CLARKDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

2013-2014

Clarkdale Cardinals “Unity Builds Community”

4725 Ewing Road Austell, Georgia 30126

Front Office-770-819-2422

Fax- 770-819-2424

Marjorie Bickerstaff, Principal Tangela Hendrix, Assistant Principal

Clarkdale Elementary School 2013-2014

Staff

Office Staff

Marjorie Bickerstaff, Principal

Tangela Hendrix, Asst. Principal

Gay Callahan, Secretary

Sheila Olson, Bookkeeper

Xandria Johnson, Clerk

Bobbie Hill, Clerk

Monica Thornton, RN

Primary Teachers-

Chassity Cloer SPN –Pre-K – D100

Mary Ann Addison, Kindergarten – D105

Candace Harbour, Kindergarten – C112

Sandy Moss, Kindergarten- C114

Gale Stegall, Kindergarten - C110

Nancy Watson, Kindergarten - C108

Leanna Baumgartner, 1st grade - C102

Jennifer Carroll, 1st grade –C101

Jessica Elwood, 1st grade – C106

Sheila Lade, 1st grade - C104

Laura Werren, 1st grade – H100

Kristi Curtwright, 2nd grade – C201

Patty Kerr 2nd

grade – H200

Cristen Upchurch, 2nd

grade – C204

Lisa Whitfield, 2nd

grade – H203

Marissa Young, 2nd

grade – H201

Sarah Edmonds, Autism – D101

Denise Keasler, 3rd

grade – C214

Jodi Kokoszka, 3rd

grade – C210

Kevin O’Meara 3rd

grade, C211

Monica Summers, 3rd

grade – C212

Intermediate Teachers-

Ryisha Anderson, 4th grade - C217

Tricia DeCarlo, 4th

grade – H219

Adrianna Whipple, 4th

grade – C216

Mechelle Weddington, 4th

grade - C218

Krystal Evans 5th

grade – H210

Tammy McKinney, 5th

grade - H211

Velma Phillips, 5th

grade – H213

Homerooms –28 Total Staff – 82

Certified Staff - 48

Specialist

Ellen Auchenpaugh, Acad. Coach – CS117

Beth Morris, Art – A101

Laura Hawes, Counselor – CS103

Temika Arnold, - Counselor – CS105

Kathy Barrow, .5 EIP- F106

Jill Cook, EIP – F106

Jennifer Byrd, EIP –C207

Rhonda Miller, EIP – F106

Kathy O’Hara Rosa, ESOL-F104

Rhonda Dickerson, ESOL-C202

Michelle Jorgensen, Media-M106

Mark Greene, Music-A103, G101

Cathy Smith, Physical Education-P102

Jennifer Borders, IRR – C206

Pat. Ringhofer, IRR – H215

Leanne Chesser, IRR – F108

Casey Walker, Speech – H205

Sarah Morgan, Target – H206

Paraprofessionals-

Julie Simpson, Kdg.Para-C108

Janice Ortiz, Kdg Para -C112

Joanne Davis, Kdg. Para.-C114

Susan Green, Kdg. Para -C110

Bobbie Hill, Media Para – M106

Stephanie Hopkins, PE Para, P102

Kathryn Ray, PE Para, P10

Jamie Sparkman, SNPK, F106

Shannon Culhane, SNPK Para,D100

Andrea Dickson, SP Ed Para – F104

Brytnee Reed , SP Ed Para –F108

Karen Nunez. Sp Ed Para – H203

Maguy Pierre, Sp Ed Para, D101

Ferlecia Powell, SP Ed Para – D101

Custodians

Wayne Streeter- Head- Claudia Medina, Willie

Arnold,Cynthia Lavette-Robinson

Lunchroom

Julia Lewis, Manager- Barbie Greene,

Candy Howard, Deborah Culler, Joyce

Dickerson,Linda Cochran, Monica Gillian,Karen

Pominville, Laura Hernandez, Kathy Cranford

Dear Clarkdale Families,

We had a very smooth start to the school year due in large part to the support and

cooperation of our wonderful Clarkdale families and teachers.

