Physical Education

Our physical education classes help to develop the whole child by creating an environment that is safe and comfortable for all students to participate at their own developmental level. Students gain an understanding and development of locomotor skills, manipulative skills, cooperation, teamwork building and, most importantly, an understanding of good sportsmanship and diversity among individuals. Students develop their physical skills at their own paces and are encouraged to challenge themselves to try new skills. Students are taught about the importance of the fitness of their bodies and what they can do to maintain wellness.

Art

Art class offers a wonderful opportunity to educate students about famous artists and styles, art principles and techniques. The students benefit from a great program where they learn how to think and feel with many hands-on activities and opportunities for exploration. Part of the program includes a visit to an art gallery in a nearby town. This year, we were fortunate to see American artists like Mary Cassatt, Andrew Wyeth and John Singer Sargent at the Thorne-Sagendorf Art Gallery at Keene State College, in Keene.

The Kindergarten class learns how to draw and paint, use playdough, printmaking, collage and how to apply the basic principles such as line, shape, color, value, form, texture, space through a variety of interesting projects. Grades 1/2 review and deepen their knowledge of those principles while acquiring new skills like handling clay and making pottery.

Grades 3/4 and 5/6 are exposed more to the great artists, genres and styles. They learn about art history while having fun. 3/4 are learning about color and how to mix paints. They will work with clay, wood, watercolors, Tempera, printmaking and drawing techniques (pastels).

The 5/6th graders drew pastel animals in the cave art style, built clay cups, painted the color spectrum and studied Babylonian art (from 700 BC - fantastic animals). We will be starting Egyptian art with the 5/6 graders, making clay mummies and a sarcophagus, sculptures, murals. In the area of crafts, we will learn how to weave and make wooden stick huts, work with beads and make jewelry, wood and wire projects, and stained glass.

Music

Our music program encompasses learning through singing, playing, movement, and listening. The kindergarten, first and second grades participate in a variety of activities and begin to learn about rhythms. The third and fourth grade curriculum involves music-making through the recorder. This is also when students begin to read notes. The fifth and sixth grade class uses hand bells and Boom Whackers as well as other percussion instruments. They also learn musical terms and study various styles of music. All grades participate in folk dancing and are exposed to many guest artists throughout the year. The students participate in both winter and spring concerts, and have performed musicals that include many acting roles as well. In addition to the music taught in class, Mrs. Moore offers band lessons to students in third grade and higher. There is a morning band for intermediate players and a lunch band for beginners.

French

The transition from Spanish to French went very well. The students seem to enjoy learning another language that has so much in common with their own language. Many French words are part of the English language and it makes sense to learn French for a well-rounded education. The kindergarten class learns French words through songs and music, dances, games, drama and flannel board stories. The 1/2 students are learning colors and numbers, and body, fruit and vegetable vocabulary. We use song a lot. We will also study family, house and weather units. The 3/4 students enjoy learning French through song still, but also dramatization, stories, board games and magazines for young students. They are covering colors, numbers, days and months, weather, family, food and house vocabulary, as well as greetings and how to say whole sentences. The 5/6 students are studying French inventors and explorers. We watched a movie about Jacques Cousteau, underwater pioneer and advocate of respecting nature and oceans. The students have an assignment and are making a poster about Jacques Cousteau. We will continue learning all the vocabulary we need to start making whole sentences, be able to understand a French speaker, and read and write at a basic level. We will also start studying the geography and history of France soon, and make our own books

Guidance

The guidance counselor is at Perkins School once a week. She works with individuals and small groups of students on stress management and problem solving, as well as other issues as they arise. Guidance classes are also taught on a rotating basis in all classes. Topics include safety, accepting differences, making and keeping friends, bully proofing, problem solving and careers.

Health Services

Health services are provided by a school nurse once a week. Services provided include; vision, hearing screening of first, third, and fifth graders. Heights and weights of all students, maintaining health records, attending to illness and injuries, and assisting with fluoride treatments for those who are participating. The nurse also teaches health classes and serves as a resource for staff and students regarding any health issues. The nurse will also offer guidance to the staff in managing ill/injury in her absence. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns they may have about their child.