Janney Elementary School

Academic Programs

Janney fulfills its mission with a wide variety of programs that address the unique qualities of all its students.

Early Childhood Program (Grades Pre-K through 3). Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are full-day programs for children who are four and five-years-old, respectively, by September 30. The Early Childhood Program is based on the Responsive Classroom approach, developmentally appropriate practice, and individualized instruction. The Responsive Classroom is an approach to learning in the classroom that focuses upon the importance of the social curriculum for all learners. This approach helps to develop good social skills and set guidelines for positive interactions with others. As educators, the early childhood teachers recognize the fact that the school plays a major role in the social, as well as the academic, development of the child. Children involved in this approach are encouraged to internalize and embrace those concepts and beliefs, which will foster better relationships with others in the school as well as within the community.

Teachers provide many opportunities for children to engage in activities where they learn to work together cooperatively in large and small groups, to respect individual strengths and differences, to problem solve in more meaningful ways, to help establish and understand rules and logical consequences, and to appreciate, practice, and see the value in using common courtesies when working with others.

The major components of the Responsive Classroom are:

•  morning meeting,

•  rules and logical consequences,

•  guided discovery,

•  choice time, and

•  classroom organization.

Through the implementation of these components within the classroom, children continually practice those social skills which will insure their social and personal growth as contributing members of the school and society as a whole.

Since there are not enough pre-K spaces to fill the demand, pre-K placement is by lottery. There is a two week window, Feb. 4th to the 14th, where you can register for the Pre-K lotttery

Intermediate Program (Grades 4 through 6). The goal of the Intermediate program is to provide support to all students as they learn and grow through the intermediate level. The students should become independent learners who take pride in their   accomplishments through group projects, collaborative problem solving, and respect for others. Ultimately, while supplying each student with basic knowledge, the program provides the foundation to "learn how to learn" through recognizing the merit of others as well as themselves. These children of the twenty-first century will need to be able to adapt to new professions and skills that we can only imagine today.

The academic transition encompasses time management, choices, independent work, and accountability. The social transition begins with the long process of entering adolescence. This starts with the wrestling with fairness issues, to working well in groups, to developing decision-making skills, and finally the emergence of the adult personality. This change begins in the fourth grade.

Sixth Grade Transition : The 6th grade is one of special changes and growth in each student's education and development. The Responsive Classroom and cooperative learning continue in sixth grade as students take the skills they've practiced and use them in new ways. In addition to covering academic curriculum, Janney's 6th graders are preparing for entry into seventh grade throughout the year. Research skills such as note taking, outlining and writing bibliographies are refined. Report and presentation procedures are mastered. Students are encouraged to assume more responsibility and accountability for their assignments and their actions. Among the special transition activities offered during the year are:

· Deal Buddy Day

· Sixth Grade Parent Orientation

· Transition Workshops

· Class Trip

· Sixth Grade Promotion

Language Arts: The goal of the language arts program is to develop a literate citizenry.

Specifically the goals are to:

•  develop effective communicators who speak and write clearly, fluently, and appropriately;

•  develop readers, writers, and viewers who can use a variety of information from diverse sources, including technology;

•  develop in students a sense of wonderment, curiosity, and enthusiasm for literature and the spoken arts;

•  foster informed problem solvers who apply a broad range of options to decision-making; develop independent thinkers who can work appropriately; and

•  empower students to become active, lifelong learners.

The reading program in the early childhood years emphasizes developing a love of books and reading. At the same time, through informal assessments, classroom teachers plan reading programs that meet each child's instructional reading level. Children are taught to use graphophonic, syntactic, and semantic strategies to read and comprehend.

Reading in the intermediate grades shifts from a focus on "learning to read" to "reading to learn." Children are taught strategies required for reading school texts and nonfiction material. Additionally, teachers use a variety of materials such as the DCPS reading series, novels, plays, and poetry to develop comprehension strategies for reading fiction.

