Student Life

Spelling and Language Arts

The Slingerland® Approach provides the foundation for language instruction at HRS. We also incorporate an advanced writing curriculum into language instruction.

Communication

Children learn about the importance of eye contact, tone of voice, listening, observation, and body language. Students hone their public speaking skills in class as well as during school assemblies.

Math

Daily math instruction incorporates review, skill-building, critical thinking, and problem solving while helping students understand the connection between math class and everyday life.

Science

Students with dyslexia learn about science most readily through active involvement. HRS provides a wide range of hands-on, project-oriented experiences to teach our students the fundamentals of science.

Social Studies

Social Studies classes at HRS aim to foster a sense of curiosity and awareness of the social and historical development of human cultures. All social studies classes integrate practice in research, reading, and writing skills.

 

Art

Developing a student’s self-confidence is the primary objective of the HRS art curriculum. Art class offers a venue for students to embrace their creative talents and learn new skills in a safe environment.

Music

The music program at HRS capitalizes on students' strengths through singing, movement, playing instruments, and performance. Students learn music is a source of life-long enjoyment.

Physical Education

Physical education at HRS engages students physically, socially, and mentally in a range of individual and team sports and games. Students improve their skills and try new pursuits.

Drama

The goal of the middle school drama program is to cultivate imagination, creative risk taking and creative expression while developing literacy and communication skills.

Media

This class explores the concepts and practices of multimedia art and includes creating digital art concepts through photography, graphic design, and audio production. Students work through problem solving and project-based learning to achieve success and feel comfortable using multimedia in many different forms.

Library

The HRS library program encourages students to develop a love of reading and information seeking. Students explore literature and non-fiction materials, and learn how to use the library for fun as well as for research. Library class emphasizes executive functioning skills and teaches responsible digital citizenship.

Technology is taught as part of the greater learning process. All technology applications are focused on some aspect of discovery, expression, presentation, problem solving, and communication.

Focus on Integration and Collaboration

Our students use technology resources to investigate and report on specific subjects in a variety of the core classes. Examples include Level 5 conducting research on the fifty states and writing reports, Level 8 learning to use Excel to chart scientific data, and Level 4 starting keyboarding practice.

Assistive Technology

HRS is expanding the use of assistive technology in our curriculum. This includes text-to-speech that will read any data available online; speech-to-text which will allow students to compose text by speaking; grammar and spelling checkers; and screen capture (both still and moving). These tools are intended to expand the potential for literacy and expression. Uses will continue to be refined and developed as we learn of and test an expanding array of tools.

Classrooms Tools for Multi-Sensory Learning

All classrooms are equipped with a coordinated system that involves a computer, document camera, interactive projector, wireless internet, and room filling audio. Technology allows our teachers to bring the whole world into the classroom and present daily assignments in a rich visual format.

Field trips are an integral part of the learning experience at Hamlin Robinson School. Student off-campus experiences have included Fort Nisqually, the Seattle Children's Theater, Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Underground Tour, and Northwest Trek.

Overnight Camps

Every year, our middle school students enjoy an overnight camp experience. Each grade level has the opportunity to experience a different camp in a different region of Washington State. Options include the North Cascade National Park, Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Bainbridge Island, and the south Puget Sound regions.

In addition to the language instruction that prepares students for high school content, texts, and college entrance exams, our work with self-advocacy, time management, organization, and study skills prepares our middle school students for a successful transition to high school.

HRS Transition Skills curriculum includes:

• Decision-making strategies
• Self direction and educational ownership
• Communication skills
• Identifying strengths
• Use of positive self-talk
• Self-advocacy

HRS participates in organized athletics, offers a multitude of students clubs, and provides before and after school care options. After-School programs for students include:

• Homework Club
• Drawing
• LEGO Robotics
• Martial Arts
• Photography
• Chess and Logic
• Cross Country
• Track and Field

HRS Music Academy takes place after school. Students engage in private music lessons, taught by experienced musicians. Music Academy includes piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, saxophone, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, drums, percussion, and theory.