Enrichment Services Program at Frank J. Smith School 2015 – 2016

By Mrs. Emily Thompson-Schweer Frank J. Smith School Enrichment Services Program

Philosophy All of us have strengths; all of us have weaknesses. All of us have areas in which we thrive; all of us have areas where we struggle to keep up. All of us have talents. All of us have needs.

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” -Les Brown The goal of E.S.P. is to find the gifts and strengths of our students and help them to go beyond the safe place and soar.

The Program provides whole class units for grades 1 and 2. All first and second graders are welcome to participate in E.S.P. units. At Frank J. Smith, we are committed to this mission: Enrichment for one, Enrichment for all !

Schedule In the 2015 – 2016 school year, first grade ESP classes will be held on Day 2. First grade classes will meet from September until January. Second grade classes begin in February. Many of these sessions will be held on Day 2, but additional meetings are scheduled as we get closer to the play.

Grade One Grade One students strengthen their analyzing skills through solving mysteries and pursuing topics related to science, math, and reading. Students will play logic games, including My Father owns a Grocery Store and solve problems in a detective unit using logic elimination grids.

Grade Two Cross curricular units help our students develop thinking skills while practicing and learning writing, reading, and math. The Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Visual / Performing Arts content standards provide the basis for an integrated unit designs. This year each second grade class will participate in an integrated unit called All the World’s a Stage. This teaches the basics of drama, music, and art, while addressing common core standards of ELA, Social Studies, and Math.

Grade Two After the completion of the All the World’s a Stage unit, students will apply what they have learned in our very special SALAD program: the Student Actors’ league of Arts and Drama. Each 2 nd grade class will participate in the Frank J. Smith Side SALAD production of an original play. Students make masks and play instruments. They learn dialogue, choreography, vocal music, reading fluency, and verbal projection. It Takes a Rainbow

Any Questions? Please contact me at if you wish to know more about the Enrichment Services Program at F.J.S.