R. N. Harris Elementary School
|
|||
Philosophy
At R.N. Harris we provide a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment that promotes high academic and creative achievement, fosters the development of successful and independent students, and prepares them to be productive members of a worldwide community. We establish an atmosphere that promotes a desire to become lifelong learners and contributing citizens, founded on basic skills and a sense of worth, dignity, positive self-esteem, and respect for others. We accomplish this through a child-centered teaching approach which addresses the needs, interests, and learning styles of children. We capitalize on children's natural curiosity by encouraging them to explore and discover in an environment that enhances development of their unique creative talents and skills.
We believe students learn best when they create, have opportunities to explore a variety of topics in different settings, and are presented with content that sparks their imagination. The arts serve as a vehicle to bring curricular areas together in a cohesive way through a universal language. All subject areas are integrated with music, dance, drama, visual, and literary arts to bring learning to life.
Our name summarizes both our approach and our beliefs: R.N. Harris Integrated Arts/Core Knowledge Magnet School.
Teaching
The integrated arts approach is an interdisciplinary collaboration that assumes all children are artists and that art can be used to strengthen all learning. On-site resources provide learning opportunities through Suzuki Violin Instruction, Dance, Art, Television, and Performing Arts Studio, Computer, Photography, and Science Labs, a Yamaha MIE Piano Lab, an Artists in Residence program, a Publishing Station, and a Wetlands Station. This unique combination of experiences is augmented with a strong program of visiting artists, including frequent visitors from the Duke University Strings School, the North Carolina Opera Company, the Carolina Ballet, the North Carolina Central University Drama Department, and the North Carolina State University School of Design. Additional enrichment is provided through performances, museums, art galleries, theaters, special university programs and master classes throughout the year.
We teach reading, writing, math, and science skills through exciting, comprehensive units based on the Core Knowledge curriculum developed by Ed Hirsch and fused with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The Core Knowledge curriculum offers students a broad base of shared knowledge through the study of Africa, Egypt, early civilization, the empires of the Mayan, Incan, Aztec, Greek and Roman people, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, China, Japan, and India. Students examine masterpieces from literature, art, and music, bringing the content areas to life.
Services for Academically/Intellectually Gifted Students
The Academically/Intellectually Gifted program at R.N. Harris is basically an explorations program designed to meet the needs of highly motivated children at all grade levels. At the kindergarten level this exploration takes place in the child's classroom through regularly scheduled sessions with the academically/intellectually gifted teacher. Children in grades 1-5 attend explorations in the academically/intellectually gifted classroom. Topics covered are aligned with the state Standard Course of Study and are frequently connected to Core Knowledge subjects.
Community Involvement
The following businesses, programs, and community groups provide assistance by donating their time, expertise, materials, and financial resources:
- Durham Technical Community College
- North Carolina Central University
- Duke University
- Chamber of Commerce Education Top Priority Group
- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Kappa's Big Brother Program
- Alumni Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
- Iota Phi Lambda Sorority
- Ackland Art Museum
- North Carolina State School of Design
- Blue Marble Children's Center for Design and Invention
Scores
State ABC Rating :
- 2010-11: High Growth, School of Progress (77.8%)
- 2009-10: HIGH Growth. Progress (68.2%)
- 2008-09: Growth Met. HIGH-Progress (64.3%)
Directions
From I-40 from East:
Coming into Durham on I-40 East, proceed North on Apex Road/Hwy 55. Hwy 55 becomes S. Alston Avenue. Turn right onto E. Lawson Street. Proceed for approximately five miles. Turn right onto Bacon Street. Turn left onto Cooper Street. R.N. Harris is on the left.
From I-40 from West:
Coming into Durham on I-40 travel North to Durham Freeway (Hwy 147). Take the Briggs Avenue/Durham Technical Community College exit. At the stop sign, turn left and immediately access the right lane. Proceed through yield sign onto Lawson Street. (Durham Tech will be on the right). At the stop light, turn left onto Bacon Street. Make the first left onto Cooper Street. R.N. Harris is on the right.
From I-85:
Exit I-85 South at Avondale Drive. Proceed South on Avondale and turn right onto N. Alston Avene. Keep traveling on S. Alston Avenue, then make right on Bacon St. Turn left onto Cooper Street. Turn right and R.N. Harris is on your left. Exit I-85 North at the Durham Freeway. Take freeway to S. Briggs Avenue. exit and bear to the right. At the stop sign make a right onto Lawson Street. Proceed past Durham Technical Community College and to the traffic light, then make a left onto Bacon Street. Turn left onto Cooper Street. R.N. Harris is on your right.
