EUGENE FIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WELCOME TO EUGENE FIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL An INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WORLD SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MIDDLE YEARS We are part of a THREE SCHOOL CONTINUUM, offering the PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM as well as the INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MIDDLE YEARS and DIPLOMA PROGRAM.

What is DISTINCT about FIELD ELEMENTARY? We are part of the Littleton Public Schools and We are an International Baccalaureate World School authorized to teach the Primary Years Program

Two of them are in Colorado. We will be the third. We are part of a BIGGER PICTURE. There are more than 567,000 IB students at 2,123 schools in 125 countries. There are 8 school districts in the US that offer the three IB programs. Two of them are in Colorado. We will be the third.

What do we BELIEVE at FIELD ELEMENTARY? Our Mission Statement Eugene Field Elementary: Developing Lifelong Learners, empowered to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world

The IBO Mission Statement The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

International Baccalaureate describes INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS and LIFELONG LEARNERS as those students who show the attributes of the LEARNER PROFILE. These students have become…

…Inquirers, Principled, Risk-takers, Reflective, Balanced, Thinkers, Knowledgeable, Caring, Risk-takers, Reflective, Balanced, Thinkers, Open-Minded, and Knowledgeable!

What does FIELD know about how STUDENTS best LEARN? STUDENTS LEARN BEST THROUGH INQUIRY. Students learn as they work to make sense of the world around them. Therefore, they should be taught to INQUIRE, or “be curious, ask questions, explore, and interact with the environment”.

What do we want FIELD STUDENTS to LEARN? Learning at Field follows the Littleton Public Schools Curriculum and identified Learner Outcomes. In the Primary Years Program, Field deepens the scope of this curriculum through a comprehensive Program of Inquiry.

The Program of Inquiry organizes student learning into SIX ORGANIZING THEMES which: “have global significance offer students the opportunity to explore the commonalities of human experience are supported by knowledge, concepts and skills from traditional subject areas, but utilizes them in ways that transcend the confines of these subjects.”

Sample 1st Grade Program of Inquiry: Who We Are Where We Are in Place and Time How We Express Ourselves How the World Works How We Organize Ourselves Sharing the Planet Age Range An exploration of the nature of the self; of our beliefs and values; of personal, mental, social and spiritual health; of our families and friends, communities and cultures; of our rights and responsibilities; of what it means to be human An exploration of our orientation in place and time; of our personal histories; of history and geography from local and global perspectives; of our homes and journeys; of the discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; of the contributions of individuals and civilizations. An exploration of the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs and values through language and the arts. An exploration of the physical and material world; of natural and human-made phenomena; of the world of science and technology. An exploration of human systems and communities; of the world of work, its nature and its value; of employment and unemployment and their impact on the world around us. An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we strive to share the finite resources with other people and other living things; of communities and the relationships within and between them. 6-7 Our Neighbors Nature Provides Manners. Please! Scaly or Slimy, Furry or Feathers Needs vs. Wants What’s For Dinner? Subject Focus: Social Studies Language Arts Central idea: The cultures of neighboring countries influence each other. An inquiry into: What it means to be a neighbor The cultures and lifestyles of neighboring countries. Aspects of culture and lifestyle that are affected by neighbors. Central idea: Native people have used natural resources to provide food, shelter, and clothing The lives of native people. How native people used the natural resources of their region. People protect and conserve their natural resources. Language Arts, Social studies Central idea: Manners help people express their respect for others. Why good manners are important. The places and situations where people need to use manners. How manners can be different around the world. Subject Focus: Science Central idea: Scientists use a classification system to help observe and identify animals. The characteristics scientists use to classify animals. The similarities and differences in animal groups. How we can protect animal species. Social studies, Economics Central idea: People around the world meet their needs and wants in different ways The difference between wants and needs. The ways people meet their needs and wants. Lifestyles affect peoples’ needs and wants. Subject Focus: Science Central idea: The survival of all animals is connected. The survival needs of all animals. Food chains The variety of food chains found in different locations in our world. .

Each grade level can provide a DETAILED DESCRIPTION of their PROGRAM OF INQUIRY and explain how the LEARNER OUTCOMES from the Littleton Public Schools Curriculum are interwoven. There is also a display detailing the PROGRAM OF INQUIRY for all grade levels in the front hallway.

What does FIELD want STUDENTS to be able to DO? We believe students need to demonstrate “skills relevant to specific subject areas, as well as skills that transcend the subject areas”. These skills are known as TRANSDISCIPLINARY SKILLS, and include: Social Skills, Communication Skills, Thinking Skills, Research Skills and Self-Management Skills.

What does FIELD want STUDENTS to FEEL, VALUE and DEMONSTRATE? We want students to “focus on the development of personal attitudes towards people, towards the environment and towards learning, attitudes that contribute to the well-being of the individual and the group.” These attitudes are known as the PYP ATTITUDES, and include…

Appreciation, Commitment, Confidence, Cooperation, Creativity, Curiosity, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Independence, Integrity, Respect and Tolerance.

How do we want STUDENTS at FIELD to ACT? We believe that education must involve “thoughtful and appropriate action.” We believe that “successful learning will lead to responsible action, initiated by the student as a result of the learning process,… will extend the student’s learning and/or have a wider social impact.” This action component is known as the ACTION CYCLE.

THE PYP ACTION CYCLE

How can YOU HELP? ASK your child QUESTIONS about his/her day. REINFORCE the IB Attitudes and Learner Profile Attributes. Complete the ACTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT forms when you notice your child demonstrating IB behavior. WATCH the School Newsletter for articles and information about what is happening in IB at Field, ATTEND grade level showcases and student conferences to see what your child is demonstrating, and BECOME INVOLVED with the PTO!

I The IB Student At-a-Glance