Our Academics
Our goal is to provide opportunities for students to become involved, creative, caring individuals as well as academic achievers. As a community of learners, we are committed to creating a school environment that encourages positive self-esteem, critical thinking, responsibility, respect, citizenship and a lifelong love of learning. We have students in our building both from the Richmond community and surrounding towns. We offer these students a quality education with small classes and enriching activities! Please call 413-698-2207 for more information about our School Choice program.
Library
A librarian is on-site one day per week. All students in grades PK-4 visit the library weekly for an activity and book checkout. Other students may visit as needed.
A student may take out a maximum of two books. For each book returned, another may be taken out. For any books that are overdue, a notice is sent to the child’s classroom teacher once a month and the child is reminded to return the book(s). A record of the child’s overdue books will be retained from grade to grade. If a student has lost or damaged a book, students should replace the book with a gently used copy or pay the replacement cost. Checks should be made out to the Richmond PTA. Please note, students need to bring books back to the library, not just brought back to school.
Physical Education
All students receive at least two periods of Physical Education a week. Children are expected to participate, unless a note from a physician is provided. In addition, students should always wear appropriate athletic footwear and clothing. Proper footwear is absolutely necessary for children's safety, as well as protection of the floor. We suggest that a pair of sneakers is sent in at the beginning of the year to be kept here at school. Our elementary Physical Education program offers experiences for all students, with the goal of developing a healthy self-image and a wholesome, lifetime attitude towards exercise and fitness. Activities are carefully planned so that students obtain knowledge about the value of regular exercise, essential motor development, and the social characteristics which foster citizenship.
Music
All students receive at least one period of general vocal music per week. Children in grades 4-6 have the opportunity to participate in instrumental lessons, band and orchestra. Lessons are held during the school day in consultation with the children’s classroom teachers while band and orchestra are held before or after school.
Art
All students in gr. K-8 receive at least one period of art per week. Each grade level has lessons during the school year that are centered around the elements and principles of art and design. They also have lessons which are a reflection of our integrated curriculum in art and school based themes. Students learn to recognize and use the Elements of Art and Design in visual art making while developing the tools and the Artist Mindset and ability for exploratory, imaginative and creative problem solving and thinking. They learn not only to understand art theories but also how to apply the theories and techniques in their work in a way that can be clearly assessed. Many lessons are designed to use art to better understand the ideas, formulas, and concepts studied in other academic areas, engaging in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives in both.
Creative Arts Program
The Creative Arts Program is a unique set of classes taught by local professional artists, designed for grades K-8 in which the Arts, Drama, Dance, Music, Design and the Visual Arts, are explored and experienced. In addition, students in grades 4-8 are offered instruction on various wind and percussion instruments. There is opportunity to play in the Beginners' Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band and sing in the Chorus.
Technology
All students K-8 visit the technology lab at least once per week for instruction.
The main focus of the technology program at RCS is to use technology as a tool to enhance learning in all subject areas. During technology classes, students will be exposed to a variety of lessons to improve their understanding of technology concepts, develop skills using various technology tools, and grow as positive, responsible digital citizens. The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Digital Literacy will guide the work we do to prepare students for the twenty first century.