Another area of emphasis is ensuring that all children get off to a successful start in school. Our experience is that small investments of additional time and resources when children start school can result in significant benefits throughout their educational career. To this end our three elementary schools use a number of strategies to identify and assist children who may need a little boost or a little extra time getting adjusted to school.

Special education pupils are mainstreamed into regular classes for all or part of the day whenever possible. Parents volunteers are frequently welcome in our classrooms and may be solicited by teachers to provide additional help and one-on-one attention for students.

Special area instruction is provided starting in kindergarten in physical education, library, and computers. Classes in vocal music and art begin in 1st grade. All pupils learn to play the recorder in 3rd grade, laying the foundation for them to elect to learn a musical instrument in 4th grade. The great majority of 4th and 5th grade pupils opt to join the school band, orchestra, and/or chorus, which hold public concerts in the high school auditorium twice a year.

Each elementary school has two fully equipped computer laboratories, plus at least one networked computer per classroom, plus four carts of wireless notebook computers that can be rolled into a classroom for group research or writing projects.

Elementary enrichment opportunities are provided through after-school clubs, Odyssey of the Mind, and PTA-sponsored "Curiosity Shop" courses. Our PTAs are extremely active, offering everything from parent education programs and family nights to published "books" of student writing.

More information on these topics can be found on the individual elementary school pages and on the links to specific academic departments found on the Academic Programs page.

Child Care

We offer a half-day kindergarten program, but child care is also available for the half-day when pupils are not in school through a cooperative program with the YMCA.  Before-school and after-school YMCA child care is typically offered right in the elementary school for prefirst through fifth grade pupils. A special "K-Care" program is offered for kindergarten pupils in a double classroom in the Hostetter Building. Parents can opt for their kindergartner to be cared for before school, after school and/or during the half day when he or she is not in class. Children are transported between their school and either YMCA child care program as needed by a regular BH-BL school bus and driver.

Related links:
See also Daily Schedule