Curriculum

Core Curriculum Areas include: Language, Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.

The following programs have been implemented to enhance the core curriculum:

Young Five's: an alternative program for children who are eligible for Kindergarten but need need the benefit of more time and experience to secure success in Kindergarten and beyond.

Reading Recovery: a one-on-one early intervention first grade program designed to teach children to become strategic readers.

Front Loading: a program initiated at Lake Center that provides small, flexible-group reading instruction for all students, K-5, based on their needs.

At Risk/Title 1: a federally-funded program where students are assessed for achievement in the core curriculum. Title I provides support for those students needing remediation.

 E2 (Enrichment Program): academically advanced, gifted and talented students, grades 3,4,5 are offered E2 in a one-day per week pull out class at the E2 which is located in the Portage Public Schools administration building

Art: Students study artists, art elements, materials and techniques, and arts of other cultures. Students create two and three dimensional projects using a variety of mediums, which are then displayed throughout the school and community

Music: Students experience music through singing, playing musical instruments, movement, games, and listening. Performance opportunities include concerts, musicals, and a fifth grade choir.

Physical Education: Our physical education program offers a variety of innovative activities relate d to health-related fitness and sport skill development. The curriculum aligns with current state and national content standards.

World Languages: 2 cohorts of students in first grade are Confucius Classrooms and have a visiting Chinese teacher in their classroom. All 4th and 5th grade students receive 30 minutes of Spanish instruction per week.

Special Education Services

For students with special needs, assistance is provided by these professionals:

• Special Education Teachers and Consultants
• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• Speech and Language Specialist

Media/Technology

Media Center: An automated library media center staffed part-time by a professional media specialist supports the curriculum and promotes reading and research using large collections of materials and the newest in available technology. All students receive instruction in library, media and computer skills.

Computer Lab: A 30 station computer lab where students receive instruction in keyboarding, and in productivity and curriculum-related software.

Classroom Technology: All classrooms have a TV, DVD, telephone, document cameras, and a networked computer.

Networking: A Local Area Network(LAN) connects all classroom, office, lab and media center computers for video, voice and data. A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects Lake Center's computers to the internet, to the entire school district, to the world.

Learning Expectations

Click here to see the Learning Expectations for students in grades Y5-5.