| Hexter Elementary
School Curricula
Hexter Elementary School provides a full
curriculum that includes the following subjects: reading,
language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education,
library, computer science, music, and art. Also offered are
Talanted and Gifted program (TAG), English as a Second Language
(ESL), Bilingual Education, Special Education and Inclusion
Support programs. Orchestra, choir and several enrichment
clubs are offered after school.
Our curriculum is the state adopted Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills (TEKS). State curriculum can be reviewed at:www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum.
Our district has aligned teaching and learning standards with
curriculum planning guides for teachers. Parent summaries
of grade level expectations can be found on the district's
web site: www.dallasisd.org/academics.
At Hexter, we use a variety of resources for teaching and
learning. Students participate in whole group, small group,
and experiential learning daily. Throough flexible grouping
we strive to challenge all learners to high standards. Our
primary resources are listed below:
Reading
Our primary resource for reading instruction is our literacy
library. Our literacy library is filled with leveled literature
that allows each child to receive reading instruction at their
own instructional level within small, teacher-led reading
groups. In addition to small group time, the Open Court Reading
basal is utilized. Open Court Reading is a nationally recognized
research-based curriculum grounded in systematic, explicit
instruction of phonemic awareness, phonics and word knowledge,
comprehension skills and strategies, inquiry skills and strategies,
and writing and language arts skills and strategies. Reading
fine literature is one of the founding principles of Open
Court Reading, and the program literature selections exemplify
how different forms of literature can all express a particular
theme. Through various genres, children progressively deepen
their understanding of the thematic learning units presented
in each grade level. Online: www.sra4kids.com
Writing
The Write Direction is a comprehensive writing curriculum
designed to create independent, creative, and effective writers.
Students learn the writing process-based six universal traits
of good writing. Writing strategies and language skills are
taught explicitly and authentically and integrated throughout
reading, social studies and science. Hexter also highlights
"Wonderful Writers" each wednesday by having one
or two children read exemplary writing on the morning announcements.
Math
Everyday Mathematics is an acclaimed, comprehensive pre-kindergarten
through sixth grade mathematics curriculum developed by the
University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. Everyday
Mathematics emphasizes the application of mathematics to real-world
situations. Numbers, skills and mathematical concepts are
linked to situations and contexts that are relevant to everyday
lives. Activities balance teacher-directed instruction with
opportunities for open-ended, hands-on explorations, long-term
projects and ongoing practice. Online: http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/about.shtml
Science
Our core science program is the Full Option Science System
(FOSS). FOSS is a research-based science curriculum for kindergarten
through eighth grade developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science,
University of California at Berkeley. The FOSS program was
created to engage students as they explore the natural world.
They learn important scientific concepts and develop the ability
to think critically by actively constructing ideas through
their own inquiries, investigations and analyses. FOSS —
along with the 5E approach (engage, explore, explain, elaborate
and evaluate) — gives Hexter students consistent, quality
science experiences. Hexter also maintains a fully equipped
science lab with lead science teacher. Online: www.lhs.berkeley.edu/FOSS
Fifth grade students at Hexter spend three days and two nights
at YMCA Adventure Camp. This new facility provides three days
of hands-on activities designed specifically to reinforce
the fifth-grade science curriculum: www.collincountyadventurecamp.org
Also, Hexter is fortunate to have a new gardening program.
Garden boxes were donated and assembled by the Dallas Association
of Young Lawyers in spring 2007. Now, each grade level maintains
a garden box and engages in lessons integrating science and
math skills.
Social
Studies
Hexter students learn about self, family and community, and
then progress through Texas history, government, U.S. and
world history. Social Studies is integrated with literature
and researched with library and computer labs. Culminating
projects are included to promote interactive, relevant experiences
reflecting conceptual understanding.
Physical
Education
All children participate in organized physical activities
150 minutes per week. Physical education (P.E.) is designed
to get children active while having fun. Sportsmanship, rather
than winning, is strongly emphasized.
