At the heart of the special education philosophy is the belief that all children have the right to be educated in age appropriate heterogeneous classrooms to the maximum extent possible. Spelling provides an important support for other language arts skills. Master lists for each grade were selected from the McDugal, Littell Spelling program. These words are categorized according to a specific pattern and include a challenge word list. Provision is made for systematic maintenance and growth at each grade level.
Orchestra instruction is offered beginning in the fourth grade continuing through high school.
The fifth grade students are invited to play in one of the Elementary Orchestras. These experiences are continued and further developed through the Junior High Orchestras and the Valley Symphony Orchestra. To develop the necessary skills and reach their potential, students are asked to practice 20-30 minutes daily. Instruments need to be purchased or rented through a music store. Parental interest and encouragement are very important for success in this program.