Hillrise Programs

High Ability Learner Education (Hale) "High Ability Learner Education" is designed to extend the learning environment for high potential students. Services are defined as being expanded learning experiences for high ability learners who are capable of studying in-depth matters of academic and creative nature.

Program Goals-The Elkhorn Public Schools shall attempt to provide aerogramme of educational experiences designed to meet the individual needs of high ability learners throughout the following:

1. Assessing and identifying students of high academic ability beginning or during kindergarten through grade twelve.
   
2. Providing services for identified students that incorporates curriculum modifications, accommodations, teaching methods, activities, and/or instructional materials designed to meet the needs of high ability learners.
   
3. Communicating the various aspects and successes of the program for high ability learners to staff, students, parents, and the community.
   
4. Evaluating program goals, activities, materials, and procedures.
   
5. Recognizing and nurturing educational excellence.

Program Elements:

Early Elementary-Children in kindergarten, first, and early second grades are served primarily in the regular classroom with consulting services provided to the classroom teacher by the elementary gifted education coordinator. Whole class/small group sessions are planned in collaboration with the classroom teacher.

Upper Elementary-Students in grades 2-5 who demonstrate high potential or performance in their academic programs have the opportunity to participate in many activities designed to challenge their abilities. programs for high ability students include literature groups, math and logic activities, Omnibus units, creative problem solving, and small group seminars on topics developed from student interest or as an extension to the curriculum. Academic competitions are conducted in cooperation with grade level teachers. Flexible grouping is encouraged with input from the classroom teacher and activities are designed to accommodate the needs and abilities of the students. Some of the programs that are available include Odyssey of the Mind, Battle of the Books, Continental Math, Word Masters, and Current Events League.

Physical Education. As a part of the total school curriculum, physical education offers an organized, sequential progression of activities which provide for the social, physical, intellectual, and emotional development of children and youth through the medium of physical activity.

Media The mission of the library media program is to help students and staff effectively locate and use information. This mission is accomplished by Providing intellectual and physical access to materials in various formats. Providing instruction to foster competence and stimulate interest in reading, viewing, and using ideas and information. Working with teachers to meet the individual needs of students. Special Events: Golden Sower Program, Book Fairs, Winter Reading Program, Accelerated Reader, Battle of the Books.

Art The art curriculum at Hillrise has three major distinguishing features. The emphasis on art and the skills necessary to practice art are presented in a structured way. The art curriculum corresponds to the four components of art which are aesthetic, studio art, and history, and art criticism. PRACTICE-The art curriculum incorporates skills (techniques),knowledge(concepts), and modes of inquiry in each of the four art components. STRUCTURE-The are curriculum presents information systematically, just as curricula in other school subjects do.

Music The Music Department of the Elkhorn Public Schools has the philosophy that music classes and activities promote child development through group cooperation, self-expression, assertiveness, imagination, uniqueness, problem solving, higher order thinking skills, and verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Guidance Elementary school guidance is designed to enhance the learning of all students and to support the educators, parents, and community. The guidance program has four major components:guidance lessons, responsive services, individual planning, and system support.

Speech The speech program at Hillrise is designed to assist identified students in the following areas; disorders of voice, disorders of fluency, articulation disorders, language disorders, or hearing loss. Students may be served in their own classroom, in small groups, or individually.

Resource Program The Resource Center is designed to assist identified students who are having difficulty primarily in the areas of reading,math, written language, or behavior. It is our belief that all identified students should be given every opportunity to succeed in their regular classrooms.