P.E. is an essential part of the total education process and
makes a significant contribution to life-long health and fitness.
P.E. incorporates a planned sequence of experience in a variety
of activities, beginning with basic movement and skills learned
through fun games, progressing to sports, dance and other
forms of movement.
First- through third-graders also have the opportunity to
participate in a Fun and Fitness Club after school.
Library
Studies
We love to read at Hexter Elementary!
Hexter Elementary students participate in several reading
programs, including The Texas Bluebonnet Program, Texas 2x2
lists, Reading is Fundamental, and
the Six Flags Over Texas Reading Program.
The Texas Bluebonnet Program for third- through fifth-gradersconsists
of 20 books (selected by a panel of Texas elementary librarians)
which include all types of children’s books. The Texas
2x2 reading list is for twoyear olds through second graders.
It also consists of 20 books (selected by a panel of Texas
elementary librarians). Both of these programs include students
voting on their favorite book from the list in January if
they have read 5 books on the lists.
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is a wonderful nationwide program
that puts three free books in the hands of students throughout
the year. We are honored to be a part of this 40-year old
tradition.
The Six Flags Over Texas 600-Minute Reading Club requires
kindergarteners through fifth-gradersto read (or have read
to them) 600 minutes in six weeks. The program begins in Janaury
and earns them a free ticket to the Six Flags Over Texas theme
park.
Check out the Web sites below for great information:
Texas Library Association Sponsored Reading Lists: http://www.txla.org/html/reading.html
American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alsc.htm
Library Hours
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., all school days
3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays for Family Checkout
Library Circulation
Students in pre-kindergarten may check out one book at a time.
Students in kindergarten may check out two books at a time.
First- through fifth-graders may check out four books at a
time. Books are checked out for a period of two weeks.
Students who have lost or overdue library books may not check
out additional materials until their library account is clear.
Online Catalog
Hexter Library Public Access Catalog (PAC) is available online
through any school or home computer by clicking on our link:
Hexter PAC http://www.youseemore.com/dallasisd/school.asp?schooltype=es&branch=153
From the Library PAC, students and parents may see what books
are available in the library . Students may also view what books they have currently checked out by visiting the "Patron Record" link and entering their student ID# and Password.
Online Encyclopedias and Databases
Dallas ISD provides all of it's families with access to many databases to assist students in research. Many of them can be access through the PAC link above. We are also pleased to have access to World Book Kids encyclopedia online as well as Encyclopedia Brittanica online. Please see the librarian for username
and password for databases and online encyclopedias.
Computer
Science
Hexter’s 28-seat computer laboratory is available for
use by all grade levels. The computer curriculum covers basic
technology skills and integrates content coordinated with
what students are learning in their homerooms with the use
of technology.
All grade levels use the following computer-based curriculum:
JumpStart Advanced, a Web-based program that includes math
and reading games; Compass Learning, a Web-based program with
mini lessons in reading, math, science, and social studies;
and KidPix, a graphic design and drawing program. Children
learn the parts of the computer; keyboard skills; Internet
safety, navigation, and searching; desktop publishing; and
basic spreadsheets and databases.
Music
The goal of Hexter’s music program is to enrich students
in a fun-filled atmosphere that provides tools for life-long
appreciation of music. Music includes singing, body percussion,
creative movement and folk dancing, and playing a wide range
of percussion instruments and recorder.
Hexter’s music program is an Orff-Schulwerk program
that provides students many opportunities to be creative while
making music.
At Hexter, students in pre-K through fifth grade attend music
at least once a week. Additionally, each grade level performs
in a PTA program during the year. All music performed in these
programs is played by students without CD soundtracks.
Fourth and fifth grade students also have the opportunity
to participate in after-school choir or orchestra.
