Elementary Program

The West Islip Public School District provides educational programs that include a broad spectrum of learning experiences for all students. The elementary enrichment program is based on a combination of School-wide Enrichment and Individualized Interest Based Models.

On behalf of everyone in our project, we invite you to explore our elementary enrichment program.

Differentiation is an educational philosophy that acknowledges and embraces the diverse learning potential of all students. Teachers and students work together in an environment of exploration, trust and mutual respect, in order to co-create an environment that addresses concepts and welcomes inquiry.

Our goal is to embrace diversity, to learn with compassion, to empower our students with empathy and deep understanding, and to stand firm in the belief that education is an art form that can effectively weave a tapestry of proactive possibilities for all of our students. 

The enrichment specialist for this program works with each classroom from grades three through five, once a week. Pupils are presented with high-level activities requiring both creative and critical thinking skills and are encouraged to stretch their abilities to their outer limits. The goal of this program is to provide students and assist teachers with the appropriate services, resources, and opportunities to enhance the general education curriculum.

Newsflash!!
Recently our 4th graders became “CSI agents” and investigated the problem of pollution on our local Long Island waters. They learned how to decode a message, test the pH of our water and soil, make a shoe print, and lift fingerprints. Their investigation even took them to the Long Island Science Center in Riverhead to test the water of the Peconic River. After gathering all the facts, they used a method called The Six Thinking Hats to help them “think” about the problems they found and try to find a solution to help our community. Our town is very fortunate to have such great “investigators” on the case!

In the pull-out program, students who meet district criteria work with the enrichment specialist weekly for approximately one hour in a small group setting. The enrichment specialist acts as a facilitator as the students explore different areas of interest while working at the highest possible academic level. The students research and develop a unit of study on a topic of their choice. The goal of this program is to nurture effective and independent learning. Students are encouraged to seek information while utilizing their own unique abilities, talents, and interests. This program addresses the potential of each student and seeks the development of divergent thinking, creativity, problem solving, and sensitivity to others.