The Clarkdale focus this year will be on implementing the new Common Core Standards.

It is my belief that education is a collaborative effort between home and school. Together

we can continue the expectation of excellence at Clarkdale.

Each Monday the teachers’ will send home a folder containing communication from the

teacher, PTA and/or the administration. We will also publish a monthly newsletter you

can access on our school website ( www.cobbk12.org/Clarkdale). Please take time to

read all of the information that we send home with your child.

In order to support your child’s learning goals; please make sure that he/she arrives on

time each day. School starts at 7:50. Students may be dropped off starting at 7:15 AM.

Students that are eight years old and younger that ride the bus will have a yellow tag

attached to their school bag. Please do not remove the tag. This tag is to help bus drivers

identify students that cannot get off the bus without an adult at the bus stop.

Students that are car riders will be given a car pool sign that should be displayed in the

car window. Car riders are identified by students that ride home in a car three or more

days a week. If you do not have your car pool sign you will need to come into the office

to sign the student out. Students that are riding home with a friend will need to bring a

note to the office to be signed.

If you did not join the Clarkdale PTA during Sneak a Peek, please send in $5.00

with your child because our goal is have 100% membership by the end of August.

The Clarkdale PTA provides numerous activities and instructional supplies to

continue the excellence at Clarkdale.

Sincerely,

Marjorie Bickerstaff

Principal

Our vision is a community which helps develop responsible citizens and cultivates lie-

long learners.

CLARKDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide the foundation upon which students build further knowledge,

experiences, and self-reliance. We provide a safe, healthy, stimulating, and experiential

environment that facilitates learning for every child.

Vision Statement

Our vision is a community which helps develop responsible citizens and

cultivates life-long learners.

We Believe…..

In establishing high expectations for all students as a means for developing

critical thinking skills, independence for learning, and creativity as life-long

pursuits to enable them to function in a rapidly changing world.

That the educational program for Clarkdale students should foster an

integrated curriculum in a developmentally appropriate, cooperative, risk-

free environment.

In providing an atmosphere that promotes optimism for learning and the

anticipation of success.

That the evaluation of progress for all Clarkdale students should be on a

continual basis through the demonstration and application of learning.

That Clarkdale students will grow through sincere affirmation and validation

modeled by dedicated professionals.

That home and school should share the responsibility to provide experiences

leading to the development of LIFESKILLS and Lifelong Guidelines, which

will enhance the ability to interact constructively with others.

Lifelong Guidelines

Trustworthiness

To act in a manner that makes one worthy of trust and

confidence

Truthfulness

To be honest about things and feelings with oneself and

others

Active Listening

To listen with the intention of understanding what the

speaker intends to communicate

No Put-Downs

To never use words, actions and/or body language that

degrade, humiliate, or dishonor others

Personal Best

To do one’s best given the circumstances and available

resources

The Lifelong Guidelines Pledge

I promise to be TRUSTWORTHY, TRUTHFUL, and an

ACTIVE LISTENER, too. I will do my PERSONAL

BEST and give NO PUT DOWNS to any of you.

School Information

SCHOOL HOURS

School starts promptly at 7:50 every morning and students must be

in their homerooms when the bell rings. Teachers greet the students, and learning begins,

when students arrive in the classroom beginning at 7: 15am. Students are dismissed at

2:20. Students arriving as the bell rings or after will need to be signed in by an adult.

Please remember:

Dismissal begins at 2:20. Students who are not picked up by 2:35 p.m. will be

sent to ASP (parents will be responsible for the $7 fee and the $10 registration

fee.)

To be counted present for the day, a student must be in attendance for a total of 3

hours and 15 minutes.

