Cornerstone Classrooms is an alternative elementary program for students in grades one through four. Students are placed in the program by parent choice. Cornerstone Classrooms offer multi-age classes and flexible grouping. The program has been in existence since 1994 and is open to students of all ability levels.
Curriculum: Cornerstone students cover basically the same curriculum and take the same standardized tests as all students in the district. The difference in the Cornerstone classes lies mainly in how students are grouped for instruction.
Multi-age Classes: Since most Cornerstone students remain in the program from first through fourth grade, their peer group remains constant throughout their elementary years. Students of different ages work together on a variety of activities throughout the year.
Flexible Grouping: Students are grouped in different ways for learning activities. They may be grouped by age, ability, and/or interest. The groups change for various reasons throughout the year.
Parent Communication: Cornerstone parents have a beginning of the year conference during the first month of school and participate in the student-led conferences twice during the year. Narrative report cards are sent to parents at the end of each semester.
Team Teaching: The Cornerstone team of teachers consists of four classroom teachers and a special education teacher. This staff works together to plan and coordinate the curriculum and activities for the students from first through fourth grade. They also communicate continuously to enhance the social and academic development of each of the students.
Cornerstone Teachers: 1st grade – Brooke Peterson; 2nd grade – Kelsie Ralston, 3rd grade – Jennifer Fisher, 4th grade Julie Ahrendsen.
