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2008-2009 Classes
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Mrs. Bradica | Miss Buckalter | Mrs. Capron | Mrs. Francis | Mrs. Sell (Mrs. Lehman) | Mrs. Skow |
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The Kindergarten classes at Garden consist of 6 self-contained classrooms with a student/teacher ratio of 18:1. Unique to this grade level are Parent/Teacher Conference Days held at the end of the first and third grading periods. The Kindergarten teachers combine their strengths and talents in planning together to provide the most rewarding experiences for the children. In doing so, they follow the Kindergarten standards mandated by Sarasota County with an emphasis on both academic and social growth. More Kindergarten information for parents can be found here. |
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Mrs. Baker | Mrs. Cady | Mrs. Dunbar | Ms. Feely | Mrs. Kingsbury |
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| Garden's first grade is made up of 7 self-contained classrooms. Children remain with the same teacher for all academic subject areas. Our team has correlated the first grade curriculum to the newly developed district objectives. The teachers team to plan exciting thematic units of study such as Physical, Life, and Eary Science, to name a few. Among the many programs which are school-wide, first grade participates in Accelerated Reader, SuccessMaker, and Garden Writes, as well as the YMCA Reads program, which is offered as an after-school remediation program for extra assistance. First Grade also enjoys having fall Conference Days to meet with all our parents to discuss the progress of their Garden Elementary children. |
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Mrs. Erickson | Mrs. Ethridge | Mrs. Greenblatt | Miss Pepe | Mrs. Powell | Mrs. Tisci |
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| Our second grade team consists of six teachers who instruct 104 students. We are self-contained with four traditional classrooms and one AWP (advanced work placement) classroom. Our students enjoy several programs which include Reading Counts, Sunshine Math, Math Problem of the Day, and SuccessMaker by NCS. Our curriculum also includes Guided Reading, Remedial Reading and Math, and Garden Writes. Second grade is quite a transitional year, and we encourage our students to take responsibility for themselves and become independent workers. |  |
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Mrs. Harrison | Mrs. Jennings | Mrs. Kelley | Mrs. Kern | Mrs. Mitchell | Mr. Skow |
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| Third grade consists of five regular education classrooms and one advanced work placement classroom taught by teachers with a cumulative experience of 150 years! Our student teacher ratio is between 16 and 18 students. Students participate in Reading Counts program, the Success Maker Enterprise (SME) leveled instructional program, and FCAT Explorer in preparation for the FCAT testing in math and reading. Emphasis is placed on reading as students developmentally read to learn rather than learn to read as in previous grades. Weekly visits to our hands on science lab, social studies investigations, math problem solving and web-based research projects with laptop computers round out a dynamic curriculum. Students are encouraged to become responsible, self-motivated learners. |  |
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| Garden’s 4th grade team offers a variety of learning environments to meet the needs of many learning styles. All four classes are self-contained. Teachers meet bi-weekly to share ideas and develop challenges for units. An Advanced Work Placement class is also available for fourth graders. This class concentrates on the basics as well as many enrichment activities to stimulate those students’ academic abilities. Several times a week, students participate in technology programs to strengthen their reading and math skills. Written Communications is taught by all teachers. This format allows teachers and students to concentrate on specific skills that will better prepare them for the state and national testing that is required in fourth grade. The children will be devoting much of their Written Communications time to practice for the FCAT Writing test. The tests at the state level include Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test or (FCAT) in the area of reading as well as the Florida Writes test. Fourth grade will be working through the Sunshine State Standards to help prepare future fifth graders for the FCAT math and science testing. Science skills are further facilitated through weekly lab sessions. We take great pride in mentioning that Garden has been an A+ school. We are hoping to maintain this high level of achievement again this year. Students are required to take a national norm reference test that covers reading comprehension, math concepts and problem solving. In math, students are also fortifying their basic skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and problem solving. In science, they are actively involved the annual Science Fair. In reading, students are challenged to read titles that are part of our Accelerated Reader program. Enrichment in other areas includes Student Council, nutrition, fire safety, Young Americans, School Store, and a host of other special activities that help mold them into productive citizens. We utilize fieldtrips to enhance our programs as well. We are scheduled to go to the County Recycling Center, Spanish Point, and West Coast Symphony. |  |
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Mrs. Hallman | Mrs. Krizen | Mrs. McGath | Mrs. Neu | Mrs. Sardo |
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Garden's fifth grade is made up of one self-contained Advanced Work Placement and four departmentalized classes. Students are grouped according to success, and each student attends a daily 45 period that includes social studies, science, reading, math. All fifth grade students participate in the following activities:
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Mrs. Andrew | Ms. Butler | Mrs. Hilliard | Mrs. Serrano | Mrs. Thomas |
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Garden Elementary has both part-time and full-time programs for Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Eligibility criterion for all ESE programs is based on State and County guidelines for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). A continuum of services ranging from consultation with regular teachers regarding appropriate modifications for ESE students to full-time placements is currently being offered. A full-time ESE Liaison is available to answer your questions regarding Garden Elementary’s services to children with special needs. |