Contact Information

(770) 819-2422 Front Office

(770) 819-2424 (Fax)

ADMISSIONS and WITHDRAWAL

The Cobb County approved “Student Registration Form” (Form JF-5) is used to register

students new to the school or for the subsequent school year. Form JF-7 The Student

Enrollment Checklist provides a summary of documentation a student will need to be

officially and finally enrolled in the District. More detailed explanation of enrollment

requirements and procedures can be found at the Cobb County Schools Website.

Requirements for admission:

Students must be five years old for kindergarten and six years old for first grade on or

before Sept. 1.

All students entering a Georgia school for the first time or returning from another state

must furnish:

1. Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) –can be obtained from a private

physician or the Cobb County Health Department (A thirty-day extension may be

obtained.) Current immunization certificates must be provided to the school and

on file in the cumulative folder at all times. Failure to enforce this provision is a

misdemeanor.

2. Georgia Dental Form (Form 3300) –can be obtained from a private physician or

the Cobb County Health Department

3. Certified Birth Certificate (with seal)

4. Social Security Number (or a signed waiver)

5. Proof of residency

6. A copy of the last report card or promotional certificate along with a signature for

a request of records card is needed for enrolling.

Student Withdrawals:

A student should generally be withdrawn by the person who enrolls them.

The parent/guardian who enrolled the student may provide the school with written

permission for another person to withdraw a child.

Please make every effort to provide the teacher or school office at least one day’s

advance notice of leaving so that transfer/withdrawal forms can be taken to the

new school.

Cumulative records are not released to parents. The new school must request the

records.

CLASS PLACEMENT In all cases, children are grouped heterogeneously, meaning there are students at varying

ability levels in each homeroom. Children will be assigned to classes for the first month

of school only on a temporary basis. Classrooms are added to and subtracted from as

necessary according to state regulations and teacher: pupil ratios. Children may be

reassigned to another homeroom after the first day of school if the teacher: pupil ratios do

not comply with state guidelines. Please explain this possibility to your child. If you

accompany your children to school on the first and second day, it will be permissible for

you to assist them in finding their home classroom. After the second week, we request

that you let your children enter the building by themselves and proceed to the classroom

on their own. There will be staff members to assist the children if they need help. This

will help them to develop independence and self-confidence.

SENDING MONEY TO SCHOOL

When sending money to school, please place your child’s first and last name on the

envelope with the purpose for the money. Lunch money or ASP money cannot be

combined with each other or with other money.

ABSENCE AND TARDY POLICIES

Anytime your child is absent please send a note on the first day your child returns, giving

the reasons for the absence. Any student not in their homeroom by the 7:50 bell is

considered tardy (exception: no student is tardy who is on a late school bus). When a

student is tardy, an adult must come in the office to sign the child in. It is very

important that students be on time to avoid missing instruction and to establish good

habits of punctuality.

LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

If a child needs to be dismissed early from school, the parent must come to the school

office to sign the child out. We cannot accept early dismissal after 1:45. We discourage

leaving early unless it is absolutely necessary. Please allow time for the office to send for

your child. The school can release a child only to a parent, legal guardian, or to a person

specified in writing by the parent or guardian.

VISITORS

All visitors to our school must report to the office first. You are welcome to visit our

classrooms, but we require a 24 hour notification and a visit is not to exceed one hour.

This helps safeguard our valuable instructional time. Please allow the office to handle

your concerns and avoid classroom disruptions. You may always request a conference

with your child’s teacher, by calling or sending a note.

TEXTBOOK POLICY/MEDIA CENTER BOOKS

Students are responsible for all textbooks issued to them. Lost or damaged books must

be paid for before another book is issued.

ENTRANCE AGE

All children shall have attained the age of five for kindergarten and six for first grade on

or before September 1st in order to be eligible for admission for school.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

Kindergarten and first grade students must present a legal birth certificate prior to entry

into the Cobb County Public Schools. This shall also apply to kindergarten and first

grade students transferring into the school during the year. Parents who need information

concerning birth certificates should call the local health department or the Bureau of Vital

Statistics.

