Teachers base instruction on the Indiana State Standards and document the standards in lesson plan books. Textbooks and outside resources are used in planning.

Collaborative teaching teams plan at grade level providing an opportunity to share "Best Practices" and to focus on a cohesive and comprehensive spiral curriculum.

Academic Programs at Mary Castle

All Mary Castle students benefit from a high degree of technology integration, a well-established media center, weekly physical education, art, music, and Math Pentathlon.

Stretch Program

Mary Castle is the home to Stretch (Gifted/Talented) classes in grades one through five to serve the entire Lawrence Community. The academic goals of the Stretch program are to provide maximum acquisition of basic skills, acceleration of content, interdisciplinary curriculum, and to emphasize in-depth study enrichment activities. Thinking skills and independent study and research skills are also enhanced in this program.

• View more information regarding STRETCH on the district site.

Special Education

Mary Castle Elementary has several programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Classes for students with needs across the continuum of disability labels are individualized for each student according to his or her individual educational plan while reinforcing the proficiency standards of education. Educational services are provided for children based on their specific and unique educational needs. Mary Castle prides itself on providing services such as assisted technology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy. These supports are provided to children to meet their needs in the least restrictive environment possible.

• View more information about Special Education at MSDLT.

ESOL

Beginning in the fall of the 2001-2002 school year Mary Castle launched a program designed to meet the needs of students whose native language is other than English. Children receive instruction in their first language while learning English as their second other language.

• View more information about ESOL on our district site.

Student Support Center

The Student Support Center was initiated in the fall of 2002 as part of the School Wide Behavior Support System. The Center serves as an area for orientation for new students and offers classes on social skills for students who are struggling with working in the general education classroom setting or are having difficulty relating to other students or adults. The center also provides support for students who have been absent, need to make up homework, or need a break from the classroom setting. 

Technology

Technology serves as a tool for classroom instruction and practice. It is incorporated throughout the school day. Individual classrooms provide a variety of experiences for students, including student produced newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, and other student generate