Grades one through three provide a secure and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to develop as individuals. Within this environment, children are provided with an excellent foundation in the skills needed to become responsible and productive citizens. During the lower elementary grades, study skills are developed and homework is assigned daily.

From grade four through grade six, students continue to refine basic skills. Emphasis is on independent study with frequent use of available resources for assignments and regular long-term projects and presentations. Students at the upper elementary level are expected to assume leadership positions and serve as role models. They are encouraged to take an active role as problem solvers. The upper elementary includes a variety of cooperative learning opportunities that build group skills and offer leadership experiences.

English  as  a  Second  Language  (ESL)
Pinewood offers an ESL program to students who have limited proficiency in English. Students who speak English as a second or additional language are evaluated upon entry to Pinewood and placed on an English Language Proficiency scale of 1-5 (Level 1 students do not speak English at all; Level 5 are fully proficient). Students are evaluated with The Maculaitis Test of English Language Proficiency. Elementary school students with low English language proficiency levels are placed in ESL class with a certified ESL teacher. The program is designed to develop  English communication by focusing on the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and interactions.

Exiting the ESL program occurs when students have met testing standards while achieving success in the regular classroom.  The student’s classroom participation is invaluable in determining success.

Specialist  SubjectsIn addition to the core curriculum, Pinewood Elementary students have regular classes in several additional areas taught by specialist teachers.

Host Country Studies: -  All students in Grades 1-6 take part in Pinewood’s Host Country Studies Program, which explores Greek history and culture through weekly classes, talks and presentations at school.  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.

Information Technology (IT) - All students in Grades 1-6 participate in regular instruction in computers at an appropriate level of difficulty once a week by the school’s IT teacher using the full resources of Pinewood’s up-to-date Technology Lab.

Modern Greek: - All students in Grades 1-6 study Modern Greek in, as much as possible, leveled groups.  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 culture and to help students develop the Greek language skills necessary to function better in the life of the host community.

Music: - All students in Grades 1-6 participate in 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.

Physical Education - All students in Grades 1-6 participate in Physical Education classes two times per week.  Emphasis is placed on the development of physical skills appropriate to each level and on sportsmanship, teamwork and the full participation of all students in all activities.

Visual Arts - Students in Grades 1-6 are given once a week instruction in the visual arts.  In the Lower Elementary (1-3), students study art with their classroom teacher.  In the Upper Elementary (4-6), students study art with the art teacher. This program introduces students to a wide variety of media in the form of exposure, instruction and practice.  Through the program, each child can find an individual level of personal artistic expression and appreciation.

Library - All students in Grades 1-6 meet with the librarian once a week.  This year,  along with an emphasis on reading and researching skills, students will become proficient in the use of our On-line Public Access Catalog (Destiny).

Homework

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 and become significantly longer by Grade 6, at which time students are preparing for the transition to the secondary school.

Textbooks  and  Educational  Supplies

The school supplies 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 other supplies that students need for their school work will be supplied by the parents.  A complete list of necessary supplies will be provided during the first days of school.

Standardized  Testing

The International Schools Assessment (ISA) is given annually to students in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the elementary school.  Test scores and results are reported directly to the parents as soon as possible by the elementary teachers.  Questions and/or concerns should be directed either to your child’s classroom teacher or to the Curriculum and Studies Coordinator.

Pinewood  Elementary  School  Student  Expectations
Pinewood recognizes that proper behavior is essential to the development of responsible and self-disciplined citizens and to the operation of an effective school.  Student expectations are based on three principles: respect for oneself, respect for the worth and dignity of others and respect for one’s own and others’ property.  Appropriate decorum is not only a matter of observing Pinewood standards, but also a matter of care, sensitivity, good example and involvement in the school as a community.

School  Expectations

Responsible students

• come to school on time and are ready to learn;
• follow directions the first time they are given;
• are respectful of their peers;
• care for their learning environment;
• speak courteously and use appropriate language.

Playground  Expectations

Responsible students

• stay in assigned areas;
• do not chase playground equipment outside of playground boundaries;
• share and return all equipment to its proper place at the end of recess;
• promptly line up when the bell rings and wait quietly for announcements.

Assembly  Expectations

Responsible students

• enter and sit quietly with their class;
• are a courteous and attentive audience;
• are active listeners.

Monthly  Assemblies

Each month that school is in session, an assembly of the entire elementary school is held in the Pinewood gymnasium for the purpose of creating a closer feeling of community among the elementary grades.  The assemblies are primarily organized to display curricular content on which individual grade levels are focusing in the classrooms, but they also provide a forum for discussing issues of general concern to the elementary school students.  Parents are always invited to attend these assemblies.