IMMUNZATIONS

Georgia law requires that all children entering or attending school MUST have

certificates of immunization BEFORE STARTING SCHOOL. This certificate, Georgia

Department of Human Resources Form 3032, may be obtained from a private physician

or the local health department.

CUSTODY OF CHILDREN

School personnel are bound by law to release children to either of their natural parents

unless a copy of a Court Order which grants custody is on file at the school. Therefore, if

you are divorced or separated and the custody of your child has been awarded to you by

the court, be sure to file a copy of the Court Order at the school.

CUSTODIAL PARENT REGULATIONS

In those instances where a court order or some other legally-binding document exists that

modifies or restricts this policy, it shall be the responsibility of the custodial parent to

provide a bona fide copy of the proof of custody to the local school principal.

If a custodial parent gives permission through a notarized statement for the student to live

with the other natural parent and that parent enrolls the child, the school will then conduct

all school business with the parent who has physical custody. The custodial parent will

then fall under the non-custodial parent policy.

Student Records: A non-custodial parent may request a copy of the school

records for his/her child. This request must be placed in writing to the principal

and notarized and will be honored within 45 days, absent a court order. An

attempt should be made to notify the custodial parent of the request for records

and the school’s compliance.

Teacher Conferences: The Cobb County School District recognizes that upon

divorce, only the custodial parent has the authority to make decisions pertaining

to a child’s upbringing, including the child’s education. However, the non-

custodial parent, absent a court order or some other legally-binding document

which provides otherwise, is encouraged to attend joint conferences for the

purpose of clarification and interpretation of student records with the custodial

parent during the regularly-scheduled conference weeks. If either the non-

custodial or custodial parent objects to attending a joint conference, upon request

a separate time for clarification and interpretation with a staff member will be

scheduled for the non-custodial parent. This request for a separate conference

shall be made by a notarized letter to the local school principal.

School Activities: At the beginning of the school term, the non-custodial parent,

absent a court order or some other legally-binding document which provides

otherwise, may request, by a notarized letter to the local school principal, that

school information available at that time for parents be provided. This information

should include procedures for purchasing school pictures. Furthermore, the non-

custodial parent, absent a court order or some other legally-binding document

which provides otherwise, may attend any public or spectator activity involving

his/her child. Attendance at public or spectator activities does not include

lunchroom visits, classroom visits, or other activities not classified as public or

spectator. Additionally, the non-custodial parent will not be permitted to checkout

or pick up students unless proper authorization from the custodial parent is on file

with the local school principal.

ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES

A child who becomes ill or injured at school is referred to the school nurse. If the child

has a fever of 101 and other indications of illness or injury beyond first aid, the parents

are contacted and requested to come and pick up the child. The student must be fever -

free for 24 hours without taking any type of medicine. THE CHILD MAY ONLY BE

RELEASED TO PARENTS AND TO THOSE AUTHORIZED ON THE

ELEMENTARY INFORMATION CARD. Be sure to list the name of anyone you might

ask to pick up your child.

MEDICATION

The school nurse will assist your child in taking prescription or over- the- counter drugs.

The parent or guardian must complete and sign a medication form. Over-the-counter and

prescription drugs must be maintained in the original container. The dosage should be

stated on the label. An ADULT must HAND DELIVER the medication to the front

office--exception cough drops and inhalers. A child must have an over-the-counter

medication form in order to carry the cough drops with them. The inhaler may be carried

with a signed medication form.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Please visit the Food and Nutrition Services website for current meal prices, menus,

nutrient analysis, and staff contacts. Go to: www.cobbk12.org

(http://www.cobbk12.org/)-> Lunch Menus (located on the left side of the page). This

will take you directly to the Food and Nutrition Services website. Meal prices are located

at the bottom of the page. The link to our menus is at the top of the page. Nutrient

analysis, staff contacts and more can be accesses from our Food and Nutrition Services

website.

