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Academics

Jefferson Elementary Center offers a comprehensive curriculum, at the core of which is research-based reading and mathematics program for all students in grades K-3 that serves as a foundation for student success. We believe in educating the whole child: art, music, and physical education remain an important part of our educational experience.  Review each subject area below to learn more about our academic approach.

English

English as a separate subject begins in the second grade.  Children are taught basic grammatical rules for writing sentences and paragraphs. Using words correctly is emphasized throughout the year in an effort to strengthen each child's own personal grasp of the English language.

Third grade English stresses the rules of grammar throughout the year using drill and practice exercises.  Students will learn about nouns, verbs and adjectives.  In addition, prefixes and suffixes will also be examined.

Reading

One of the most important gifts we can give a child is the “gift of reading.”  With this in mind, the elementary schools in the district, K-5, utilize a series published by McGraw Hill.  The uniqueness of this particular program is the integration of reading, spelling, and English.  Once a concept is introduced, it is reinforced throughout the subjects with various decoding and comprehension strategies that enable student mastery of comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening.  It is designed with leveled books for guided reading so that every student may experience reading/writing success.  In addition, it is enriched with a phonics program, high frequency words, additional practices, continual reinforcement, and acquisition of skills with various new techniques and strategies that will result in more independent thinkers, readers, and writers.  

Spelling

The kindergarten and first grade spelling instruction is an integration of spelling along with reading words.  Phonetic rules are taught in relation to vocabulary words from the reading text to help the student develop an early understanding of spelling methods.

The second grade spelling series is designed to teach children the different phonetic rules that can be used when spelling everyday words.  Consonant blends, digraphs, vowels and alphabetical order are just some of the skills which are covered.

Third graders are taught sound/letter patterns, word structure patterns, dictionary skills and proof-reading methods in an effort to increase each child's practical use of spelling.

Math

The North Pocono School District utilizes the Everyday Mathematics program in all elementary buildings K-5.    Everyday Mathematics is a research-based and field-tested curriculum that focuses on developing children’s understandings and skills in ways that produce life-long mathematical power.  The Everyday Mathematics program emphasizes:

  • Use of concrete, real-life examples that are meaningful and memorable as an introduction to key mathematical concepts.
  • Repeated exposures to mathematical concepts and skills to develop children’s ability to recall knowledge from long-term memory.
  • Frequent practice of basic computation skills to build mastery of procedures and quick recall of facts, often through games and verbal exercises.
  • Use of multiple methods and problem-solving strategies to foster true proficiency and accommodate different learning styles.

Each grade of the Everyday Mathematics curriculum is carefully designed to build and expand a student’s mathematical proficiency and understanding. Our goal: to build powerful mathematical thinkers.

Science

Science at the kindergarten level covers the four seasons, plants, animals, weather and an introduction to our solar system.

First grade science concentrates on basic concepts concerning plants, animals and the earth long ago.  Various references are made throughout the year to ideas involving push and pull, hot and cold plus growing and changing.

Second graders are taught about the weather, energy, matter, darkness and light. More detailed information is provided on plants and animals in order to supplement their first grade learning experience.

Our third grade science curriculum centers itself around the earth and its ever-changing environments, including the solar system.  Living things and life forms are studied in an effort to familiarize children with life on our planet.

Social Studies

Our social studies program begins in kindergarten with the study of holidays, community helpers and social events.

The first grade program is designed to acquaint the child with the concept of understanding oneself and others.  Much attention will be given to people's needs along with a look at world leaders.

Second grade students are taught how to understand families around the world along with values and goals for healthy family living.

Third grade social studies continues the study of community living stressing such concepts as why people live in communities, how they are built and roles of community leaders. Beginning map skills are introduced at this time.

Specials

JEC students engage in Specials classes throughout the cycle. Students have Art, Health/Physical Education, Music, and Library classes.