Ventures - Gifted & Talented
The Ventures Program is centered by our belief in diversity; recognizing and appreciating the unique qualities of students and providing appropriate educational opportunities for them through differentiated instruction. Teachers use differentiated instruction to identify learning styles and interests of each pupil. Once these have been established, educators are able to tailor the classroom environment and their instruction to meet various needs. Differentiated Instruction often leads to project-based assignments, which allows students to dive deeper into the topic at hand.
Peace of Mind
The Peace of Mind Program integrates mindfulness practice, brain science, social emotional learning, and conflict resolution for elementary students.
The Peace of Mind Program helps students develop the skills to notice and manage their emotions, to focus their attention, to practice kindness, empathy, and gratitude, to build healthy relationships, and to solve conflicts peacefully - in short, to develop the tools to face life’s challenges with compassion and skill.
Teaching the Peace of Mind curriculum weekly over the course of the whole school year, year after year, and integrating elements of Peace of Mind into every day, creates positive change in a classroom and, over time in school climate, moving schools toward kindness and inclusion.
Junior National Honors Society
The National Jr. Honor Society is an educational organization that promotes recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Being a member of the National Jr. Honor Society is a privilege for those who exhibit excellence in academics and leadership, displays honorable and admirable character, and demonstrates a commitment to service and good citizenship. The Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School Chapter participates and gives back to the school and community throughout the year. Our members participate in the yearly Halloween party, help with Christmas activities, recognize our teachers on National Teacher Day, helping raise money for community members in need, and use our yearly penny drive to raise funds for the Machias Food Pantry. Our goal in the the Rose M. Gaffney chapter is to set a good example to younger students and teach them that service and character can help make people and the community a better place.