Outstanding learning opportunities are provided to all Fair Oaks Ranch Community School students as we begin our journey to implement Common Core State Standards. Teachers are eager to learn and implement strategies.
Mrs. Morris-Curtis, sixth grade teacher, finds it inspiring to be able to facilitate student groups in discussion and collaboration of ideas. She states, “I see the joy of exploration and self discovery as students’ confidence increases when they spend time in contemplation so that they really own and internalize their knowledge and transfer that knowledge into other areas of their academic adventures.” Technology also plays an important role in the implementation of Common Core. Our classrooms provide a rich environment for the use of technology with the focus to expand and extend student learning. Mrs. Rafter, third grade teacher, proudly shares this about her scholars. “My students love to learn with technology. They teach me new things everyday. These opportunities of learning open up so many creative ways to present their ideas to share with their classmates. We call it our ‘Creation Station’ when my students take their collaborative learning to a project based activity. I feel like we are enjoying this new learning adventure together. It is comforting to all of us to learn together and ‘teach each other’ as we decipher this new language.”
Fair Oaks Ranch School students also participate in Enrichment Instruction throughout the year. Supported by the Fair Oaks Ranch PTA and parent community students in TK to sixth grade participate in blocks of art, music, drama and movement. Students develop and practice skills that enhance their classroom learning. Creativity and artistic talents of Falcons go on display during end of year performances and a school-wide Art Show during Open House.
Fair Oaks Ranch School’s fourth to sixth graders also participate in the S.T.A.R. (Success Through Awareness and Resistance) program. Deputy Mike Forne, our school S.T.A.R. deputy, visits classrooms and works directly with students to provide life skills to assist students in positive decision-making and the ability to say no when confronted with making a difficult decision.