Mission Statement
At P.S. 132 we believe that creativity must be sparked and fervor for learning must be instilled. We are a school community that embraces change, especially when it can benefit our students.
A rigorous reading curriculum has been created by the staff. Through authentic literature, not only is a true love of literacy fostered, but meeting the individual needs of our students is paramount. We embrace a hands-on approach to mathematics. Students develop a conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts within real world context. We are aware of the i importance of the use of technology in today’s society. Technology is incorporated in all subject areas, providing learners with various opportunities to discover its many different purposes. Students delve into scientific content by utilizing tools to investigate and observe science first hand. The students of P.S. 132 become aware of our community and the world around us as they engage in social studies explorations. We believe learning is both meaningful and enjoyable when it is applied to the world in which we live.
At P.S. 132, we embrace the opportunity to develop the gifts and talents of all students by providing enrichment opportunities. The implementation of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, has empowered students to participate in clusters based upon their interests. We continue to instill the importance of being active and responsible members of our community through rich give back opportunities. We hope our students will learn that giving is a lifelong skill connected to happiness.
It is our hope that P.S. 132 becomes a child’s home away from home. When you walk through the doors of P.S. 132, we know you will be able to feel its soul and hear its passionate heartbeat.
Curriculum
Desire To Learn
In order for students to learn, they must possess the desire to learn. To spark young inquiring minds, P.S. 132 provides a motivating and supportive environment where our students feel safe to voice their opinions and share their ideas with others.
Through a rigorous reading curriculum, a hands-on approach to mathematics, participation in schoolwide enrichment, and the incorporation of technology, arts and science, we believe that learning at P.S. 132 is exciting, meaningful, and enjoyable.
Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM)
* SEM allows us to develop the gifts and talents of all students by providing enrichment opportunities in academics, arts, and technology based on the individual interests of every child.
* P.S. 132 is committed to empowering teachers and their students to develop their personal interests.
* Schoolwide Enrichment is a systematic program that infuses enrichment learning opportunities into all aspects of the school curriculum.
Curriculum Compacting
* Curriculum Compacting refers to the process in which a teacher assesses each students' skills or knowledge about content prior to instruction and uses the information to taylor the curriculum for the individual.
* Through the process of Curriculum Compacting, we have been able to differentiate instruction in the areas of Literacy and Mathematics.
Curriculum Differentiation
Currently, students in grades 1, 2 and 3, matriculate into groups based upon their reading and mathematics abilities.
* The Advanced Group engages in literature discussions and in-depth projects whose content is above their grade level. In mathematics, students who have mastered the current unit have the opportunity to engage in advanced projects based on their personal interests.
* The On Grade Level Group participates in grade level lessons and activities in both Literacy and Mathematics.
* The Intervention Group receives additional support they need in order to achieve grade level standards. In the Literacy Intervention Group, students engage in Wilson Reading Systems instruction to provide them with the essential phonemic skills to become proficient readers.
Enrichment Clusters
* Enrichment clusters are non-graded groups of students who share the same interests, and come together to work with a staff member who has experience in the chosen area.
* Students are given the opportunity to select a cluster of their choice from an enrichment brochure.
* Each cluster develops students' knowledge around a real world context culminating in the giveback of a good or service to our community.
* Enrichment clusters usually meet weekly for a 10-week cycle.
The Workshop Model
* During Reading, Writing and Math Workshop, children are active participants in their own instruction.
* Every day children partake in mini- lessons where specific skills or strategies are taught and demonstrated.
* Children work independently or in groups based on their individual ability level.
* Teachers engage students in one-on-one conferences to assess strengths and vulnerabilities.
* During a "share," students' abilities are celebrated.
Rigorous Literacy Curriculum
* P.S. 132 teachers in grades 1-5 have created their own Authentic Reading Curriculum in order to meet all the needs of our students.
* Using grade level authentic literature from classroom libraries, teachers choose materials and develop lessons that support the instruction of Reading Comprehension Skills, while exposing students to a variety of literary genres.
* This teacher-created curriculum integrates Balanced Literacy Approach, with explicit instruction of Reading Comprehension Skills.
Everyday Math
* Everyday Math is a hands-on approach to learning mathematical concepts.
* This curriculum is implemented using the "workshop model" approach.
* Math games and explorations are key components of Everyday Mathematics.
* Math games help reinforce students' basic skills, while explorations allow students to develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts.
* Students engage in Mathematical Investigations which are presented through real life situations. Students are given the opportunity to work independently and develop their own ideas and strategies. Then, students are afforded the time to work collaboratively with their peers to find a solution.
Gathering and Analyzing Data
* P.S. 132 uses a data inputting system that provides teachers with a clear, color-coded spreadsheet that includes all of the gathered data in all of the content areas.
* This at-a-glance tool, allows teachers to differentiate instruction effectively, as it provides a clear insight into the areas of strengths and weaknesses for every child. Teachers create small strategy groups, extended-day groups, AIS groups and curriculum differentiation groups within the classroom setting.
Extended Day Program
* After a careful review of the gathered data, students in grades 1-5 participate in small group instruction based on their needs.
* During the last 37 1/2 minutes of each school day, Monday - Thursday, students who are performing on or above their grade level standards engage in in-depth projects or higher level activities. Students who are performing below grade level standards are given the additional support they need to become proficient learners.
Renzulli Learning
* P.S.132 uses the internet-based Renzulli Learning program.
* Teachers have been trained to utilize this differentiated search engine.
* All students, Pre-K - 5, receive a user name and password to access Renzulli Learning.
* Each child engages in enriched challenging activities such as virtual field trips, in-depth projects and on-line activities.
* Throughout the school day, students utilize laptops to access Renzulli. In addition, students are able to access Renzulli Learning from home.
* Through Renzulli Learning, teachers have the ability to assign students special projects and track their progress.
