High academic standards stimulate students to develop abstract, logical, inquisitive and reflective thinking. The learning and application of research, study and organizational skills are critical aspects of the program. The creative arts program is an integral part of the curriculum and includes music, chorus, Orff ensemble, Rock Band, drawing, painting, clay and multi-media arts.

Academics
High academic standards stimulate students to develop abstract, logical, inquisitive and reflective thinking. The learning and application of research, study and organizational skills are integral aspects of the program. The 4th-5th students may participate in the district and area Academic Bowl.

AES
Academic Enrichment Support (AES) allows students to meet once a week in both math and language arts for enrichment or support activities. The subject-specific teacher oversees this class.

After School Club
Mandatory study hall is from 3:30-4pm followed by games and socializing. Optional activities include Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Roots & Shoots and Blue Raven Juniors.

Athletics
Teams include baseball, basketball, flag football, softball, soccer and the Tulsa Run. Opportunities are occasionally available for 4 th and 5 th grade athletes to participate on Riverfield’s 6 th – 8 th grade teams in cross-country, basketball, and cheerleading.

Campout
In the fall, 4th-5th students participate in a two day, one night camping trip. They are introduced to teambuilding and cooperative learning and have the opportunity to develop relationships with their peers and faculty. Activities include sports and games, nature hikes, and art projects.

Class Size
Small classes allow for personal attention and assessment of each student’s progress.

Community
A strong sense of community is encouraged with students having the opportunity to serve as role models for younger students through the Reading Buddies program. All 4th-5th students read weekly with Kindergarten-1st grade students as they develop friendships. Two to three times a year, students are given the opportunity to complete service projects on campus and throughout the Tulsa community. Riverfield is committed to educating students both in and out of the classroom.

Core Course Rotation
A significant difference in the 4th and 5th grade is that students rotate to their core courses. The rigorous curriculum is taught by specialists in all of the content areas. Teachers employ many teaching methods including real life applications and hands-on activities. Students in 4th and 5th grade receive grade cards, which is a new experience for most 4th graders and another adjustment to Middle School.

Homework
Homework requires 60-90 minutes per night on average. Reading and Everyday Mathematics continue to be a part of the nightly routine. Weekly assignments can include spelling/word study, Shurley English, vocabulary, math fact practice and foreign languages. Long-term assignments generally focus on social studies projects, book reports and science projects. Major assignments, projects and other information are emailed to parents weekly and posted on the school’s website.

Multi-Age Classroom
Students typically spend two years in the same classroom, allowing for continuity, strong relationships, and development of leadership skills. The mixed age groupings in each class invite and enable mentoring and cooperative relationships and allow teachers to personalize curriculum and support appropriate developmental growth.

Organizational Skills
Organizational skills are emphasized as students use a folder with sections for each subject area, notes to be taken home and papers to be returned to school. Students write in a daily planner to keep track of assignments, projects and tests and teachers encourage students to take responsibility for their own organization.

Physical Education
The physical education curriculum expands on skills learned throughout primary years and applies them toward new games as well as sports preparation and development. Fitness strategies are taught and practiced which aid students in making healthy lifestyle choices and develop habits in an effort to be fit for life.

Social Activities
Social activities include music performances and sporting events as well as Friday Nights out and Sleepovers.