Music
Music at Ashton Elementary focuses on singing, note reading, playing classroom instruments, listening, body movement, and creating.  Applications to life are explored through active engagement of music including cultural and other academic connections.  All of these experiences allow for a comprehensive music education that prepares students for middle school music programs and a lifelong appreciation for various musical genres.

Every student will participate in musical activities during a 55 minute weekly class period.  Knowing the importance of language, students will learn how to read music notes and musical symbols while demonstrating their knowledge of instruments. In early grades, the music program is tied in with many literature books that students are reading in their classrooms.Primary classes learn note, rest and music terms through fun games that make their learning meaningful. The elements of music are covered at all levels.

The learning process allows students to develop at their own pace while providing challenges and meaningful experiences.  The skills learned in music are nurtured and cultivated while growth continues to develop through the years the child attends Ashton. 

Today’s Technology for Tomorrow’s Leaders
“Consider the world’s toughest problems and imagine them being solved by technology. Imagine the technology we use daily, such as our mobile devices, software, and gaming systems, aimed to address issues like disease, famine, and pollution.” This is the challenge we all face in the field of education today.

Students at Ashton will have the opportunity to enhance what they are learning in the classroom through the use of technology. Master research skills using County provided tools and interpreting the information by placing what they learned in a presentation (PowerPoint, Kid Pix and Active Studio). Understanding the importance and ramifications of social networking. The use of cameras, handheld devices, and other multimedia tools will give the students an understanding of how all these pieces fit together in the world of technology. Along with a unit on robotics.

The goals and objectives that will be accomplished throughout the school year are set through ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Standards.

Art
My name is Regina Miller and I am the art teacher here at Ashton Elementary.  As a graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, I look forward to bringing out the artist in each and every child, addressing their individual abilities.

The art program will consist of a variety of projects, but will generally include: individual discovery, group critiques, experimentation in media, 2D and 3D art, instruction in the use of art elements/principles and all criteria will be based on the Sunshine State Standards.

Each student experience in the art program will create positive attitudes towards self, others and beyond.  As an art teacher, I hope to inspire the students to appreciate art and its history.  Modeling and coaching is my approach to helping students become independent artists.

I look forward to a wonderful and fulfilling year.

Physical Education
Here at Ashton School, we feel each student has 10 Bill of Rights to participate in Physical Education.

• Right to participate

• Right to participate at a level commensurate with each child’s maturity and ability

• Right to have qualified adult leadership

• Right to play as a child and not as an adult

• Right of children to share in the leadership and decision-making of their choice of activity

• Right to participate in safe and healthy environments

• Right to proper preparation for participation

• Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success

• Right to be treated with dignity

• Right to have fun!