Our Rainbow Ridge Elementary School counseling team uses evidence-based interventions to support each student’s academic journey.
Our K-5 curriculum includes a core literacy program that supports all students and integrates English Language Learners, while acknowledge the special skill of knowledge of more than one language. We use phonics-driven literacy methods, and all of our lessons and units meet and exceed academic requirements.
Beginning in the 2023–24 school year, New York City Public Schools launched an initiative called NYC Reads. Our goal is to ensure that all New York City students become strong readers, which is the single most important skill required for educational, career, and lifetime success. Based on extensive research, NYC Reads ensures that pre-k and elementary school students receive the most effective reading instruction materials and methods. Phasing in over two years, NYC Reads requires all early childhood education classrooms to adopt a single, uniform curriculum called The Creative Curriculum, while K-5 schools will use one of three pre-approved, phonics-based reading curricula that have proven to be effective. The new literacy program was implemented in 15 community school districts in 2023-24, and expanded the following school year to all districts.
Our mission
Our mission is to empower every student by integrating targeted support in academic, career, and social/emotional areas into a comprehensive and accessible counseling program. We are dedicated to:
Academic Excellence: Helping students build strong study habits, enhance time management, and develop effective learning strategies that lead to academic success now and in their futures.
Career & College Exploration: Providing tools and personalized counseling to guide students in exploring career interests, preparing college applications, and mapping out future goals.
Social/Emotional Well-Being: Fostering a supportive environment where students can grow emotionally through individual and group counseling, developing resilience, positive communication, and conflict resolution skills.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
🎲 Literacy Activities & Games for Families
Fun, easy-to-use literacy activities that build foundational skills through music, storytelling, word games, and family discussions.
👉 https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/subjects/literacy/literacy-resources-for-families
📖 Sora Digital Library
Access thousands of free e-books and audiobooks anytime with a student login. Includes books that support phonics and decoding skills.
👉 https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/digital-learning/applications/sora
🧠 Early Literacy Resource Hub
Tips and pxrintable resources for parents to support early reading and writing development at home.
👉https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/grade-by-grade/early-childhood-learning/early-literacy-resources
🧰 NYC Reads Family Partnership Toolkit
Strategies to strengthen school-family communication and help families celebrate and support literacy at home.
👉 https://sites.google.com/schools.nyc.gov/nycpslc/
📘 Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free, high-quality instructional videos and practice exercises across subjects such as math, science, history, and more. It's a valuable tool for reinforcing classroom learning and supporting individualized student progress.
🧪 PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET provides free interactive simulations in science and math, allowing students to visualize and experiment with complex concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.
👉 https://phet.colorado.edu/
🧠 BrainPOP
BrainPOP offers animated educational videos, quizzes, and games covering a wide range of subjects, including science, math, English, and social studies. It's designed to make learning fun and accessible for students in grades K–8.
🔬 Ask A Biologist
Hosted by Arizona State University, Ask A Biologist is a science outreach program that connects students with scientists through Q&A and provides a wealth of free educational content, including articles, activities, and experiments.
👉 https://sciencejournalforkids.org/
📚 Science Journal for Kids
This resource adapts real scientific research into kid-friendly articles, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young learners. It's an excellent tool for fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
👉 Read Science Journal for Kids
🧩 MobyMax
MobyMax is an online platform that offers personalized learning in subjects like math, reading, writing, and more. It helps identify and fill learning gaps, ensuring students receive targeted instruction.
🖼️ Getty Museum Art Lesson Plans
The Getty Museum provides a collection of art lesson plans and resources, allowing students to explore art history and engage in creative projects. These materials are suitable for integrating art into the curriculum.
👉 https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/classroom_resources.html
🧭 PBS LearningMedia
PBS LearningMedia offers a vast library of free, standards-aligned videos, lesson plans, and interactive materials across subjects like science, math, and social studies. It's a valuable resource for both teachers and students.
👉 https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/
Student website (https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/student/?student=true)