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Vermont Young Playwrights

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We believe that in order for students to be effective communicators, they need to be able to interpret and evaluate information, think critically, and express ideas in a variety of formats for a wide range of audiences and purposes. We believe all students can learn when the correct interventions are in place.

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Independent reading is an essential skill, and the BUUSD libraries use a variety of programs and projects to encourage real-world connections and self-discovery, or exploration of personal interest. We do this in a variety of ways, from curating diverse collections and offering library book clubs and classroom visits, to providing literacy experiences through the middle/high school summer reading program.

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Our libraries are designed to empower and inspire lifelong learning and intellectual freedom by connecting our students to the broader world through literature, technology, and equitable access to information and experiences.

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Students in Barre schools experience a differentiated, proficiency-based approach to supporting student learning . Our instructional practices are based on research, state and local standards, and informed by student performance data. We teach a progression of skills, using explicit instruction, as well as guided practice and ongoing assessment.

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Second Grade project in which students advocate for injury prevention by creating a bulletin board with safety tips.  The project has a literary connection to the book Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann.

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Just three weeks into the school year and the Illustrative Mathematics program is being taught with integrity. For more information, see the link to this video.

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Performing in music ensembles in the Barre schools affords our students opportunities for cultural and aesthetic experiences through active participation in music. This enhances their understanding and appreciation of the arts, and fosters interaction between music and their daily life.

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As part of the Civics curriculum students reach out and interview a community member who they see as someone who is civically active. These connections with community leaders show students civics in action.

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Cave Painting - Kindergarteners learn about art making 30,000 years ago. Students learn and understand the "how" and "why" humans made their first marks on cave walls.

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Barre Town 5th graders sample papaya milkshakes after learning about various fruits that grow in South America.

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By teaching the National Health Education Standards, we will provide our students with a well-rounded health education through skills-based instruction.

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All students, regardless of background and experience can learn mathematical concepts and develop a growth mindset.

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Learning to be a musician and performer provides students with unique opportunities that allow for creativity, confidence, and discipline. The study and performance of music provides meaningful experiences that help create excited and engaged learners, develop critical thinkers, and foster empathetic and caring people.

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The BUUSD Physical Education Program strives to meet the physical, social, mental, and emotional needs of each child in our school community.

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Students explore high interest real world phenomena.  Students find answers through inquiry, exploration, error and revision.  Students develop tools and experience with perseverance, curiosity and problem solving.

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Prepare students to be global citizens, who understand how the past can impact the future, and who have a greater perspective of social systems that impact our society today.

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Fostering an appreciation of Art is important in the BUUSD. We provide our students with the tools to understand and engage with the visual content that they will interact with over the course of their lives. Through teaching and collaboration, we instill these crucial needs and reflect our excitement and passion for art to create the same in our students.

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Learning a language and understanding another culture shapes Barre students to be empathetic contributors in our global society.

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In the BUUSD, a skills-based approach is incorporated to teach a variety of age-appropriate health and wellness topics to help enhance student knowledge and wellbeing.  The Middle and High School curriculum builds on the prior knowledge of students with focus on higher level skills such as applying, analyzing and creating.

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We use Responsive Classroom concepts to integrate social-emotional learning into our lessons. We collaborate with the physical education teachers, nurses and garden coordinators to help reinforce crossover skills and help meet the emerging needs of our students.

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The National Standards for K-12 Physical Education provide a comprehensive framework that outlines the expected learning outcomes and progression of skills in physical education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

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Students learn through discourse with each other.  This includes explaining your ideas and listening to understand what others are saying.  We support the Math Habits of Mind and interaction, including but not limited to persevering to solve problems in a collaborative fashion. Students should be able to represent mathematical concepts verbally, graphically, algebraically, and numerically.  Being able to justify thinking and make generalizations is as important as being able to solve problems.

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Our approach to teaching Music engages our students in positive, meaningful, and in-depth ways. Our students perform music that is not only high quality and developmentally appropriate, but is meaningful and impactful. We teach our students to be confident and brave performers who are willing to take risks, collaborate, solve problems, and who will be lifelong learners and lovers of music. Our teachers model exemplary musicianship and excitement for performance and practice while fostering enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness in our students.

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Physical Education contributes to the growth and development of the individual.  The PE program will provide positive and successful experiences that promote physical, social, mental, and emotional well-being. Through the use of sequential and developmentally appropriate movement challenges, each student will acquire the skills and knowledge to make healthy choices for a physically active life.

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Elementary Physical Education focuses on developing fundamental motor skills that serve as the foundation for future physical activities. By the end of elementary school, students are expected to demonstrate competence in these skills, understand basic movement concepts, have knowledge of health-related fitness, exhibit acceptance of self and others, and recognize the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Middle School Physical Education builds upon the skills learned in elementary school and offers a sequential program that covers various units such as fitness, individual sports, team sports, project adventure, large group activities, and dance. The emphasis is on developing skills for team sports, including both kinesthetic and traditional sports skills, as well as understanding the rules and regulations of different sports. Cooperative activities are used to foster teamwork and positive participation.

High School Physical Education is centered around engaging in physical activities. The program aims to promote physical fitness, encourage the development of athletic interests that extend beyond high school, and provide opportunities for participation in personal fitness, individual sports, and team sports.

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Through the NGSS aligned Mystery Science program, Barre students are exposed to a mixture of life science, earth science, and physical science content.  As they progress, concepts learned in previous years are revisited, built upon and explored with greater depth as is developmentally appropriate for students as they age and build life experiences.

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Students are exposed to scientific phenomena and then explore that phenomena through discussion, modeling and the creation/re-creation of experiences that will help explain the principles behind the phenomena. This process is student driven through questioning and community consensus on how to proceed. At the end of a science experience, students will be able to explain the phenomena of question as well as apply the concepts to other real world events.

Elementary Teacher Handbook

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K-5th grade assessments are embedded in the Mystery Science Pacing Guides.

Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 take the Vermont Statewide Science assessment (Cognia/VTCAP).

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Students experience research, discussion, and project-based learning through authentic inquiries and units that are aligned with standards and are based on guiding questions.

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Learning Scales (under construction)

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Creative concepts are practiced via the introduction, use, and refinement of artistic media. Students create work that is exhibited in the school community, and also for a wider, public community. While projects allow for varying degrees of artistic freedom, students are encouraged to add their unique style/voice/history into their products. As students progress in age, the sophistication of the tools and materials increases. Tool and material safety is linked to the age of the students.

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We use language to build meaningful relationships and to connect students to a world beyond their classroom. We believe mastering a language and understanding a culture is essential to developing global citizenship. Our World Language classrooms are safe spaces that cultivate a learning environment for all students to interact and engage in a positive atmosphere. We recognize the importance of students making connections and reflecting on their own language and culture.

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Throughout the BUUSD library system, we champion critical thinking and curiosity with inquiry based exploration with both academic and hands-on experiences.  This includes read-alouds, a diverse collection, accommodating independent/personalized learning, and providing support using informational technology. We equip our libraries with vetted and relevant resources that support classroom curriculums, as well as provide our school community with a welcoming space to learn.

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Ensuring Our Students’ Success is Our Top Priority

The Barre UUSD understands that public education plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st century. In today's rapidly evolving world, where technology and globalization are transforming industries and job markets, a strong foundation is more important than ever.

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Click on each element to read more about it's key traits.

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Barre UUSD Framework for Effective Teaching (14)