Arts & Clubs

Band and orchestra at DeGrazia Elementary School features many musical instruments. Band includes the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, snare drum, and bells. Orchestra includes the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Students typically rent or purchase their own instrument. There are, however, a limited number of school loaned instruments, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Band and orchestra class meets for 45 minutes, 2 times a week, during the school day. The classes are open to all 5th and 6th grade students.

Music at DeGrazia Elementary School features many musical instruments, including Boomwhackers, bucket drums, chime bars, guitars, Orff xylophones, pianos, ukuleles, and other percussion, such as egg shakers and frame drums. Students also have the opportunity to sing and incorporate choreography into their music. We learn how to perform rhythms and read sheet music notation, too. We play and listen to music of all genres, including classical, rock, pop, and more!

Music class meets for 30 minutes, 2 times a week, for all students Kindergarten through 4th grade.

Music class meets for 45 minutes, 2 times a week, for 5th and 6th grade students.

General Music at DeGrazia School is a fun and enriching program that provides general music students with a wide variety of music experiences. When possible music instruction is enriched through the Artist in Residence program. The past two years our students have been taught Japanese.

Physical education activities play an integral part of a student's overall educational experience. These activities teach our students values such as commitment, discipline, hard work, leadership, team work, and physical fitness. All of which are a foundation for academic success. Participation in athletic activities contributes to the physical, emotional, and social health of our students.  

Student leadership opportunities are provided on our student council. Leadership development is the process of involving students in meaningful ways both in and beyond the classroom. It is providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their talents, skills, and interests while continuing to develop new skills. It is also about giving students more ownership of the programs they develop for our school. 

Officers and Meetings
Student Council is an after school club that meets every other Monday. It is comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Parliamentarian and at least one representative from each 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classroom. Student Council meets to come up with ways to help increase student involvement in the community and the school.

The daily Literacy Lab Program is designed to provide students with differentiated reading instruction in a small guided reading group. Students will engage in reading fluency practice, comprehension strategies, and word study activities while building on skills they already possess. Students in grades K-3 needing reading intervention will also meet for additional reading instruction with a reading specialist.

To measure and monitor students' literacy skills and progress, assessments will be given at specific times throughout the school year. Benchmarking is completed at all grade levels at the end of each quarter. Acadience testing is done in August, December, and May for grades K-3 only. These assessments along with teacher observations of daily progress within a guided reading group are analyzed to make sure each student is receiving the most effective instruction.

If you ever have any questions about reading or writing instruction at DeGrazia, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Hessling and Mrs. Bieg for more information.