listening.
Music and culture reflect each other.

Instrumental Music

Registration for Instrumental Music

Mt. Olive Township elementary schools offer students band and orchestra programs in fourth and fifth grade. These programs continue on into the middle and high schools. These programs aim to introduce students to playing instruments. Students will focus on fundamental skills of instrumental playing: basic technique on an instrument, reading musical notation and how to be a successful member of a performing ensemble. They broaden their general music experiences playing different genres and styles of music. Students develop their skills in working together with others, while learning self-discipline in preparing their ensemble music. These programs are optional.

Band instruments offered are flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, oboe, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone horn and mallet percussion. Other instruments become available as students move into the middle school program.

Orchestra instruments offered are violin, viola, cello and bass.

Physical Education

We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. George Bernard Shaw

Physical Education is an integral part of the total educational program of each student in our district. Through the medium of sports and movement, all students will participate in a sequential, differentiated program that fosters each student's personal health, fitness and safety. Through exposure to a wide variety of activities, students will gain the necessary knowledge to understand the importance of and make educated decisions about how to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The values, principles and concepts associated with a quality physical education program surpass the boundaries of the gymnasium and playing fields. Physical activity is a catalyst for learning in all content areas. The Mt. Olive Physical Education Department is committed to providing programming which allows frequent and diverse opportunities to engage in physical activities necessary to support a healthy mind and body.

As a K-5 PE Department, we want to:

encourage regular participation in physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
develop techniques to participate in and an appreciation for fitness-related skills.
teach movement skills and sports-related skills to become confident participants in any sport or activity.
enrich the lives of our students as they learn cooperation, sportsmanship, giving to others, and what it means to be a part of a community.

Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the information below in regards to discipline and participation so that you may have a successful school year in phys ed!

Nick Falkman & Andrew Vicaro

nicholas.falkman@motsd.org andrews.vicaro@motsd.org

Useful Information

Preparation & Participation

Physical education (P.E.) is a vital component to a well-rounded education we all desire for our children. In order to maintain a safe and healthy atmosphere within our program, the students need to ahere to the following policies:

Students must be prepared for safe participation in all Physical Education classes. Sneakers with laces or velcro straps are required. No elevated sole or heels, no sandals or slip-ons.
Appropriate clothing should be worn on P.E. days (sweats/sport pants or shorts, t-shirts in accordance with the Board of Education) and sweatshirt or lightweight jacket for cooler weather. No dresses, skirts or jewerly.
Your child does not benefit from sitting out of activity. Therefore, whenever a physical ailment occurs, we suggest a written note requesting limited participation with an explanation of the ailment/injury (for example if your child has a sore finger we could allow jogging and stretching activities; when recovering from a cold, your child could walk instead of jog, and do less repetitions of exercises).
When long term excuses are necessary(2 weeks or longer) we request a written note by a physician with a date for return to full activity.
All children are expected to participate in all activities willingly, while demonstrating cooperation, sportsmanship, and an application of the concepts presented in class.

Discipline Policy

We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with your child in P.E.
With your encouragement and support, he/she will be a part of many rewarding experiences this year.

Since lifelong success depends in part on learning to make responsible choices, we have developed a discipline plan that provides every student guidance in making good decisions about their behavior. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for his/her growth, and we know that together we will make a difference in this process. Please read the plan below which outlines our rules, possible rewards and consequences for appropriate behavior during P.E. activities.

Follow directions the first time given
Keep hands, feet, etc. and objects to oneself.
No use of inappropriate language, teasing or name-calling.
On given signals (verbal, whistle, music), STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN.
Show respect towards oneself and others.

To encourage students to follow these rules, we will recognize appropriate behavior with praise, notes home, and positive phone calls home. However, if a student chooses to break a rule, the following consequences will be implemented:

First time: warning given
Second time: 5 minutes out of activity
Third time: out of activity for remainder of class time and phone call home
Severe clause: sent to office, parent contacted

Be assured that our goal is to work with you to ensure the success of your child this year. These rules and consequences are posted in the gymnasiums for easy reference. The students will sign a contract of agreement after a clear and thorough presentation of this discipline policy by his/her P.E. teacher.

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Academic Subjects & Special Area Classes