Dunbar Curriculum
Dunbar School follows California State and Sonoma Valley Unified School District guidelines. The school district has adopted content standards in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. We have Multiple Measures assessments in both Language Arts and Mathematics. These assessments will allow teachers, students and parents to see where individuals are in reaching and/or exceeding District Standards. The measures will determine whether the student has successfully learned grade level standards. The results of these measures will enable our teachers to teach to your child's individual needs and strengths. Copies of the State content Standards will be discussed and distributed at Back to School Night.

From the California Department of Education website:
Content Standards for California Public Schools K - 12

The district's Curriculum Advisory Council (CAC), Multilingual Advisory Council (DLAC), Dunbar's School Site Council (SSC), English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC), and Gate Advisory Committee (GAC) are involved with curriculum issues. These groups meet once a month. If you are interested in working with these committees, please contact Ms. Cruz.

Language Arts
Language Arts includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Our district's newly adopted materials are published by Houghton Mifflin. There is instructional assistance in many of the classrooms to help with reading. Teachers in grades 4 and 5 regroup students to target instruction to student's needs.

Mathematics
The math program emphasizes problem solving skills and strategies. Instruction includes concept development as well as basic skills. The district will be adopting a new standards based program for 2003-04

History/Social Science
History /Social Science focuses on helping students to better understand themselves and others with emphasis on ethics and democratic values. Teachers use the Houghton Mifflin series as part of their program.

Science
Science is a hands-on, active learning program that makes science accessible and meaningful for every student. The District will be adopting a new standards based curriculum for 2003-04. The science program is also enhanced by field & study trips, the Science Fair and the school garden.

Visual & Performing Arts
Students learn skills and an understanding of the arts through various programs which include "Artist in Residence", the Dunbar melodrama, a Poetry Faire, music theory, school band & choir and more. The arts curriculum is also supported by a strong after school enrichment program & field/study trips. Click here for more info on the art programs>

Physical/Health Education
PE is a developmentally appropriate program taught by the classroom teacher and a specialist emphasizing foundation skills, self - confidence, and wise decision-making. Jan Moore, district PE specialist, and your student's classroom teacher instruct firsts through fifth graders.

Here are a few highlights of the Kinder, Primary & Intermediate grades...

Kindergarten
The spacious Kinder room is filled with abundant natural light, brightening the many centers and play areas, provided for our youngest students. The fabulous Kinder yard has a large sand box, a climbing structure with slides, a student garden, and a grassy play-yard, surrounded by mature oaks and pine trees.

Buckaroo Day
The kinders look forward to this day all year. There is a real cowboy, the children each get to ride on a real pony, learn lassoing, make cowboy related crafts and have a delicious meal of baked beans, cornbread and biscuits.

Intermediate 4& 5

Leadership Class
Community service and leadership skills are the focus of this class which is open to all 4th and 5th graders. The class teaches many skills as the students also do the decision-making and accounting for all Student Body funds. A student managed store sells school supplies and healthful snacks. Leadership selects and sponsors music, theater, wildlife and science assemblies.

Outdoor Education Programs
The Fourth Grade students spend three days and two nights at Camp Cazadero, as part of an Outdoor Science Education Program, operated by the Web of Life Field School.

Fifth Grade students take part in a study trip on the bay. More info to come

Artist in Residence Program
The Fine Arts Program brings local artists to each classroom for extended lessons that focus on different genres at each grade level. 4th & 5th graders also exhibit their artwork at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

School Band & Choir
4th & 5th grade students participate in a complete band or choir program. Instruments include: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and drums.