Art
Hexter’s art program gives all children opportunities
for artistic expression in a nurturing, creative, and safe
environment. Through making art, children learn to stop, to
be still, to be quiet, and to observe objects and people,
a skill they learn to transfer to other academic studies.
Hexter’s art curriculum includes drawing, every kind
of painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. The school
has its own kiln and maintains a supply of excellent paper
and paints.
Children come to art class to enjoy the process of making
something. At Hexter, the process — what it feels like
to make something — is more important than the product.
Technique and discipline are important, but never as important
as nurturing a creative spirit.
Art boosts the self-esteem of children, particularly those
who struggle academically. And art education increases TAKS
scores.
Hexter’s art program has received strong support from
parents, the PTA, and the community. When the district provided
funds for only one semester of art education, the PTA sponsored
a silent auction, two-day arts festival, and home tour to
pay for a full-time teacher. Additionally, this is the second
year the program has been awarded a grant from the Junior
League.
Students from pre-K through fifth grade participate in art
at least once a week.
Orchestra
The Hexter Orchestra gives students an opportunity to learn
to play stringed instruments — primarily the violin
and viola. Students may also learn the cello and bass.
Orchestra students learn to identify parts, maintain instruments,
and read music. They also participate in concerts and music
contests. A highlight of the year is participating in a spring
concert at the middle school.
Fourth- and fifth-grade students register for orchestra at
the beginning of the school year. Music-making in orchestra
is fun but also requires a great deal of serious preparation.
Students meet one or two times a week, depending on instrument
availability. Students who own instruments attend class more
often because of the low number of school instruments available.
Advanced
Academic Services
Hexter’s Talented and Gifted Program is designed to
modify the delivery of instruction for talented and gifted
(TAG) students by adjusting the pace and complexity of instruction
to match student abilities and areas of interest. The program
provides greater depth of material and expands on core subjects.
Activities include independent study projects, higher-order
thinking skills, discovery learning, research and other activities
designed to enrich curriculum.
Hexter maintains a full-time TAG teacher. TAG students leave
their classrooms for at least two hours a week for enrichment.
Students are initially identified for the screening process
through their scores on ITBS for kindergarteners through third-graders
and a commended status on TAKS for fourth- and fifth-graders.
After the screening process, the screening committee identifies
the top 12 percent to 15 percent for placement in the TAG
classes.
For more information about the TAG program, visit the Advanced
Academic Services Web site.
English as
a Second Language (ESL)/Bilingual Education
Hexter Elementary is proud to offer a research-based bilingual
program aligned with DISD expectations for Spanish-speaking
students from pre-kindergarten 4 through second grade. With
each new year, we will add a grade level until fifth grade.
Students with Spanish as their first language receive instruction
in Spanish for reading, writing, science, and social studies.
Math is taught to all students in English.
Students with a first language other than Spanish receive
instruction from teachers certified in strategies for ESL
learners. Hexter is also proud to have two teachers for students
new to our country. Our goal is to honor cultural and language
difference while helping students transition easily and feel
welcome in our learning environment.
Special
Education and Inclusion Programs
Hexter’s Inclusion Program is based on the Stetson Inclusion
Model. Inclusion staff support students who need help in the
general education setting. Class work is modified to help
struggling students in learning the appropriate curricular
information in their style of learning.
Full-time staff members are assigned to a particular grade
level. They work with the grade-level team and manage the
student population in need of intervention strategies so that
they attain the knowledge they need. Additionally, a Master
Reading Teacher on campus not only helps students, but also
helps teachers by modeling the latest reading strategies.
Small-group tutoring sessions are available before, during
and after school and on several Saturdays. Retired certified
teachers assist with these small groups. Students also access
computer programs in our computer laboratory that let them
learn at their own pace.
TAKS
The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS™)
was implemented beginning in the spring of 2003. Students
at all grade levels follow these skills through the extensive
planning and implementation of lessons by all teachers.
If you need more TAKS information please vist the TEA
link for students and parents.
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