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”Great schools strive to provide that something extra for students and Sonoma Mountain
is no exception.”
Sonoma Mountain Elementary Charter School (SOMO) is filled with enthusiastic students
ready to learn, supportive parents/guardians invested in our children’s education and
development, and a dedicated professional staff committed to providing our students with
an enriching and engaging education. We are one community with one vision – excellence –
and we work together to strive for this in all that we do. As part of our charter focus, all
classroom curricula are infused with the visual and performing arts.
In addition, explicit instruction includes:
MUSIC
SoMo is lucky to have our own music teacher, Mr. Day. He teaches singing and music foundations
to kindergarten through second-grade students. Second graders also explore beginning
instruments. Third-grade students learn how to play the recorder and fourth-graders learn
keyboarding skills. Kindergarten through fourth-grade students receives music instruction once a week.
Mr. Day coordinates our fifth and sixth-grade instrumental band program. Students are provided instruction in woodwind and brass focus groups and then play with the entire band. Fifth through sixth-grade students participate in band three times a week. Sixth-grade students are given the option of instrumental band or guitar (an exciting choice for our students!).
Our very own Jazz Pack Band, and Choir are taught and led by Mr. Day; for students who have advanced in our music program.
ART
All classrooms use the Visual Thinking Strategies Program which links critical thinking and
communication while observing works of art. Every class takes a field trip to a museum to put these practices into action.
SoMo hosts our own Artist in Residence, Jacki Yurth. Students receive explicit art instruction
once a month from Ms. Yurth, and they explore various mediums and styles. Art history and
appreciation are integrated throughout the lessons, and the scope of instruction is connected to the California Content Standards for Visual Arts.
All students participate in Art Adventure Week in January every year. This wonderful week
includes workshops with local artists, screen printing shirts, and a whole-school rotation in
mixed-age groups to learn about different artists and/or mediums. The week culminates with a school-wide art activity.
The Sonoma Mountain Art Show is a highlight of our students' masterpieces and creations. This event is held every year in the spring.
Monthly school-wide assemblies focus on music, art, and movement.
MOVEMENT
SoMo is fortunate to have artists work with all students, grades kindergarten through six, in
movement in dance. Residencies will last for twelve weeks. Students will experience
movement/dance in one session every week for a twelve-week unit.
PERFORMING ARTS
The performing Arts Program is offered to students in grades three through six. Our leaders work
with students to learn the foundations of acting and create a play for the school community.
The group meets on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.
SOMO PTA’s Mission
Sonoma Mountain Charter PTA’s goal is to make our school a great place for learning. We
work hard to raise money through various fundraisers to help support the programs and
activities that enrich our children’s lives. We also strive to build a strong community. Our
community has made our school one that you can be proud to send your child to.