Specials

The art program at Clintonville Elementary School is based on the Connecticut Standards for the Visual Arts and North Haven's own goals for art education.

All lessons contain four components considered essential to teaching art. They are; art history, art production, art criticism and art aesthetics.

The kindergarten through grade two program emphasizes teaching the elements of art; line, color, shape, value, texture and form. Students are encouraged to form a knowledge of materials and processes such as using glue, paint and scissors properly. All learn to work in 2D with printmaking, painting, drawing, and collage and 3D with clay and papier mache'.

In the upper grades curriculum reflects prior knowledge of art elements and strives to foster using those elements in many creative ways. There are units on the art of other cultures, on 20th century art as well as the art of past eras such as medieval art. The lessons incorporate classroom themes and curriculum as much as possible.

Students have the opportunity to meet weekly for 45 minutes. The kindergarten students have 30 minute classes, twice a week. As they work in various mediums such as clay, paint, printmaking, or pastel, all are encouraged to succeed regardless of their own artistic ability.

Mrs. Snow

Music Activities

As prescribed by the nine state guidelines, students learn a variety of pieces both instrumental and vocal which explore melody, harmony, rhythm, form and tone color. Students explore these elements through movement and with the opportunity to play in ensemble with xylophones and classroom music instruments.

In grade three, we give each student a recorder and offer performance opportunities to volunteers. This preband knowledge acquired during recorder classes offers many a first experience in an instrumental group setting.

Grades 4 and 5 are offered the opportunity to sing in chorus or join band. These groups perform twice a yar. The music classroom explorations include historically relevant lessons related to students' social studies program.

This year a special composer in residence project is on the agenda and is funded by the PTA. Grace Cloutier, a harpist from North Haven who lives in New York City and performs in Europe and America, will conduct workshops with students on a "prelude" which they will learn in music class.

Mrs. Beckmann

Instrumental Music

The study of instrumental music begins in the 4th grade. At the end of the school year, all third grade classes will be given an instrument demonstration by Mr. Jones and the 2nd year band. Instrument choices for school study include Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Baritone, Trombone, Percussion, Violin and Cello. Instrumental lessons are given once a week for a half hour. Once students reach a certain level of proficiency, they are invited to audition for the 2nd year band. The 1st year band, which includes both 4th and 5th grade beginning instrumentalists, will showcase their talents in the Spring Concert. The 2nd year band, which features both 4th and 5th grade students that have achieved a level of proficiency on their instruments and have successfully auditioned, will be featured in both the Winter and Spring concerts.

Students in the instrumental music program will develop multiple skills in a challenging and positive environment. The music studied will be varied in style and multi cultural. We urge all students to participate in the Instrumental Music Program at Clintonville!

Mr. Jones

Physical Education

The physical education program provides an environment where every student can succeed regardless of his or her ability or interest in physical activities.

In addition to an emphasis on physical fitness, students will be exposed to various lessons ranging from basic sport skills, like soccer and volleyball, to movement exploration activities such as our obstacle course. Students will also be expected to work cooperatively with a partner or small group in a safe and non-threatening environment.

Mr. Naples

Library

The Library Media program is based on the Scope and Sequence of Skills Curriculum drafted by the Library Media Department for students in grades Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade.

Students have weekly library periods where they have an opportunity to borrow library materials in addiotion to participating in lessons based on the Scope and Sequence of Skills Curriculum.

LIBRARY MEDIA DEPARTMENT GOALS

As a result of education in the library Media Program, students in grades Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade will:

• Be independent, competent and confident users of technology.
• Communicate information and ideas
• Locate, use, synthesize and evaluate information effectively, efficiently and economically.
• Develop a love of reading and literature.
• Practice ethical behavior with regard to information and information technoloy.
• Become lifelong learners.

  Students are encouraged to read at their own pace and explore various types of reading material throughout the year. Dinosaurs, animals, sports, hobbies and How to Draw books are always popular.

  Upper grade students have a great interest in diary type books. Books such as the Dear America Series, where boys and girls, who are the age of our fourth and fifth graders, relate their experiences in different periods of history are especially popular.

  
  Robert Horn

  Librarian

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