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Mrs. Troiano |
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| The Science Lab is the place to be for hands-on learning mixed with some fun. Every grade level has the opportunity to utilize the science equipment (and do we have some great equipment!). This is not your typical lab. The desks are dry erase for collecting data and graphing. Also, the desks can be built into pulley systems, inclined planes, and much more. The technology will blow you away. Any adventurous or just curious parent is more than welcome to visit or even volunteer in the Science Lab. We hope to see you soon. SCIENCE ROCKS! |  |
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Art |
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Mrs. Davis-Lanum |
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The Art Department at Garden prides itself on its curriculum to meet the needs of every student. Students attend Art classes once per week for 55 minutes, partaking in an education that is skill-oriented and discipline-based. Learning the History, Aesthetic, Criticism and Production aspects of art provide for a well-rounded arts education for each child. Through the use of literacy skills (reading and writing), students are able to analyze and parallel their learning in art and to apply them to everyday life. Students also attend community art shows, showcasing student talent and learned skills. Art at Garden is fun! We participate in activities which make each child learn something new about the arts....so we are all "Art Smart"! |
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Music |
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Mrs. Tausan |
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| The music program includes a textbook series enabling students to better demonstrate skills and knowledge that directly correlates to district, state, and national standards. A variety of musical experiences allow students to: read musical notation, sing, perform on rhythmic and Orff instruments, become critical listeners, and understand the importance of music to life. The relationship of music to other disciplines is evidenced by integrating lessons that reinforce academic content. Additionally, fourth and fifth graders have the opportunity to participate in a vocal ensemble that performs for the school and local community. |  |
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Physical Education |
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Mrs. Nostin | Mrs. Leeds |
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The Physical Education program at Garden Elementary School offers a unique approach to developing motor skills. Our program is child-centered and the developmental needs of ALL our students are our #1 priority. We stress the importance of a physical and active lifestyle with an emphasis on good health and fitness. Our well-rounded curriculum meets the Sarasota County guidelines for physical education as well as the Sunshine State Standards. Physical Education classes are held outside under the school’s covered area. We utilize the school’s basketball courts, soccer field, and playgrounds. All students, kindergarten through fifth grade, attend physical education class two times a week. Each 45-minute class includes a 20-minute warm-up followed by a 25-minute activity session with a water break. The warm-up consists of basic aerobic sequences to music, stretching exercises and a lap. During the activity period, we work on many skills using all kinds of equipment. We stress the value of having fun while improving everyone’s physical ability. On rainy days, we go inside where a health lesson is taught. We learn about the body and heart and why it is so essential to stay active. Our physical education program at Garden Elementary is well balanced. It includes sport skills, games, multicultural activities, dance, health and fitness. We participate in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge and the National Elks Club Hoop Shoot Contest. All of these activities teach our students to work cooperatively with each other and to act responsibly. Promoting a positive self- image and an enjoyment for staying active will instill a lifetime of physical health. |
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Mrs. Rule |
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| At the heart of our school you will find Garden’s Media Center. Mrs. Rule assists our students and staff in our open media center with book circulation and research. Our open policy allows students to come to the Media Center on passes anytime between 8:30 and 3:00. From our four card catalog computers you can look up what books we have, access Sebly Public Library, go onto SUNLINK or use any of the teacher-monitored search engines the county provides. The media sponsors the Campbell’s label program. This year we purchased tape recorders with our points. Please keep those labels coming. Garden participates in both the Sunshine State Readers program and Florida’s Children’s Book Award program. When visiting be sure to check it out. |
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Garden Elementary offers a full developmental guidance program. This type of guidance program consists of:
Classroom guidance lessons follow our Florida state standards for guidance curriculum. The lessons are age/grade appropriate and cover a variety of topics, such as:
Students may be seen in small groups whenever there are several children needing help with the same type of problem. We have Rainbows groups for children who have experienced a loss and/or change in their families; in the past, we have had groups that address anger management and self-esteem. Most issues that affect our students’ abilities to do their best can be addressed in a small group setting. Students may also be seen on an individual basis. While these meetings are not intended as therapy, they do offer an opportunity to address issues that may be interfering with a child’s ability to function fully in the school setting (including discipline problems). Finally, the counselor, as a member of our CSI (Collaborative Student Intervention) team, is frequently called upon to participate in parent-teacher conferences. She assists the teachers of the grade levels she collaborates with in preparing interventions and documentation for studSents who may need assistance from our CARE team. She also consults with outside agencies whenever their services may be needed. |
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© 2008