Elementary School – Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6

General Aims of the Academic Program

The Pinewood elementary program is designed to introduce all students, in a carefully articulated sequence, to the basic skills and concepts in the traditional areas of English / Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Increasing emphasis is being placed on writing skills in all subjects. Art is taught for the most part by the classroom teachers and closely integrated with topics being covered in the major subject areas. The core curriculum is richly supplemented and reinforced by a strong library program under the supervision of the Pinewood librarian, one of the main aims of which is to instill in all students a love of reading.

Specialist Subjects

Pinewood elementary students have regular classes in several additional areas taught by specialist teachers.

Music: All students in Grades 1-6 have an integrated Music program designed to encourage the active participation of all students in singing, rhythmic exercises, and the playing of musical instruments as well as an awareness of various types of music from around the world.

Modern Greek: Students in Grades 1 - 6 study Modern Greek. As much as possible, students are grouped according to ability levels. The program introduces students to the Modern Greek language through a variety of methods and local resources. The general aim of the program is to generate an enthusiasm for the Greek language and Greek culture and to help students develop the Greek language skills they need in order to function better in the life of the host community.

After School Greek Language Program: For those students interested in accelerating their understanding of the Greek language, an after school program is offered on a voluntary basis outside the regular program, which aims to meet the needs of both beginners and advanced students. Class size is small and ideal for language instruction. An extra fee is charged to cover the cost of the program.

Physical Education: All students in Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 6 have Physical Education classes an average of two times per week. Emphasis is placed on development of physical skills appropriate to each level and on sportsmanship and teamwork and the full participation of all students in all activities.

Computers: All students in Grades 1-6 are given regular instruction in computers at an appropriate level of difficulty once a week by the school's Computer teacher using the full resources of the school's up-to-date Computer Lab.

English as a Second Language (ESL): Students in Grades 1-6 who are not native speakers of English and come to Pinewood with limited English language skills are tested and placed in special ESL classes according to their needs.

Host Country Studies: All students at all elementary grade levels take part in Pinewood’s Host Country Studies program, which includes talks and presentations at school exploring Greek history and culture and the Greek way of life. A related program of field trips takes students to archaeological sites, churches, and other places of interest, both in the city of Thessaloniki and in the surrounding areas.

Textbooks and Educational Supplies

The school supplies, as part of the special textbook fee, all textbooks and workbooks needed for the core academic subjects. The textbooks must be returned in good condition at the end of the school year. All notebooks, pencils, pens, etc., that students need for their school work will be supplied by the parents. A complete list of supplies needed will be provided during the first days of classes.

Homework Policy

The elementary faculty feel that homework, when designed and carried out in proper measure, has a valuable role to play in the education of elementary age children. Homework is seen as providing reinforcement and enrichment for the children, and also provides parents with an opportunity to see the kind of work being done in the various classes. Homework assignments are shorter in the lower grades, but become significantly longer by Grade 6, at which level students are preparing for the transition to secondary school.

Monthly Assemblies

Each month that school is in session (September - June), an assembly of the entire elementary school is held in the Pinewood auditorium for the purpose of creating a closer feeling of community among all the elementary grades. The assemblies also provide a forum for the various classes, their teachers and the administration to discuss issues of general concern to the elementary school and to highlight a variety of activities and events going on both in individual elementary classrooms, including science projects at each grade level, and throughout the elementary school.

Elementary Activities and Special Events

In addition to the curricular and co-curricular program, Pinewood elementary students participate in a great variety of activities and special events. Throughout the course of the year, several holidays are celebrated, such as American Thanksgiving, Christmas, Carnival in winter and Greek Independence Day on March 25. Various school-wide events are also planned, such as an Art Show, Spring Musical, Field Day and Beach Day. A full schedule of field trips allows students to visit such places as the city of Thessaloniki, museums and archaeological sites, local factories, the Thessaloniki zoo, and the beaches and mountains of the surrounding area. Parents are always invited to participate in all such trips.

Discipline in the Elementary School

Elementary Rules

Elementary rules are explained to all students at the beginning of the year, both in a school-wide assembly and in individual classes. Periodic reminders of the rules are made both in monthly assemblies and in individual classes, as needed. A discipline book is kept with the names of the students who fail to respect the rules even after warnings, and additional disciplinary measures may be taken in such cases. Serious infractions of the rules are reported directly to parents by the teachers or the director as soon as they occur. Rules for the elementary students for 2006-2007 are:

1. Do not throw anything anywhere around school - stones, sticks, sand, etc.
2. Put your trash in the garbage cans.
3. Do not push others.
4. Use proper language at all times.
5. Respect the property of others.
6. Stay within the playground limits.
7. No chewing gum allowed in school.
8. Do not run or push in the halls or gym.
9. Do not leave the water running in the bathrooms or throw paper towels on the floor.
10. Always flush the toilet after use and wash your hands.
11. Hats may be worn at school outside the building. Hats are not to be worn inside the building at any time.
12. Students are required to play outside the building if it is not raining. On rainy days, students will play in the following areas: Morning recess: gym Lunch: own classroom
13. Elementary students are expected to eat their lunches in their classrooms at the beginning of the elementary lunch period. By 15:00, all elementary students are expected to go outside and play. If the weather is bad, students will be told to stay in their classrooms or other areas designated by their teachers.