Why Choose Mineral Springs A+ Arts and Technology Elementary School?

Mineral Springs Elementary School's (MSES) vision is the pursuit of excellence for every child who walks through its doors. The faculty believes excellence can be achieved when teachers recognize gifted potential in all students and work to develop gifted behavior in every child. Thus, MSES has revised its curriculum to encompass the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Model. The Model increases students' beliefs in their own abilities, emphasizes the importance of task commitment, and encourages students to use more creative strategies for learning. The learning will feature a rigorous, high challenge academic program, immersion in the arts, meaningful integration of technology, and student driven learning through experiences with real world questions in areas of student interest.

Our mission is to engage students in a variety of activities that nurture, motivate and challenge them to achieve.

• Academic acceleration program in Grades 1 through 5
• Accelerated Reader program in Grades 1 through 5
• Gifted education teacher to support development of high challenge academics
• Academic enrichment teacher to support children in developing academic strengths, task commitment and personal creativity
• Resource teachers to support children in increasing acceleration of learning
• Lead teachers to support classroom learning and provide ongoing professional development and guidance for teachers
• Focused administration – principal, assistant principal and curriculum coordinator team
• Home-school coordinator and guidance counselor to encourage successful school relationships
• Morning and after-school tutorial programs with a focus on math and reading
• After-school creative writing camp
• State-of-the-art media center with more than 8,000 resources in newly renovated facility
• Weekly homework packet for parent monitoring
• Tri-weekly parent progress reports

Dr. Joseph Renzulli, child psychologist and educator, suggested that a variety of talents be identified and nurtured in all children. His "School wide Enrichment Model" is premised on developing children's full potential through high challenge activities that promote gifted behavior. Teachers use Renzulli's model to spark students' curiosity, leading them in detailed investigations within selfselected interest groups. High-end technology is highlighted in classrooms. Instrumental music, dance, art, drama, technology and before- and after-school interest clubs enhance student knowledge. Arts, multiple intelligences and hands-on centers are engaged as learning avenues. Students work on projects that build aptitude, creativity and passion for learning.

Mineral Springs Elementary is a member of a network of schools where students attend regular classes in visual arts, drama, music and dance, piano, band and orchestra. Learning is enhanced through daily integration of arts and the multiple intelligences into activities in the classroom. Students explore and experience cultural and performing arts.

The schools' staff includes dance, drama, art, band, orchestra, music and piano specialists, as well as teachers and support staff who specialize in physical education, Spanish, media, guidance, computer, general technology and science.

• State-of-the-art technology is used to create a learning lab atmosphere in every classroom. Mineral Springs Elementary is the only school in the state with this level of technology.
• ACTIVboards with Classroom Performance System (CPS) and projectors in every classroom
• Multiple desktop computers in every classroom
• Computer Lab – up-to-date software with new computers
• Spotlights and microphone technology in every classroom
• Wireless laptop computer labs available to all classrooms
• Digital cameras and digital video cameras available to all classrooms
• Multimedia learning systems available to all classrooms, including SuccessMaker®, Waterford™ and Quizdom®
• Computer-managed assessment programs support instruction, including STAR Reading and STAR Math
• On-site telecommunications center for science and social studies

Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders participate in after school cluster groups to engage in ongoing club activities, such as Renzulli Synergy Drama Ensemble, Odyssey of the Mind Problem Solving Competition, Chess Club, Technology Club, Mad Scientists Club, Mineral Springs Cub Scout Pack, Bulldog Pup Step Team, Cheer Dance Team, Cheerleading Squad, Art by Design Club, Healthful Living and Nutrition Club, Creative Writing Camp, Library / Media Club, Leadership Development Through Horse Back Riding Club, Tuesday's Girls Club, and Wednesday's Girls Club.

• Active PTA/Parent committees
• Quarterly parent workshops
• Family supper nights
• Quarterly A+ Citizenship reception for parents
• Quarterly A-B Honor Roll Celebration for parents
• Weekly parent information packet to home
• Weekly parent bulletin update to home
• Monthly parent newsletter to home
• On-site before- and after-school YMCA Fun Club (childcare)

Experts from agencies, businesses, non-profit, corporate and community arenas come and present their expertise as the students enjoy a brown bag lunch. Program series are student interest-driven – students select the topics they want to attend

Committed business partners include RJ Reynolds, Vulcan Industries, Marriott/Embassy Suites Hotel, Kingswood United Methodist Church, Peace Swing Psi Swing Social Fellowship, Haven Baptist Church, Bethany Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Winston-Salem State University Education Department, Wake Forest University MBA program, Jason's Deli and parents.

• Regular Student Showcase Extravaganzas allow shared learning with community partners and parents
• Community experts serve as mentors and partners in classroom projects

• Dedicated, caring and well-trained faculty

• Bulldog Campus Health Center – medical services for students
• Outdoor nature trail on campus
• Playground – track, play structures and covered shelter

Mineral Springs Elementary welcomes visitors, although we do ask that appointments for tours be made in advance whenever possible. To schedule a tour or for more information, call 703 - 6788.