Sycamore Schools

THE SYCAMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM SERVES ACADEMICALLY GIFTED YOUNG ADOLESCENTS IN FIFTH THROUGH EIGHTH GRADES AND PROVIDES THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO BRANCH OUT FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES IN THE LOWER GRADES. STUDENTS MOVE FROM CLASS TO CLASS AND RECEIVE INSTRUCTION FROM MANY TEACHERS. THE PROGRAM IS RIGOROUS AND BOTH ACCELERATED AND ENRICHED IN A MANNER SPECIFICALLY DIFFERENTIATED FOR GIFTED LEARNERS. A MAIN FOCUS OF THE PROGRAM IS LEARNING TO DEVELOP PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FIND A BALANCE BETWEEN INDEPENDENCE AND RELIANCE UPON ADULTS FOR GUIDANCE AND LIMITS. THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF GIFTED AND TALENTED ADOLESCENTS AS THEY DEVELOP THEIR INCREASING ABILITY FOR COMPLEX THOUGHT. IN A MORE TYPICAL MIDDLE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT WITH A BROADER MISSION, CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY CHALLENGING TO PROVIDE FOR INTELLECTUAL GROWTH AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE STUDY SKILLS AND HABITS STUDENTS RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONs FROM SPECIALISTS IN SPANISH, ART APPRECIATION, MUSIC AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION. EACH CLASSROOM IS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR COMPUTERS, AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS GO TO THE COMPUTER LAB FOR ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION. CHILDREN IN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF PRESCHOOL BEGIN COMPUTER INSTRUCTION USING IPADS IN THEIR CLASSROOM.

The lower School division of the School is comprised of students in grades first through fourth. The education at this level is based upon significant modifications in key components of a traditional curriculum: content: the content of the curriculum is coordinated around reading and other language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts. Students study content that is more abstract, more complex, broader and deeper than the norm. Studies are both accelerated and enriched through flexible grouping strategies, field trips, resource personnel, mentors and written and visual media. Instruction in music, art, spanish, computer technology and physical education is provided by specialists in those areas. Thinking skills: after establishing a solid knowledge base, emphasis is on critical and creative thinking skills, problem solving and logical reasoning, research skills and a wide variety of communication skills. Products: students are assisted in individual and group investigations of real problems that necessitate research and involve the development of a product. They learn to develop products in several categories: written, oral, media/visual arts and performing arts. Environment: the development of positive self esteem, independence, interpersonal skills, leadership, responsibility, appreciation of diversity, and the understanding of one's giftedness are aims of Sycamore School. Teachers promote concern and compassion, risk-taking, curiosity, organization, communication and imagination by establishing classrooms that are complex, open-ended, and accepting environments.

The early childhood division of Sycamore School is directed toward students ranging in age from 3 years through kindergarten. The curriculum provides enriching, stimulating activities and experiences for the young gifted child. Children are able to play, work, and learn in a supportive atmosphere that sets free a child's curiosity and interests, encouraging exploration and experimentation. The program attempts to produce happy, self-confident children with positive feelings toward themselves, learning and School. The students participate in units of study and use a variety of materials. Preschool students read and write to the extent of their ability. Handwriting instruction begins in pre-kindergarten. Reading and math instruction begin in kindergarten, and children are grouped with others having similar skills. Sycamore's middle School curriculum is designed to give students a solid foundation for further study and enables them to function as autonomous learners. At Sycamore, subjects do not exist as completely separate entities, but overlap and interrelate as the student begins to make greater sense of the larger world. In addition to laying the foundation for future learning, the curriculum develops students' abilities to think critically, evaluate, communicate effectively, reason, solve problems, and value the diverse viewpoints, heritages, and experiences of others. Students receive daily instruction in history, language arts, mathematics, and science. Math classes are grouped across grade levels according to students' level of skill and concept development. All students are expected to complete a year of high School algebra. Advanced students have the opportunity to take geometry and algebra ii. Special classes meet between one to three periods per week that include art, computer technology, physical education, and spanish. Students may choose to participate in instrumental music and/or choir. Sycamore middle School students may participate in many after School activities, including a full range of sports, drama, and various academic competitions. Service projects, speakers, trips, and other enrichment opportunities enhance the educational program. Middle School students take overnight trips to various cities within Indiana and other locations including the Florida keys, the smoky mountains, culver academy and Washington d.c.