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HIllcrest Elementary
30 Griswold Street
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413.863.9526
Fax: 413.863.3284

OUR CURRICULUM

Reading and Language Arts

Children develop reading and writing abilities by learning about the strong relationtionship between spoken language and the printed word.  Thus children learn rhymes and songs, participate in group sharing, keep journals, publish their own books and take part in more formal reading and writing activities.  As children create their own stories, see their own words and the words of others in print, they set the stage for successful reading and writing.  Reading and writing are also an integral part of our science, social studies and math programs.  The Gill-Montague School District believes that children's literacy development needs to occur across all the content areas of curriculum.

 

 

Mathematics

Children learn about numbers and math by manipulating materials that are real.  They may count objects, sort them, compare their sizes and shapes and make designs.  Children use these objects to help understand concepts of adding and subtracting, assisting them in their paper and pencil computations.  Other activities give children experience with time, graphing, weighing and measuring, problem-solving and fractions.  By using real objects in interesting ways children become excited and confident about the world of math.

Science

Each grade level assumes responsibility for presenting particular units of science study to the children.  Topics include geology, insects, machines and transportation, weather and ecology to name a few.  Children are given opportunities to explore scientific concepts as well.  Often, the science program involves field trips and field studies.  A hands-on approach backed by a strong literature base is the foundation of our science program.

 

Library

We are fortunate to have a growing library with many new titles chosen specifically for younger children.  Children are allowed to borrow a book from the library each week, provided they return their borrowed book.  We charge a fine of $5.00 for the loss of a book. Kindergarten students are allowed to borrow book but the book remains in their classroom.  This helps children learn about how to be responsible for borrowing books.  After the winter holiday break kindergarten students are then allowed to take their borrowed books home.  Children visit with the librarian once each week for 30 minutes.

 

 

Social Skills Groups

Our school counselors run social skills groups for children throughout the school year.  Parent permission is required for students to participate in these groups.  Children learn about taking turns and respectful and helpful behavior towards others and other positive social behaviour.

 

 

Counseling Services

From time to time teachers and parents decide together that the student would benefit from the services of a school counselor.  Counseling services are determined after parents and staff have met together in a CHILD STUDY.  Counselors help children learn problem-solving skills related to school issues.

 

 

Special Education Services

Gill-Montague Regional School District offers a comprehensive Special Education Department.  Students in need of services may receive speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special help for classroom educational needs as well as counseling.  All special educational services are determined through both the Child Study Process and the TEAM meeting process.  Children must have a signed educational plan in order to receive services.

 

 


Web Author:Robin Hamlett