Elementary School
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Success
District 196 has 16 elementary schools and four elementary magnet schools that serve children in kindergarten through fifth grade. We also have a K-12 special education school for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities (Dakota Ridge).
Elementary school is an exciting time for young learners who are exploring new curriculum and building their knowledge of core subjects areas. At the same time, teachers are working alongside students to grow their social-emotional intelligence. These caring educators are dedicated to providing students with supportive learning environments and engaging, innovative educational experiences that allow them to explore the outer limits of their vast potential.
School Hours for the 2024-25 School Year
Elementary Schools
- Early Start Schools (Pinewood, Southview, Highland and Deerwood): 7:45 a.m. - 2:05 p.m.
- Late Start Schools: 9:30 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.
- Dakota Ridge School: 9:20 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Contact
Jeremy Sorenson,
Director of Elementary Education
651-423-7782
Jeremy.Sorenson@district196.org
Elementary Learning
The core curriculum for elementary-aged students is grounded in Minnesota state standards with a focus on math, science, social studies and English-language arts/literacy. The language arts curriculum encompasses the areas of literature, informative texts, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, media literacy and language skills. Integrated units of study contain both literature units and informational text units.
Specialist Curriculum
Curriculum for specialist areas beyond the core classroom is aligned to state and national standards.
Art
Our visual arts curriculum makes valuable connections to the individual, to society and to culture. The growing complexity of our contemporary culture requires of every individual a capacity for visual analysis and critique. In the production and contemplation of artworks, we can understand ourselves and the world around us. Learning through the visual arts develops creative problem-solving skills as students face issues that often have multiple solutions. Art brings individuals together to share feelings, beliefs and values and develop a sense of community.
Library Media Center
In District 196, we believe library and media education is essential for teaching the whole child. Our elementary media curriculum prepares students to be lifelong learners through development of skills that require critical and creative thinking, collaborating while taking into account a variety of perspectives, collecting, organizing, evaluating and communicating information, and becoming responsible digital citizens. We believe that reading is the foundation for all learning. Media specialists play a vital role in helping develop literacy competencies in all students and foster the development of lifelong readers.
Music
Our music curriculum is a critical component of our performing arts program. These offerings contribute to the lifelong development of the whole child- intellectual, physical, social and emotional. Music provides sequential experiences in creating, analyzing and performing that are an integral component of a quality, comprehensive education. Music gives students the opportunity to develop their own creative potential while exploring world cultures and one another’s diverse backgrounds. It also serves as an important form of communication that reflects and affects society, culture and history.
Physical Education
Our physical education curriculum is designed to contribute to the lifelong development of the student by providing opportunities that positively impact and increase the intellectual, social, emotional and physical fitness of the student. Physical activity enhances social development by emphasizing personal achievement, character, and integrity through individual and team activities and sports. Physical education promotes respect for the uniqueness and dignity of self and others through physical activities.
World Language
The study of world languages is an important part of a comprehensive education and provides students with the worldwide perspective necessary to become global citizens. High-quality language learning uses of a variety of technologies that expose students to resources aimed at developing their listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness skills. Language learning is interdisciplinary by nature and supports success in other academic areas. Learning another language increases awareness of other cultures, promotes creativity and critical thinking skills, and fosters the learner’s overall development and growth. The study of world languages also enhances personal enrichment and increases opportunities in education and employment.