Literacy
We believe that literacy learning flourishes in an environment where the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing are embedded in meaningful, varied, and developmentally appropriate experiences for all students. We have high expectations for the achievement of all students and provide a supportive learning environment specifically designed to meet students' needs. Within the framework of the 'Gradual Release of Responsibility' (commonly referred to as 'To, With, By') we model learning strategies for students, provide opportunities and activities for guided learning, and ensure that students have sufficient time to work independently in their 'struggle zone', practicing and consolidating their learning. Consequently, students at PS 62 may be seen actively engaged in whole class lessons, working with teacher support in collaborative, small groups and engrossed in individual learning time. To ensure that all students maximize their potential in reaching or exceeding State standards at each grade level, students' progress is regularly screened by the class teacher and, if necessary, additional small group support is provided by a teacher or trained para professional.

The literacy curriculum is soundly based within integrated units which address studies of literature, social studies, and science. Students acquire relevant, topical, content knowledge and understanding of essential themes during each unit, which lasts approximately six weeks. Embedded within each of these units are appropriate reading and writing skills including a specific focus on the academic vocabulary needed to communicate their thoughts, ideas and learning.

The use of technology is evident in all classrooms as a medium for self-paced learning, creative design of projects, and the collaborative presentation of students' ideas to a wide variety of audiences.

Reading
Current research identifies five components of successful reading programs: instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension strategies. Here, at PS 62, we ensure that students are provided with a range of interesting and appropriate learning experiences in all of these areas to ensure that they acquire the skills to become competent, confident, critical readers.

In grades K-2 the main focus is on 'learning to read'. However this shifts to an emphasis on 'reading to learn' as students progress through grades 3-5. The 'To, With, and By' framework is used to ensure a balanced literacy program offering students whole class experiences, through Read Aloud and Shared Reading, small group Guided Reading and independent reading time. Students' reading levels and comprehension are monitored regularly by the class teacher and students are taught how to select books at their 'Just Right' reading level.

A wide variety of reading books is available in each classroom, as well as in the Library Media Center, and students are expected to read regularly at home each evening. Additionally, students are taught to read, on sight, a number of High Frequency words and these are also practiced at home and assessed by the class teacher. Teachers also take advantage of the increasing quantity of motivating, challenging 'on line' reading options to provide relevant reading experiences for their students, consequently students frequently make use of interactive reading programs or research sites to practice their skills.

Writing
In June each year, the whole school celebrates students' achievement in writing with a Publishing Day. During the year, as part of their integrated Literacy Curriculum units, students draft, revise and edit a number of written pieces, demonstrating skills in a range of writing styles - as outlined in the State standards. Teachers connect their reading and writing instruction so that students understand how different writing pieces are structured and the language features used. Teachers model the writing process for and with students, provide guided practice for small groups, and confer with students during individual writing time. Teachers also take advantage of practical activities, field trips and attendance at performances to provide students with real contexts for writing to foster clear, lively, written expression.

Whilst creativity in the writing process is encouraged, correct grammar, spelling and punctuation are also taught. Students in grades 3-5 are also expected to become more independent in self-assessing their own writing, with the support of a checklist, so that they can be more independent in editing their own work ready for publication.

As June approaches, teachers work with students to collate and bind their work so that it can be taken home and shared with family and friends. During Publishing Day parents are invited to visit the classrooms and celebrate with us as students read aloud a selection from their portfolio and share their year's learning.

Math
Math Grades 1-4 are using the Everyday Math Curriculum supplemented with Math Steps. Kindergarten and Grade 5 are using Math Connects. Teachers generally work together to ensure the curriculum, assessments and student outcomes are meeting New York State Standards. P.S. 62 has consistently increased their achievement in mathematics over the past six year to the current status where 97% of students are at or above grade level. Our math curriculum consists of the following components:

Real-life Problem Solving
Experiences emphasize the application of mathematics to real world situations. Numbers, skills and mathematical concepts are not presented in isolation, but are linked to situations and contexts that are relevant to everyday lives. The curriculum also provides numerous suggestions for incorporating mathematics into daily classroom routines and other subject areas.

Balanced Instruction
Lessons include time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities. These activities balance teacher-directed instruction with opportunities for open-ended, hands-on explorations, long-term projects and on-going practice.

Multiple Methods for Basic Skills Practice
The math curriculum provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review. These include written and choral fact drills, mental math routines, practice with fact triangles (flash cards of fact families), daily sets of review problems called Math Boxes, homework, timed tests and a wide variety of math games.

Emphasis on Communication
Throughout the math curriculum students are encouraged to explain and discuss their mathematical thinking, in their own words. Opportunities to verbalize their thoughts and strategies give children the chance to clarify their thinking and gain insights from others.

Enhanced Home/School Partnerships
Daily Home Links (Grades K to 3) and Study Links (Grades 4-5) provide opportunities for family members to participate in the students' mathematical learning. Study Links are provided for most lessons in grades 4-5, and all grades include periodic letters to help keep parents informed about their children's experience with mathematics.

Appropriate Use of Technology
Technology is appropriately integrated into the math curriculum including the use of Smartboards to customize both whole class and center activities.

Technology
Tech Vision Statement: At PS 62, we believe that meaningful integration of technology will enable our teachers and students to be prepared for full participation in today's society. Technology has the power to ignite, accelerate and extend learning- enabling us to challenge every child. The engagement and relevance of technology in students' lives make it necessary for us to embrace this new mode of learning. By "getting connected", we can create a cohesive and informed school community that will grow together.

To address this vision statement we have ensured that we have provided the following:

• support personnel
• interactive hardware
• professional development for the use of Google Apps
• technology-integration curriculum goals
• web-based subscription programs, and external partners
• a revamped library media center

Support Personnel
Our school Tech Integration Team (Pat Wagner, Joyce Holahan & Rebecca Frizzel) has developed a technology curriculum including goals and projects for each grade based upon the literacy curriculum. The Tech Integration Team pushes into classrooms to model innovative practices and support teachers in integrating the tech.

Interactive Hardware
Classes have access to data projectors, SMARTboards, Senteos, Airliners, ipods, digital cameras and FLIP cameras.

Professional Development for Google Apps
PS 62 is proud to announce that we have integrated Google applications for administrative communication and collaboration. We also utilize Google Apps for data collection and analysis, making it easier for teachers to track student progress and meet individual needs.

Technology-integration Curriculum Goals
One of our school wide goals is that every class will complete a tech-integrated project by the end of the year. The technology goals align closely with the Literacy Curriculum for each grade. Web-based Subscription Programs, and External Partners Students have access to web-based educational programs such as Study Island, Nettrekker, Brainpop, and One More Story. These programs are available to support students at home as well as help teachers to differentiate learning opportunities in the classroom. Fourth graders are using computers to create animated projects based on their units of study. By using SAM animation software, students are bringing their drawings, puppets and claymation to life. Fourth graders are also creating tall tale movies and Native American stories.

Upgraded Library Media Center
In September 2009 we were excited to open a new media center in our recently revamped school library. The goal of the new Library Media Center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access to books and information technology. Classes can now use all types of media such as new 24" imac computers, mini Dell laptops, a SMART table, ipods, FLIP cameras and an automated book system. Our aim is to support, extend, and individualize student's learning based on the school's curriculum. Our school library serves as the center for project based learning.