For more information on the IB program or open enrollment, contact our PYP Coordinators:
Minnesota’s First K-12 IB World Schools District
Diane Tiffany Lincoln Center Elementary
[email protected] (651) 288-5885 Ryan Higbea Kaposia Education Center
[email protected] (651) 288-6878
The South St. Paul Public School District has two elementary schools, each serving more than 900 students from preschool through 5th grade.
Lincoln Center Elementary 357 Ninth Avenue North South St. Paul, MN 55075
www.sspps.org Phone: (651) 457-9426 Fax: (651) 457-9423
Kaposia Education Center 1225 First Avenue South South St. Paul, MN 55075
www.sspps.org Phone: (651) 451-9260 Fax: (651) 457-9453
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) provides a balanced curriculum including essential elements that ensure research-based teaching practices to enrich the whole child. In addition to the rigorous IB academic program, both schools offer special education services, Title I reading and math, English language learning, all-day preschool and childcare options, tuition-free full day kindergarten, and highly-qualified teachers. The South St. Paul elementary schools are proud of the variety of academic and extracurricular activities provided: music, art, physical education, and Spanish are available for all students.
South St. Paul Public Schools District Office
Students may elect to be involved in band, choir, Geography Bee, Lego League, student leadership groups, and more. Childcare is available before and after school through a program called Kids’ Choice.
www.sspps.org Phone: 651-457-9400 Fax: 651-457-9485
Highly qualified teachers, caring staff, supportive families, and a progressive community rich in tradition and heritage combine to provide a balanced and meaningful elementary education for all students.
104 Fifth Avenue South South St. Paul, MN 55075
PYP
THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM (PYP) Passionate Learners Positively Changing Our World
www.ibo.org
Preparing students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning
THE IB PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM (PYP)
THE PYP IS FOR EVERYONE
THE PYP EXHIBITION
The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) is designed for students in grades k-5. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.
Although the PYP curriculum is challenging, it is meant for ALL students. Every student in grades k-5 participates in the PYP because the program develops a broad range of skills, attitudes, and a balanced approach to the subject areas.
In the final year of elementary school, students complete a project called the exhibition. This project is meant to highlight the skills students have learned during their PYP experience.
At South St. Paul Public Schools, the PYP: • • • •
fosters international-mindedness through the IB learner profile prepares students to become life-long learners reflects real life through meaningful, in-depth inquiries into local and global issues emphasizes the development of the whole student - physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and ethically
THE PYP CURRICULUM In the PYP, students engage in large, transdiciplinary themes organized as Units of Inquiry. Each unit of inquiry provides significant, relevant, and challenging learning experiences, and involves students in a range of learning activities. Students will work on units that are related to these global topics to deeply explore subject matter, find answers to their burning questions, and make connections to the world. The six transdisciplinary themes that organize the curriculum include: • • • • • •
Who we are Where we are in place and time How we express ourselves How we organize ourselves How the world works Sharing the planet
South St. Paul elementary schools offer six subject areas identified within the PYP. Language arts and math learning within the units of inquiry and as stand-alone subjects. Spanish is taught to promote language development and cultural understanding. Art, music and physical education are taught by specialists. The PYP curriculum incorporates social studies, science, health, and all required state standards into the units of inquiry.
South St. Paul schools understands that students learn in different ways, and it is our goal to address the learning needs of every student. The PYP is focused on implementing the best practices of teaching and helps us collaborate to provide engaging and effective learning experiences for all children.
Students choose a project that addresses a real-world issue or problem that interests them. They work in groups to research, reflect, and take action related to the issue they chose. Exhibition often requires a written component, an oral presentation, and the use of technology.
THE IB LEARNER PROFILE The IB Learner Profile is a set of attributes encompassing characteristics IB learners strive to become. The aim is to develop internationally-minded citizens of the world who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. IB Learners strive to be: Inquirers Knowledgable Thinkers Communicators Principled
Open-minded Caring Risk-takers Balanced Reflective