Mrs. Crotts
Mrs. Deisher
Mr. Hodges
Mrs. Wimmer
The Kindergarten wing is attached to the original circular building of the
school. It houses four classrooms, a kitchen, and a work room. There are approximately
sixty-five children in the kindergarten program, and they range in age from
five to seven years. The classrooms are self-contained, but an open middle
area exists. Interior partitions were added after the original open space
wing was
designed and the feeling of openness is still prevalent.
The curriculum in Kindergarten at South Salem Elementary School is taught by
four teachers and one instructional aide who strive to provide a comprehensive
program for each child. Thematic units enable teachers to use a whole language
approach in their classrooms. Many lessons are interdisciplinary and cooperative
planning among teachers is necessary. Teachers meet weekly to plan, but are
also given the professional freedom to teach from their individual perspectives.
Subjects included in the curriculum are Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, Humane Education, and Health. Whole group, small group, and individualized lessons are employed by teachers as needed. Children are assessed formally and informally throughout the year. Standards of Learning serve as guidelines for the curriculum and are used for individual assessments.
The Kindergarten Curriculum strives to provide:
- an enjoyable and comfortable program so that every child wants to attend
school every day.
- an enriched environment where learning becomes easy and available at all
times for the student.
- a program where each child progresses to their maximum potential in social,
mental, physical, and emotional pursuits.
- a program which is guided by the Standards 0f Learning but exceeds these
standards when appropriate.
- as many hands on activities as possible since these are developmentally
appropriate for the Kindergarten children.
- as many opportunities as possible for parents to become familiar with the
curriculum and enrich it whenever they can by providing their special talents.
- opportunities for development of Life Skills, such as staying on task, responsibility for belongings, and courtesy towards others
