Benjamin Banneker Elementary School

Programs Offered

Language Arts

At Banneker we hold the belief that language is essential to every elementary child's education. Our recent adoption of the MacMillan McGraw-Hill reading program along with our curriculum provided an extremely effective vehicle for meeting our state language arts standards. Students learn a variety of learning strategies to use with both fiction and non-fiction. The writing process and 6 Traits of Writing are used to provide focused writing instruction. Our teachers integrate language arts throughout the curriculum. Through drama, guest authors, poetry and other exciting programs we are constantly striving to address a variety of learning styles and promote diversity in language acquisition. For more information on our new program, click here.

Math

In the Milford School District, our elementary schools use the Math Trailblazers program. This program aligns with our state's math standards. Math Trailblazers is based on the beliefs that:

  • The organized investigation of everyday situations is an ideal setting for learning mathematics
  • All students deserve a richer and more challenging curriculum
  • A balanced and practical approach to mathematics learning is what your students need and what you, as teachers, want.

Math Trailblazers originally received funding from the National Science Foundation and was developed by the TIMS Project (Teaching Integrated Mathematics and Science) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. For more information about this program, click here.

Social Studies

Our social studies program involves integrated units that align with the state's Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) for social studies. Social studies instruction involves a variety of resources including products from Steck-Vaugh, the National Geographic Society and resources specific to Delaware. Our students begin social studies by learning about communities and regions, they then move onto Delaware and American History in 4th and 5th grade. For more information about social studies in Delaware, click here and the State?s Social Studies Coalition Website.

Science

Milford School District uses the Foss science kits, developed by the Smithsonian Institute, to teach science. This is a hands-on inquiry based program. Students work through four kits each year on topics including; Magnetism & Electricity, Models & Designs, Mixtures & Solutions, Measurement, Solar Energy, Environments, and more. For more information on the Foss Science Program, click here.

Academically Talented

In our school we recognize that there are students who need extra instruction, as well as those who can and should be challenged. We have recently expanded our Academically Talented Program and Academic Challenge Program to meet the needs of the many high achieving students at Banneker. This program challenges students with integrated projects and challenging activities. The program emphasizes high-order thinking skills and enrichment.

Reading Assist

In our school we recognize that there are students who need extra instruction, our Reading Assist helps struggling students overcome reading difficulties through a multi-sensory/phonetic approach. Reading Assist provides this necessary early intervention.

Renaissance Learning

Our school utilizes several Renaissance Learning programs, especially Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math. Using technology these programs allow teachers to assign individualized independent practice to all students. The program utilizes STAR assessments to determine each student's instructional level. The teachers then used this data to place students into the correct level in either AR or AM. Student progress is tracked and monitored to provide optimal learning. Many of our classrooms and teachers have been honored to be Model Classrooms. Renaissance Learning recently awarded the entire district for our exemplary use of their programs.

Library

Our library is located in the center of the school, just as literacy is at the center of our instruction. We are very fortunate to have such a bright, inviting area to welcome our students into the world of literacy. Classes are scheduled for library visits during the school day; however we also preserve half of the school day for open library. This enables our classes to visit the library for research and other literature rich experiences.