Academics
Gifted and Talented Program
PEAK
Pursuing Excellence, Achievement, and Knowledge
Mountains are symbolic of the continual upward striving of all our students. Mountain climbing involves risk and requires determination, organization and skill. It is thus an appropriate metaphor for academic programs that encourage students to challenge themselves.
Accordion
Schoolwide Enrichment Program
The Schoolwide Enrichment Program offers a variety of educational experiences through which students in grades K-5 may discover and develop their unique interests and abilities.
Our program provides weekly enrichment lessons for students in grades K-2 and cluster enrichment programs in grade 5.
The Schoolwide Enrichment Program also provides clubs, field trips, classroom visits from guest presenters, and a variety of academic contests, in an effort to initiate and cultivate student excitement in their academic development.
Gifted and Talented Education
The Gifted and Talented Education program exists to meet the unique needs of our most exceptional students. Students who exhibit advanced development of mental capacity, creativity, and commitment to learning are best served by an academic environment beyond that offered by a standard grade-level curriculum. Gifted and Talented students in grades 3 -5 are pulled from their regular education classes twice per week to work with with each other on advanced interdisciplinary academic content.
Vision
The Gifted and Talented program ensures an ascension of intellectual demand, cultivation of creativity, and the development of the non-routine cognitive skills required to become innovators and leaders.
Mission
The Gifted and Talented program strives to meet the educational needs of our most exceptional students through curricular work tailored to their academic advancement and areas of interest. Our goal is to provide an experience of enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm that will maximize achievement and educational progress.
What does it mean to be Gifted and Talented?
The term “gifted and talented” in education is used to indicate a learning difference. Like other learning differences, giftedness is identified through both formal testing and specific evaluative measures. Students with this learning difference typically have an IQ score in the top 5% of their population and demonstrate a variety of unique and advanced behaviors on a daily basis.
Gifted and talented students are different in that they may learn at a faster rate, understand concepts at a greater depth and complexity, have exceptional abstract reasoning skills, and are naturally creative and innovative in their thinking. Therefore, it is crucial that their educational program be tailored to their unique learning needs in order to properly cultivate their academic potential.
Gifted and Talented Student Identification
Identification for the Gifted and Talented Education program is multi-faceted and consists of a measure of ability, measure of achievement, and measure of gifted and talented behaviors. Identification currently takes place at the end of 2nd grade and again at the end of 5th grade. 3rd- 5th grade students who are new to our district will participate in our identification process at the end of their first year in district.
Students who score in the 95th percentile or above on the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) are students whose needs may not be met through a traditional regular education curriculum. This may also be true of students who score in the 95th percentile or above in Mathematics or English/Language Arts on the IOWA Achievement tests or “Exceed Expectations” on the PARCC exams. These students are holistically evaluated by their teachers and counselors to determine whether they regularly present behaviors indicative of a need for curriculum modification or extension.
If identified as gifted and talented, the student’s parents/guardians will be invited to a meeting to discuss involvement in the GATE program and to provide consent for participation.
Specials
Art
Ms.Meyer
My teaching covers an expanse of 26years. The first five years were spent as a Preschool Teacher. The past 23have been spent here as the Wildwood Elementary School Art Teacher for grades K-5.
I have the unique opportunity to teach the entire student body where I facilitate and provide them the tools to develop their art skills and expand their knowledge, beginning in Kindergarten all the way through 5th grade.My student's art work is very special because their work is strongly influenced by their life experiences, imaginations and how they are feeling in that given moment. They are uninhibited and have the freedom to use their imagination and expression without cultural and social stigmas that effect us as we get older.
My passions are Art and Nature. I love being outdoors observing and interacting with nature. I especially love to garden, and travel. My favorite art mediums to work with are clay and watercolors. I love viewing Art of all kind because you learn so much about a period of time or a culture through the Art that has been created.
Computer Lab
Music
Physical Education
Of all subject areas taught in school, Physical Education is the only subject which, by the very nature of its content, has the potential to affect how a person will feel every moment of every day for the rest of his or her life.
~Allen Russell~
Playground Rules
BE SAFE
- Walk slowly and carefully directly to and from designated areas
- Students are to remain on playing fields or playground areas at all times. Leaving school grounds or entering the woods, stream or turf areas is not permitted
- Respond to directions immediately and respectfully
- Use equipment safely and appropriately. Use of hard balls or equipment considered hazardous by supervisors are not to be used during recess
- If a student needs to leave the area for any reason including going to the nurse, the bathroom, to meet with a teacher or to retrieve a ball must notify the playground supervisor when leaving and upon returning to the playground.
- Stones, wood chips, snowballs or any other objects are not to be thrown.
- Physically aggressive behavior is not permitted at recess or any other time.
