Stonewall Curriculum Committee
November 14, 2000

Time:  2:30-4:00

Members Present:  Janel deBoer, Heidi Crouse, Lynda Davis, LuAnn Hawkins, Ben Hawkins, Sandy Veinot

 1.     Subject: D.O.L.
                    Highlights:

·           Mrs. deBoer suggested that every grade level do D. O. L. within the school.   Scotts Foresman implements this in the Daily Word Routines from 3rd to 5th grades.

·           This committee highly suggests that the school will follow a color code to use with the children for identifying parts of speech.  For an example:  A red circle may identify a noun, a green triangle will identify an action verb, and so forth. A code and chart will be on display in every room-all grade levels following the same code.  When going over the D.O.L. in class, the students will use these identified color codes when checking work together.  (The children will make the marks with crayons while doing the D.O.L. as seat work)

·           This will be an extension in helping children from the K-5 grades identify parts of speech.  This will also help children be more on target when writing a complete thought.

·           This committee would come up with the color code system, and this committee would ask the P.T.A. to help with volunteers in making the color coded system and charts. (This involves construction paper, magnet strips and laminate material)

·           There is evidence that this increases children’s ability to improve in writing skills due to the continuity of the program.

 2. Subject:  Scott-Foresman
                 Highlights: 

·           All materials are in for the reading program, except classroom grade level package, therefore, every classroom teacher should implement the program in its entirety.

·           The committee feels that this will help with consistency of grades in Reading and identifying the reading level on report cards.

 3. Subject:  P.E. and Music
            Highlights:

·           Mr. Hawkins was concerned about the P.E. and Music classes being held at a 55-minute time frame.  His main concern was the time frame being too long, especially for the younger children.  He suggested going to a 30-minute class.

·           He seemed satisfied with the explanation from Mr. McCaw.  He will, however, talk personally with Mr. McCaw about this issue.

 4. Subject:  Special Classes
            Highlights:

·           The committee is extremely concerned about the fact that assistants are not attending special classes. 

·           The committee feels that since Art and Primary Science are a great deal of hands-on there should be an assistant going in those classes to assist the teacher.   With so much material being used and 5 minutes between classes, help is needed!

·           The committee highly suggests that this take place and that it be implemented especially in grades K-2.

5.        Subject:  Resource

Highlights:

·           The intermediate resource class needs to design a consistent curriculum.