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Hello, My family moved to Piedmont recently and are living in the Beach Elem. area. I have been told that my children will be attending that school most likey, which is fine. I know that they will be attending school in Emeryville for the next year as Beach is being remodeled. I just learned that the Principal will be taking a maternity leave for the next school year.
I worry that we'll miss getting in on that 'community feel' this year as everything is in so much transition and with the kids taking the bus to and from ... that we won't get the same meeting of families on the school yard that normally happens. I know there will be events, etc - just wondering if acceptance is easy here? I hope to be involved however I can.
Beyond that, can anyone tell me anything about the school - likes / dislikes - things I should be aware of or know about. I appreciate your time given to this topic! feeling nervous
Hi, we are looking at houses such that our almost 5-year old daughter would end up starting kindergarten in Piedmont, most likely at Beach Elementary. Just looking for updated information on what people think of this one particular elem school in Piedmont. We are moving to Piedmont so that she can go to public school there, and also because we like it and it works out well with our work! We also have a younger daughter. I am hoping the school has a good sense of community. Thanks. Lori
Re: Instruction in Piedmont Schools
I'm pretty relieved about the curriculum for my Kindergartener
at Beach School in Piedmont this year. I've volunteered in the
classroom a bit, so I've had a chance to watch. The kids sit in
groups, have circle time, and have centers where they play games
that also teach something. They do not sit in rows.
There are parent volunteers in our class (at least one, often
two or three)for about 45 minutes to an hour each day. My son
has homework every day - not an inordinate amount - and not
rigidly enforced, but enthusiastically encouraged. We've had
several projects to do at home (i.e. decorate a book box, group
100 items by 5s or 10s, write the names of their classmates on
their valentines and know how to read them, etc.). There is
more work this year than I've heard was required last year - I
guess the result of new state curriculum (''no child left behind''
requirements?).
I think the two Kindergarten teachers at Beach are amazing. The kids are having a blast while they are learning. The teachers integrate several subjects at the same time - so while they are doing a cooking project, they teach a bit of math, a bit of reading, a bit of science. Circle time is an amazing demonstration of virtuosity and fluidity - teaching new concepts from several disciplines at the same time they are going over simple reading lessons. The kids seem engaged - they don't look bored. The teachers sure don't have the discipline problems I imagined they'd have with these little ones having to pay attention.
I don't know if the upper grades are just as good. I've not seen those teachers first hand, but I've been hearing positive reviews from the parents I know. Concerning whether they sit in rows? From what I can see as I walk down the halls, it looks like the kids in other grades work in groups sometimes, and sit at desks other times. I'll be interested to see what replies you get. kimberly
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