Warwick PIE Community

ase see the WVCSD website for additional information about the cornerstones of
the PIE Program. You can also learn more on the parent website warwickpie.shutterfly.com or follow on Facebook WarwickPIE.

2) Can I work full time and still be a PIE parent? You can work full-time and still participate in the PIE/MAC Program. PIE families are encouraged to work with teachers and be involved in their child’s education: by volunteering in the classroom; by volunteering to help with classroom duties from home; by suggesting and leading special events or projects, and more. It is not required nor uncommon for learning in a PIE/MAC classroom to be enriched by the skills, talents or hobbies of other parents, grandparents and community members.
3) Does the PIE/MAC curriculum comply with NYS Common Core Learning Standards? The PIE/MAC curriculum is aligned with NYS Common Core Learning Standards. We follow the same curriculum but deliver it differently.

4) Are PIE/MAC students required to take state tests? PIE/MAC students are subject to the same state tests as traditional students.

5) Are PIE/MAC students subject to the same school policies and expectations as
traditional students? While the PIE Program is a separate program within the WVCSD, students are held
to the same standards and expectations as traditional students.

6) Is the PIE/MAC Program a special education program? PIE/MAC is not a special education program. The PIE/MAC Program is an educational choice within the WVCSD.

7) Is the PIE/MAC Program a program for gifted/advanced students? PIE/MAC is not an accelerated program. The PIE/MAC program is an educational choice within the WVCSD. Anyone who feels their family values align with the cornerstones of the Program are welcome to apply.


8) Is PIE kindergarten (PIE K) a stepping stone to traditional kindergarten? PIE K cannot be treated as an additional year of Pre-K. Once a student completes
PIE K, they go onto a PIE 1st/2nd grade classroom. It is not an option to enter a traditional kindergarten classroom after completing PIE K.

9) My child is zoned for Park Avenue Elementary School, not Sanfordville Elementary School. Are they allowed to apply for the PIE Program? Although the PIE Program is housed in Sanfordville Elementary, any child in grades K-4 are welcome to apply to be a part of the elementary PIE Program. Due to the two year commitment after kindergarten, entry is encouraged at Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 3, or Grade 5 (in the middle school).
10) Why is there a two year commitment to the program for grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6? A single grade classroom maintains distinctive graded groups within the class where students are expected to cover their grade-level curriculum. Teachers in a single grade class deliver multiple curriculum requirements in one year; whereas a multiage teacher delivers student-centered, integrated, in-depth, curriculum requirements over a period of two years. Remaining with the same teacher a second year also allows for less anxiety among students entering the second year. Teachers already know the child, including academic standing, in a new year making adjustment times shorter.

11) Are younger students ever intimidated by older classmates in the same class? And, are older students challenged enough with younger classmates present? The multi-age classroom fosters a mentor/mentee relationship. Once children get to know one another they develop open and trusting interactions. Students applaud each others talents and support each other’s goals in this setting. Older students take on leadership roles which develops their skills and confidence. Younger students are positively challenged to develop better study habits.
12) Is the PIE/MAC Program less structured than the traditional classroom setting? This question is probably one of the most frequently asked questions about the Program. A multiage classroom is actually highly structured. In order to facilitate small group instruction and independent projects, there has to be a set of negotiated rules and routines worked out between the teacher and students. All PIE teachers are dedicated and qualified to develop each individual child in this setting. Please refer to the WVCSD website “Choosing Multiage, FAQs” link for further information.

13) I have heard that PIE/MAC students have different learning environments than traditional classrooms. Is this true? All PIE classrooms utilize traditional seating arrangements such as tables, desks, and chairs as well as alternative seating. Soft furniture is used to create learning spaces for teamwork and collaboration when working in pairs or small groups. Students are aware that there are limitations to their movement depending on classroom activities and teacher expectations. It is not unusual to find PIE classes learning outdoors.

14) Do PIE/MAC students receive less homework than traditional students? The homework for a PIE/MAC student is commensurate with their grade level colleagues.

15) How do PIE/MAC students perform in reading, writing and math compared to students in traditional classrooms? As with any academic program, there are multiple measures to analyze that will give a full picture of how students are performing. The District believes that PIE/MAC students perform at the same level as their grade level colleagues.

16) Are PIE/MAC students held to the same grading standards as traditional classes? PIE/MAC students have the same report card as traditional students. Individual projects may ,but there are some assessments that are the same as a traditional classroom as well.

17) Do PIE/MAC students transition similarly to other students at the Middle School level? At any grade level, students face challenges transitioning into new classrooms. Each child handles transition differently and it is not uncommon for PIE and/or non-PIE students to have challenges when moving into the Middle School. With the addition of the MAC / Orange Team in 5th/6th grade, students get to transition with other students who have had the same elementary experience in PIE.

18) What are the benefits of being a part of the PIE/MAC community? The PIE/MAC community is a vital component of the Program. The community includes the students, teachers, school administration, family members, and interested business members of the Warwick community. PIE families, teachers, and administrators meet at the school throughout the school year to talk about special projects, plan gathering events, create outreach efforts, discuss ways to support and grow the PIE Program, and much more. Through these meetings and activities, connections and friendships are made amongst the adults, which also fosters and enhances the friendships and connections amongst the children, including younger and older siblings. Friendships are further enhanced among the children during cross classroom activities.

19) Is the PIE/MAC program a good fit for everyone? The PIE Program has been around for more than 30 years in Warwick and is an award-winning educational option in the district that has seen hundreds of students flourish over the years. There is no one factor that makes a student successful in PIE/MAC, thus there is no one trait that makes for a good PIE/MAC student. The teaching and learning methods of the Program lends itself to developing creative free-thinkers and responsible citizens via the cornerstones, core values and guiding principles. If your family values align with the cornerstones and beliefs of the PIE/MAC Program, then the program is for your family. If you're looking for a community to lean on, like-minded families to participate in outreach projects with, an ongoing relationship with teachers, a learning environment outside of the classroom, family involvement inside and outside of the classroom, then PIE is for your family. If you have additional questions about PIE/MAC, please reach out to Mr. Yap, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Services at 845-987-3000, Ext. 10526 or [email protected]