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Our morning assemblies have become a unique tradition at Wellington School. They are held to bring our school community together to help students develop self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership skills and character. Each day student speakers lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance and patriotic musical performances. Some days, individual, small group, or entire classes perform musically, dramatically or present an academic project. Student achievements are recognized for classroom accomplishments, outside academic competitions, and community service. Time is spent discussing the "Theme for the Month" or "Quote" which relates to setting goals and having an "I Can" attitude. Many parents attend these 15-minute daily assemblies and get their daily dose of inspiration as well.
Our students enrich their understanding and appreciation of the world around them by attending a variety of field trips. Some of these exciting field trips for fourth grade include Lettuce Lake Park, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Cracker Country, the Pinellas County Science Center, and an over-night trip to St. Augustine. Some of the fifth grade trips include Enterprise Village, Pinellas County Science Center, MOSI, NASA Space Center and an over-night trip to Day Springs sponsored by Pathfinder Outdoor Education. Our students also benefit from outside organizations bringing their presentations to our school, such as American Stage, musical presentations, published authors, as well as our own middle school performing arts students and band.
Wellington students have progressed to more advanced levels in their academic skills by the time they reach the intermediate grades of fourth and fifth. In addition to offering advanced concepts in all academic areas, many opportunities are available to build confidence and self-esteem.
The focus of our math curriculum gradually shifts from concrete experiences to mathematical modeling. Students investigate mathematical relationships in arithmetic, geometry, graphing, measurement, and probability. Problem solving techniques and critical thinking skills are emphasized. Language arts focuses on comprehension, reading strategies, creative writing, grammar usage, and mechanics in a literature-based program. Literary and research skills are emphasized through research paper writing. Creativity continues to be an important aspect through journals and creative writing.
Students participate in the Wellington Book Club, a reading incentive program that leads to a love of reading. The value and importance of reading is continually promoted, with students sharing their favorite books through creative projects and book reports. Students who achieve 50 book club points are awarded a t-shirt and a special luncheon held in their honor. Wellington students most assuredly are the "smart, the proud, the well-read."
Computer science in fourth and fifth grades includes advanced file management, word processing, creating charts and graphs in Excel and reinforcement on keyboarding skills.
Building on past knowledge, the science curriculum increases in scope and difficulty in the area of life science, earth science, and physical science. Students gain valuable experience through hands-on activities, experiments, field trips, group projects, and independent research. In social studies, Wellington students gain an awareness of the problems facing our society and learn options they can choose as a responsible citizen. International, cultural, and social diversities are appreciated. In fourth grade, the emphasis is on the regions of the United States, with a required unit on Florida history. The fourth grade students enjoy an overnight, educational tour of St. Augustine. Fourth grade students also have the opportunity to choose between general music and band. Participation in the instrumental band program continues through middle school.
In fifth grade, the social studies curriculum emphasizes the United States history. Map skills, critical thinking skills, and reading and writing skills are stressed. An in-depth economics unit culminates in a day at Enterprise Village for our fifth graders. The summation of these experiences is a three-day camping trip to Day Spring with a focus on life skills, cooperative decision-making, and environmental studies.
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