| COMMODORE
MACDONOUGH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
66 Spring Street |
Commodore Macdonough School teachers are a dedicated group of professionals motivated to improve learning and instruction. Our school district offers many opportunities for teachers to participate in curriculum development. Our district wide K-12 curriculum committees, established for each instructional area, involve many voluntary teachers from diverse backgrounds. Presently, eight teachers represent Commodore Macdonough School on these district wide committees. These committees oversee the ongoing of instructional programs. Our principal serves as a chairperson of English as a Second language Committee.
According to the Middletown Public School district's timetable for curriculum development, each curriculum area is formally reviewed, evaluated and revised every five years. The following is a brief description of integrated language arts, mathematics, science and technology.
Integrated Language Arts: Through the integration of reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing we prepare our students to be successful in a diverse world. Macdonough teachers utilize multiple leveled guided reading, trade books and various literature books and access to the Harcourt Brace Anthology to develop students' skills and nurture literacy at their appropriate level. Our two Reading Recovery teachers work with at-risk first graders on a one-to-one basis while also working with small groups of second grade students. First grade teachers have been trained in supportive environment strategies and implement concepts about print assessments, running records, guided reading groups, and individualized instruction. Title I paraprofessionals, also trained in supportive environment strategies, work one-to-one or with small groups of first graders to develop student's fluency, comprehension skills and writing skills. In kindergarten our teachers employ an integrated thematic approach to teaching early literacy. The children enjoy singing, games, journal writing, guided reading, art activities and daily snack all related to the theme of the week. There is a significant benefit of a full day kindergarten program. At grades 2 through 5 teachers use story maps, guided reading, whole group instruction, shared reading, partner reading, graphic organizers and literature circles. These instructional strategies are implemented in guided reading, independent reading and direct instruction. At all levels, high standards are established and students are encouraged to meet these standards.
In our effort to make reading a daily activity, we have designated 20 minutes per day for sustained silent reading, as well as community readers, a school wide reading incentive program and parent or community guest readers on a regular basis.
Mathematics Curriculum: Our mathematics curriculum is based on the standards and the Connecticut Mastery Test. Grades Kindergarten through fourth grade instruct students using the Saxon Mathematics program. Grade 5 students are entering their first year with the instruction of a problem-based math model. At all grade levels students use manipulatives, mental math strategies, discuss and work in cooperative math groups to help one another learn and practice computational skills. Critical thinking and problem solving are an integral component of our mathematics curriculum. All of Macdonough's students construct graphs, estimate, compute, develop patterns, solve word problems, count money, write number sentences to problem solve, explain their thinking and record work in a math journal. Family Math Nights, for second and third grade students and their parents, are conducted each year.
Science Curriculum: Macdonough School science at all grade levels is taught with a "hands-on" approach. Macdonough teachers provide appropriate instruction requiring critical thinking and problem solving. Physical, earth and life sciences are explored at all grade levels using Scholastic Science Place Kits. Macdonough School is fortunate to have a science resource teacher on staff to assist with the implementation of the science program. At all grade levels students predict, explore, investigate, record and evaluate scientific processes. Science enrichment activities include field trips to the Boston Science Museum, Mystic Marinelife Aquarium, and Peabody Museum.
Technology: Middletown Public Schools is committed to expand the repertoire of technological advances capable within our public schools. They are supportive of increasing staff productivity, the integration of technology in our curriculum and applying technology to student inquiry and assessment. Macdonough school acknowledges these initiatives and supports them through their technology committee. This committee is made up of teachers, parents, community members and the principal. Our vision is to develop an educational environment in which students, teachers, parents and the school related community have access to appropriate forms of technology to enhance communication, learning, and teaching. This environment will instill in its participant's lifetime skills of integrating advances in technology with personal and educational growth. Our mission is to assist in the future success of our students by providing them with equitable, appropriate and useful learning experiences involving technology. This technology will be used as a tool, not only to enrich their learning, but also their desire to learn. Macdonough School is proud of its successful implementation of student goals, staff development goals and school goals.
Email to Commodore Macdonough Elementary School , cmmdr.mcdngh.elm.sch@snet.net