In addition to core subjects, students at the Intermediate School are given two 45-minute periods of Physical Education, and one 45-minute period of Art, General Music, Health, and Library per week.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC- D. Gaffney, D MacCrae, S. Morello

The band and orchestra programs at C. V. Starr have a combined student enrollment of over 370 students. These students are exposed to a wide variety of musical styles such as classical, rock, jazz, and folk. There is even an introductory fiddling class offered to all 4th and 5th grade string players in the Spring. When students perform on professional level instruments, it is one of the most enriching activities a young person can experience. Mr. Gaffney, Mr. MacCrae, and Ms. Morello encourage all students to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. These fourth and fifth grade instrumental students are the spark which helps keep music alive and well in the Brewster School District. Mr. Gaffney, Mr. MacCrae, and Ms. Morello would like to invite you to attend the fifth grade winter concert in December where a splendid time is guaranteed for all. Also keep both the fourth and fifth grade spring concerts on your calendar.

 

BREWSTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER-M. DeBellis

The library media center now has over 8,325 books. We have circulated (taken out) over 50,000 books! In addition, there is a program that is now a part of the computer network. It is Accelerated Reader, which is a comprehension program linked to reading specific books and answering questions about them. Points are awarded with medals for prizes. Over 1, 9997 of our books have comprehension quizzes, so there is quite a selection. Students are also able to take home music CD's through a grant funded by Reader's Digest. Library's sure have changed!

The media center at C.V. Starr Intermediate school provides teachers and students with up-to-date and accurate resources. Lessons in the media center are a result of collaboration done with classroom teachers to enhance classroom instruction. This collaboration reinforces skills and supports teaching and learning.

Both 4th and 5th graders are offered access to the "Accelerated Reader" program where students are encouraged to read "AR" books and take a "quiz" upon completing the book. Points are accumulated and medals are awarded to students at set increments. There are author studies that culminate in an author visit for both grades, and this proves to be an excellent component to the curriculum.

In addition to classroom collaboration, there are many skills taught in the media center. The 4th grade curriculum includes basic library skills such as the Dewey Decimal System of classification, location of fiction and non-fiction books and how to use the OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalog) to look up and locate books in the media center. How to use an Atlas, Almanac and encyclopedias (print and on-line) are also taught in the 4th grade. Research projects are done using encyclopedias, non-fiction books and internet sources.

The 5th grade curriculum has many facets in research including using multiple sources, using database subscriptions, web site analysis and internet searching strategies. Use of biographical and geographical dictionaries, and skimming and scanning strategies are also taught.

 STRINGS - S. Morello

The C. V. Starr string orchestra program is fiddling its way to the top with over 70 violin, viola, cello, and bass musicians this year! Beginning string students are currently learning fundamental playing techniques and are preparing for their first musical experience this winter, working to spread holiday magic throughout the building. Fifth grade string players will be featured in our upcoming winter and spring concerts. These students will also be performing in the NYSSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival in spring, 2007. These dedicated string players are all eager to show the community their talents and achievements, so make your way to our upcoming concerts and events. You'll be glad you did!

Ms. Morello and Mrs. Lenhart wish you all a successful and harmonious year!

ART - Q. Colman

The Art curriculum in both 4th and 5th grades at C.V. Starr enables students to explore various art media and to meet artistic challenges with confidence. Projects are developed that encourage students to find new ways of verbal and visual communication. The ultimate goal is for each student to feel comfortable with their own forms of artistic expression, while gaining a better understanding of the elements of Art. Art work done with the visual arts teacher differs from art that is done in the classroom because students are encouraged to focus on process and exploration of media.

Throughout the school year, the 4th grade classes work on numerous projects with various social studies themes relating to the Colonial history theme, while 5th grade classes focus on the lives and works of a number of contemporary artists who are connected to the cultures and history explored in their homeroom curriculum.

 PHYSICAL EDUCATION - R. McCollum and G. Morehouse

Philosophy

PE is that part of the educational process that allows a child to be educated in all three domains through movement. By making an effort to expand into the cognitive and affective domains we bring the gym closer to the classroom.

Conceptual Framework

1. The whole child should be taught. This means expanding the curriculum from psychomotor into cognitive and affective domains.

2. The child is the center of the curriculum and experiences are developed to directly effect the needs of the child.

3. Each student should be thought of as unique in terms of capability, needs and learning ability.

4. The program must go beyond physical movement into such areas as: lifetime goals, personal fitness, sportsmanship, cooperation, and self-discipline.

At C.V. Starr your child will have physical education class twice a week for 45 minutes. A typical PE class begins with stretching followed by a 10 minute cardiovascular activity. After the workout students are given instruction on specific sport related skills which are used to develop proficiency in fundamental movement skill. During the course of the year students will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities.

 

Here is a list of things your child will learn in PE.

Health Related Fitness

  • Cardiovascular Endurance
  • Muscle Strength
  • Flexibility

Skill Related Fitness

  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Agility

Social Skills

  • Respect for others
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Trust

Personal Management

  • Decision Making
  • Self-Learning
  • Honesty
  • Fairness

Self-Reliance

  • Self-Control
  • Self-Expression
  • Accountability
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please be aware of the following guidelines for PE.

1. If your child needs to be excused from PE class write a note to the teacher.

2. If a doctor limits participation in PE, please ask them to be specific about the amount of activity and what your child can and cannot do.

3. For your child's safety he/she will not be allowed to participate in PE class without proper footwear. Proper footwear includes tennis type sneakers. Platform shoes, sandals, dress shoes, etc. are not acceptable.

If you have any questions we can be reached at 279-4018 Ext. 122.

 

 HEALTH - D. Pascale

We are working on many proactive anti - tobacco that are health merit opportunities. These projects entail education jingles and writing a letter to the editor of Putnam County Courier Trader Asking governor Pataki to spend tobacco settlement money on tobacco education. Fourth grade will be studying tobacco advertisement and practicing our refusal skills. " Just say No " !

 

MUSIC AND CHORUS - C. Kayler

General Music is a two year program at C.V. Starr. In the first year our fourth grade students learn to read, write, and play rhythms in 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4 using whole notes, whole rests, half note, half rests, quarter notes, quarter rests, and eighth notes, students learn to play rhythms on instruments. Students also learn about dynamics and how to use them. Throughout the year students learn about the orchestra and instruments in the orchestra and how the instruments work together to create sounds. Students do a lot of singing and movement with music.

In the second year our fifth grade students take the rhythm of the first year to the staff. Students not only learn to read and play the rhythms but they now combine them with pitches. Students enjoy playing various melodies as well as original compositions on the xylophones. Students also learn about tempo markings and how to use them. Students also study various classical composers. They listen to the music of the composers and learn how the composers used the orchestra.

Chorus at C.V. Starr is a combined chorus of fourth and fifth graders. Rehearsals are held Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8:10a.m. We have approximately 180 students involved in chorus at C. V. Starr. It is a volunteer chorus and students are always welcome to come and join. We currently do two concerts a year one in December and one in the Spring.

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