In our K-8 learning community we address student learning requirements through a wide range of curricular vehicles, including standard curriculum, community resources, and teacher/parent/student-generated activities.
We seek to experience learning first hand. To that end we engage in many trips away from school, such as plays, art exhibits, and research groups.
Curriculum is integrated by pursuing themes such as “Architecture” and “Water,” allows for the interweaving of reading, science, writing, art, music, and social studies experiences. Students also engage in targeted experiences in math, reading and science. Older students pursue “Passion Projects” and other project-based learning activities.
Parent involvement is a cornerstone of our community. Our PTSA conducts one business meeting and one community meeting each month. Parents participate both in and out of the school day, in planning, driving, mini-classes and electives, and conducting fundraising activities to support our many projects and trips.
Self-assessment is emphasized. With teacher guidance students compile portfolios, complete self-assessment on learning goals, and conduct twice-yearly parent conferences. This helps develop students who take responsibility for their own learning, are able to set and reach goals, and become truly life-long learners. Teachers also complete assessments, and conference with parents throughout the school year.
Extra-curricular options: Some 7th and 8th grade activities are off-site. For example, students who wish to participate in the Einstein or Kellogg after school athletic programs may arrange to attend them by contacting those school offices for the schedules and requirements. 5th and 6th grade students have the opportunity to participate in Band or Strings on-site, twice weekly. Additional music programs are available, depending on interest, to 5th-8th graders. Several times per year our students have the opportunity to participate in outdoor education extended field trips. Students have the chance to travel to different locations all over the state and have school outside! Additionally, there are many community service activities available to Journey students.
We play a lot, too, taking time to sing, laugh, and intentionally develop our community strength, via artfest, a fall overnight, and many celebratory occasions.
Stewardship of our earth through outdoor education is important to us. Our K-5 students attend a 4-day Spring Camp, and our 6th, 7th and 8th graders take separate 4-7 day outdoor education trips.
Our teachers focus on creative and critical thinking skills, problem-solving, positive conflict resolution strategies, and place the students at the tiller as much as possible.
We continue to challenge ourselves with new possibilities in our approach to teaching and learning. One guarantee about our program is that, though the key elements remain, the ways we put them into practice, will, and should, always change.
To Schedule a Room Nine Community School Tour
Contact our PIE/PTSA Parent Registrar: rncsregistrar@comcast.net