Enrichment
Enrichment classes are programs that support learning and individualized strengths. Core subjects such as math and reading are important to build a strong base for every child’s education, but enrichment activities and extracurricular classes may be where your child shines. Carolyn Clark Elementary offers these enrichment programs for our students.
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM)
- Computer Science
- Language Arts & Reading (LAR)
- Walk n' Roll
Fine Arts
Research has consistently proven that music and art education build vital critical thinking skills in children. At Carolyn Clark, all our students have access to art.
Kindergarten - 6th Grades
Arts Attack, a video-based art curriculum system, is used in Kindergarten through 6th grade. This program is designed to teach each child how to express themselves through art and see and experience the world in different ways. The language of art, like the language of words, requires the learning of skills and concepts that will allow the free flow of expression. The goals of Arts Attack are to teach the elements and principles of art and drawing in a developmental and sequential way, as well as to study the art of other artists, cultures and historical periods.
4th - 6th Grades
Upper grade students participate in an additional art program. Through the Evergreen Elementary School District, an art teacher visits our 4th through 6th graders on a weekly basis.
Music
Brazilian Drumming
Jimmy Biala is a professional music educator and performer who brings his Brazilian percussion music program to Carolyn Clark students in the fall. He has a strong passion for the style of Brazilian music known as escola de samba and has performed in China, Taiwan, Germany, France, Canada and the United States.
Evergreen District School Band
Band is an optional part of the curriculum offered to all 5th and 6th grade students. Class meets for approximately 45 minutes once a week during the school day and is a “Performing Arts” class. Instruction will be offered on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, and trombone.
There is no cost for this program. However, all students may need to rent or buy their instrument and are expected to purchase a cleaning/care kit for their instrument of choice. Students choosing to learn Clarinet or Alto Saxophone also need Reeds.
Performances are important and all students are expected to perform in the three concerts in December, May and a combined program concert at Quimby Oak Middle School at the end of the school year.
Registration and classes begin in September. For more information and to register, visit Mr. Ortega's Band Program website . Or email Mr. Ortega.
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)
School Plays
Students in grades 1-6 have the opportunity to participate in theater arts through our school plays. The after school drama program allows students to fully experience being a part of a theater production from auditions, to rehearsals, to the excitement of the performance, and finally, the reward of applause for a job well done. Every student who auditions is guaranteed a part in the play. Students work hard to hone their acting, singing and dancing skills over the course of a 3 month period. In recent years, we have had the benefit of the directional talent of Norcal. The program also relies heavily on parent volunteers in order to run smoothly.
There is one production each year. In the fall, students in grades 1-6 start work on the upper grade play culminating in a week of performances in mid-December. This is always a wonderful experience for the children so be on the look-out for details about each play.
Talent Show
Carolyn Clark students are superstars and the Talent Show is the event where they can showcase their talents. All students audition and if accepted perform in two assemblies and one evening show.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM)
Mad Science
Throughout the year, Carolyn Clark offers 1st – 6th graders hands-on, one-hour after school science programs themed around a particular area of science. Topics include such areas as rocketry, magnets, polymers and even the science of toys. Children engage in exciting hands-on activities, watch spectacular demonstrations, participate in inquiry-based discussions and take home things that they have made themselves like model rockets, periscopes, Mad Science putty and more. Mad Science after-school programs offer children a chance to see just how cool science can be. Look for e-flyers from PeachJar for more information, and details on how to register for this program.
Science Camp
Each year all the 5th grade students attend Walden West Science Camp, located on 32 acres in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains near Saratoga, California. During the one week long program, students and teachers live and learn outdoors with guidance from experienced field instructors. Walden West promotes hands-on science learning that emphasizes life sciences and sustainable living practices. Lessons in the natural sciences come to life, helping students better understand and appreciate their world.
During their stay, students will have full access to the wooded trails in Sanborn County Park, which provides an additional 6,000 acres of study area. They will enjoy learning about the forest, meadow, and stream communities through the use of games and other activities. Qualified naturalists will use their expertise to help children see the interrelationships between plants and animals as well as the effect we have on the environment.
The Walden West site provides everything needed to assure your child's comfort. The facility includes a dining hall, shower room, infirmary, as well as cabins that are carpeted, heated, and furnished with wooden bunks and mattresses. The students will be eating nutritional and tasty food. Students serve themselves during family style meals and are encouraged to eat as much as they would like. The cooks are experienced in preparing and serving balanced meals and help make sure your child's needs are met.
This experience is social as well as academic. Students also develop their social and leadership skills at Walden West living 24 hours a day with other students requires your child to cooperate and work together with others toward common goals. Friendships that are made during this week will last a lifetime. For more information, please visit the Walden West website.
Science Fair
The Evergreen District Science Fair is held every year in March. Each grade has chosen a STEM project for their classroom. Students work in a team to complete the challenge. The teams then compete against one another for best design. The winning team from each grade level represents the school at the District Science Fair. For more information, please contact your classroom’s teacher.
Math Olympiad Team
A team of Carolyn Clark students meets to learn different problem solving techniques and practice solving non-typical math problems. The Math Olympiad contest consists of 5 exams held once a month from November to March. Exams cover advanced math problems and have the same paper for 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
Computer Science
Computer Science Lab
Our Computer Science Lab has 33 computers where teachers can sign up for computer lab time an hour a week.
Hour of Code
Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.
At Carolyn Clark, our kindergarten through sixth grade students learn computer science fundamentals by participating in the Hour of Code classes with a Computer Science specialist from our school district.
Language Arts & Reading (LAR)
Project Cornerstone ABC Program
The ABC Program is a literature-based program addressing important issues like respect, tolerance, honesty, peaceful conflict resolution, taking a stand against bullying behaviors, and refusing to participate in gossip. Parent volunteers read specially selected books then lead discussions and activities that help teach valuable lessons related to these issues.
Accelerated Reader Program
Accelerated Reader (AR), created by Renaissance Learning, Inc., is an individualized reading program used to assess and improve each student’s reading skills and to increase reading enjoyment. To find out more about the AR program click here.
Walk n' Roll
As a part of the city of San Jose's Walk n' Roll program, Carolyn Clark families are encouraged to walk or bike to school to promote daily physical activity, reduce traffic congestion around the school, and learn critical skills that enhance biking and pedestrian safety.
This program is funded through the city of San Jose's Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Climate Initiative grant to increase the number of students who walk or bike to school. Since the program began in 2012, there has been a 53.5% increase in the number of students who walk and bike to school at least three times a week. Learn more about Walk n' Roll San Jose.
In addition, Evergreen School District offers the following enrichment programs to all students.
Public Speaking and Debate Program (Grades 4-8)
Evergreen School District is partnering with Silver Creek Academy to provide this award-winning Public Speaking & Debate program for students in grades 4 - 8.
Who: ESD students in 4th - 8th grades
Registration Opens September 30
Enroll: Go to: SCA/ESD Public Speaking & Debate Program Registration
Our public speaking & debate program will help students
• Improve Speaking Skills
• Promote Confidence
• Learn Debate Strategies
• Receive Weekly Feedback
Course dates & meeting locations: Course meeting dates, time, and locations have yet to be determined by each school in the district. Additional details to be announced soon.
For more information contact Silver Creek Academy
408-839-5905 | Funlearning@mac.com