Manchester Programs

Art

The goal of the Elkhorn Elementary Art program is to provide comprehensive art experiences that enrich students' lives now and in the future; to expose our students to as many art forms, artists, and art media as possible, and to incorporate art lessons into the core curriculum.

Music

Music classes and activities promote social skills through group cooperation, self expression, assertiveness, imagination, uniqueness, problem solving, higher order thinking skills, and verbal and non-verbal communication skills. The study of music in Elkhorn Public Schools will provide students with a basic foundation in music which will allow them to participate, enjoy and perform music throughout their life.

Physical Education

The focus for the development of the elementary student in the physical education settings is to supply children with the basic motor skill development for success in everyday life; to increase their understanding of teamwork, sportsmanship, individualization, success, and failure; to help them gain self-confidence through a variety of activities; to promote fitness and the understanding of why physical activity is important.

Library/Media

Library/Media is taught as an integrated part of the curriculum. Students meet with the media specialist for one or two week units per quarter. Westridge has a MacIntosh computer lab and 25 laptop mobile computer lab. In addition, computers are in every classroom.

HALE

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 HALE coordinator. Whole class and small group sessions are planned in collaboration with the classroom teacher. Students in grades 2-5 who have demonstrated high potential or performance in their academic programs have the opportunity to participate in many activities designed to challenge their abilities. Programs for high potential students include literature groups, math and logic activities, creative problem solving, leadership seminars as well as small group seminars on topics stemming from student interest or as an extension of the curriculum. Academic competitions (Continental Math, WordMasters, and NewsBowl) are conducted in cooperation with grade level teachers.

Guidance

Guidance classes as well as small group lessons and individual guidance assistance are an integral part of the school curriculum. Guidance lessons are designed to promote student growth in three areas: social/emotional domain, academic/educational domain, and career/occupational domain. The school counselor works with staff and parents in various ways to support a positive school experience for all students.