Nutritious lunches are served in the lunchroom. We request that fast food, carbonated

drinks, and candy not be consumed in the lunchroom. Milk and juice are offered with the

lunches, however if your child has a medical condition water is available with a written

note from home. Menus are available on the Cobb County website. PARENTS ARE

INVITED TO EAT LUNCH WITH THEIR CHILD.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENT One scheduled conference will be held during the year, in October. However, parents

may request conferences as needed. Folders will be sent home every Monday (or the first

day of the week students attend classes). These should be reviewed carefully, as they

provide information about students’ weekly progress and behavior. Please view the

Clarkdale website. Each teacher has a blog linked to the website. The blog provides

information about the classroom.

EARLY DISMISSAL DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, ETC. Occasionally it becomes necessary to dismiss school early due to inclement weather.

When this situation occurs, the school bus delivers the children to their regular stops.

When weather conditions indicate, please listen to the radio and/or local television

stations. You will have all information as quickly as the local school. You and your

child should discuss what you expect him/her to do in case this situation occurs. Please

do not come to pick up your child until you hear that schools are being closed. An

Inclement Weather Dismissal Form must be filled out for each student at the beginning of

the school year.

FIELD TRIPS (Being There Experiences)

Field trips are scheduled to enrich a particular unit of study or class project. To attend,

students must have a signed permission slip from their parent or guardian. The teachers

and administrators reserve the right to exclude a student from participation if the

possibility exists that they may endanger themselves or others while on the trip.

Donations are requested to cover the costs of the transportation and admission. Trips

may be canceled if the donations do not cover the costs.

CLASSROOM PARTIES

School Board policy limits social functions to one per year during the school hours. The

details of this are established during the school year.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Students are not to bring any personal playthings, novelties, pets, equipment, etc. to

school unless given permission by a teacher.

MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Messages for teachers should be sent in writing rather than calling and leaving messages

in the office. We need to keep phone calls to a minimum. Emergencies arise and we are

happy to help out in such cases. Daily requests for messages, lunch boxes, lunch money,

homework, etc. can be disruptive to the instructional practice in the classroom. Your

cooperation and help regarding the above will be greatly appreciated.

ELEMENTARY COUNSELING PROGRAM

The elementary counseling program is designed to help students perform to their full

potential and ability. Clarkdale has a counselor who will be assisting students and

teachers in achieving this goal.

DISCIPLINE

We expect courteous and respectful behavior from each child. This enhances

opportunities for appropriate instructional programs to be successful. Clarkdale will be

following the principles of Positive Discipline in our emphasis on appropriate behavior.

Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated, as this is an area that the school and home

must work together to benefit the child.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, TELEPHONE, EMERGENCY INFORMATION, ETC. Send a note to each of your children’s teachers stating any change of information so that

we may keep our records up-to-date. It is essential that you notify the school

immediately of any change in address or telephone number. Unlisted phone numbers will

be held in confidence at your request. This information is vital to the welfare of your

child.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE

There is one conference scheduled this year, in October. This conference offers an

excellent means of communication between the parent and teacher. Students will be

dismissed early during conference week. If a conference is needed at any other time, it

may be scheduled either by the teacher or parent.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The elementary schools offer after school programs for the purpose of providing

supervision to school-age students from 2:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. each school day. The

program strives to establish a safe and caring environment with a minimum of formal

structure to allow for individual and social growth. Children engage in activities that

encourage creativity, social relationships, appropriate behavior and positive self-image.

Activities include study time, recreation, art, and music. This is a self-supporting

program and all payments must be made in advance for the student.

Clarkdale Elementary School offers an after-school program from dismissal until 6:00

pm beginning the first day of school. School personnel supervise the students in a variety

of activities, including homework time, outside play time, and indoor games. Snacks are

provided.

