Positive relationships are the foundation of our learning environment.
When you walk into a С»ÆѼÊÓƵ elementary classroom, you will see students participating in a challenging, developmentally appropriate education, enriched by the unique experiences that occur in each classroom and with each teacher. Our students engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, collaboration and teamwork, and citizenship and personal responsibility.
Want to see inside our elementary classrooms? We share great pictures every day! Follow us on Ìý
Andy DeFreece
Director of Early Childhood & Elementary Education
402.715.8314
adefreec@mpsomaha.org
Kim Pirrone
Secretary for Elementary EducationÌý
402.715.8314
kjpirron@mpsomaha.org
Nicole Chapman
K-12 Facilitator for Music
402.715.8756
nachapman@mpsomaha.org
Shannon Cooley Lovett
K-12 Art,ÌýK-12 Counseling, K-12 Physical Education Curriculum & Instruction FacilitatorÌýÌý
402.715.6273
smcooley@mpsomaha.org
Monica Hutfles
K-12 HAL Program Facilitator & Odysseyware Curriculum & Instruction FacilitatorÌý
402.715.8414
mahutfles@mpsomaha.org
Cheris Kite
Early Childhood & K-5 Literacy Intervention Curriculum & Instruction FacilitatorÌý
402.715.1431
cakite@mpsomaha.org
Amanda Niemiec
Curriculum Facilitator for 6-12 Science and K-12 World Language
402.715.8245
ajniemiec@mpsomaha.org
Matthew Scott
K-5 Mathematics & Intervention Curriculum & Instruction Facilitator
402.715.1429
mjscott1@mpsomaha.org
Jody Sempek
K-5 English Language Arts Curriculum & Instruction Facilitator
402.715.1169
jlsempek@mpsomaha.org
Julie Shirk
K-5 Science/Social Studies/Health Curriculum & Instruction Facilitator
402.715.1198
jlshirk@mpsomaha.org
Anne Keith
Coordinator - Elementary Special Education
Co-Leader of MTSS-B (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Behavior)
402.715.8219
ackeith@mpsomaha.org
Karen Hutton
Facilitator - Elementary Special Education, K-5 Structured Behavior Skills Program
402.715.8286
kdhutton@mpsomaha.org
Kristen McKenney
Facilitator - Elementary Special Education, K-5 Alternate Curriculum Program
402.715.8568
klmckenney@mpsomaha.org
Shelley SchmitzÌý
Facilitator - Elementary & K-12 MTSS-A/InterventionÌý
402.715.8813Ìý
slschmitz@mpsomaha.org
Bréann Avery
Special Programs Facilitator
402.715.8815
bcavery@mpsomaha.org
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Students registering for Kindergarten must be 5 years of age on or before July 31st of the year they enter Kindergarten.Ìý If your child's birthdate falls between August 1st and October 15th, he/she would be eligible for Early Entrance testing.Ìý The testing is available to С»ÆѼÊÓƵ residents only.Ìý Select here to view Policy 5100.2 for further information.Ìý Contact Kim Pirrone at 402.715.8314 or kjpirron@mpsomaha.org if you would like to sign your child up for testing.
Please visit Student Services for enrollment information andÌýthe registration process.
A hearing screening is required as part of your child's kindergarten enrollment. A hearing test can be completed as part of the kindergarten physical with your pediatrician or a hearing test can be completed through the district at no charge. Complete diagnostic hearing testing through С»ÆѼÊÓƵ can be scheduled at 402-715-8302. .
If you need any help navigating through the kindergarten registration process, please callÌýCentral Enrollment atÌý402.715.8700.
С»ÆѼÊÓƵ's elementary curriculum buildsÌýa strong base for future learning.Ìý
Students learn across a variety of disciplines.ÌýA deeper exploration of the curriculum can be found in the Elementary Education Handbook linked below. Elementary curriculum includes:
- Reading - The McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders Program combines the five essential components of a scientifically researched-based reading program.ÌýThese components include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.Ìý
- Writing -ÌýTeachers use a writing workshop model andÌýfocus on grammar, mechanics, and spelling while using the writing process to express ideas. Direct instruction in handwriting is given using the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Program. Cursive writing is formally introduced in third grade.
- Mathematics -ÌýMathematicsÌýis taught using theÌýInto MathÌýcurriculum. This program is designed to focus on the major work of each grade level based on a progression of topics within number, algebra, geometry, and data. These progressions form learning pathways designed to build a foundation of conceptual understanding and procedures. Opportunities for application are embedded throughout instruction. Through a lesson design based on research-based effective practices, students are encouraged to communicate, think critically, reason, and problem solve in a variety of ways.Ìý
- Science -ÌýScience education is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to help our students become scientifically literate and civically minded.Ìý Learning experiences intentionally intertwine science content knowledge with critical thinking tools and practices that are used by scientists and engineers. We utilize instructional resources from Amplify Science to achieve our science standards that address topics from the domains of Life, Physical, Earth & Space, and Engineering Sciences.Ìý Students apply their literacy and mathematics skills in relevant and authentic ways as they construct scientific literacy. Coherent learning progressions from kindergarten through twelfth grades allow students to continually build on and revise their knowledge and abilities.Ìý
- Social Studies - Social studies prepares students to become engaged citizens in local, national and global societies. The Teacher's Curriculum Institute Social Studies Alive! is the primary curriculum resource for Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, and Fifth GradeÌýclassrooms.ÌýÌýTheÌýNebraska Adventure, published by Gibb-Smith Education, is the primary curriculum source for Fourth Grade.
- Health - Elementary health focuses on physical, social and emotion well-being. Health curriculum uses McGraw Hill Health & Wellness and curriculum from Stanford Harmony.Ìý
- Art - ArtÌýprovides students with experiences to build skills in the artistic process while working with 2D, 3D, and digital projects.Ìý Kindergarten usesÌýExplorations in ArtÌýcurriculum by Davis Publications.ÌýThe four areas of art education include: Create, Present, Respond, and Connect.Ìý 1st-5th gradeÌýuses theÌýFLEXÌýandÌýPROÌýcurriculum by The Art of Education University.ÌýThe four areas of art education include: Create, Present, Respond, and Connect.
Music -General Music - Music includes students singing, moving, basic theory, and playing rhythmic and melodic instruments using the GamePlan and Purposeful PathwaysÌýinstructional resources. Lessons and activities are based on the Nebraska standards for Music Education which include experiences in the areas of creating, responding, and performing music within the classroom setting.ÌýOrchestra - Students have the option to join the MPS Orchestra program in 4th grade. Students can choose to play violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Fundamental instrument playing skills, music theory, and expression are taught using the С»ÆѼÊÓƵ Orchestra Method Books.Ìý
Band - Students have the option to join the MPS band program in 5th grade. Students can choose from flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion. Fundamental instrument playing skills, music theory, and expression are taught using the Sounds Innovations for Concert Band instructional resource.Ìý
- Physical Education - Physical Education focuses on skills, knowledge, active lifestyles and fitness, responsible behavior and awareness.Ìý
- Counseling - The counseling curriculum promotes positive well-being and personal success by teaching important knowledge and skills for learning in school and throughout life. In addition, students will practice interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect themselves and others. They also will begin their investigation of the world of careers and job opportunities.
Looking for ways to strengthen your child's reading?
Here are some resources that may be helpful.
Reading Development
Looking for a Book
С»ÆѼÊÓƵ Resources
Videos
Activities for Children and Families
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