Academics
The Foundation identifies ways to supplement our school’s current curriculum and provides necessary programs and environments to set our Tigers up for success at Sandburg and as they transition to higher education.
Math Curriculum
The Engage New York Math curriculum from Eureka Math is the most widely used math curriculum in the United States and focuses on understanding mathematical concepts. Children are taught to think about math conceptually so that the same techniques they internalize for basic arithmetic can be used to not only solve but to conceptually understand algebraic equations. This understanding provides the foundation from which the children can later understand calculus and advanced mathematics.
Language Arts Curriculum
In coordination with the teachers and principal, the Foundation funds Language Arts programs for all students. Kindergarten and first grade use the Reading Eggs program to engage children in reading. The purpose of this program is to both teach children to read and to help them develop a love of reading. Second through fifth-grade students use the Renaissance Accelerated Reader Program. This program is designed to further advance children’s reading by allowing them to select books specifically at their reading level and easily track their growth.
Enrichment Programs
In coordination with the teachers and principal, the Foundation provides funding for topics including music, yoga, art, magic, chess, etc. These enrichment activities were selected to integrate into and complement the other curriculum elements. In other years, we have funded, computer programming, LEGOs, Spanish, and science lab. In addition, our third through fifth grade students are able to participate in a Science Olympiad Team that is mentored by local high school volunteers. The Foundation funds the annual Science Olympiad Competition.
Scholastic Bookfair
Each year the Foundation organizes and staffs volunteers to execute the Scholastic Book Fair. Each student is given an opportunity to shop at the bookfair with their class during school hours. Additionally, we try to have the book fair open for one evening in order for families to shop. Scholastic provides “scholastic dollars” to the school based on the proceeds of the Bookfair. The Foundation distributes the scholastic dollars to teachers, ensuring that their classroom libraries are always stocked and current.
Grade Level Grants
Each year the Foundation provides grants for the teachers at each grade level to select on or off-campus experiences, supplies, or other programs that they feel will most benefit their students. These grants are allocated on a per-child basis and provide for field trips, visiting performances, and other non-book-learning experiences.
Classroom Grants
Each year the Foundation provides grants to each classroom to assist in the purchase of classroom supplies that will be used during the year. These grants combined with the teachers’ personal purchases and your generous donations to your children’s classrooms allow the teachers to continue to deliver a high-quality learning expierence.