Art

Elementary Art focuses on elements and principles of design while introducing students to famous artists, cultures, and interdisciplinary parallels. Students explore art forms such as drawing, painting, collage, printing, ceramics, sculpture and more, using a multitude of techniques and medium. Watercolors, tempera paints, pastels, oil pastels, sponge painting, print making, weaving, sculpture, ceramics, perspective, figure drawing are just a few of the techniques and medium we will cover in a year. Students are graded on their mastery of skills learned, appropriate use of materials, and creativity appropriate to their developmental level. The goal is to instill a satisfaction in accomplishment and a respect for the value of originality and creativity. Garrettford parents support a school-wide program of framing student artwork and displaying it throughout the halls and stairwells. Students' artwork is also displayed on the yearbook cover, the various concert programs throughout the year, and in scenery for school shows. The Fifth Grade Art Club creates cartoon murals, which decorate the walls of the Garrettford cafeteria. The UDSD also sponsors a district-wide Art Festival each year.

Music

The arts play a prominent role at Garrettford Elementary School. Concerts include "Third Grade Night of Music", fifth grade winter and spring shows, as well as instrumental concerts featuring the 100 plus students who receive weekly instrumental lessons. Instrumental instruction begins in third grade and fourth and fifth grade musicians are invited to participate in the band and orchestra. We also have a tremendous choral program. Our Little Shavers Boys' Choir is a favorite group that performs throughout the year and boasts many students who have been selected to perform with the Philadelphia Boys' Choir. The Little Shavers are especially proud of their relationship with the Mainliners, an area community barbershop group and are featured twice annually with the group. We also have an annual talent show featuring students, parents and faculty groups.

Health/PE

Each year, Garrettford students place among the top groups in the UDSD Elementary Marine Corp Fitness Competition. Our third, fourth and fifth grade students who join the team prepare for the competition before school all year long. Some other events include and annual jump rope contest, Color Day and Family Fun Nights featuring square dancing and competitive as well as cooperative games. With the support of our Wellness Committee, our students also publish the Healthy Inquirer several times throughout the year, featuring wellness related articles.

Library

Garrettford's library is a multi-media center offering computers with on-line resources for reference through Access PA, an on-line catalog, an interactive white board, over 8,000 volumes, as well as periodicals, DVDs/videos, and a parent resource library. Young Authors' Day is held annually and encompasses weeklong events with surprise guest "Mystery Readers", special activities and awards. The librarian also hosts an annual Scholastic Book Fair and sponsors a Library Legacy program where books can be donated to the library in honor of students or teachers.
Online Public Access Catalog