ENRICHMENT

ART and MUSIC

Each grade has weekly art instruction from Barbara Adams and music instruction from Michelle Holland.

Students in 3rd through 6th grade have the option of joining the school band. The band performs at school functions and community events throughout the year.

In past years, a poetry teacher has conducted grade appropriate poetry programs. Historically, the San Francisco Opera Outreach Program has visited AVS and students have had the opportunity to perform in a small scale opera production at our school, and also to attend a field trip to the San Francisco Opera.

TECHNOLOGY

Substantial purchases have been made over the last 3 years to update technological facilities in the classroom. For the 2007-08 year, 14 additional desktops were purchased to provide all students improved access to computers in the classroom. This allows all students, in particular 5th and 6th graders, increased opportunities to integrate technology in to daily learning.

On a weekly basis, a computer consultant works on age appropriate computer skills with students. The internet is available in all of the classrooms. Use of the internet is contingent upon parents signing a contract specifying terms and conditions.

The school recently joined the Sonoma County Office of Education Telecommunications Consortium. Among the benefits provided by this consortium are greater security for students, access to additional educational resources, and technological support.

SCIENCE

Students in grades 3 through 6 participate in specialized enrichment options in the final quarter. Topics have included chemistry, robotics and food science.

GARDEN

The Alexander Valley School Garden has been offering students science-based agricultural instruction continually for over 25 years. Each class receives twice monthly (sometimes weekly) garden lessons, focusing on topics of science, horticulture, seasonality, nutrition, and the arts. Each class has established garden curriculum that addresses state Educational Standards, and expands upon the work conducted in the classroom. Parent volunteers conduct the instruction and work with the students in the design, cultivation and maintenance of the garden. Each year students and volunteers conduct a Harvest Fest and Play Day Farmers’ Market to raise funds for the garden.

SPANISH

AVS offers weekly Spanish classes to all students in grades one through six taught by credentialed teachers. Students learn basic grammar and vocabulary, as well as simply conversation skills. The Spanish curriculum is coordinated with the school's English reading and language arts program, ensuring that both English and Spanish-speaking students have a broader context for their development in both languages.