Language Arts Literacy

 

The Alpine School’s Language Arts Literacy curriculum is based on a Balanced Literacy framework and aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. The Balanced Literacy framework is designed to help all students learn to read and write effectively and develop attitudes and habits about literacy that will last a lifetime. This framework for reading and writing is structured around three blocks: Language/Word Study, Reading Workshop, and Writing Workshop. The ability to communicate requires mastery of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing skills. The Language Arts Literacy curriculum and the instructional program focus on an integrated approach to learning using language effectively in all content areas. This curriculum is based on the major elements of literacy: Phonemic awareness, Phonics, vocabulary, fluency, text comprehension, language structures, literary forms and devices for reading and writing. 

 

Math

 

            Alpine School offers a challenging and comprehensive math curriculum which is aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. The curriculum stresses the acquisition of mathematical fundamentals in grades K-5 using The University of Chicago’s Everyday Math Program. In grades 6-8 the math program builds on the foundations set in the previous grades with a sequence of courses that lead students to study math six, pre-algebra, algebra, and the most skilled students studying advanced algebra. This 6-8 curriculum is based on two research based programs, CMP2 and the University of Chicago’s Algebra program.

 

Science

 

            The science curriculum at Alpine School focuses on the integration of Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science in every grade level, K-8, every year. This curriculum is spiraled through the grade levels and uses all modern technological equipment to enhance and develop the scientific method and hands on approach to scientific inquiry and knowledge.

 

  

Social Studies

 

            The Alpine School Social Studies curriculum is spiraled throughout the grade levels, K-8, and fosters at each grade level an appreciation for world cultures and American heritage through the four main disciplines of Social Studies: civics, history, economics, and geographic literacy. This curriculum is aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and framework. The curriculum is integrated into units in the enrichment program.

 

 

World Language

 

            French or Spanish is required of all students: Kindergarten through grade 8. The World Language curriculums are based on an integrated approach to instruction through grammar, communication, and culture. The goal is to have each child to be able to communicate in a second language.

 

 

Visual and Performing Arts

 

            The Alpine School’s Visual and Performance Arts Curriculum is both aesthetic and performance based. The Visual Arts curriculum believes in the development of an appreciation of and performance in four interrelated disciplines of art: perceptual awareness, creative expression and art production, culture and heritage, and art criticism. The Music curriculum fosters appreciation of and performance in vocal and instrumental music through an exploration, reflection, and improvisation of the musical medium.

 

 

Technology/ Library/ Media

 

            The Alpine School believes that technology should be infused throughout all curricular areas. It is both a tool and curricular content area. Students have regularly scheduled classes in the computer lab and have various technological resources available to them in the classroom such as PCs, wireless laptops, SMARTBOARDS, televisions, projectors, etc. Students are expected to use the latest devices and programs to conduct research and develop presentations. The teachers are expected to prepare and present effective and engaging lessons in all content areas. It is the goal of the Library/ Media curriculum to give all students the opportunity to acquire and refine research skills and develop lifelong pleasure reading competencies.

 

 

Health and Physical Education

 

            The Health and Physical Education curriculum is an integral part of the total education of every child at the Alpine School. The curriculum prepares all students to actively and effectively achieve and promote lifelong wellness. The Physical Education program increases physical competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility and enjoyment of physical activity for all students so that they can become physically active for a lifetime. Besides promoting lifelong wellness the Health program uses an instructional sequence that provides all students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills that are rooted in public health, educational research, and effective practice.

 

 

Enrichment

 

            The Alpine School’s Enrichment program brings specialized services and innovative programs that serve to enhance the educational experience for all students. The Enrichment program begins in each classroom with every teacher striving to meet the needs of all learners through differentiated instruction. The individual teachers enhance the learning of all students by engaging them in activities that better respond to their particular learning needs, strengths, and preferences.

In addition to the classroom program there is a formal Enrichment program for all students. In K-4 the Enrichment program is an outgrowth of curriculum units that develop and enhance critical thinking, active listening, following directions, and creative thinking skills. In grades 5-8 the students are given a choice of three electives: one in the Math and Science genre, and two in the Humanities genre. The students select one for the fall semester and one for the spring semester.

There are also various Enrichment clusters for groups of students that demonstrate a need for challenging experiences in different curricular areas. The Enrichment program continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the students of the Alpine School.