School Programs
Academics
The primary school curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Copies of the K-12 Standards can be found online, and the Rutland City K-12 curriculum can be found in the school’s main office or at the Longfellow building. Reading is taught through an approach that integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing.These areas interrelate and support the development of early literacy skills in students. A primary goal of Northwest School is to ensure that every child becomes a competent and confident reader and writer during their K-2 experience. If a child experiences difficulty learning to read, support services are provided to help with specific skills.
Northwest uses a mathematics program called “Zearn” that aligns to the CCSS. The program addresses standards in a way that asks students to learn math basics, combined with an opportunity to use math in real life through problem solving. If a child has difficulty with early mathematical concepts, support services are provided to help children gain confidence and aptitude.
Science and Social Students are aligned with CCSS and NGSS, and are often integrated and taught through developed thematic units and hands-on learning opportunities.
Along with the core curriculum, students receive weekly instruction in art, library skills, music,and physical education. The specials’ programs are designed to encourage exploration, increase awareness, and build upon students’ self-esteem and willingness to try new things as they grow in their imagination, creativity, and varied skills.
Social/Emotional
Our vision at Northwest Primary School is to create a safe and nurturing environment that fosters independence as students develop a lifelong love of learning. In order to do so, we support students as they learn the value of responsibility, respect, compassion for others, and lifelong learning.
Northwest School utilizes many practices to create an environment that supports students socially and emotionally. These practices often intertwine and complement each other: Responsive Classroom, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, Trauma Informed Practices, teaching and learning with a lens on Equity, and more. We want our students to feel safe and supported in our school. We want them to feel a sense of belonging. And we want our students to feel ready and eager to continue on their lifelong journey as learners. We believe in “Every Student! Every Day!”
Northwest’s standards for behavior are built into our STAR student framework, which is our social skills curriculum. Children are explicitly taught about respect, kindness, acting safely, and reaching for the stars, along with many other positive character traits. We recite our Star Student expectations each day, and our staff offers praise to our star students when they display the Star Student qualities. Here they are:
S – Show respect to oneself and others at all times
T – Treat others with kindness
A – Always be safe
R – Reach for the stars (do your best)