Fine Arts

It’s hard to overestimate the importance of developing a child’s artistic skill and creativity.  ECDS students take art classes twice a week, and additional classes are available for children who are gifted in this area.  Our teachers, naturally, plaster the walls with the children’s voluminous work.  Students participate in many contests in and around Connecticut, and have been very successful in their entries.  We gather many of their pieces together for our annual art show, a favorite occasion for all.

Spanish

The ability to communicate in other languages is an important skill, and a powerful way to open one’s own mind to different thought patterns.  In this ever shrinking world, moreover, familiarity with other prevalent languages is a must.  Students of all ages, even our Pre-Schoolers, get regular Spanish instruction.  Grades K-8 have class several times a week.  Our Spanish program promotes appreciation of Hispanic heritage, and helps students gain knowledge and understanding of the culture, through instruction in the Spanish language.  This is achieved through age appropriate activities such as songs, games, and writing.  By grades 3 and 4, Spanish is spoken exclusively in the classroom, and all students respond in the language.  ECDS graduates usually find their transition to high school language courses easy, and in fact are often ahead of the curve.

Sign Language

Like learning a new spoken language, discovering sign language does wonders for expanding a child’s mind.  American Sign Language, by its very nature, encourages children to pay more attention to what others are saying.  Learning ASL helps them develop their ability to read facial expressions and body language.  This improves the students’ confidence in their own ability to communicate clearly with their peers, and we have found that it translates quite naturally into improved social relationships.

Drama

In our school-wide emphasis on the fine arts, drama is a particular favorite.  We produce two major performances each year, at least one of which is a musical.  All grades from Kindergarten up are included, and all children who wish to participate are given parts.  Our Drama department provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to get involved by working on costumes, scenery and lighting. 

Music

Everybody loves music!  All students at ECDS take vocal music twice a week, and have the opportunity to take individual lessons on many instruments.  As part of our emphasis on the arts, the music department works directly with the drama department on our two big productions in December and May.   The entire student body participates in both. 

Etiquette

In this busy day and age, it is growing ever harder to find time to sit with children for a meal (much less spend the time speaking to them about which fork to use).   We equip our children to succeed in the public and/or formal social situations they will inevitably encounter.  ECDS offers a class for each grade, each week, on proper table manners and conversation.  The class culminates with a trip to a nice restaurant to practice their skills in public.