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Elementary School (Grades K-5)

 

 

Elementary School

 

 

Where Language, Learning, and Confidence Grow


Elementary School is an exciting time of discovery, growth, and learning. At Rochester School for the Deaf, students build strong foundations in language, literacy, mathematics, critical thinking, and social-emotional development within a bilingual ASL – English environment designed specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.


Our experienced educators create engaging, language-rich classrooms where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to explore their interests. Through hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and individualized support, children develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.


Whether students are mastering early literacy skills, conducting science experiments, creating artwork, or collaborating with classmates, every day offers opportunities to learn, grow, and belong.

 

  • Four children peek over a stone ledge in front of Westervelt Hall.
  • Three children pose together outdoors, with two boys and one girl in the foreground.
  • Two boys play with a red ball on a grassy area in front of a brick building.
  • A young girl with curly blonde hair waves, wearing a pink shirt and a backpack with smiley faces.
  • A group of children and an adult gather around a large canvas bag, looking at something held in the adult's hand.
  • A young boy with a bright orange hoodie smiles warmly, a smudge of pink face paint on his cheek.

Welcome from the Principal

A smiling woman with glasses and long dark hair stands outdoors near a building with white flowering trees.

At RSD, we believe every child deserves access to language, learning, and a community where they feel valued and understood. Our Elementary School provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to be curious, take risks, and celebrate their accomplishments.

We partner closely with families to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have high expectations for teaching and learning and have an incredible team in place to support each student's growth through engaging instruction, meaningful challenges, and individualized support. Our goal is to help every learner build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for future success.

Karen Fisher-Malley
K-5 Principal and Director of Early Childhood Education

What Makes Our Elementary School Unique

Strong Academic Foundation
Our curriculum is aligned with New York State Learning Standards and adapted to meet the unique language and literacy needs of Deaf and hard of hearing learners. Students are challenged through engaging instruction across all subject areas while receiving the language access and individualized support they need to succeed.

Direct Access to Learning and Community
At RSD, students learn, communicate, and build relationships directly with teachers, classmates, and staff throughout the day. Classroom instruction, discussions, questions, social opportunities, and everyday conversations happen in a language students can fully access, fostering deeper connections, greater independence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Small Class Sizes, Individualized Support
With small class sizes and a strong team of teachers, teaching assistants, specialists, and support staff, students receive personalized attention tailored to their unique strengths and needs. Instruction is designed to meet students where they are while helping them reach ambitious goals.

Experienced Deaf Education Professionals
Our teachers and teaching assistants understand the unique educational and language needs of Deaf and hard of hearing students. Through bilingual instruction, visual learning strategies, and meaningful relationships with Deaf and hearing role models, students build language, confidence, and a strong sense of identity.

Language Development at the Center
Language is the foundation of learning. Throughout the day, students develop and strengthen their ASL and English skills through meaningful communication, literacy instruction, classroom discussions, and authentic learning experiences.

Hands-On Learning
Elementary students learn by doing. Whether exploring science concepts, solving real-world math problems, creating art, using technology, or participating in project-based learning, students actively engage with ideas and build deeper understanding.

Whole-Child Support
Academic success is only one part of student growth. We support students' social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs through a caring school community, counseling supports, positive behavior systems, and strong relationships with trusted adults.

Community and Belonging
Students thrive in a diverse community where friendships, shared experiences, and mutual respect help every learner feel seen, valued, and connected. Through daily interactions with peers and adults, students build confidence, cultural identity, self-advocacy skills, and pride in who they are.

School-Home Partnership
Families are essential partners in every child's success. We maintain ongoing communication with parents and caregivers and work together to support academic growth, language development, and social-emotional well-being.

Celebrating Student Success
From classroom accomplishments and academic growth to artistic achievements, leadership opportunities, and acts of kindness, we believe every success deserves recognition. Students are encouraged to set goals, reflect on their growth, and celebrate milestones along the way.

 

  • A smiling family of three, a man, woman, and young girl, pose for a photo outdoors.
  • A young boy and a woman smile while holding colorful dragon puppets on sticks.
  • A group of children and adults pose for a photo outdoors, with many smiling and making playful gestures.
  • Two young girls are engaged in a lesson, with one wearing a tiara and the other demonstrating hand gestures.
  • Children in a classroom lean forward, engaged in an activity, with one raising a hand.
  • A young boy with a hearing device and a woman are sitting on the floor, engaged in a conversation with hand gestures.

Bilingual Language Arts

Language Arts instruction is designed specifically for Deaf and hard of hearing learners, recognizing that strong ASL skills provide an important foundation for English literacy development. Our bilingual approach helps students make meaningful connections between ASL and written English while developing the skills needed for academic success and lifelong learning.

Students build reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and communication skills through a combination of direct instruction, small-group learning, and individualized support. Teachers use evidence-based programs and ongoing assessment to meet students where they are and help them grow.

Our literacy framework includes:

  • American Reading Company (ARC)
  • Bedrock Literacy 
  • Bilingual Grammar Curriculum (BGC)

And we are piloting Strategic Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) in several classrooms with exciting results.

Through engaging texts, meaningful discussions, and authentic writing experiences, students develop the skills and confidence needed to become successful readers, writers, and communicators.

A young boy and girl are sitting together, engaged in an activity.

Other Subjects and Specials

A young girl in a pink shirt smiles while looking at a display board with historical photos and text.

Students learn mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, the arts, technology, and physical education in a fully accessible bilingual environment designed specifically for Deaf and hard of hearing learners.

Mathematics
Students develop conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning through hands-on exploration and real-world applications.

Science
Inquiry-based science instruction encourages students to ask questions, investigate ideas, and develop an understanding of the world around them.

Social Studies
Students explore communities, history, geography, civics, and culture while building critical thinking and communication skills.

American Sign Language (ASL)
Students strengthen expressive and receptive ASL skills while deepening their understanding of Deaf culture, storytelling, communication, and self-expression.

Art
Creative experiences encourage imagination, self-expression, and exploration through a variety of artistic media and techniques.

Digital Literacy
Students develop foundational technology skills, digital citizenship, and confidence using technology as a tool for learning and communication.

Physical Education
Students build healthy habits, teamwork, coordination, fitness, and sportsmanship through active participation and movement.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

RSD uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) schoolwide to foster a positive, supportive learning environment. Elementary students learn the Wildcat PAWS: Positive, Accountable, Work Hard, and Supportive. Through these shared expectations, students develop responsibility, build strong relationships, and contribute to a school community where everyone can learn and thrive.

 

 

A graphic features the acronym PAWS with illustrations of orange cat mascots making hand gestures for the words Positive, Accountability, Work Hard, and Support.

Measuring Growth and Progress

Two students engage in a discussion at their desks in a classroom.

 

Assessment is one of many tools we use to understand student learning and guide instruction.

Students participate in a variety of assessments throughout the year, including:

  • Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessments
  • New York State assessments in Grades 3–5
  • Classroom-based assessments
  • Literacy and language progress monitoring
  • Teacher observations and student work samples

Assessment results help educators identify strengths, celebrate growth, and provide targeted support to help every student continue progressing toward their goals.

  • A group of children and adults are gathered in a room, with a woman in the foreground holding a book and smiling.
  • A young boy with a blue ILY face paint smiles at the camera.
  • A diverse group of smiling children stand together, some looking at a display board.
  • Children in animal ear headbands perform on stage with a winter-themed tree prop.
  • Children collaborate on a large poster project, drawing and writing at a classroom table.
  • A group of children and an adult walk down a path in front of a brick building with blooming trees.

Contact the Elementary Department