P.S. 316 Elijah G. Stroud Elementary

Our mission is to ensure that children leave P.S. 316 with a set of moral and social emotional values that make the world a better place. We achieve this by encouraging students to be inquisitive, knowledgeable, thoughtful, communicative, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taking, balanced and reflective. This is accomplished through concept- and standards-based inquiries that incorporate all subject areas. Our students are taught in an environment that shows an appreciation and respect for all cultures and the diversity in our school, community and world.

P.S. 316 is a dynamic community school that emphasizes learning through the development of the whole child.  Our students represent a diverse community of learners, and our programs emphasize the need to differentiate our curriculum to meet the needs of students.

Classroom Models Offered:

• General Education Classes

• Integrated Co-teaching (ICT)

• Gifted and Talented (G&T)

• Dual Language (English/Spanish)

• ASD Nest Classes, supported by New York University

P.S. 316 is an official International Baccalaureate school. The International Baccalaureate program emphasizes project-based inquiry in a global context, enabling students to understand international complexities so they can contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

Our International Baccalaureate Curriculum

Each grade develops a curriculum that fits under the International Baccalaureate transdisciplinary themes:

• Who We Are
• How We Express Ourselves
• Where We Are in Place and Time
• Sharing the Planet
• How the World Works
• How We Organize Ourselves

Students work in these concept-based units of inquiry, incorporating all elements of reading, writing, social studies and science necessary for each grade. Students engage in project-based learning that promotes taking action in the school, at home, in the community and around the world.

English Language Arts (ELA)

Our students begin by learning to read and write, leading to reading and writing to learn. Our curriculum incorporates several literacy curricula: Wilson Fundations, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, Teachers College Reading and Writing Program, and Junior Great Books.

Math

We believe math is best learned by integrating hands-on manipulatives, interactive computer programs and a traditional curriculum. We supplement enVision Math curriculum with innovative programs such as ST Math and Waterford.

Science

Students learn about the natural world and scientific method. We use the Amplify Science curriculum, following the New York City Scope and Sequence for pre-K through fifth grade. In addition, we feature a science laboratory classroom, a school-wide science fair, hands-on gardening, food science, and regular computer classes. ide science fair, hands-on gardening, food science and regular computer classes.

Social Studies 

Our students study social studies, history, geography, and civics through the New York City Department of Education Passport to Social Studies curriculum and the Civics for All curriculum. 

The Arts

At P.S. 316, the arts are not an afterthought. Our curriculum incorporates daily visual arts, music, theater, dance, and poetry programs in classrooms and in specialized cluster classes. All students attend regular music classes, which use the Music & the Brain program that links early music instruction and cognitive ability. Students learn to play keyboards, sing, and read music while exploring a variety of multicultural children’s songs. All students attend regular drama classes that focus on role playing, empathy, communication, and public speaking through games and imaginative play. Every grade performs at least one musical or play each year. All students attend regular art classes that explore great works of art via Visual Thinking Strategies. Students also work to incorporate elements of the studio art tradition into original compositions. 

Physical Education

All students receive physical education instruction with our gym teacher. In addition, we use the Move-to-Improve program, which is embedded into daily classroom activities. 

Spanish Language Instruction for All Students

Our Spanish language teacher provides a weekly lesson to each class. Students learn to speak Spanish and they learn about the cultures of the many Spanish-speaking countries. 

Spanish-English Dual Language Program

We have one Spanish-English Dual Language class in each grade level, from kindergarten through fifth grade. Students learn phonics, reading, writing, and International Baccalaureate in both languages. The goal is for students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. 

Social Emotional Wellness

Every class begins every morning with a morning meeting. Students and teachers check in with each other and engage in activities from the Contentment Foundation’s Four Pillars curriculum. Our school proactively meets student needs and opportunities for personal growth through our wellness department with a guidance counselor, social worker, mental health therapist, and school psychologist.

Gifted & Talented (G&T)

The Gifted & Talented (G&T) application for fall 2022 admissions will open on May 31, 2022. The New York City Department of Education (DOE) is hosting live virtual events to provide families with information on this spring’s G&T admissions process for children entering kindergarten or grade 1, 2, or 3 in September. After a presentation on G&T programs, eligibility, and how to apply, the DOE will respond to questions.