CURRICULUM

The Belmont elementary school curriculum is based on the Massachusetts State Frameworks and the Belmont Benchmarks.  All students receive instruction in:

• Language Arts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills) 
• Mathematics 
• Science 
• Social Studies 
• Physical Education
• Art and Music
• Computer and Library Skills 

The integration of learning across disciplines is a central feature of the elementary program.  Overviews of the individual discipline curricula, the Massachusetts State Frameworks, and the Belmont Benchmarks are available from the Wellington school office and the Belmont Public Schools website.

Instrumental Music

Children have the opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program in grades 3 and 4. Lessons are held during the morning one day per week and again on Saturday morning. Saturday morning lessons are optional and are fee based.

For more information visit Saturday Morning Music School web page.

grade 3: strings
grades 4: strings, woodwind, etc.

The music department informs all families of these offerings in September.

For more information visit Visual and Performing Art web site

Special Support Programs

In addition to the classroom teachers and the art, music, and gym teachers, Wellington has a number of specialists providing student support.  These include a guidance counselor, psychologist, English-as-a-Second-Language tutor, special education teachers, and language arts teachers.

The principal coordinates the formation of Teacher Assistance Teams (TATs) to insure that we meet the needs of all of our students.  TATs consist of teachers and specialists who meet on a regular basis to discuss possible needs for support and strategies for meeting these needs.  Prior to an assessment for special support services, a student is generally the focus of a TAT discussion to explore need and strategies for assistance which may be provided by the classroom teacher or other support teachers – either in or out of the classroom.

Reporting Student Progress

A student’s progress is reported to parents by written report and scheduled conferences twice a year, in November and March. For Kindergarten students only, the November conference is an exchange of information rather than a written report.  In June, the final written report is sent home with the child; no conferences are scheduled.  Teachers, however, provide informal feedback to students and parents on a regular basis. 

Parents are encouraged to contact the school when concerns or questions arise.  Please call 617-993-5600 and leave a message for the teacher or support person indicating when you may be reached.  Given their schedules and responsibilities, Wellington teachers and staff prefer this method to unscheduled visits to the classroom.