Program
Features & Benefits |
FEATURES
SMALL CLASS SIZE
Elementary classes at Kazoo School average 16 students. Middle
school classes are limited to 20 students. |
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BENEFITS
Your child receives individualized
attention from the teacher. Teachers are familiar
with each student’s interests, strengths and challenges.
Any concerns are quickly identified and discussed with you.
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BASEGROUPS
Students are generally grouped into multiage classrooms comprised
of several traditional grade levels. Student placement is based
on individual academic, social and emotional development. |
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Your child benefits
from working with older, more advanced students and
also, benefits from the opportunity to assist younger classmates
with academic challenges. Assignments and projects are individualized
to meet each child’s needs.
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THEMATIC CURRICULUM
Units of study are centered on themes. Students participate
in selecting theme topics. Thematic curriculum allows for
an in-depth study that integrates creative arts, math, language
arts, science, and/or social studies.
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Your child explores topics
in depth. Learning is relevant and s/he is able to
view topics from many perspectives. Your child is encouraged
to pursue and research areas of interest. |
“BUDDY” ACTIVITIES
AND PROJECTS
Many cooperative learning activities are planned between older
and younger students, i.e. “buddy” reading, research
projects, science experiments, joint art projects, and book
publishing. |
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Your child gains a
strong sense of community through older/younger student
buddy activities. Buddy activities develop leadership skills,
academically benefit both the older and younger student, and
build trusting relationships between different age children.
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DAILY PHYSICAL EDUCATION
AND RECESS
All students participate in daily physical education and a
half-hour recess. Kazoo School’s Physical Education
Program promotes individual fitness as a life skill. The program
balances cooperative games and organized sports. Physical
education classes and recess are outdoors whenever weather
permits.
Link to the PE
Program
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Your child learns the
benefit of physical activity and exercise that builds
a strong body. Regular physical activity provides an outlet
for youthful energy and improves concentration and focus in
the classroom. |
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Kazoo School staff members are trained in Conflict Resolution
management. Professional Development Programs keep teachers
abreast of the best conflict resolution curriculum and practices. |
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Your child acquires
conflict resolution skills from the beginning of
their school experience. Children learn to solve problems
by identifying, communicating, and resolving issues in a positive,
supportive environment. Acquisition of these skills contributes
to a peaceable school.
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FREQUENT FIELD TRIPS
Students participate in many field trips throughout the year.
Examples include the WMU Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo Civic
Theatre, Vaudeville Associates Comstock Theatre, Kalamazoo
Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo Institute
of Arts, Binder Park Zoo, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo
Public Library, area farms and orchards, etc.
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Your child’s learning
experiences are enriched. Field trips provide new experiences
that enhance learning outside of school. Your child gains a
larger view of the greater Kalamazoo community, learning from
resources and opportunities outside of the school building.
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OVERNIGHT CAMP EXPERIENCE
Students ages 6-14 participate in an overnight camp experience
during the school year. Kindergarten students have an extended
day experience in lieu of an overnight. |
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Your child experiences
science and nature first hand. Team building activities
and outdoor fun help your child develop and maintain strong
peer relationships. Outdoor science activities foster a positive
environmental ethic and an appreciation for the natural world.
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PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
Professional performers, artists, scientists, and other experts
are routinely brought in to supplement programs with special
presentations and instruction, i.e. Cavani String Quartet,
WMU Children’s Repertory Dance Theatre, Michigan United
Conservation Club, EFA Theatre, authors, etc.
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Your child is introduced
to a variety of professionals who bring unique learning
experiences, skills and talents to Kazoo School. Special events
contracted by the school are often ones that may not otherwise
be available to your child. |
SPANISH PROGRAM -
Upper and Lower School
Students learn the Spanish language through a continuous,
developmental curriculum that focuses on conversational Spanish
and multiculturalism.
Link to the Spanish
Program
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Your child begins to
learn a language at an earlier age than in traditional
programs. Your child gains an appreciation for cultures that
may be different from his/her own. |
PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS
Kazoo School students present a Winter and Spring program each
year. All students have the opportunity to participate in a
major dramatic performance at least once each year. |
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Your child gains self-confidence
by having regular performance opportunities. Students participate
in selecting their class play or dramatic presentation and are
involved in prop making, set design, costuming and script writing.
Your child has the opportunity to write, perform, dance and/or
sing in the program. |
