Academically Related Curriculum (ARC)
Posted by Adam Spina on 9/19/2019 5:05:00 PM
WCS has strived to offer a wide variety of learning experiences for students at our elementary schools. Academically Related Curriculum (ARC) courses are an excellent representation of progressive and relevant programming that provide creative outlets for students, develop 21st Century Skill Sets, and enhance learning taking place in the core content areas.
Kindergarten classes use scarves to explore patterns, rhythm, and counting concepts in music class:
Starting this year, the time allotted to ARC classes at the elementary schools was increased to provide 50 minutes of instructional time per class, per day. The additional time will allow for more integration opportunities in the ARC classes which will deepen comprehension both in the ARC classrooms and in core academic subjects. Blended learning and arts integration are among the district's top instructional priorities.
Students apply what they have learned about coding and circuitry to compose music during a lesson in the Elementary STEAM Lab:
Michigan currently only credits elementary schools on the state scorecard for offering music and physical education. Williamston offers music and two sections of Fit For Life (held in two different gymnasiums to take advantage of the unique spaces and materials available in each). We continue to believe that offering a diverse array of ARC classes is essential to achieving our educational goals and significantly beneficial in the academic development of our students, even though our expanded offerings are not reflected by the state on the overall evaluation that our elementary schools receive annually. Three years ago WCS added elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) as an ARC class, and as noted previously, returned Spanish for all elementary students this year.
ARC classes at WCS are another example of the District executing its vision of providing Relevant, Educationally Progressive, and Evidence-Based learning opportunities for all students.
I invite blog readers to review our ARC Brochure to learn more. It can be found on our website or by selecting the link here.
Students use pedometers during Fit For Life class to track their activity levels. Later in the year, students will convert those data into different measures, applying what they learn in mathematics to assess the fitness benefits of various activities:
Homecoming Parade Participation:
Information on how to submit an application to enter a float and/or walk in the 2019 Homecoming Parade can be found here. The submission deadline is Friday, September 27. Additional information regarding Homecoming 2019 can be found on the Williamston High School website.
State of the District Slide Deck:
View the presentation for the 2019-2020 State of the District Presentation here.
Community Awards Nominations:
Select the link here to nominate a local business or community member for the 2019 Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce Community Awards.
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