Academics
International Baccalaureate- The I.B. Primary Years Program (PYP) at Willard is designed for every student in grades PreK-5. The curriculum framework provides the development for the whole child through 6 rich inquiry-based units. The PYP is a uniquely international program. It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, addressing academics and students’ social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs. For more information on our program please see our website or ask to speak to our IB Coordinator, Ms. Wittry.
IB Exhibition- Each year 5th graders present their culminating research at IB Exhibition. Community members are invited to attend to the conference-style presentations of science inquiry that focuses on global citizenship.
GATE- The primary years program for IB is designed for gifted learners to provide differentiation and extension through a structured, purposeful inquiry model that engages students in their own learning. Bi-monthly information is shared with parents on how their GATE child is receiving differentiation. Additionally, there are also opportunities for enrichment after school as well.
Computer Lab/ Chromebooks- Students use the computer lab weekly. Students have access to the 3D printer for their engineering projects. In addition to the computer lab 1-5 use one of our 400 chromebooks daily to research, write, publish, and present using Google Docs and Slideshows. Students collaborate using Google Docs and they create their own class quizzes using clever new web interfaces like Kahoot.
Each class, first through fifth grade, has the option of spending 45 minutes per week in the computer lab. Kindergarten begins using the computer lab during the second semester. All projects and learning that takes place in the computer lab is an extention of what is being taught in the classroom. The majority of student projects are linked to their IB units of inquiry.
Students learn to word process and use programs such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, Kidspiration, etc. Students learn how to navigate the internet safely and how to effectivly search for information. All students store their work in Google Drive. This allows students to keep a technology portfolio and permits them to work on their projects on the computers in their classroom.
Students learn to word process and use programs such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, Kidspiration, etc. Students learn how to navigate the internet safely and how to effectivly search for information. All students store their work in Google Drive. This allows students to keep a technology portfolio and permits them to work on their projects on the computers in their classroom.
Spanish Class- All students rotate through Spanish Class. TK-K receive 30 minutes weekly and students in 1-5 grade receive 60 minutes weekly. Students learn Spanish that supports social language and then bridges to content area language learning to support their IB units.
Every grade level has a Spanish curriculum that continues as they go on to the next grade level. For example in kindergarten students will learn the basics such as body parts, colors, shapes, greetings and simple commands. In Grades 1st through 5th students gradually move on from the basics to more complex concepts. Students of every grade level will be learning Spanish vocabulary taught in their IB units. This will in turn make their language study more meaningful if they are able to relate it to what they are studying in class.
Science Lab- Willard science lab that is regularly used by classes for science experiments.
Science Fair- All students are invited to enter in Willard’s Science Fair. There will be an informational night before the fair. Science fair projects are judged by parent and staff volunteers in order to be selected for submission to the district’s Innovation Exposition.
Math Field Day- 4th and 5th grade students from each school work together in teams to compete in a district-wide math competition.Students prepare for the event two months before the competition to hone their math skills and build their team.