Cybrary: Janney's library, known as the "Cybrary--The Exploring Zone" is the hub of the school. Located on the third floor, the Cybrary includes over 12,000 media, an automated circulation system, a word processing center, and multiple research stations. It is used for instruction in library and technology skills, research, study, and recreational reading. The Cybrary is equipped with a mini lab of 15 iMacs and 8 other up-to-date computers with Internet access. All students visit the Cybrary weekly for structured activities, and the Cybrarian uses this time to train students in grades 3-6 in keyboarding, word processing, using CDs and the Internet to conduct research, creating multimedia presentations, creating databases, and using spreadsheets. The writing of a research paper is a major project for grades 4-6 each year. There is an instructional plan for each grade level that is based on library and technology standards and is integrated with each class's curriculum. The Cybrary is also open for classes to come in under the direction of the classroom teachers to do research, use CDs or the Internet, or to do projects such as multimedia presentations. Parent volunteers read stories to the primary grade classes on a scheduled basis. There are over 40 Cybrary volunteers who give generously of their time to help with circulation, book maintenance, book processing, inventory, Web page development, and other tasks. Many serve on the Cybrary (Technology) Committee (see below).

Students may check out books for two weeks from the Cybrary as follows:

Pre-K and K: One book at a time per child, but books must stay in the classroom.

•  Grades 1-3: One book at a time per child.

•  Grades 4-6: Two books at a time per child, including magazines.

•  Grades Pre-K-3 are encouraged to check out books during scheduled class times in the Cybrary.

Technology: Technology is an important component of teaching and learning at Janney, and the evidence of how it is enriching student learning can be seen in every classroom. Technology is integrated to support teaching and learning; students also learn to use technology and software. The technology program at Janney is supported and guided by the Cybrary Committee, which is comprised of administration, teachers, and parents, under the leadership of the Cybrarian. The school also has a technology plan which is constantly being reviewed and updated.

Every classroom at Janney has Internet access. In addition to the iMac lab in the Cybrary, pre-K through 1st grade classes have at least two iMacs, and 2nd through 6th grade classes have at least three iMacs. We also have a LED projector, digital cameras, and scanners available for classroom use. In the 2002 school year, the school   purchased a mobile laptop cart that contains 16 iBook computers with wireless Internet connectivity for classroom use.

Art: The art program provides an opportunity for each student to think creatively through artistic expression. Using this concept as a central theme allows the student to understand how problem solving has many different approaches, and helps to enhance learning throughout the curriculum. Students learn to appreciate the art of other cultures through creative exploration of various artistic concepts and practices of people far and near throughout the world. Students are given numerous opportunities to explore concerns regarding their own communities and environment. Each child is encouraged to work collaboratively as well as individually in an effort to further develop his or her abilities and skills. It is hoped that each student will develop a greater appreciation of universal human values through the discoveries they make while involved in directed, artistic expressions.

Mathematics: The mathematics program reinforces and enhances the regular classroom instruction in mathematics through hands-on experiences, concrete representation of mathematical concepts, and practice in mathematical skills. Janney uses the Everyday Math program ( www.everydaymath.org ).

Music: The music curriculum is centered on the music education philosophy of the German pedagogue and composer, Carl Orff. It involves the whole child, building concepts and skills spirally, while actively involving the student in singing, speech, rhythmic activities, movement, improvisation and playing instruments designed especially for children. Third and fourth graders learn to play the recorder, both to learn to read notes on a musical staff and to enjoy playing in ensemble. Kodaly methods of singing instruction are also taught, with the emphasis on good vocal sound and sensitive listening.

Music appreciation and basic theory are taught in a hands-on, child-centered environment and using the Orff-Schulwerk instruments. Opportunities for performance include recorder ensembles; "Students in Concert" (informal, recital-like assemblies held twice a year); Sing-alongs, such as the Holiday Sing-along and special assemblies; and 6th Grade Chorus, which performs both inside and outside the school community. Pre-K-2nd grade classes have music once a week for 30 to 40 minutes. Third graders have music twice a week for a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Grades 4 and 5 have music once a week for 45 minutes, while the 6th grade has two sessions weekly, each for 45 minutes (including chorus). A "catch-up" recorder class is available for 4th graders once week during the fall semester.

The primary goal of the music program is to help every child understand the importance and joy that music can bring to life, and the mental, physical, emotional, and social growth possible through active participation.

Physical Education : The Health and Physical Education program provides students with developmentally appropriate experiences in movement, rhythms, folk dance, gymnastics, fitness (exercises), sports skill development with game play, and indoor/outdoor activities. Health issues in personal hygiene, growth and development, nutrition, dental health, and first aid are discussed in the physical education classes at Janney. Special events for the students include Jump Rope for Heart, Field Day, May Day, and the BAT (basic aid training) program: first aid education for 4th graders only.

Science: This program enhances classroom instruction in science by helping students logically organize information through scientific inquiry. The school works with partner organizations to support and enhance classroom experience with hands-on science.