Special Programs

In addition to the Montessori curriculum, we offer the following special programs:

 

Music

Weekly music classes are offered to all of the students on Wednesday afternoons. Our music specialists bring a passion for and a joy of music. Students sing, play instruments, and learn music theory. The students share their accomplishments during Arts Night in May.

 

 

Art Classes

Art classes are offered each week on Fridays for Elementary Students and Monday and Thursdays for Preschool Students. Professional artist, Sarah Hipple, is the art teacher at GVS.

Foreign Language Classes

Foreign language classes are offered to all students weekly.


A jr. high student showing preschoolers her International Day display.

International Day

In late October the classes host an International Day celebration. The oldest students are ambassadors from their chosen country (complete with a booth set up with items from their country--food, costumes, art, maps, etc.). Parents and friends come into the classrooms to share their heritage or travels with the students. International games and treats are shared, and a good time is had by all.

 

Skiing

We ski and snowboard every year at Ragged Mountain in Danbury for 5 Fridays. Parents are encouraged to come to ski as well! We have lessons in the morning and then ski for the rest of the day. Skiing is a great opportunity for the children to exercise their independence, responsibility, and sense of accomplishment. It is amazing to watch how quickly the students become great skiers.


Two first grade students skiing.


The Jr. High Class trip to Italy.

Field Trips

The Preschool students take 2 major trips in the school year; a trip to an apple orchard, and in the spring, a trip to a maple sugaring farm. During the preschool summer camp, field trips are taken weekly.
The Elementary students take many field trips throughout the year to complement the curriculum and the interests of the students. There is also an annual overnight camping trip for all Elementary students. The Upper Elementary students have an annual week-long trip to Ferry Beach Ecology School in Maine, and the Jr. High has an Odyssey trip in the Spring (check out our pictures from London and Iceland in May 2003).

Upcoming Events

Month of November--National Novel Writing Month in the Upper El and Jr. High class. Students will write a novel in one month. Some students have a 50,000 word goal. For more info, visit www.nanowrimo.org

Wednesday, Nov. 5--Open House 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Public Welcome

Monday, November 10--9:00 a.m. skiing measurements for Ragged Mountain (program begins Jan. 9).

Tuesday, Nov. 11--No school, Veterans Day

Friday, Nov. 14--Checklist reports out.

Tuesday, Nov. 18--Community meeting hosted by the Lower El class at 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 25--Thanksgiving Meal at the Carlisle's.

Thurs. and Friday, Nov. 27-28--No school

Friday, Dec. 12--Holiday Concert at the Pembroke Academy Auditorium 6:00 p.m.