Our elementary language arts core curriculum is, Education Open Up Resources. It is our K-5 curriculum designed for knowledge building. In the lesson modules, students explore science, social studies, and literature units, which help strengthen their literacy skills. These lessons expand background knowledge and enhance reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. Students simultaneously acquire reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, while developing knowledge about the words and the world.
Our elementary school mathematics program, i-Ready Mathematics, is our core math curriculum. i-Ready Classroom Mathematics was designed to support all students in becoming critical thinkers, persistent problem solvers, and lifelong learners. Through engaging in mathematical discourse and problem solving, the program allows students to: Learn key concepts over multiple days to foster deeper understanding Solve problems using a variety of strategies to increase their math flexibility Share their math thinking with classmates, helping to solidify their learning Make connections to the math they see in everyday life. To learn more, access the i-Ready Math Center for families, click here.
Functional Phonics (K-2) and Functional Morphology (3- 5) are evidence-based programs focused on phonics and morphology developed by the University of Minnesota. The phonics program enhances word recognition, decoding, fluency, and spelling through a structured approach that includes a variety of instructional routines. Functional Morphology develops students’ reading, spelling, and comprehension by exploring the layers of the English language through daily instruction
Amplify Science is a science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and communicate like scientists. Each unit of Amplify Science engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations to arrive at solutions.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum & Bully Prevention
In District 196, all schools establish strategies for creating a positive school climate and use evidence-based social-emotional learning to prevent and reduce discrimination and other improper conduct. The Second Step® Elementary digital program is a universal, Tier 1 social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum taught at the elementary level. Its digital format offers a variety of media, activities, and interactive components to provide opportunities for culturally relevant teaching and real-life experiences for class discussion. Staff model, teach and reinforce expected behaviors using research-based, developmentally appropriate best practices that include preventable and remedial measures and effective discipline to deter bullying throughout the school.
In grade 3, all students engage in a series of anti-bullying lessons taught in partnership with the school's social worker and classroom teacher using our digital Second Step Elementary curriculum. At Glacier Hills Elementary, students receive additional anti-bullying lessons taught in all grade levels in additional to grade 3 as part of our SEL programming. We believe that teachers and students perform their best when a culture of respect is established. For more information regarding bullying prevention, our district policy and reporting bullying, click here.
Human Growth and Development
District 196 teaches a human growth and development curriculum to fourth and fifth grade students. The Human Growth and Development curriculum covers basic information about reproductive anatomy, physical and emotional changes during puberty, and proper hygiene. If you would like more specific information about what is taught in this area, please contact your school nurse or school principal.
Students attend a specialist class each day. Specialist classes will rotate through the five different specialist areas.
The art specialists teaches Visual Arts, using the Explorations in Art curriculum, which interweaves creative studio activities, perceptual awareness, art appreciation, and art history, and builds an awareness of art in everyday life. Students examine art from a broad multicultural perspective, and are encouraged to learn cooperatively in both large and small groups. They have the opportunity to experience a variety of art media, while learning basic art concepts and thinking skills. Student artwork is constantly on exhibit throughout the school. Student artwork is also highlighted in a yearly student art show.
Multimedia Arts is a class in which students implement 21st century skills to create art, explore materials, use technology, tell stories and reflect on their life and learning experiences. Through hands-on experience using traditional art materials, students will practice Artist Habits of Mind, while learning the basics of using iPads and computers, implementing green screen technology, making movies, and writing original content for screen-based works.
The Glacier Hills Media Center is a child-centered open library. Open check-out times and guided research times are provided during the day with teacher's permission. Students are welcome to check out books every day. The number of books allowed to be checked out is as follows:
Grades: K, 1st 1 book/ 2 books starting in January
2nd 2 books
3rd-5th 3 books
Extra books needed for projects are permitted. The student loan period is 10 school days.
The music program focuses on making and listening to music, and responding to music that others have produced. Students sing, play instruments, move, and create music. Once a skill has been introduced, it is reinforced in subsequent grade levels. Student learning and understanding will be assessed through active participation in singing, movement, games, instrumental, and related curricular activities.
Students in all grades receive general/vocal music instruction for 50 minutes once every five days. Each grade level demonstrates their musical skills once a year. Performances are a reflection of the concepts and skills students have mastered, and help develop confidence in their ability to perform in a public venue. Parents, guardians, and guests are encouraged to attend these events, if possible.
Grades K through 5 use the Physical Education guide developed by the teachers in District 196 for continuity in physical education skills. The physical education program will provide every student the opportunity to grow through varied experiences that promote active participation and commitment to lifelong health-related fitness and wellness using enjoyable physical activity. District 196 expects all students to participate in physical education classes unless there is an appropriate written request for a student not to participate. Physical education classes are coordinated by a physical education teacher in the building. Students are strongly encouraged to have non-marking tennis shoes for physical education class.
Children may be referred to the SAT by parents, school staff, or by an outside agency due to academic and/or social emotional/behavioral difficulties. The SAT consults and supports the classroom teacher in identifying and implementing interventions to support the student need.
Special education services are available to those who qualify. If you have any questions regarding special education services or 504 Plans, please call the office at 651-683-8570.
District 196 provides a continuum of services directed to support students with enrichment opportunities and in talent development. Services include curriculum differentiation provided by classrooms teachers as well as academic/enrichment opportunities offered by building TD specialists. Additional activities may be offered after or before school in the form of competitions, classes and/or fairs. Students selected for more specialized programming meet criteria that are consistent throughout all District 196 schools.
Students have the exciting opportunity to join 5th grade band during the summer prior to 5th grade. We highly recommend every student commit to this educational opportunity, as playing an instrument engages students' higher thinking brain skills. Research continually supports that instrumental music education raises IQ, particularly in spatial intelligence needed for many engineering fields, and in verbal ability. Students have the opportunity to explore cultures from around the world in Traditions of Excellence and Band Expressions curriculum. All students participating in 5th grade band are additional taught beginning improvisation techniques and will have the ability to play and perform jazz music along with other genres of music. Students perform in two formal concerts in 5th grade and will have additional informal small group performances throughout the year. More information can be found on the band website: Mrs. Smith's Band Page
Elementary orchestra/strings is offered to students starting in the 3rd grade via a lottery system. Students in grades 3-5 participating in orchestra are offered a small group lesson for approx. 25 minutes once a week during their Specialists time of day. Large group rehearsals take place before school and concerts take place twice a year.
Da Capo Choir is a musical group for all interested singers in grades 3-5. The choir learns to read choral music, increase breath control, and become more independent in part-singing. Practices take place for 8 weeks on Monday mornings before school, and the choir has a chance to show off their talent in a winter concert.
Assessments help guide instruction to ensure that educational goals are met. To learn more about assessments at Glacier Hills, please click here.