“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

BFIS prepares our students for lifelong learning by teaching critical thinking and problem solving. With these skills, our students may make informed choices as they seek to fulfill their dreams, shape their destinies and develop into responsible global citizens. The links below identify what students learn at each grade level. These documents outline the units for the core areas of language arts, social studies, math, and science. The links illustrate how teachers use international and national content areas standards to assess students.

Language Arts

A special emphasis is placed on reading, writing, speaking, and listening literacy. The centerpiece of the writing program is Six Traits. When appropriate, technology is combined with the Harcourt textbook to enhance writing and literacy skills. Reading at or above grade level is an elementary school objective. To encourage a love of reading, regular library time for each grade is scheduled.

Mathematics

Harcourt Math, Everyday Math, and Scott Foresman programs are used throughout the Elementary School to ensure vertical articulation between grade levels. Math classes emphasize the value of math in everyday life. Students learn to measure, estimate, compare and contrast, etc. Internal assessments of student achievement include traditional strategies such as chapter tests and alternative and authentic assessments, such as developing measurement skills by working with currency.

Science

McGraw-Hill texts are used to promote scientific knowledge in the areas of life science, physical science, earth science, and scientific inquiry. In addition, the FOSS program, developed by the University of California at Berkeley, is being implemented Grade K-8. The learning modules help students to observe objects and events, test their ideas in logical ways, and generate explanations from their observations and experiments.

Social Studies

The Pearson Core Knowledge program has recently been adopted for the scope and sequence in social studies. The program allows students to explore the human experience in all periods of time and in all regions of the world in a sequential pattern beginning with community in Grade K and ending with a study of the Americas in Grade 5.

Spanish and Catalan Languages

Students have the opportunity to read, write, speak, and listen in Spanish and begin bi-lingual or tri-lingual journeys that will equip them to better understand the world and its cultures. Spanish or Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) commences in Kindergarten with mini lessons each day. All students in Grades 1 to 5 are immersed daily in small Spanish classes. Spanish students also study Catalan in Grades 1-5, as required by Spanish law. In 2005/06, an additional period of Catalan in Grades 3, 4, and 5 was added. Non-native Spanish speakers in Grades 1 to 5 can choose between Catalan and Spanish as a Foreign Language.

Specialist Classes

Beyond the core classes of language arts, science, math, languages, and social studies, elementary students are exposed to encore classes in the areas of library, art, music and physical education.

Library

Students have one library lesson each week with our library media specialist. K-5 students borrow additional books either before or after school. The students learn research skills and are exposed to literature that compliments their current learning and fosters a lifelong love of reading. According to the recent Middle States Accreditation Validation Team visit, our lending rates are extraordinary.

Art

Art is taught each week in the Elementary School and provides an opportunity for creative expression in a variety of mediums. If a student develops an interest and/or talent in art, then this can be pursued through Middle and High school. Elementary art work is frequently exhibited in the school cafeteria.

Music

A music teacher provides instruction each week to all elementary classes. Focusing primarily on vocal music, students learn the basic elements of music through listening, performing and creating music. Students perform each year at the Elementary Holiday Concert held in December. The Silver-Burdette Making Music program is utilized GK-5.

Physical Education

The physical education activities are designed for students to develop body awareness, explore various forms of movement and enhance fine and gross motor development. In addition to ensuring the healthy physical development of our students, we provide a balance of competitive and non-competitive activities that allow students to grow at their own rates and practice the life skill of being able to successfully work with others toward a common goal.