The cost for the program is $35.00 per week or $7.00 per day, payable in advance;

with a $10 one-time registration fee which is charged the first time a student

attends ASP (total charge for first stay is $17). Please note the late fee is $1.00 per

minute per child. Children will be withdrawn from the program after the third late

pick up as we do not have staff to supervise them.

Registration for the program must be completed BEFORE the child participates in

the program.

Students may attend every day, or on a drop-in basis.

TRANSPORTATION

The Cobb County Board of Education provides bus transportation for students who live

in our attendance area. Bus routes and numbers will be available at the beginning of

school.

A WRITTEN NOTE is required any time a student wishes to ride a different bus or get

off at another bus stop other than his/her regular stop. If this written permission is not

brought to school or faxed (with picture ID of the parent attached), the child will have to

ride the regular bus home. Bus drivers have a tremendous responsibility in transporting

students safely each day. They need your cooperation. Parents and guardians are

expected to take the responsibility for the behavior of their children.

DRESS CODE

The required standard of dress for students is as follows:

*Shoes must be worn.

*Caps or hats are not to be worn in the school building unless there is a special activity

scheduled.

*Clothing or ornamentation displaying or advertising a substance illegal for minors is

prohibited. This includes suggestive designs or profanities.

*Elementary students shall maintain acceptable standards of dress including shorts.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

School accident insurance will be available to students at the beginning of the school

year. This item is optional and not required. Specific information is on the school

website, www.cobbk12.org./Clarkdale/

LOST AND FOUND

Your child’s name should be stamped or placed in the clothing he/she wears to school.

Book bags should also be labeled with the child’s name. The school will hold lost

clothing and articles for a reasonable length of time, after which it will be given to a

charitable organization.

HOMEWORK

The purpose of homework is to reinforce what your child has learned in class and to

develop a sense of discipline and responsibility. Homework will be assigned for the

following purposes: skill practice, review, reference work and special projects or reports.

The amount and type of homework will be determined by the needs of the individual

student.

The parent can help with homework by providing the right atmosphere for studying, by

limiting TV time, providing a work area with good lighting, having reference materials

and a dictionary accessible, ensuring a quiet atmosphere, scheduling a regular

“homework” time and offering encouragement.

MAKE-UP WORK

If your child is ill and absent for only one day, the work may be made up upon returning

to school. If the absence is for several days and your child needs the work to avoid

getting behind, please call the office before 9:00 A.M... This will give the teacher

adequate time to get the assignments together. Work may be picked up after 2:30 P.M. or

may be sent home with a neighbor, brother or sister. The teacher is under no obligation

to provide make-up work for a student who has unexcused absences or who has gone on a

trip.

WEAPONS POLICY

Because we want to provide a safe environment for our students, a very strict policy

prohibiting weapons on campus and at school-sponsored events was adopted by the

Board of Education. A copy of this policy will be sent home under another cover for

your signature and review.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Cobb County Public Schools shall maintain their educational programs in

compliance with all laws relating to non-discrimination. Procedures are established and

personnel appointed within the school system to deal with student, parent and employee

concerns relative to the requirement of non-discrimination. No person shall be

discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or

handicap.

ALL COBB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES AND

REGULATIONS CAN BE REVIEWED ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE

(www.cobbk12.org)

Dear Parents/Guardians: It is with great anticipation that we look towards implementing a new set of standards, the Common

Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS), in August 2012! The Common Core Georgia

Performance Standards (CCGPS) were developed from the Common Core State Standards, an initiative of the National Governors’ Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, who took leadership in working to chart a course to ensure all students are better prepared for college and future careers. The Common Core Georgia Performance Standards go a long way to ensure that students in different states have the same opportunities to learn at high levels and reach towards higher standards. The CCGPS are aligned to the highest international and national standards and have an increased emphasis on the following:

Reading more informational and complex texts

Writing to justify thinking and reasoning and writing for more authentic purposes

