Social Emotional
Seneca Academy uses the Responsive Classroom® curriculum to integrate social and emotional learning into our academic day. Responsive Classroom ® is an evidence-based program that utilizes a variety of strategies to help teachers create a classroom and schoolenvironment that allows students to “feel safe, challenged, and joyful- places that free them to learn.” At the heart of this program is Morning Meeting. Each class at Seneca Academy starts the day with a group meeting to address the transition from home to school, create group cohesion, share news, address concerns, and begin the school day. Our students enjoy this opportunity to interact socially with their teacher and peers, and it provides a sense of ownership and belonging within each class.

At Seneca Academy, we know that the social milieu can have a dramatic impact on a student’s ability to learn.  In addition to implementing the Responsive Classroom ® curriculum, we address the social atmosphere in a variety of ways to ensure that it is a positive, nurturing one for all. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum, classroom organization, scheduling, and behavior management policies and procedures all intentionally guide our classrooms to a positive and productive social and emotional learning environment.

Language Arts
The Seneca Academy Language Arts curriculum is designed
to develop students who are proficient in reading for pleasure and content; who are clear writers of fiction and non-fiction; and are confident communicators through written, oral, and visual media.

Our primary resource in elementary language arts is Literacy Place by Scholastic. This resource provides a balanced and inter-disciplinary approach to all aspects of literacy: reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. In addition, our curriculum is enhanced by a variety of print materials, including classic literature, poetry, magazines, and essays.

Features of the Seneca Academy language arts program include:

• Reading and writing linked to all subject areas
• Specific instruction for skills and strategies in reading and writing
• Integrated spelling and grammar instruction
• Large and small group and individual reading activities
• Daily opportunities for reading and writing for a variety of purposes
• Critical thinking skills are practiced through engaging projects and discussion

Social Studies
The goal of the social studies curriculum at Seneca Academy is to create knowledgeable, informed students who have a solid understanding of national and global historical, political, geographical, economic, civic and social processes and issues. Our hands-on approach encourages students to develop the critical thinking skills that allow them to identify trends and connections across time and our world.

Seneca Academy’s social studies curriculum:

• Is guided by cross-curricular themes
• Allows for the development and application of trans-disciplinary skills
• Utilizes project-based activities to fully engage students
• Employs a variety of print and electronic media as well as field trips
• Is informed by the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum

Science
The goal of the Seneca Academy science curriculum is to help students acquire the skills and habits of mind in scientific thinking that allow them to gain a rich understanding of the world around them. This is accomplished through a balanced study of earth science, life science, and physical science as well as the integration of technology. Our 6 ½ acre outdoor environment serves as a laboratory for many of our hands-on explorations of the natural world.

The Seneca Academy learning goals and standards are informed by The American Association for the Advancement of Science’s “Science for All Americans Project 2061” as well as the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum. Our activities are guided by curriculum developed by AIMS (Activities to Integrate Mathematics and Science), the Jason Project, Holt Science and Technology Series, and National Geographic.

Seneca Academy’s science curriculum:

• Provides inquiry-based, experiential learning indoors, outdoors and on field trips
• Lays a foundation of conceptual understanding, content knowledge, and scientific skills
• Fosters a meaningful understanding of the scientific method beginning in our earliest grades
• Allows for the development and application of trans-disciplinary skills

Foreign Languages
Currently, conversational Spanish lessons are included in the weekly plan for each elementary class. Spanish is learned by story-telling, playing games, and singing songs.

Mathematics
The goal of the Seneca Academy math curriculum is for students to develop a thorough understanding of concepts beyond computation. This solid foundation allows students to apply mathematical thinking to solve every day problems. A deep understanding of complex mathematical concepts is shown as students communicate their processes in problem-solving.

The Seneca Academy math curriculum meets or exceeds the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum. Our primary resource for elementary math education is Everyday Math, an exemplary program developed at the University of Chicago.

This challenging and enriching curriculum:

• Uses hands-on activities to acquire concepts
• Links new concepts to meaningful past experiences
• Provides project-based learning
• Includes games to increase “fact-power”
• Teaches problem-solving using multiple strategies
• Offers opportunities for cooperative learning

Art
Students have an opportunity to use a variety of materials to express themselves including clay, drawing, painting, sculpture, papier maché, and weaving. They are motivated to pursue art activities which relate to other areas of the curriculum as well. By including exposure to great art and learning about great artists, an appreciation for the fine arts begins as students develop a broad base of general knowledge that is part of our cultural literacy. We also provide an after-school arts program for students in kindergarten through 6th grade.

Music
Although music stands on its own merit as a part of our curriculum, experiences in music can contribute to cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Music is about singing, rhythms, and beat. It is about learning to be part of a group and learning to move our bodies in time. It brings another dimension of beauty into the student’s life that will bring great pleasure in the coming years and is a wonderful bridge between cultures across the globe. An after-school band for students in 4th through 6th grades and an after-school chorus for students in 1st through 6th grades round out our music program.

Physical Education
The opportunity for physical activity and outdoor experience is a daily part of our educational program. Research suggests that physical exercise improves mood and increases learning. Our playground and playing field area provide a wide variety of opportunity for physical challenges. Our Physical Education program, directed by our P.E. Specialist, promotes agility, endurance, strength and body awareness. The students participate in activities appropriate for their developmental level and may include: ball skills, cooperative games, locomotor challenges, and rhythmical movement patterns. The study of nutrition and other aspects of healthy lifestyle are a part of our program. Emphasis is also placed on fair play, teamwork and personal best. The SPARK program, which supports the National Standards for Physical Education and the development of healthy lifestyles, motor skills and movement knowledge, and social and interpersonal skills is the resource for this program.

Technology
The focus of the technology curriculum at Seneca Academy is to give students an understanding of how technology can be utilized to enhance their learning experiences. In the younger grades our focus is on learning and practicing basic academic and social skills with video, audio and digital print technology supporting the curriculum. Students begin their formal instruction in the use of computer technology in 3rd grade. Students are taught to become proficient in keyboarding, word processing, creation of presentations, and data management and presentation. Computers are located in 3rd through 6th grade classrooms and in the media center. Students may use computers for word processing, information gathering, project development, and reinforcement of basic/advanced skills in academic subject areas. Technology skills throughout the grades are used to complete learning goals in the overall Seneca Academy curriculum.

Homework Policy
The purpose of homework:

• Establish habits of responsibility
• Develop independent work-study skills
• Give parents an insight to the skills and subjects being taught

Homework will usually be one of three types:

• An enrichment activity
• A reinforcement activity of a skill already taught
• If no homework is assigned, please encourage your child to read independently or share a book with you