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Greenfield School Academics The Greenfield School curriculum is based on the MPS District Learning Targets, which are aligned to Wisconsin State Standards. The staff at Greenfield guides students on their paths to becoming independent, self-confident learners with strong, real-world skills and good decision-making abilities, ready to succeed in middle school and beyond. In addition to classroom instruction, field trips build background knowledge that provides the foundation for theme-based learning experiences. Please click on the image below to download the Learning Targets brochures.
Reading
The Reading curriculum at Greenfield is designed to equip students with the ability to read a variety of texts and
Greenfield uses Accelerated Reader software to enhance literacy skills among all students. As a popular and successful reading product, Accelerated Reader helps students gain essential reading practice, move at their own developmental level, master independent reading skills and take computer-generated reading quizzes to test their skills and comprehension.
Language Arts/Writing
In their early years at Greenfield, students learn the basics of expressing themselves through spoken and written language. As they grow, they develop their writing skills by completing a variety of writing assignments and applying proper grammar and spelling. Well-organized writing assignments complete with details, effective word choice and correct sentence structure reinforce key concepts learned in the classroom. Computers are used to research topics, type assignments and create presentations. Eventually, students’ research skills become advanced enough to develop complex research papers. Students enhance their speaking skills by presenting their papers and defending their ideas to the class. By receiving and providing constructive feedback, students learn to judge effective writing and speaking.
Students are also guided on how to identify media messages and their purpose. By studying advertising and propaganda, students learn to make informed judgments about the media and products.
Mathematics
The Mathematics program at Greenfield serves children’s needs by accommodating different learning styles, making for successful classroom learning. Through the use of Everyday Math, the Connected Math Program 2, Math Technology software, Greenfield students learn math concepts and work with others to problem solve in the 21st century. Computer tutorials reinforce key math concepts and calculations.
When they begin at Greenfield, young students learn the basic processes of addition and subtraction, identifying shapes and recognizing patterns. Measuring tools are then introduced that students may continue development. As they expand their understanding and use of multiplication and division and become comfortable working with fractions and decimals, students study the concepts of geometry, algebra and data analysis. Students use mathematical data to solve problems, including how to estimate, measure and predict outcomes. In their later years, students develop their ability to reason and draw conclusions with a focus on understanding processes and finding solutions. Students explore all strands of mathematics, justifying their strategies and using appropriate mathematics vocabulary, as they prepare for higher level mathematics in high school.
Science
All students at Greenfield receive intensive science instruction. The scientific process and new concepts are reinforced during hands-on, weekly experiments. At the end of each school year, all classrooms participate in a Science Fair. The Science Fair gives students a chance to display their hard work, understanding of the scientific method and the importance of research.
Science investigations are guided by staff and tools are used to get results. Learners are encouraged to ask and answer questions using scientific vocabulary. Children are introduced to science by observing the world around them and discovering new and exciting realities. These discoveries lead to a deeper understanding of scientific principles and a greater curiosity. By observing and interpreting what they see, students gather information that becomes the basis for the in-depth study of different areas of science. Through instruction, reading and experimentation, students are able to evaluate scientific ideas and apply facts, developing skills that will carry them into high school science instruction.
Social Studies
At Greenfield, Social Studies includes five areas of study: Geography, History, Civics, Economics and Behavioral Sciences. Basic instruction encourages students to explore how families and social studies are related while observing diversity in neighborhoods. Once they grasp basic concepts, students learn about the larger world and connect it to their lives in Milwaukee. Students learn about individual states and regions with the U.S. as well as the nation’s government. Ancient and medieval civilizations and the modern world are covered during middle school grades. Teachers are encouraged to plan field trips that will reinforce concepts learned in the classroom. When students leave Greenfield, they are equipped with skills needed to give back to their community and act as responsible, productive citizens.
Music
At Greenfield, the full-time Music Specialist helps students explore their musical talents. By learning composition skills as well as how to use different instruments, students discover their unique talents. Music enhances literacy through vocabulary building, increasing reading fluency through the use of rhythm and increasing background knowledge. The study of rhythm notation helps build mathematical skills in the areas of number sense, fractions and problem solving.
Art
By learning vocabulary words that describe art and studying a variety of artists from different time periods, students develop an eye for creativity throughout the ages. Art classes allow them to work with different art materials and explore various types of art. Artistic design and experiments with perspective encourage students to look at art in a new light and deepen their understanding the role of art in society.
Health
Health education includes both a personal and community approach to health care. At an early age, children learn about safety and begin connecting their own actions and health habits with others. They also study how diseases can be passed from one person to another and look at messages the community gives and receives about health. As they enter their teenage years, students learn about the importance of healthy relationships and self-respect, preparing them for high school. A focus on community responsibilities requires that students complete a community service project, demonstrating positive ways to give back to Milwaukee. Students are made aware of health issues they may encounter in the future and provided with healthy alternatives and appropriate decisions.
Physical Education
The Physical Education program at Greenfield staffs a full-time specialist and encourages students to develop an awareness of the importance of physical activity. As children grow and increase their physical abilities, P.E. teaches them not only how to participate in physical activities within groups, but to develop lifelong interest in both team and individual sports. By challenging themselves and cooperating with their teammates, students learn good sportsmanship.
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Get directions to Greenfield here. |
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Please click on the MPS logo below to go to the MPS Portal.
Webmaster = riggenjh@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
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to evaluate material from different sources for accuracy and value. Young learners at Greenfield begin by exploring the relationships between letters and sounds through Direct Instruction and develop skills to identify words and gain meaning from stories. As they apply these skills to new and different texts, students become more comfortable reading and tackling more advanced reading materials. Eventually, learned reading strategies help students unlock the meaning of text in different subject areas, helping them excel in all classes. By interpreting information and making connections between what is read and what is real, students are able to explore new themes and develop dynamic ideas. By the time they grade, students are critical readers who read to gain insight in all subject areas. 
Greenfield’s Language Arts program provides balanced skill development through literature-rich activities such as writing, listening, speaking, deep thinking and researching. The Write Source along with 6 Traits integrated in to the writing process is Greenfield's focused writing instruction.
At Greenfield, we believe that art education is as essential as core academic studies. The full-time Art Specialist at Greenfield teaches students the basics of art and helps them develop their own personal creativity. By expressing themselves through art, students increase their self-confidence as well as their artistic skills. 