The Orton-Gillingham Approach has been rightfully described as language-based, multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive, and flexible. These characteristics can be easily amplified and extended as they are in the following attributes.

The Writing Revolution

This system enables students to master the skills that are essential if they are to become competent writers. In turn, those skills equip students to become better readers, to communicate more effectively in writing and speaking, and most importantly, to elevate their thinking.

The Hochman Method is a set of specific writing strategies that teachers use in all subjects, including ELA, social studies, science, foreign languages and math, and in every grade.
Learn more here

Math: Go Math!

Recent Federal and National initiatives have focused attention on mathematics instruction to improve student achievement. Since the passing of No Child Left Behind Legislation and the release of theCommon Core State Standards, the demand on school districts to implement mathematics programs and practices that are grounded in scientifically based research with proven efficacy has been more important than ever. This demand has extended to educational publishers who develop mathematics materials. With this in mind, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has created resources to help educators and parents understand how GO Math! meets the challenges of improving mathematics achievement with a solid research base and documented efficacy.

GETTING STARTED WITH Think Central: Go Math! ONLINE

ThinkCentral is an all-in-one learning site that provides access to digital books, activities, readers, and more for the Go Math series.

Follow these simple steps to access online materials and assignments:

1. Go to http://www-k6.thinkcentral.com
2. Select your state, district, and school from the drop down options.
3. To make it easier to log in later, check Remember My Organization (optional).
4. After logging in, refer to the Quick Start Guide for Students for further information.

Social Studies and Science

Mandatory HIV Lessons

All Students in New York State are required to receive HIV/AIDS instruction every year.  In grades K-6, students are required to receive five lessons each year. Grades K-3: General basics of disease prevention: washing hands, covering mouth when sneezing or coughing, and cleaning and bandaging cuts.  Children learn not to touch other people’s blood, and to ask adults to help when someone is bleeding.  They learn that HIV is a bloodborne virus that impairs the immune system.  They also learn to develop empathy for children and adults who are living with HIV/AIDS.  Grades 4-5: Lessons focus on how the immune system works and how HIV is transmitted.  Activities focus on how to resist negative peer pressure and “choose companions who share your beliefs, values, and interests.”  Students are told to stay away from alcohol and other drugs, and never to share needles or other sharp objects that can transmit blood from one person to another.  Abstinence from sexual contact is stressed.