Christine Burton Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology

Academic Info

The Blind-Brook Rye School District seeks to develop all children’s intellectual, ethical and physical potential. In recent years, a series of curricular initiatives have resulted in the adoption of new math programs at the elementary and middle schools and new math software at the middle and high schools, the introduction of RADLAB and Forensic courses at the middle and high schools, curriculum development in balanced literacy in the elementary school, the expansion of graphics software for the K-12 art and music curricula, the development of Grade 6 Literacy Lab and Grade 9 Effective Communication courses, and the revision of Social Studies and English Language Arts curricula in Grades 5-12 to include greater focus on Eastern literature and cultures such as China and India. The inclusive curriculum of the Blind Brook-Rye School District also ensures an appropriately challenging program for students of all abilities in all grades.

Curricular initiatives for the 2007-08 school year include a review of the K-12 science and technology curricula, the development of integrated K-12 character education programs and curricula, the completion of the Writing Across the Curriculum project and the construction of a K-12 electronic database of student performance. At the elementary school, the changes in curriculum will be reflected this year in revised report cards that will mirror the NYS Learning Standards at the level of curriculum-based competencies. At the middle school, increasingly greater attention will be given to the transition from elementary to middle school, the development of literacy skills, the healthy development of adolescent identity, the quality of student life and “Cyber Safety” where students are free from bullying and predators.

At Blind Brook High School, the challenge is to prepare our students for the rigors and demands of college. A variety of AP courses, new electives and after-school programs exists to serve the interests of the students. A strong guidance department assists students in organizing and coping successfully with a rigorous high school program and in navigating the college application process.

In the Blind Brook-Rye School District, the professional staff and administration hold themselves to the same standards and expectations of excellence that we expect of our students. Parental support and input is a mainstay of our program of continuous improvement, and the students of Blind Brook benefit from all of our efforts to challenge and develop ourselves as a learning community.