L.FRANCES SMITH

ELEMENTARY

GRADES PRE-K - 6

4505 Waycross Drive

Columbus, IN 47203

812-376-4317

“I think that the

teachers are very helpful and

are willing to meet your

needs. I’ve never felt left out

or that people don’t care about

me.”

A Smith Student

FAST FACTS:

* 450 Students * Average class size 25 students * School Hours 8:15-2:45 *Professional staff of 68 members including the principal, office staff, classroom teachers, special education teach-

ers, special area teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, therapist, pupil service teacher, and school nurse.

Founded in 1969, L. Frances Smith Elementary provides a di-

verse, challenging, and comprehensive curriculum to our students.

Our school has special architectural features that make it stand

out from all other schools. The beauty of our school can be

seen both in the design and the students that it holds. We are

very proud of the commitment and knowledge that is shared each

and every day by our dedicated staff.

Every student at Smith Elementary is treated as a unique indi-

vidual. Each student learns in a way that helps enable the reali-

zation of his or her maximum potential—academically, culturally,

and socially. We work with our students and parents to meet all

needs.

Our commitment to our students is to provide the highest quality

education while establishing a solid foundation upon which they

can build successful, happy, and prosperous lives.

I welcome you to our unique school that helps our students grow

as thoughtful active lifelong learners.

Laura Hack

Principal

“Smith has been a wonderful experience for our 4 children. The teachers have always been willing to work with us on any issues and staff have always been friendly and helpful. All in all, Smith Elementary has been an out-standing experience the past 6 years our children have attended.” A Smith Family

Academics Our experienced classroom teachers introduce and present standards and curriculum in an assortment of

ways (videos, leveled reading materials, internet websites, classroom visitors, etc) to meet the various

student needs. Students are engaged in learning with various teaching tools, methods, materials, and field

trips. A multitude of classroom activities such as discussions, sharing ideas, and presentations allow stu-

dents the opportunity to activate and express knowledge.

Individualized attention is given to each student to ensure mastery of concepts and lessons. Progress re-

ports and grades are available through Parent Portal.

In addition, students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade participate in mClass2 assessments. The results

provide diagnostic measures for K-2 students in literacy and numeracy. Students in 3rd grade participate

in the Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD-3) assessment. The purpose of the IREAD-3

assessment is to measure foundational reading standards through grade three. Grades 3 through 6 take

Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress Plus (ISTEP+) exam in the Spring. The purpose of the

ISTEP+ program is to measure student achievement in the subject areas of English/Language Arts,

Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Results are analyzed and used to drive instruction for students.

“I like how every teacher has a dif-

ferent way of teaching me. My

education is getting very exciting.”

A Smith Student

Enrichment Activities

Educational field trips, art, music, library visits, computer lab, and physical education round out

each student’s education at Smith. Regular homework assignments, designed to reinforce daily

lessons begin in the lower grades and gradually become more challenging. They are structured to

develop the student’s study habits, sense of responsibility, time management skills , and reinforce

learning. Technology is an indispensible element of today’s society. Students have access to

technology throughout their day. Technology such as classroom computers, SMART Boards,

TeacherMates (1st grade), and Clickers is utilized. Teachers utilize various software programs to

complement in-class instruction and to reinforce academic skills.

Additional Opportunities

*Beacon Learning Centers *M2 Math *Lego Robotics *Math Bowl *Spell Bowl *Choir *Family

Fun Nights *Grandparent’s Day *Art Show *Athletic teams *Student Counsel *Walk-A-Thon

*One Book/One School *Scholastic Book Fair *PTO *Skate Parties *Children’s INC *