Academic Overview

Horace Mann's classrooms incorporate a solid curriculum that meets district and state teaching objectives.  To meet our dual language magnet theme, half of our instruction is in English and the other half is Spanish.  We have found that students readily learn both languages as they master reading, math, science, social studies, and special's skills and objectives (see class descriptions below).

In addition to the regular classroom teachers, Horace Mann offers additional support through adult teachers and paras to help students learn in small group instruction through ESOL, Special Education, Gifted, Foster Grandparents, and AmeriCorps workers.  We are very thankful for our partnerships with these special organizations!

Class Descriptions:

English Language Arts:  First through fifth grade students rotate through one 90 minute block of English LA daily focusing on reading comprehension and fluency for building English proficiency skills.

Spanish Language Arts:  Students also receive a 90 minute block of Spanish LA where they learn to speak and write Spanish while learning reading skills tied in with social studies.

Spanish Math:  Elementary students rotate into a 90 minute Spanish math block where students learn math skills based on the district's scope and sequence to meet the state assessments.  In addition, students receive one 45 minute intervention FLEX class each week where they learn English math vocabulary.

Science:  Math teachers incorporate hands-on science experiments each week that meet the district and Kansas state learning objectives.  Fridays include hands-on science experiments to help students better understand science concepts.

Art:  The Horace Mann art program introduces fine art objectives into our students' lives. Kindergarten through fifth grade students go to art forty-five minutes a week.  Middle school students can choose art as a daily elective.

Music:  The vocal music program consists of many varied musical components: concerts, performance, instrument training, music theory/historical studying and singing.

Physical Education:  Horace Mann students are encouraged to actively use their bodies for exercise as well as their minds for learning in cooperative physical education activities.

Strings and Band:  Studies have shown that students taking instrumental classes have better academic averages overall than students that do not!  

Technology:  K-5 students receive a variety of technology training each week the support classroom learning.  6-8 grades continue with computer electives including:  Computer Lab, Student TV Broadcasting, web page development, and more.

Library:  Horace Mann's library contributes to the learning process by teaching students about the library, what books to look for, and how to research special projects.

TV News Broadcasting:  Our 8th grade students produce weekly pre-taped and live video segments for the Friday morning news that is broadcast through the entire school on our classroom televisions.

Support Staff:

AmeriCorps: Four AmeriCorps workers help in the Horace Mann classrooms with small group instruction, teaching, one-on-one support, and as teacher helpers.

Foster Grandparent's:  Horace Mann's partnership with the Foster Grandparent Program helps provide caring support as 'grandparents' volunteer in the classrooms and schools to work with our students one-on-one in reading and math.

ESOL:  Horace Mann's ESOL teachers work with small groups of students to increase their comprehension and reading skills.

Special Education:  Horace Mann's special education program focuses on providing support to the classroom to meet students' IEP reading and math needs.  Teacher directed instruction is available if needed through pull out classes.  

Gifted:  Our Gifted Resource Room helps gifted students needing enrichment go beyond their Instructional Skill Groups and get additional academic support to meet their learning needs.

Child Study Team:  The Horace Mann Child Study Team (CST) is composed of the school psychologist, social worker, speech therapist, nurse, and principal.  It meets weekly to support student needs and concerns.

Nurse:  Horace Mann provides full time coverage of the nurse's office for students needing medical attention including vision and hearing checks, daily medication, sickness, and minor health concerns.