Engaging in more problem‐solving and problem‐based learning

Making more real‐world, relevant connections

Assessing learning at higher‐levels

These standards inform schools of “what” to teach but leave “how” to teach in the hands of our capable teachers. Your child’s classroom will be an even more engaging setting as students are provided with increased opportunities for collaboration, conversation and problem‐solving. The Cobb County School District Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Team has been working closely with school leaders & staff to prepare for the changes ahead as well as developing tools that will be of support to families. On the Cobb County School District home page, you will find a link to the Common Core Curriculum page where you will find resources to support parents, staff and students. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Public Broadcasting and the National PTA websites have information that will help you to understand the changes and their benefit to students and families. During the month of May, you can view an interview on Inside Cobb Schools which airs on COBB edTV (Comcast channel 24, Charter channel 97, AT&T U‐verse channel 99) and is also linked to the Common Core GPS (CCGPS) website for Cobb County School District. The Common Core Curriculum link can be found on the left menu of the district’s home page. We encourage you to visit this site to learn more about the Common Core implementation. We hope you find this information helpful and look forward to working with you in the coming school year. Sincerely, Amy Krause Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Clarkdale’s Classrooms

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Colors limited to two earth tones and one accent color

Live plants Uncluttered, shows what is being learned

Multiple resources are available to support learning in an immersion area Classroom laid out for multiple uses

Healthy, aesthetically pleasing and uncluttered classroom environment

A place and time in the classroom for students to bring their emotions and behavior back under control “Australia” procedures are posted

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Written procedures are available for all frequently occurring events/activities.

Frequent Town Hall Meetings

“Target Talk” is used routinely Daily agendas with color & graphics provide focus for learning.

Reflective thinking is nurtured through modeling, wait time, thoughtful questioning, and journaling. Discipline is based on helping students develop personal and social behaviors need to successfully practice LIFESKILLS/Lifelong Guidelines.

Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS are modeled & taught systematically Classroom management is based on the LS/LLG, not on reward and punishment Teacher leads rather than controls

Students greeted at door at the beginning and end of each day. Intentional development of sense of class community. Music and/or non-verbal signals used for transitions

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Seating in Learning Clubs

Flexible groupings

Cooperation and collaboration among students.

Students demonstrate collaborative skills such as leading, supporting, encouraging, listening, sharing

Town Hall meetings are used for each stage of group development: sense of belonging, creating common ground, and taking actions

Acknowledgement Box

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Multiple intelligences are posted Students have learned about the MI & know both their strengths & areas to develop

Students have choice of tasks, materials, and processes for completing projects

Students have multiple ways to understand, solve problems, produce products and demonstrate understanding

MI menus provide opportunities for critical thinking

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Simultaneous response strategies are used routinely

Teachers interact with students to check for understanding, redirect, re-teach, and re-energize

Collaborative structures such as think-pair-share, shoulder/elbow partner are used to check for understanding

Teachers and students ask meaningful questions that extend thinking

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Awareness of multiple intelligences is evident in lesson planning

Yearlong theme is displayed with kid-grabbing title, concepts and 3- D objects Initial activities are provided to ground students in the concepts

Conceptual key points include non-linguistic representations and body mapping

“Being-there” experiences supplement classroom instruction and provide rich sensory input A conceptual key point is written for each being-there location

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Purposeful use of music and movement

Daily movement sessions to energize and calm

Movement used to assist in understanding and remembering key points

Movement strategies (mingle to music, gallery walk, fold the line, inside-outside circle, etc.) directly connect movement to learning

AD

EQ

UA

TE

TIM

E

Flexible use of class time “Wait” time and “think” time are used by both teachers and students

Amount of direct instruction is age appropriate (11-16 minutes per hour)

MA

ST

ER

Y/

Student-led conferences are held at least once each year

Multiple intelligences with non- linguistic and/or 3D representations are posted

Multiple intelligences menus are used to assess mastery and application of concepts and skills taught

Celebrations of learning are held for at least one component of the yearlong theme