Update: Parents can call West Side Elementary School with any questions. 770 429 3172

Along with school uniforms, West Side Elementary is introducing the “School Enrichment Model” this Fall to all students. The SEM evolved from the work of Joseph Renzouli over 20 years ago - it is used as the basis for most gifted programs. It is a program that will be offered in addition to the core subjects (Reading, Language Arts, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies) taught in homeroom classes.

Enrichment classes will be offered to all West Side students four days per week for one hour. Students will choose a class from one of the four clusters. Each cluster course is 9 weeks in duration. The courses will be taught by teachers, professionals in the community and volunteers. The clusters from which the children choose are:

Math, Science & Technology Cluster
Keyboarding, Health, Cooking, Robotics, Web Design, Astronomy, Chemistry, Lego Construction, Economic Stock Exchange

Performing Arts Cluster
Skits, Puppetry, Dance, Reader’s Theater, Fashion Show, Poetry Reading, One-Act Plays, Story Telling, Public Speaking, and more

Arts, Cultures, and Media Cluster
Greek Mythology, Pottery, Chess, Manners and Etiquette, Wood Working, Debate, Cake Design, Weaving, and more

Environmental Cluster
Geography Bee, Rocks and Minerals, Weather, Horticulture, Outdoor Garden/Classroom

Benefits of the SEM
Promotes both challenging and enjoyable “high-end learning” across the full range of school types, levels, and demographic differences.

Focuses on applying the know-how of gifted education to a systematic plan for total school improvement.
All staff and students are able to “show off” their untapped strengths, talents and knowledge.
More engaged learners with students taking ownership of their learning through choice.
All students are exposed to knowledge that will continue to be useful throughout life.