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Specials
Lower School Academics
Spanish
The introduction of foreign language at an early age has many academic advantages and greatly assists students in becoming better citizens in an ever-changing world. By offering Spanish in kindergarten through fourth grade, students gain an appreciation for cultural as well as linguistic diversity internationally, nationally, and locally. Instruction focuses on basic conversational proficiency and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Using auditory, visual, and kinesthetic teaching methods, students acquire language skills according to their different learning styles.
Spanish classes meet for 30 minutes twice a week in a room dedicated to teaching Spanish.
Art
The Lower School art program is dedicated to developing skills, learning about schools of art, and fostering an appreciation for all elements of art. Each class works with a wide variety of age-appropriate materials and techniques including painting, drawing, sculpture, elementary printmaking, collage, and design. Students practice the techniques in small group or individual environments, and the content of the artwork corresponds to what is being studied in the classroom. First graders may work on Chinese dragons to complement their study of China while drawing natural biomes enrich a habitat study in fourth grade. Individuals are encouraged, through hands-on experiences, to personalize their interpretation of the content. Students at each grade level also work collaboratively with the art teacher to design and create props for their class play.
Art classes meet for 45 minutes twice a week for students in kindergarten through third grade. Students in fourth grade are given involved assignments that require more attention and pre-planning. Therefore, the fourth grade meets for 75 minutes on a weekly basis.
Music
The belief that music is an essential element of a well-rounded education is fundamental to the philosophy of Powhatan’s music program. In conjunction with expanding each student’s understanding of music in general, a complementary objective is to enable each student to experience the joy that comes from sharing musical moments, which include annual performances at Carol Sing, Grandparents Day, and Graduation.
Music is significant in supporting the development of higher-level critical thinking skills. Aesthetic, historical, expressive, and cultural values are woven into the music program at each grade level. The program provides creative outlets, accessing multiple human intelligences while incorporating different learning styles, such as auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Basic theory and elements of music are introduced in the earliest elementary grades and are expanded at each grade level.
Powhatan believes that every child is capable of appreciating, understanding, and creating music. Music provides a means of expressing oneself in a unique and personal way, promoting and enhancing harmonious relationships in the home, at school, and in the community.
Music classes meet for 45 minutes twice a week in the music lab.
Library
The Lindsey Library is the heart of Powhatan. Its extensive collection of books encourages lifelong learning and the love of reading for the students and staff of Powhatan School. The library contains over 11,000 volumes and supports the classroom curriculum from kindergarten through eighth grade with a diversity of materials. The selection of materials complements the varied learning styles, interests, and needs of our patrons.
In Lower School, students visit the library for scheduled weekly classes, and teachers may arrange times to bring their students for research. The library program aims to foster a lifelong love of reading by introducing students to a variety of literature, teaching book care and uses of a library, and developing research skills.
Kindergarten students visit the library twice a week. First through fifth grade classes visit the library once a week. Each class is 30 minutes in length. Students however, are free to check books out or conduct research in the library at any time.
Sports
Powhatan’s physical education program is an important component of Powhatan’s educational program. It provides vigorous physical activities and sound instruction in basic motor skills as well as sport-specific skills, developing a focus on team collaboration and good sportsmanship. The program focuses on body awareness, basic motor skills, physical fitness, team collaboration, individual sports, and rhythms.
At each grade level, the physical education program is carefully designed to be age appropriate, build skills, and promote enjoyment of physical activity in our students’ daily lives. With an emphasis on demonstrating good sportsmanship, developing skills, providing team experiences, and building self-confidence, Powhatan’s physical education program teaches students how to remain physically fit and active in a safe way.
Kindergarten and first grade sports classes meet for 30 minutes sessions four times a week. Second and third grade meet three times a week for 45 minutes classes, and fourth grade joins fifth grade for three one hour classes.
Technology
Powhatan’s technology program is founded on the belief that technology is an essential tool in assisting students in learning beyond the classroom. To that end, all students have access to computers in their classrooms, Smart Boards at each grade level, and the computer lab. In kindergarten through second grade, the technology program is incorporated into classroom activities. Students in third through sixth grades have scheduled computer classes two days a week, which focus on keyboard skills, word processing, and research. These skills enhance learning and provide interactive lessons in all content areas. Students also acquire an understanding of how to use specific hardware, software, and related technologies, allowing them to adapt to the complex technology environments that will emerge during their lifetimes.