BAM offers a rigorous and inspiring curriculum in arts and academics. The school community values learning experiences in all domains, and consistently pledges funds and instructional time to incorporate visual arts, performing arts, and physical education into a comprehensive education program.
BAM teachers recognize the diversity of learners in each classroom, and have committed to ongoing professional development to promote academic achievement for all students. We invest in programs, materials and services to ensure this outcome. At BAM, you will discover:
- Highly trained literacy coaches who provide extra support to students and ongoing professional development for teachers
- On-site counselors to support the social-emotional needs of students and families
- Arts specialists who provide visual and performing arts instruction
- PE coaches who support games at recess and physical education for all students
- A Universal Learning Support Systems (ULSS) specialist who provides additional support for struggling students
- Committed families, students and staff who work together to create an lively and engaged learning community!
LITERACY CURRICULUM
In 2010-2011, BUSD implemented the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) in every elementary school. This research-based literacy program builds on each child’s strengths as a reader to help them access more interesting texts. Components of our literacy program include one on one and small group guided reading, easily accessible “just right books” read every day in class and sent home every night, robust classroom libraries, and trained UC tutors in the after school program. Leveled book boxes and lists are available to help students and parents find “just right” books. Additional writing and spelling instructional components support reading proficiency.
Teachers assess a student’s reading level regularly and report it three times a year to parents on the report card. Literacy specialists in every elementary school team teach in classrooms, work with small groups of students, and monitor student progress toward grade level proficiency. Parent liaisons reach out to families to help support literacy development in the home.
MATH CURRICULUM
BAM uses District-adopted materials to support standards-based instruction in math, science and social studies based on the Common Core State Standards. More info here!
SCIENCE CURRICULUM
1st-5th graders at BAM have science classes with a dedicated science teacher. Check out her blog here!
BAM ARTS EDUCATION
Students will experience productions that draw on all genres, build self-confidence and pride, and provide an integrated/cross disciplinary approach to the arts. Students will know theory, history, skill, practice and discipline related to the art form; famous artists and art history; “self as artist”; and aesthetic valuing. Example of arts enrichment:
- Performing Arts Workshops: 1st-5th one semester; K two semesters
- Visual Arts: K-5th 10 weeks with KALA instructor
- Music: 1st-5th all year (BUSD music program). 4th/5th graders get instrumental music instruction twice a week
- Gardening: K-5
LIBRARY
BAM LIBRARIAN: Mardawn Wendt
Library hours
- BAM K-3 classes visit the library weekly.
- BAM 4-5 classes visit the library every other week.
Library Online:vThe BAM Library website includes an online catalog as well as links to other fun and educational resources. Pick out a book or two from home before library day.
Check-Out Policies:v2nd-5th grade students must return overdue books before they can check out new books. Kindergarten and first grade students must return their book, even if it is not late, before they can check out a new book.
If a book is really lost, the book must be paid for before a new book can be checked out. About nine times out of ten, these books are usually somewhere in the house. It’s worth it to take the time to look for these books with your children. If you have paid for a book that is found, we will gladly return your money.
MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD CAN CHECK OUT A BOOK EVERY WEEK!
GARDENS AT BAM
BAM has 2 main gardens. The vegetable garden in the large playground area is open for students to explore during recess time with adult supervision. The BAM Allen Ginsberg Memorial Poetry Garden at the corner of Milvia & Lincoln streets is always open to the public. In addition to flowers, it also is home to fish and frogs in the small pond.
BAM students visit the garden every other week with a garden teacher as part of their science curriculum. Students spent time learning, planting, harvesting, and weeding!
In addition 4th graders get extra garden time with our volunteer garden teacher Ms. Kate Obenour who has been lovingly gardening with BAM students for many, many years. Come by and visit Kate’s Garden!