Browse through the page to view the areas students may access during their school day.
ART -It is our goal within the art department to heighten a child's natural love of art through a quality art education program. Each child will participate in at least one art period per week. The students will be exposed to various artists, historical artworks, art mediums, and techniques that will stimulate the students visually, mentally and physically. They will learn how to think creatively, how to use and care for different art materials, how to appreciate and discuss a variety of artworks. Most importantly, students will gain confidence in their own artistic expression through practice and praise.
MUSIC - General Music in Garnet Valley Elementary school is driven by the philosophy that music is an attainable auditory and kinesthetic art form which promotes the development of higher cognitive processes in all children. Through experience and repetition students will foster an innate human capacity and nourish a distinct intelligence which knows no cultural bounds. Music as a language, will as well as the visual arts, provide the necessary aesthetic enrichment for intellectual growth and spiritual fulfillment in our children in a way which is unique unto itself.
National Standards in the Arts Music Content Standards (For all grade levels)
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of songs. 2. Playing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of instrumental music. 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. 5. Reading music and notating their own music and that others. 6. Listening to, analyzing and describing music. 7. Evaluating music and music performances. 8. Understanding relationships between music, the arts, and disciplines outside the arts. 9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture. LIBRARY - The school system employs a certified librarian for each school. The librarian at each elementary school is responsible for the Learning Materials Center (Library) that is available to parents. Pupils may borrow books, magazines and pamphlets for a one-week period. Please encourage your child to use the Learning Materials Center. Lost books must be paid for or replaced. Check with the school librarian to learn the cost of replacing a lost book.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Physical Education The philosophy of the physical education program at Garnet Valley Elementary School is to develop each child's fitness, fitness knowledge, and skill level. This is achieved by implementing lessons that allow for the greatest amount of physical activity and practice time.
There are two student requirements for each physical education class. The first is that students wear a pair of sneakers that can be laced up or strapped on with velcro. This is a requirement for safety reasons. The second requirement is to not wear skirts or dresses on days of physical education. This could hinder some activities that may be done in class.
If your child can not participate in physical education class due to an illness or injury, please send in a note verifying the situation. The students will participate in units of physical fitness, soccer, football, basketball, gymnastics, cooperative problem-solving games, team handball and volleyball. These units will be instructed in a manner attempting to satisfy the overall program goal of improving the level of fitness and skill.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year feel free to call Garnet Valley Elementary School at (610) 579-4150 ext. 4140 or 4141. ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION - If your child is in need of special physical education classes, he/she will receive one or two sessions a week with individual or small group instruction. Forms must be signed by the parents before this instruction is given. Adaptive physical education is indicated by a physician or other specialist. SPEECH - Students with speech and language difficulties may have an opportunity to work with a speech therapist from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit if the student qualifies for service. Parents must approve this service in order to activate student participation. STUDY SKILLS- Study Skills at Concord (CES) and Garnet Valley Elementary Schools (GVES) is a full year course for all students. The students receive instruction in study skills weekly for a 30-minute period. The instruction for all grades, first through fifth, is delivered in the students' classroom environment. This special area class provides the children with the opportunity to develop and improve their knowledge of the skills and strategies needed for studying and learning. The study skills program at CES is set up as a hands-on , activity -driven program. At GVES, the program builds on and expands the skills learned at CES. By introducing skills such as test taking strategies, organization and goal setting, the students are developing a strong foundation that will enhance their ability to learn throughout their years in school. Skill instruction is introduced and developed around issues, experiences and activities that are relevant to the children's lives. Self- generated instruction includes frequent brainstorming with students to elicit thoughts and ideas about a specific skill or skill topic. The goal of the program is to build a strong foundation in the skills and strategies needed to be successful.
DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDANCE- The students in Concord, Bethel Springs, and Garnet Valley Elementary Schools have access to a kindergarten through fifth grade Developmental Guidance Program delivered by the four school counselors. The centerpiece of the program is the classroom guidance component, where the counselors meet with each class once a week for two thirds of the school year. During this time, a variety of general guidance topics are addressed. These general counseling topics, communication skills, interpersonal skills and career development include:
* Responsible Personal Behavior * Decision Making * Friendships * Transitions * Problem Solving * Fears / Loss * Anger Management * Conflict Resolution * Career Explorations
To provide a well-rounded Developmental Guidance Program, the counselors make every effort to respond to students with specific needs that may be interfering with their healthy development. On a limited basis, counselors will work with students individually and in small groups. The counselors will assist students with school-related issues and situations that impact their school achievement. In order to support parents and staff as they assist students in their personal growth and development, counselors are available for consultation. Counselors also serve as vital members of the Second Step support team, assisting students and teachers with the major concepts and skills of the program.
In order to maintain a sequential organized program, as well as assist with transition, all three counselors are available in the elementary schools at various times during the week.