BE RESPONSIBLE
- Dress for the weather
- Line up promptly
- Report any problems or injuries to the supervisor immediately
- Be a problem solver
- Set a good example by including others, following the rules, and choosing not
- participate in negative, hurtful or exclusionary behavior
- Return school playground equipment (balls, jump ropes, etc.) to the bin when recess is over
BE RESPECTFUL
- Listen to the directions of the playground supervisor
- Play fairly, respect the rules and others
- Include others in activities
- Be respectful of others’ personal space
- Inappropriate language is not to be used on the playground or anywhere in our school
Yoga at Wildwood
Kindergarten thru 5th grade --- All students are introduced to yoga during their PE Classes.
Yoga is part of the everyday warm-up routine at Wildwood. The 5th grade study different aspects of yoga in their health class which is then culminated with a full Yoga Class with a guest yoga teacher. The date for 2015 will be determined. This year the 5th grade will have two sessions with a certified Yoga teacher. The dates were chosen to help the students during their testing. Students should wear comfortable clothing on the days they have health.
World Languages
Teacher Teams
Kindergarten
Elizabeth Marangi
Teacher
Cheryl Nakashian
Teacher
Rebecca K Santana
Teacher
Gigi Watson
Teacher
Is your child ready for Kindergarten?
Many parents what to know whether or not their child is ready for kindergarten. Some have children whose birthday are in the late summer or early fall and close to our October 1stcut-off date. These parents ask if it is best to enroll now or wait until next year. Other parents want to know how to help prepare their child for entering Kindergarten.
Regardless of your child's birthday, all children entering Kindergarten should be able to perform certain tasks. As parents, we need to help our children get ready for Kindergarten. This can be a very fun and enjoyable time for you and your child. The following is a guideline to help you make this important decision.
There are many factors that go into the Kindergarten readiness decision. Although boys mature more slowly than girls, gender is not the most heavily relied upon factor when making this important decision. Understanding that each child develops at his or her own rate and that some develop faster in some areas than others, and recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses should be the determining factors.
The closer your child's fifth birthday is to October 1stcut-off date (i.e., late summer, early fall) the consideration for the future is, will your child be one of the youngest or the oldest in his or her grade? In general, being on the older side is better, but this is not always the case.
Take in consideration the physical characteristics of your child. Smaller children may find more security in smaller groups and may not be ready for a large classroom environment. Likewise, larger children are not necessarily ready either. With our emphasis on an academic curriculum, the decision to delay might be a wise one.
Experience in a structured preschool program or in a daycare setting for at least two years may have provided your child with the skills necessary for a successful Kindergarten year. With all things considered, our children need to be ready for Kindergarten.
Listed below are skills and activities that your child should know and be able to accomplish for a successful beginning of Kindergarten. These are age-appropriate expectations and can be easily learned with help. Suggestions for working with your child are included afterwards. Please keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Knows and spells first name
Can orally say first and last name and recognize letters in name
Gives street address and phone number
Knows birthday (month and day)
Follows 2-3 step directions
Can identify and name shapes: circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval
Can identify and name colors: red, yellow blue, orange, green, purple, black and white
Identifies likes and differences in pictures
Names pictures of familiar objects: boy, girl, tree, leaf, car, dog, key, cup, flower, etc.
Identifies body parts: head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, elbows, legs, feet, chin, shoulders, fingers, etc.
Answers questions
Listen to stories with interest (for approximately 10-15 minutes)
Listening without interrupting
Uses words to express feelings
Rhymes words
Can tell a story about a past event
Interested in books-pretends to read
Recognizes environmental print (Ex. Dunkin Donuts, Goldfish and Ritz crackers, Cheerios, etc.)
Can say and recognize the letters of the alphabet
Speaks with complete sentences (baby talk is for imaginative play, not for communicating)
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Grasps/holds pencil with fingers
Can write first name
Can draw circle and square without help
Prints numbers 1-10
Can glue and paste
Cuts with (safely) scissors
Folds paper in half
Puts on own coat
COGNITIVE SKILLS
Count objects to 10
Sorts objects by size, color and shape
Retells a story
Does puzzles of 15 or more pieces
Understands directional concepts-in, out, on, off
Can complete a pattern of two colors
Draws a person with six parts or more: head, nose, eyes, mouth, body, arms, legs, feet, fingers, etc.
Can sequence 3 or more pictures to tell a story
GROSS MOTOR SKILLS
Can play in a group
Can stack at least 10 blocks
Gallops, skips, runs, jumps, hops, dances or moves to music
Catches, kicks, bounces a ball
Walks up and down stairs using alternate feet
Enjoys different sports
Can ride a tricycle
Stands on one foot for five seconds
Can hop on one foot
Walks forward heel-to-toe
Walks backwards toe-to-heel
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SKILLS
Controls emotion-state his/her feelings not act them out
Enjoys playing with other children and being part of a group
Separates readily from mother without a fuss (five minutes of fussing is okay, more than that is note)
Can share and take turns.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Read to your child everyday!
