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As of the 2007-08 school year, Seattle Public Schools has adopted a uniform K-5 mathematics curriculum for all elementary schools. The curriculum consists of Everyday Mathematics supplemented with Singapore Math.
Every teacher has been trained with the new program. One of the strengths of the program is that it “spirals” concepts throughout the year and the program. For example, the concept of “decimals” may come up in 1st grade, build to money later in the year, and then move to percentages and fractions by 3rd grade. The power of this approach is that students are exposed to varying concepts throughout the math program, not just once in a unit. There are a number of features that distinguish this program:
Everyday Mathematics program
- Real-life Problem Solving
- Balanced Instruction (individual/group work, games and manipulatives)
- Multiple Methods for Basic Skills Practice
- Emphasis on Communication
- Enhanced Home/School Partnerships
As students increase their understanding of mathematical relationships and concepts, they are expected to share their ideas and strategies through verbal and written responses. Using concrete materials and manipulatives in real life experiences, students progress through stages of patterning, sorting, and classifying, as well as traditional algebraic expression, to strengthen their number sense.
Our in-school math coach is Shauna Oswald. She can be reached for more information at 206.252.7142 or gro.sloohcselttaes|dlawsois#gro.sloohcselttaes|dlawsois
External Links:
Parent Guide to Everyday Mathematics.
How to help your children with math (from Seattle P-I) - contains links to some good resources on the web:
(see also information on our recent Math Family Night)
Reading-Writing tips for parents
Graham Hill participates in the Powerful Writers program through local non-profit, Powerful Schools.
(see also information on the recent Global Reading Challenge)
Seattle Public Schools employ an inquiry-based, hands-on science program developed by the National Science Foundation.
The curriculum allows students to make predictions, conduct experiments and then discuss and report their findings. The focus is on understanding the scientific process along with the contributions of science to human knowledge.
Details on the curriculum along with specific examples for each grade level (K-5) can be found here.
Launched in the spring of 2007, Graham Hill is one of three Seattle Schools participating in a new elementary Chinese language program. This half-hour/day language program is funded by a federal Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) grant awarded to Seattle Public Schools in fall, 2006. The program has expanded this fall to serve all kindergarten, first, and second graders.
Graham Hill has two Autism Inclusion Programs each serving up to eight students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in grades K-5. Each program has a special education teacher, and two instructional assistants.
Program Description
Students are fully included in general education classes, and spend as much time as possible in the classroom as appropriate for each individual student. An inclusion model generally requires that students are able to spend at least one third of their day independently.
Students receive additional support in the classroom from special education staff. Students are provided with individualized supports, accommodations, and modifications to help them succeed in the general education setting. These supports may include picture cues; visual schedules; behavior checklists; reinforcement systems using a preferred item or activity' social stories (situational scripted stories); peer buddies; desk and/or notebook organizers; AlphaSmart keyboards for writing assignments; scribes for writing; and assignments modified by length, content, and/or format.
The autism inclusion special education classroom is room 205. This classroom may be used to provide specially designed instruction in the areas of academics, social skills, and sensory integration. This classroom also serves as a place for 'fun time' and 'cool down time.' Students can earn fun time for a job well done, or retreat for cool down time when frustrated.
Autism Inclusion Special Education Staff
Inclusion teachers are Karie Crews-St.Yves and Shelly Hurley. Inclusion teachers are responsible for designing individual educational, behavioral, and social skills programs for students.
Instructional assistants are Renee Patterson, Sharron Peterson, Hanna Hinga, and Don Willis. Instructional assistants are a vital part of our program. They support both students and teachers.
Graham Hill staff is dedicated to working together to help students reach their potential in the least restrictive environment.
For further information contact:
Karie Crews-St.Yves @ 206.252.7157 or Shelly Hurley @ 206.252.7162
External Links:
Article in the Seattle Times on our Autism Inclusion program and another on student Arthur Conroy.
A Montessori education helps children learn to be independent, self-directed learners equipped with the tools needed to accomplish their academic and personal goals.
The Montessori classroom is a "prepared environment" designed to facilitate maximum independent learning and exploration by the child. Children of different ages work independently, in small groups and with the entire class. Classes include a three-year age range at a minimum: traditionally ages 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12. Special Montessori materials help the child to solve problems by themselves, building independence, analytical thinking and the satisfaction that comes from true accomplishment.
Montessori Language Curiculum Guidelines is an introduction to the letter recognition philosophy employed in the Pre/K Montessori classrooms.
For additional general information about Montessori education: http://www.montessori-ami.org/
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An innovative community-based arts program, DISCOVER DANCE Performance Partnership gives students from
Graham Hill (and four other Seattle and Eastside schools), the opportunity to work with Pacific Northwest Ballet
Teaching Artists to create original choreographic works and then perform their works onstage at McCaw Hall.
With the aim of giving students a truly comprehensive and unique learning experience, PNB’s Education and
Outreach Department offers special workshops to DISCOVER DANCE partner schools. Each 20-class in-school
residency is specifically designed around a unique theme that explores dance and integrates school
curriculum. In addition to intensive in-school residencies, students involved in DISCOVER DANCE have the
opportunity to perform alongside PNB Company dancers, observe Company dancers rehearsing or taking
ballet class, take ballet class themselves in PNB’s studios, attend a PNB performance free of charge and learn
about costumes and shoes in this behind-the-scenes look at a professional ballet company.
DISCOVER DANCE serves a vital need in the community by bringing comprehensive dance education programs
to Seattle and Eastside partner schools year after year. Graham Hill has participated in this program since 2000.
Scenic, program and poster designs for the 2008 production were created by 4th- and 5th-grade
students at Graham Hill under the guidance of professional artist Darwin Nordin. In addition, the performances
were accompanied by the Graham Hill Elementary Chorus, led by Cherrie Adams.
“As always, I think the best part is watching the kids as their enjoyment and excitement increase while they learn the steps and, eventually, their dance. There is always such an enormous sense of pride of accomplishment for each and every one of them.”
—DISCOVER DANCE 4th grade teacher
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Note on editing this page:
The information displayed here is a compilation of a number of individual pages on each aspect of the curriculum.
To edit information on any individual curriculum included on this page, simply click on the section head (e.g. "Math" or "Literacy"). This will take you to the individual page devoted to that area — changes made on this page will be reflected automatically on this compiled curricula page.
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