Specialists

Library

The library at Meridian School is a special place where students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of literature and become effective users of ideas and information. The library program is closely connected with the individual classrooms, and the librarian provides lessons, materials and literature experiences that support and enhance classroom experiences. Our goal is to inspire a love of literature, learning, and libraries as well as to develop the skills necessary to become effective users of information.

Spanish

The goal of our Spanish program at Meridian is to provide our students with the opportunity to develop an enthusiastic interest in the study of other languages and an appreciation for cultures and regions of the world where Spanish is spoken.

Our instruction is based on two methodologies; The Total Physical Response and The Natural Approach, which help students to learn Spanish through natural acquisition. The philosophy behind these methods is that children learn a second language as they learned their first: by hearing, repeating, imitating, acting out, and using it in natural situations. The curriculum is designed to build basic vocabulary on a variety of topics and to use this vocabulary in simple questions and sentences.

Students learn the language by having fun, manipulating real objects, following directions, working on arts and crafts, singing, cooking, and learning to play games. Students also learn grammar, complete writing assignments and practice reading in the language. As part of our cultural program, students learn about customs and traditions, regional geography, music, and art from Spanish speaking countries. They also communicate through letters and video conference with their friends in our sister school in Colombia, South America.

Kindergarten to third grade students have 2 thirty-minute classes per week. Fourth and fifth grade students have 1 hour per week.

Music at Meridian

The music program at Meridian provides an opportunity for children to learn musical skills by behaving in musical ways, imitating, creating and performing music in an ensemble. The goal is for all children to view themselves as capable participants in the world of music making. Meridian's music program is grounded in the theory of Orff-Schülwerk in which children are able to collaboratively create aesthetically appealing musical works using their voices, movement, and an accessible instrumentarium. At Meridian, we integrate music with the curriculum. The children’s writing, the world of literature, their explorations in science, and the patterns of mathematics find another expressive form in the language of music. The enjoyment of playfulness and the exploration of emotional expression set the stage for each child to take risks in singing, dancing, playing instruments and working collaboratively with others.

Computers

The goal of the technology program at The Meridian School is to help students become information literate by using technology to locate, organize, present, and evaluate information. A basic understanding of how computers work is covered, and this knowledge is utilized in an effort to become an intuitive and proficient computer user. Students develop keyboarding skills, learn to do word processing, work with graphics, create multi-media projects, and explore telecommunications. Technology lessons support and integrate classroom curriculum through research, activities, and special projects.

Physical Education and Fitness

The goal of the P.E. and Fitness program at Meridian is to instill a sense of physical confidence in all of our students by promoting fitness and skill development. The program is designed to enhance the quality of health for vocational and leisure pursuits. We strive to achieve a balance in our P.E. program by dividing our time between non-competitive “success oriented” skills and more traditional sports skills. All students who come to P.E. and Fitness can expect to be challenged both mentally and physically in a manner that is safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate. At the primary level (grades K-2) students develop basic manipulative skills and basic strength, endurance and coordination of the large body muscles. At the intermediate level (grades 3-5) students continue the emphasis on strength, endurance and coordination while gradually shifting from basic skills to a specific sport skill emphasis.

Art

In working with Meridian students, we at the Neo Art School strive to seek a balance between the processes of art and the products of those creative projects. Students are encouraged to expand their vision and awareness through exercising their resourceful thinking. Projects are designed to stimulate creative thought in the response necessary to meet the goals and steps of our artistic pursuits. We explore both fine (decorative) and applied (craft) art, with the resulting productive work reflecting the students' growing knowledge of the elements and principles of design. The processes we undertake give students ample opportunity to improve their fine motor skills, and to develop more technical art skill with many non-toxic materials.