Curriculum Enrichments
Learning at PHPS extends beyond core academic instruction. Throughout the elementary years, students participate in experiences intentionally designed to strengthen the skills that support learning, encourage creativity and curiosity, and help children grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
From executive functioning and social-emotional learning to art, music, design, movement, and service, these experiences give students opportunities to build confidence, explore their strengths, and engage with learning in different ways.
Skills for Learning & Life
Social & Emotional Learning
Adapted from the RULER approach to social and emotional learning, our program helps students develop the skills to recognize and understand emotions and make thoughtful choices about how they respond. Students build greater emotional awareness while developing strategies they can use in the classroom, with peers, and throughout their daily lives.
Executive Functioning
Executive functioning skills are intentionally developed across the school experience. Students learn strategies for regulating behavior and emotions, organizing materials and ideas, planning ahead, managing time, and completing tasks with increasing independence.
Study & Organizational Skills
Beginning in 1st grade, students are explicitly taught tools and routines that support organization and independence. Weekly schedules, homework planners, binders, and other organizational systems help students learn how to manage their responsibilities as they progress through the grades.
Accelerated Reader
Students in grades 1–5 participate in the Accelerated Reader program, which encourages independent reading and provides opportunities to celebrate reading progress and achievement. Regular reading practice supports the continued development of comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency.
Creating, Designing & Moving
Students need opportunities to learn with their hands, bodies, imaginations, and ideas. Our Specials program provides consistent experiences in the arts, design, technology, and movement throughout the elementary years.
Art
Students in every grade participate in art once each week, exploring artistic techniques, materials, and creative expression while building skills across the elementary years.
Music
Students participate in music twice each week, developing musical understanding through singing, rhythm, movement, performance, and exploration.
Design Lab
Students in grades 2–5 visit Design Lab once each week for hands-on opportunities to design, build, experiment, and solve problems. Through engineering, technology, and design challenges, students practice creativity, collaboration, flexible thinking, and perseverance.
Physical Education
Physical education supports coordination, fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive relationship with movement. Students in grades K–3 participate three times each week, while students in grades 4–5 participate twice each week.
Motor Lab
Students in grades K–2 participate in Motor Lab two to three times each week, providing additional opportunities to develop fine motor skills that support classroom learning and independence.
Daily Recess
Every K–5 student has recess each day, providing important time for movement, play, social connection, and a break from structured academic learning.
Community, Character & Service
PHPS students come together for Chapel once each week. Chapel is inclusive and focuses on character and moral development, providing a shared opportunity for reflection and community. Parents are welcome to attend.
Service learning is also woven into the classroom experience, helping students understand that they can make a meaningful contribution to their community. Past projects have included toy, coat, and canned food drives.
Learning at PHPS is designed to develop creative, confident learners.
Through opportunities to create, move, organize, collaborate, serve, and explore, students build skills and discover strengths that support their growth both in and beyond the classroom.
