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About our school
Verda James believes in celebrating the child and in providing an environment that is safe, nurturing, challenging and inclusive. The school strives for children to be lifelong learners, responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow. The school believes in working with the whole child.
Our staff
Students at Verda James learn from 21 teachers, two tutors and a Reading Recovery specialist. Three-fourths of the staff have 22 or more years of experience. Three-fourths also have master’s degrees. Students also have access to a part-time counselor and social worker and two tutors.
Our curriculum
Students at Verda James learn math through the Bridges, Investigations and Connected Math programs. The programs focus on problem solving and hands-on experiences, and the programs each work together to provide transitions for students from one level to the next.
In reading, Verda James students practice standards daily through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students read literature to challenge their skills and higher level thinking. Students also write daily and study the 6+1 Traits of Writing.
Science and social studies lessons vary based on the grade level and standard being studied.
Students have regular math, art and PE classes, and a part-time enrichment teacher serves identified academically gifted students.
Special education students are included in the regular classroom as much as possible based on their individual needs.
Our activities
Classes at Verda James run from 8:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may participate in PE club, art club, chess club and drama, as well as fifth- and sixth-grade volleyball and basketball.
Students go on various field trips each year, varying from Washington, D.C., to Rapid City to the Teton Science School.
Our families
Parents are encouraged to be involved in the school at any level they feel comfortable with.
Parents are expected to be involved as decision makers and in supporting school activities.
A Parent-Teacher Organization is available to parents, and parents also may serve on the Viking Council, the advisory board that works on increasing student achievement.
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