Avoid comparing your child to others
Prepare child for school-give them opportunities to play and be a kids; play with peers
Explore the world-parks, museums, zoos, farms
Go on nature walks
Explore the neighborhood
Go to the library
Read aloud and tell stories
Teach your child basic safety information
Their first and last name
Street address
Parents' or guardians' names
Phone number
Walk to school and point out: traffic lights, crosswalks, driveways, bus stops, sidewalks, etc.
BUILD ORGANIZATION SKILLS
Arrange household items into groups, colors, size and shapes
Stack books from largest to smallest
Use measuring cups
Talk about time and temperature
ENCOURAGE HELPFUL HABITS
Put away things to encourage responsibility
Set up play dates and help your child to get along with others, take turns, choose games, etc.
Help with listening and following mutli-step directions (EX. "Hang up your coat, close the closet door, and come into the kitchen.")
Do simple chores-set or clean table (start with utensils and napkins), put away clothes and toys, hang up towel after bath, put books on shelf, matching/sorting socks
Dress without help-shoelaces, buckles, buttons, zippers and snaps
Playing-taking turns, following rules and directions
Care for living things-Give pets and plants food and water
Sleep well-10-12 hours per night
Limit TV-(For example, 1 hour per day no more than 8 hours per week) Watch TV with your child and ask questions about the characters or story
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Mountain Lakes kindergarten program focuses on developing the whole child-socially, emotionally, physically, culturally and academically.
Your child is learning to think creatively and solve problems through a well- balanced program of hands-on experiences, free choice activities, centers, independent learning, field trips and other special activities. Know that all children develop at their own rate, and will sometimes progress quickly in some areas while needing more help in others. Kindergarten is a time of adjustment for your children.
1st Grade
Lindsay A Berardi
Teacher
Rebecca Kennedy
Teacher
Lindsay Palazzolo
Teacher
Jennifer Topakas
Teacher
How do I know if my child is ready for First Grade?
Each spring our teachers, Mrs. Berardi, Mrs. Uslan, Miss. Curasco, and Miss. Misko are approached by parents of Kindergartners who ask the question, "How do I know if my child is ready for First Grade?". We have found that our most successful students have possessed the following academic, social, and personal hygiene skills upon entering First Grade.
Academic Skills
First Graders should:
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know their colors.
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be able to write their first and last name.
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be able to recognize, name, and write all uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet.
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be able to recognize and name numerals 0 through 30.
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be able to write numbers 0 through 12.
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be able to count a set of 30 objects.
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be able to recite their name, address, and phone number.
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begin to associate letters and sounds.
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be able to listen attentively to a story.
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be able to recall facts and details from a story.
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be familiar with nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
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be able to follow a 2-step or 3-step direction.
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be able to organize and maintain personal belongings, i.e. backpack, school supplies, and desk.
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have respect for classroom materials, i.e. books, tapes, games, manipulatives
Social Skills
First Graders should:
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be able to regulate their voices, i.e. use an "inside" or an "outside voice.
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be able to wait their turn.
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be able to exercise appropriate self control.
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be polite and receptive toward others' opinions.
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be aware of "personal space".
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respond appropriately to verbal and nonverbal cues, i.e. body language and facial expressions.
Personal Hygiene
First Graders should:
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be able to tie their shoes, button buttons, and zip coats.
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have good bathroom habits, flush and wash hands.
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be able to use a tissue.
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
Lauren Klein
Teacher
Lainie Lederman
Teacher
Allison Murphy
Teacher
Dee Shaffer
Teacher
Students in 3rd grade are expected to adhere to the "Wildwood 3!" These three rules are our guidelines to appropriate behavior. Students that do not follow the Wildwood 3, may be asked to fill out a "Stop and Think" form. This form helps the student to identify the behavior that is not appropriate and requires them to find a solution to fix the behavior. The forms are sent home and must be signed by a parent or guardian.
We are safe. We are respectful. We are responsible.
Helpful Student Links
Below you will find some links that will take you to fun, educational webpages on the internet. Be sure to ask your parents before you go to any webpage and remember to nevergive out personal information online.
Reading Links
www.storylineonline.net - Listen to celebrities read stories!
Writing Links
Scholastic Poetry Idea Engine - This idea engine will help you write many different types of poems!
Scholastic Story Starter Machine - Looking for a story idea? Why not use the Story Starter Machine!
Word Study Links
www.spellingcity.com - Practice your sight words the FUN way!
Math Links
www.funbrain.com - Click on Math Arcade
http://www.primarygames.com/math.htm
http://www.mathplayground.com/
http://resources.oswego.org/games/StopTheClock/sthec2.html Stop the Clock