The Haynes Connection

The school curriculum identifies what children should know and be able to do at each grade level. As part of educational reform in Massachusetts, statewide curriculum frameworks have been developed in all subject areas. Grade level guides to curricular goals for each grade level are distributed to parents at the fall Open House. 

Haynes teachers use a balanced approach to literacy instruction that reflects the current research in the area of literacy development. 

The primary goal of the Haynes reading program is to ensure that every child becomes a fluent reader.  Also important are practices and literacy activities that encourage children to become independent and thoughtful readers who love literature.  At all grade levels, students are actively engaged in reading a variety of texts including core literature, content area materials, and leveled texts matched to the reader’s developmental stage.  Reading instruction is delivered through mini lessons, read-alouds, shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading.   At all grade levels, word study is integrated into reading and writing instruction.  Kindergarten through grade 3 follow the Wilson Fundations scope and sequence.  Grades 4-5 build upon this solid foundation with a word study program that focuses upon advanced word solving skills and vocabulary development.  

The primary goal of the Haynes writing program is to enable students to communicate with others and refine their thinking through written language. Writing instruction includes opportunities for both authentic and prompted writing and is integrated into all areas of the curriculum, including mathematics.  Students work through the writing process focusing on each component and bringing certain pieces to publication.  Teachers use district wide writing prompts and rubrics to measure student progress and to set class and individualized goals.  Handwriting instruction is delivered kindergarten through grade 3 using the Handwriting Without Tears program.  Cursive writing is introduced in c

The TERC "Investigations in Number, Data and Space" program as well as documented teacher-proven, as well as hands-on instructional practices serve as the foundation for mathematics instruction. Our math curriculum is closely aligned with national and state standards of mathematics instruction calling for active involvement in learning math, the use of manipulatives, rigorous problem-solving, real world application, multiple approaches to solutions, and the need to communicate strategies.

Each grade level covers prescribed units of instruction in science and social studies. Many of these units are interdisciplinary, integrating literature, language, writing, math, and/or art. The school is also equipped with a full computer lab, ActivBoards in grades 3-5, and ELMO document cameras in the lower grades.  Technology is used to enhance instruction and learning.  Typical projects may include writing, illustration, slide shows, math problem solving, webquests, Internet research, and videos.  The fifth grade classes utilize a mobile laptop unit for regular instruction.

In addition to these core subjects, all students in grades 1 through 5 receive Spanish instruction once a week as well as music, physical education, art, and library. Students in kindergarten receive physical education, music and library once each week.

Parents can become more informed about school curriculum by attending events such as Back to School Night, HOP meetings, School Improvement Council meetings or special presentations for parents on curriculum which take place from time to time. For more detailed information on the school curriculum, you may consult the Haynes Connection website (www.haynespto.org) or contact the Principal or the Assistant Superintendent.   You may also refer to the published guidelines, available in the school library, or on-line at www.sudbury.k12.ma.us/curriculum.html#k5guides.

Teaching and learning, community, communication, respect, and responsibility are the overarching core values at Haynes. We teach and reinforce the importance of good manners, putting forth your best effort, inclusive behavior and respect for yourself and others.  Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and search for solutions. Perseverance, mistakes, and struggle are essential ingredients of true learning.

Haynes is firmly committed to excellence in our teaching. The staff is constantly engaged in reflection, lifelong learning, and their own individual journeys as effective educators. As a teaching community, we embrace best practices that assure viable and dynamic learning opportunities for our students, and we seek to find new and better ways of meeting the needs of each child.

The Josiah Haynes School, through the combined efforts of children, teachers, and parents, is a community of learners that promotes continuous intellectual, social and emotional growth for all. We collectively work toward having children come to school ready and eager to learn, open to trying new ideas, respectful of each other, and responsive to adults.

Teachers come to school enthusiastic about teaching, motivated to take risks with new instructional practices, committed to continuous personal and professional growth, willing to work cooperatively with fellow teachers and parents, convinced that children learn best in a nurturing environment, and prepared to make positive contributions to the quality of life at Haynes.

Parents, as full partners and participants in the culture of the school, encourage children to do their best, and transmit family values and expectations regarding the importance of learning and the need to work hard in school.   Parents support the efforts of teachers, and work to expand the resources and opportunities for learning available to all at Haynes.