Unified Arts

 

Ms. Rachel Black, rblack@mnsd.org

In Art, our students develop an understanding of art concepts and an appreciation for Art History while experiencing different art media. Throughout the school year, we practice art making skills with the knowledge gained in the use of Elements of Art and the Principles of Art and Design in the student’s artwork.

Identity and culture are also explored in the Art Room as past and present artists are shared and celebrated, encouraging our own students to express their own voices, understand others who are unlike themselves, and welcome the diversity and beauty of our collective human experience!

Mrs. Trisha Adami, tadami@mnsd.org

As a component of the K-5 Unified Arts rotation, Design Thinking aims to enrich our elementary students’ authentic learning experiences through project based learning opportunities (via Defined Learning) and social-emotional skill instruction (via Second Step).  Students practice career ready skills as they plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources to gather, evaluate, and present information.   In this way, students build capacity in the 21^st century skills of collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking by applying their knowledge to solve real-world challenges.

Mrs. Amanda Gallagher, amgallagher@mnsd.org

The Library provides a wide range of materials. Through weekly scheduled classes, students learn how to use the Library’s resources and become acquainted with the variety of literature available.  Students also engage in a wide range of STEM (via Picture-Perfect-STEM)  and Coding (via Google’s CS First) activities during Library.

Other things to know about the Library:

• Students visit as a class for instruction and selection.

• Teachers can sign up to bring their classes to the Library for additional instruction and research. 

• Books are checked out for one week.

• Students must bring the book to the Library for renewal.

• Overdue books cannot be renewed.

• Overdue notices are generated on a weekly basis. However, students who are absent on their scheduled Library day should return their books to the Library upon their return to school so the computer does not generate an overdue slip in their name.

• Students are responsible for any materials that they sign out or use in the Library. Damage or loss is charged to individual students. Lost or damaged materials must be paid for before the final report card is distributed.

• DVD's are for teacher use only.

• Library classes are integrated with curriculum, incorporating technology and STEM as much as possible.

 

Mrs. Larysa Dragonetti, ldragonetti@mnsd.org

Ms. Morganne Piestrak, Instrumental, mpiestrak@mnsd.org

 

Band and Orchestra

Students in second semester, third grade may elect to participate in Band/Orchestra instruction. Our Fourth and Fifth Grade students may also receive Band/Orchestra instruction. In either case, instruction takes place once each week during the school day, and students will have the opportunity to perform in a school concert.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Chorus

Our upper grade students are invited to join this performing group.  They meet with the Music Teacher once each week for practice. At least one formal performance takes place each year, in addition to less formal activities throughout the school year.

 

Mr. Chris Penney, cpenney@mnsd.org

In Physical Education, we work on the improvement and development of overall fitness through practice. We also enjoy working on sports skills, team-competitive and cooperative play in the Gym. Worrall kids also love playing adventure based/problem solving games, where athletics take a back seat to positive verbal and non-verbal communication, cooperation and team building.

In Health class, we discuss topics such as bullying, tobacco and smoking/vaping, sexual harassment, body systems, and career education to name a few. Whether it be in the Gym or the classroom, Worrall kids give their best effort no matter what we are learning!