Curriculum

Programs

Spanish

   Buenos Dias. Students in grades 1-8 receive instruction in Spanish. Learning to understand the spoken word and to speak conversationally are the primary goals of this program. Spanish heritage and culture are incorporated into the lessons.

Music

   Students in grades 1-8 are instructed in music which includes a choral program, music keyboard program, as well as an appreciation of great music, composers and performers. The musical keyboards are Yamaha and the Yamaha Music in Education program provides the basis for keyboard instruction. The students perform at various functions and present various musical programs throughout the year.

Computer

   Students in grades 1-8 receive regular instruction on the computer. This includes basic keyboard instruction in the younger grades and a general knowledge of application programs such as Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and Publisher. In addition, they learn to safely seek information on the Internet. The computer curriculum follows the scope and sequence as outlined in the Technology Standards provided by the State of Idaho ensuring that all students achieve the required competencies prior to exiting the eighth grade. The computer program is fully integrated with classroom assignments which often provide the basis for learning new computer tools.

Science

   The kindergarten program has a strong emphasis on scientific understanding. The students learn about weather, animals, and changes that occur in life. They are taught the basic foundation needed to understand empirical evidence and the scientific method. The curriculum is solidly based on the Idaho Science Content Standards and includes hands- on- activities where appropriate to advance understanding. The curriculum is a multi-year sequence of knowledge and skills focused on learning and applying the scientific method.

Civics Education

   Rolling Hills supports the philosophy that a strong foundation in government and civics is a responsibilitiy of all public schools and is a major component of the RHPCS curriculum. Our students have opportunities to participate in civic related activities throughout the grades. The students do many community service projects which contribute to their school and community.

   The staff of Rolling Hills embraces expanding education beyond the walls of the classroom into authentic real-life opportunities. The 8th grade class participates in Mock Trial. This event,sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, is recognized as one of the most exciting educational opportunities available to Idaho students. Mock Trial offers students an opportunity to experience first-hand the drama and excitement of a courtroom proceeding. It also gives them a chance to sharpen their analytical and communication skills while learning about the law and the legal system.

   The eighth grade class participates in the Center for Civic Education's We the People program and holds a simulated congressional hearing as their culminating activity. The entire class, working in cooperative teams, prepares and presents statements before a panel of community representatives who act as congressional committee members. Students then answer questions posed by the committee members. The format provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while providing teachers with an excellent means of assessing performance. To further understanding of government, eighth grade students annually tour the State Capitol during the legislative session and view Idaho government in action.

   The eighth grade class also does a Service Learning Project. Service Learning is a program that combines meaningful service with curriculum or project-based learning. During the 2006-2007 school year, the students are doing an Oral History Project contributing to the work of the Idaho Historical Society.

Special Education

   As a public charter school, Rolling Hills serves students with disabilities. The school employs a full-time special education teacher in addition to contracting for SLP/PT/OT and testing services as needed.