Main Content
About Cluster 1
The Cluster 1 program of the Sonoma Charter School provides settings for children ages 5 to 8 to accommodate their wide range of experiences, interests and ways of learning. An integrated curriculum involves active investigation, play, experiential and interactive exploration, respect for all of humankind, and reliance upon parents as partners. Documenting children's progress through assessment and evaluation is integral to the facilitation of the child's learning.
Fundamentally, our objective is to facilitate the development of the complete and whole child resulting in a literate, thinking, active, and compassionate participant in the global society. We consciously work to teach our students higher-order thinking skills: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation instead of mere memorization of factual material. We strive to encourage students to become engaged in and excited about their schoolwork, and to pursue additional paths of study in their areas of special interest.
Parents, friends and older students are encouraged to come to the classroom and listen to the children read, share special talents and interests (such as storytelling, puppetry, drama, environmental studies, cooking, sewing, computer literacy, weaving, etc.), help coordinate and drive on field trips, organize and coordinate classroom celebrations and special events, assist in the art program, and maintain ongoing communication in the assessment of their child.
Multiculturalism in the classroom stresses that understanding other cultures and other languages in the world is crucial to the inter-connectedness of humans, thus encouraging self-esteem, respect for all life, and the experience of success in life. The classroom environment must be a �prepared� one, in order to make the program a success. Active participation is essential; learning materials are concrete and relevant to children's lives. Objects children can manipulate and experiment with such as blocks, cards, games, tapes, books, woodworking tools, computers, arts and crafts materials, and scientific equipment are enticing and readily accessible. Multicultural images and materials are integrated throughout the environment. Attention is given to an organization that allows for flexibility of whole class instruction, small group instruction, or individual study.
Daily Schedule
8:30 am Classroom doors open, drop off children at the door
8:40 am SCS morning ceremony
8:45 am Classroom instruction begins
9:45 am Snack�parents will rotate snack responsibilities (K/1 only)
11:45 am Lunch
12:30 pm Grades 1, 2, and 3 instruction continues
12:45 pm Kindergarten pick-up
3:00 pm Dismissal
