Enrichment Clusters

At PS9, we believe that there is giftedness in every child—and that our job is to tap into the talents that each student possesses.  We do this through a comprehensive enrichment program which emphasizes inquiry, hands-on activities and project-based learning. Each class at PS9 participates in two of these enrichment cluster classes each year to support and expand on their classroom learning.

Art is an important part of early childhood education.  Drawing, painting, molding, and constructing are not only enjoyable, they also provide important opportunities for learning and growing.  Children express original ideas and feelings, problem-solve, improve their coordination, learn to recognize colors and textures, and develop creativity and pride in their accomplishments by exploring and using art materials. 

The art curriculum is planned in collaboration with teachers from each grade to incorporate social studies, science, and other class topics into lesson plans.  Additional Art units of study are incorporated according to the Elements of Art (Line, Shape, Form, Color, Space, Texture, and Value) and the Principles of Design (Balance, Unity, Variety, Proportion, Emphasis, Pattern, and Movement) curricula.  These contain the fundamentals of visual arts that children need in order to grow as artists, learners, and individuals.

We strive to encourage all our students to embrace a concept of total wellness in our physical education curriculum. Our students engage in exercise routines and play games as a way to not only build skills, endurance, flexibility and strength, but to develop social intelligence through teamwork. We want to prepare students for a lifetime of fitness and activity, and to understand how that will have a positive impact on their overall health and well-being.

Our focus on total wellness encompasses all dimensions of well-being, not just physical activity. Learning about things like proper nutrition, emotional and spiritual balance, and eliminating unhealthy behaviors helps each student to appreciate and invest in their own physical, emotional, social and intellectual wellness - lessons that we hope will last a lifetime.

Our curriculum involves the development of locomotor skills and manipulative skills through small-sided games and activities. We also encourage social-emotional growth through teaching the use of physical activity as a tool for healthy coping mechanisms.