Specialty Classes

Lower School

Music

Greenfield School provides a comprehensive program of music that will help students learn to use their singing voice, read musical notation, play musical instruments and perform music for special programs and celebrations.  Students will be exposed to music from our country and from around the world. Their music knowledge will be enhanced through listening to notable works and learning about accomplished musicians and composers.  Music is taught once a week to students in Preschool 3, Preschool 4, and Kindergarten and twice a week to students in first, second, third and fourth grades.

Library

Students read and learn to identify books in various genres.  They learn how books are arranged in the library and become familiar with the Dewey Decimal System.  They also learn the parts of a book and other book related terms. Students learn how to use the library catalog to locate materials, and how to effectively use a variety of reference sources (dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, etc.).  By the time they reach Middle School, students are familiar with the resources the library has and how to find and use them, making them independent seekers of information.

Art

Kindergarten through the third grade has art once a week for one hour. They learn the Elements of Art, which are the ways in which we create and judge art; these are line, color, shape, space, form, value, texture and repetition. We use all mediums, like crayons, paint, ink etc. and even some unusual items to create art. Grades four through eight gain knowledge about art history and procedures involved in creating art that are tested with a rubric, class critique or self-evaluation.

Guidance

The Greenfield School K-4th grade Guidance Program focuses on helping students adjust to the school environment and develop personal, organizational and social skills that are critical to success in life.  The Guidance Curriculum is implemented through large group guidance activities in the classroom, as well as small group and individual activities tailored to the specific needs of students.  The Guidance Counselor also promotes school wide initiatives, such as a celebration of “Red Ribbon Week” and other awareness campaigns.    Parents and students are welcome and encouraged to seek the assistance of the Guidance Counselor with any concerns that may arise during the school year.

Middle School

Music

Students in fifth and sixth grade are provided a comprehensive music program that includes continued study of vocal production, music reading, instrument playing and performance. Through singing, playing, and listening students are exposed to a far-reaching and inclusive collection of music and its creators.  Music is taught once a week for a full period.

Library

The Middle School Library Program focuses intensely on research skills.  Students learn the steps involved in conducting effective research and complete assignments that reinforce the skills necessary in each step.  Students learn how to compose thesis statements, generate note cards and source cards, and compile bibliographies for both print and electronic media.  Students also engage in discussions about topics such as plagiarism (what it is and how to avoid it), copyright, piracy, internet ethics, and safe behavior on Internet web sites, chat rooms, and social networking sites.  Students learn how to conduct effective research and learn skills and behaviors that equip them to be active members of our information society. 

Art

Seventh and eighth graders learn the Elements of Art also and use varied materials to create art, but they can begin to understand and apply the Principles of Art to their concepts, these are: unity, emphasis, balance, contrast and pattern.
They choose up to three varied art classes in a semester, twice a year. The choices range from a clay making class, a craft type class and a fine art class. An art elective is required.
Techniques and problem solving are taught to both lower and middle school grades.

Guidance

The Greenfield Middle School Guidance Program is designed to support students and parents during the transitional , and sometimes trying, years of adolescence.  Test-taking, study and organizational skills are taught in an effort to help students become self directed, independent learners.  Other topics, such as healthy decision making, stress management, positive peer relationships and early career planning are addressed in large and small group formats.  Students are also encouraged to extend their learning by participating in pre-college and career awareness programs available through colleges and universities in the area.