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Coquille Valley Elementary adds fifth‑grade science and grows music program
Summary
Principal Armando Ruiz and teachers described the new fifth‑grade science class aligned to NGSS and rapid growth in the fifth/sixth‑grade music program, with band enrollment nearly doubling and a return to a winter concert after two years.
Coquille Valley Elementary showcased new curriculum and program growth at the district board meeting Jan. 14, highlighting a new dedicated fifth‑grade science class aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and marked increases in music participation.
Principal Armando Ruiz introduced Music Teacher Emma Rostikus and Science Teacher Casey Peterson. Peterson described the new fifth‑grade science course as inquiry based and focused on foundational concepts — engineering, matter and energy, Earth systems and space systems — that will be expanded in sixth grade. "Under NGSS, unsuccessful experiments are considered a valuable part of the learning process and help students build resilience and problem‑solving skills," Peterson said. He explained grading emphasizes participation, experimentation and learning from failure.
Music teacher Emma Rostikus said the district’s band program is only in its second year but has seen "nearly doubled" enrollment and that choir retention has improved, allowing instruction in harmonies, solos and sight‑singing. Rostikus emphasized the program’s role in building community similar to athletics and noted a winter concert returned this year after a two‑year hiatus.
The board thanked the presenters; several fifth‑grade science students attended the meeting to share experiences, and no board questions were recorded regarding the presentations.
