Art

There are several emphases in the elementary Art program. Primarily, the students learn to create their own artwork, being exposed to a variety of media and techniques, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, weaving, and others. In addition, they learn about other artists and their art. We also aim to develop their creativity and foster a sense of good aesthetic judgment and an appreciation and enjoyment of the visual aspects of the world around them. All classes have Art for one 45 minute period per week.

Physical Education

Physical Education is based upon the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes and skills that are the foundation for participating in quality activity. Physical Education’s mission is to empower all students to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life.

At Ellicott Elementary, Physical Education as an integral part of your child’s total educational process. Through movement, your child develops physically, mentally, morally, socially, and emotionally at his or her own level of ability and development. Students in grades 4 and 5 are also given the opportunity to further their use of these skills in an intramural program for boys and girls.

At the Kindergarten through Grade 2 level, your child is offered foundational experiences in perceptual movement, rhythms, dance, gymnastics, and games. At the Third through Grade Five level, rhythms, dance, and gymnastic experiences are continued in addition to the introduction of structured sport lead-up games. Physical fitness concept and activities are presented and reinforced through all the grade levels. 

Library

The Library curriculum at Ellicott is based on the New York State Library curriculum and the one developed specifically for Orchard Park. It is sequential in nature. The emphasis at the elementary level is on learning basic organizational skills of libraries, use of library terminology and materials, and location of skills. There is also a strand covering reading for pleasure and quality literature. The library integrates technology to a variety of ways: the automated circulation system, CD ROMs, and electronic databases for reference. When leaving Ellicott, it is hoped that our students will be able to use libraries independently, relying on the adults (parents are librarians) only for location of more obscure materials or topics.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)

STEM education is essential for preparing students for the 21st-century workforce, as many jobs today and in the future require a strong foundation in STEM subjects. By exposing students to STEM subjects at an early age, they can begin to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these careers and to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape.

Our K-5 STEM classroom curriculum focuses on the 4 C's: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Students engage in a variety of hands-on, inquiry-based activities that challenge them to think creatively and critically. They're encouraged to take risks and think outside of the box in order to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. In addition to developing their individual problem-solving skills, students work collaboratively with their peers through a variety of group projects and activities. They learn how to effectively communicate their ideas and findings, as well as how to actively listen and provide constructive feedback to their classmates. Throughout the course, students also develop their communication skills and learn how to effectively present their ideas and findings to different audiences, and how to tailor their communication style to meet the needs of their audience.

Exposing our K-5 students to STEM subjects at an early age is important for sparking an interest in learning, developing essential skills for success, and preparing students for future academic and career opportunities in STEM fields.

Vocal music

Vocal music at Ellicott meets one 45 minute session per week. The curriculum includes movement activities, singing, and playing musical instruments. Along with the preceding activities, children experience music from many different countries and become familiar with music written by different composers. Children become familiar with music of different time periods and styles.

Chorus for fourth and fifth graders is another opportunity for children to experience a variety of music for singing and performing.

Instrumental music

Fourth and fifth grade students are offered lessons on violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, baritone horn, trombone, French horn, tuba and percussion.