Three formal reports of the student's progress are made to parents in the form of report cards, in which students receive grades in achievement. Parent conferences proceed the fall and spring report cards. Weekly progress reports offer frequent communication from teacher to parent regarding needed improvement. Approximately 30 minutes of homework are expected each weeknight. Children are strongly encouraged to work as independently as possible.
All homework is a follow-up of concepts that have been presented in class.
The reading and language arts curricula are based on the teaching of literature, with an emphasis on phonics decoding and word attack strategies. Many facets of the reading program stress comprehension. Worksheets and discussion questions aim not just for literal recall, but for interpretive comprehension and evaluative thinking. Integrated with reading and writing is a complete language skills program including grammar usage, punctuation and mechanics. Literature and composition are always at the core of our first grade learning.