Union Elementary - D.R. Gaul Middle School
An International School Becoming Globally Aware
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Union School's restructuring has been organized and energized through the study of global education. Union School was awarded a Maine state innovative grant in 1988-89. That one-year grant initiated an ongoing process of curriculum exploration and development. Union School's K-8 program reflects a school-based thematic approach to interdisciplinary instruction. The guiding vision is that students will be able to participate and prosper in a global society. The idea for an International School emanated from "International Night," an annual event that had for several years been the culminating activity for an interdisciplinary unit in grades 7-8. Based on a unanimous school vote to establish the International School, an innovative grant was developed by a team that included teachers and the Curriculum Coordinator. In the first year, a part-time university consultant facilitated the curriculum research and organization; a teacher served as building coordinator; the Curriculum Coordinator coordinated local responsibilities; each classroom teacher developed a grade level program; subject specialists (i.e. art, home economics, physical education, etc.) developed their instructional components. The ownership was developed through a very comprehensive and interactive plan. The middle school concept of team planning integrated well with the process. All school subjects incorporate activities which introduce students at each elementary grade level to a designated country: Kindergarten - Japan; Grade 1 - Egypt; Grade 2 - China; Grade 3 - Nigeria; Grade 4 - France; Grade 5 - USA; Grade 6 - Canada/Mexico. International studies culminate each year with an open house known as International Night. |
A sample of International Night 2002.....
Parade of Nations
Classes, Projects and Programs