ACADEMICS

Co-Curricular Classes

Art

• NPES students in Kindergarten through 5^th grade meet for art once a week, while 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes meet for art class twice a week.
• Art students learn how to be engaged fully in the artistic process and gain skill and confidence by learning to work in the following two and three dimensional mediums: drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, print-making, collage, fiber, and computer arts. Drawing receives the greatest emphasis because it provides the basis for all other creative activities. Drawing is the single most accessible form of art available and provides a direct link between reading, writing, and math.  
• The art program is integrated with the core curriculum in order to establish historic relevance and offer students the opportunity to create and do in all subject areas. The program nurtures inventiveness as it engages students in a process that aids in the development of self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, and self-motivation.
• The goals of the visual art program at NPES are to provide students with the tools to understand human experience; to learn to adapt to and respect others way of thinking; to learn creative methods of problem solving; understand the historical and cultural influences of art; to make decisions in situations where there are no standard answers; to analyze non-verbal communication; and to communicate thoughts and feelings using a practiced and highly developed visual vocabulary.

Spanish

• North Park Elementary School is proud to have Spanish in the curriculum for all grade levels. Kindergartners through 5th graders meet for Spanish twice a week for 30 minutes. The 6th, 7th and 8th graders meet three times a week for 40 minutes.
• By emphasizing the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading, and writing--NPES strives to develop a passion in students for comprehending, using, and connecting Spanish language with the Hispanic culture in order to communicate with Spanish speakers in the United States and around the world.
• NPES Spanish classes are filled with Spanish-language activities, games, music, art projects, books, and more. The Spanish program is based on the five Cs to learning a foreign language:

1. COMMUNICATION: Students learn how to communicate orally and in writing using the Spanish language in "real life" situations.
2. CULTURES: Students are exposed to cultures different from their own and develop a better understanding and appreciation for language and culture.
3. CONNECTIONS: Content from other subject areas, including Character Education, is integrated into lessons.
4. COMPARISONS: Students compare and contrast languages and cultures. They analyze similarities and differences which strengthens understanding of their native language and culture.
5. COMMUNITIES: Students experience field trips, cultural activities, and are given opportunities to hear Heritage speakers at school and in the classroom. They are encouraged to continue language learning outside of the school setting and use what they have learned in their communities.

Technology

• NPES offers a well-equipped, school-wide computer network for staff and students. With the most current hardware available and an eye on the latest trends, NPES strives to maintain a comprehensive technology program.
• Students develop many skills by exploring various applications of technology in "real world" settings. In addition to a continued focus on keyboarding and word processing skills, role playing as corporate executives, animators, game designers, publishing moguls, television producers, and inventors provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the uses of our ever-changing technology.
• Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum in all subjects.  Computers are used in collaboration with classroom teachers.
• Also enhancing the curriculum throughout the school year are several cross-curricular, collaborative projects such as virtual field trips, photo painting, musical composition, digital storytelling, internet research, and scientific exploration.

Music

• NPES students enjoy a general music class from prekindergarten through 8th grade. In their general music classes, students become familiar with music terminology, aesthetics of music, creating music, history and culture as it relates to music.  All students meet for general music once a week.
• Third through 5^th grade students have choir once a week in addition to general music.  In choir students refine their singing and performance skills through proper singing technique, breathing exercises, and posture. 
• Sixth, 7^th and 8^th grade students have the elective of Glee Club if they desire to be a member of a singing performance group.
• The middle school music curriculum parallels the social studies curriculum.  Music class provides students the opportunity to gain insight into different cultures by studying the music and musical techniques of various cultures. 
• Beginning in 4th grade, students have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument and be a member of the NPES band program.

Physical Education

• The Physical Education (PE) program at NPES promotes favorable attitudes for active lifestyles, physical fitness, and safety through teaching the fundamentals of lifetime and leisure sports.
• Instruction focuses on instilling a positive self-image, teaching appropriate social behavior, promoting sportsmanship, and helping students learn how their bodies can perform more efficiently.
• PE provides students with multiple opportunities to assess fitness levels, to engage in opportunities that will strengthen already developing gross and small motor skills. Two before-school programs --  Motor Moms and Dads and a “Brain Gym” adaptation -- supplement the PE program to develop core strength in conjunction with body and mind connection. 
• Students develop lifetime skills that enable them to lead full and productive lives both in and out of school—an active body for an active mind.
• All students have gym sessions three times a week. Pending on curriculum content, students have the opportunity to utilize a neighborhood full-size gym or can walk to Welles Park enjoy gym outdoors on full-sized fields.

Creative Drama

• NPES students in kindergarten through 5th grade enjoy Creative Drama class which meets once per week, with the class offered as an elective to 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students.
• Research shows that creative drama improves students' language and communication abilities, the Creative Drama program is taught in conjunction with the Language Arts program at NPES. Creative Drama class empowers students to speak publicly with confidence and encourages creative expression and teamwork in a supportive environment.
• Part of NPES’ after-school program involves producing an original musical show involving students from kindergarten through eighth grade at a local auditorium.

Almost all students from kindergarten through 8th grade participate. While students in upper grades are given significant roles, all students from 2nd grade on have speaking parts. The youngest cast members are featured in their own musical number.

With the assistance of parent volunteers creating costumes, sets, and props, over 100 students rehearse and prepare for their performance.

• Throughout the year, students participate in acting workshops and after-school drama activities.
• Theater is a fun, engaging way for students to express themselves, practice memorization and musical skills, and build camaraderie.

Library

• Classes visit the library on a weekly basis for story time, assisted research and book checkout. The library is open to students during study and free periods and for homework and study after school.
• Birthday book donations and the annual Scholastic Book Fair helps the book inventory grow.
• Annual reading programs, such as the winter reading program, the annual Rebecca Caudill books and the Battle of the Books, help to stimulate students' appreciation for reading.
• Middle school students complete various projects in conjunction with the Language Arts program.  Projects include an oral interpretation unit, independent book reviews and projects and age appropriate reading competitions.