Andrew Jackson Academy
Home of the Jaguars
“Excellence Is Our Expectation”
Parent & Student Handbook
2013-2014
Dr. Veonca L. Richardson, Principal
Mr. Dana Doggett, Assistant Principal
Dr. Dorothy McCollum, Assistant Principal
3500 Regency Parkway
Forestville, MD 20747
(301) 817-0310 – office
(301) 817-0339 – fax
Dear Parents,
The purpose of this handbook is to provide information concerning matters
relating to PGCPS goals and specific school policies and procedures that will
enable our students to achieve success here at Andrew Jackson Academy.
It is by no means inclusive of all the information that may be provided to assist
you in supporting and guiding your child’s school behaviors, but should serve
as the first point of reference. Please support your child in adhering closely to
these guidelines and procedures.
Our staff will strive to maintain open lines of communication through various
channels in order to ensure that we have an excellent school year.
Sincerely,
Veonca L. Richardson
Veonca L. Richardson, Ed. D.
Principal
2
Andrew Jackson Academy
Faculty & Staff
2013-2014
Fostering Victory in the Classroom
“Young people, teachers and other adults benefit from caring relationships,
opportunities for participation and an atmosphere of high expectations.”
Coalition for Community Schools, Making the Difference: Research and Practice in Community
Schools, 2003
Administrative Personnel
Principal
Dr. Veonca Richardson
Assistant Principal
Dana Doggett
Assistant Principal
Dr. Dorothy McCollum
Support Personnel (Office)
School Secretary II/Principal’s Secretary
School Secretary I/Registrar
Security Assistant
Everette Burwell
Sharon Hill
Kenneth Lorick
Professional Personnel
Pupil Services Specialists
Professional School Counselors
Pupil Personnel Worker
Professional School Nurse
Dr. Sandra Maddox
Monifa Battle-Carpenter
Egola Moore
Carol Johnson
Instructional Coordinators
Instructional Lead Teacher/Testing Coordinator
Mathematics Coordinator
Science Coordinator
Social Studies Coordinator
Technology Coordinator/Webmaster
Rhonda Moody
TBD
TBD
TBD
Roslyn Hamilton
3
Professional Personnel
Specialists
Reading Specialist
Library Media Specialist
Speech & Language Pathologist
Speech & Language Pathologist (DHOH)
Psychologist
ESOL Teacher
Occupational Therapist
DHOH Interpreter
Marilyn Barber
Alex Lagrimas
Andrea Hawthorne-Garcia
Anna Stansky
Nichole Hobbs
Dr. Martha Ngwainmbi
Rhonda Jeter
Kirsten Isaac
Classroom Teachers
Pre-Kindergarten
Oral Kindergarten (DHOH)
Kindergarten
(DHOH)
Kindergarten/Grade 1 (DHOH)
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 2/3
(DHOH)
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 4
Reading/Social Studies
Grade 4
Mathematics/Science
Grade 5
Mathematics/Science
Grade 5
Reading/Social Studies
Grades 4/5
(DHOH)
Grade 6
Reading/Language Arts/SS
Grade 6
Mathematics/Science
Grade 6
(DHOH)
Grade 7
(DHOH)
Grade 7
Reading/Language Arts
Grade 7/8
Science
Grade 7/8
Mathematics
Grade 7/8
Mathematics
Grade 8
Reading/ Language Arts
TBD
Diane Diston
Kirsten Gill
Lauren Pusey
Gina Barbour
Laura Hines
Tracy Scott
Vacancy
Anjanee Williams
Tiffany McKay
Laverne Smith
Vacancy
Lavette Debrow
Charonne Hightower
Sophia Kamau
Vacancy
Andre Collins
Bernadith Tan-Piengco
Jacob Jonas
Loraine Tate
Katharine Stock
Deborah Atkins
Yvonne Burruss
Susan Haverstock
Leslie Gamage
Yvette Stewart
Dr. Kolleh Bangurah
Yolanda Williams
Vacancy
Vacancy
4
Grade Level Chairpersons
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Gina Barbour
Anjanee Williams
Laverne Smith
Charonne Hightower
Bernadith Tan-Piengco
Loraine Tate
Deborah Atkins
Yolanda Williams
Yvette Stewart
Department Chairpersons
Elementary Math
Department Chair (Math)
Elementary Reading
Department Chair (Reading)
Elementary Science
Department Chair (Science)
Social Studies (K-5)
Social Studies (6-8)
Guidance
Physical Education
Special Education
Special Education (DHOH)
ESOL
Music
Creative Arts
Tiffany McKay
TBD
Chavonne Hightower
Marilyn Barber
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Monifa Battle-Carpenter
Johnny Ridgeway
Heather Walker
Jan Ainger
Dr. Martha Ngwainmbi
Carl Parker
Roslyn Hamilton
Special Education Resource Teachers
Grades K-1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grades 5/6/7
Grades 5/6
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 8
Meaghan Jenks-Carter
Heather Walker, Chairperson
Keisha Holland
Vacancy
Michael Bethea
Debra Evans
Lynelle Seebold
Daniel Plummer
Bertina Melchor
Patricia Lebron
*Special Education Instructional Specialist- Gail Gilmore
Itinerant SPED Assistants
Brendal Gibson
Andrea Hamlin
Jonathan Scott
5
Dedicated Assistants
Kindergarten DHOH
Third Grade
Third Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Tannia Whalen
Breyon Barbour
Michael Scott
Paris McCoy
Ikeda Harewood
Creative Arts Teachers
General Music
Instrumental Music
Physical Education/Health
Physical Education
Business Education/Technology
Art
Spanish
Andrea Holley
Carl Parker
Johnny Ridgeway
Sampson Harding, Jr.
Roslyn Hamilton
Daniel Reitzloff
Richard Farneth
Cafeteria Personnel
Food Services Manager
Cook
Food Services Assistant
Food Services Assistant
Food Services Assistant
Food Services Assistant
Food Services Assistant
Food Services Assistant
Food Services Assistant
Patricia Williams
Gloria Dotson
Nickelle Alford
Patricia Gross
Russell Lewis
Tameka Peyton
Dorothy Quarles
Frances Stagg
Tramaine Whitehead
Maintenance Personnel
Building Supervisor
Building Engineer
Assistant Building Supervisor
Swing Cleaner
Swing Cleaner
Night Cleaner
Night Cleaner
Night Cleaner (PT)
Wallace Reid
Pervis Sharps
Dwight Packett
Virgil Dorsey
Roger Garris
James Hunter
Dejuan Jennings
James Graham
6
PERSONNEL DUTY HOURS
2013-2014
8:00 - 3:30PM
Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Itinerant Assistants
8:15 - 3:15PM
Dedicated Assistants
7:30 - 4:00PM
Principal’s Secretary, Registrar and Security Asst.
8:00 - 3:30PM
Professional School Nurse
Table of Contents Board of Education Mission Our Vision Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Our Mission/Our Beliefs School Mantra Attendance Procedures Truancy Andrew Jackson Academy Uniform Policy Early Dismissals Family Cards School Hours Schedules Emergency Openings and Closings Visitors Volunteers Medications School Communications Student Illness What Students Should and Should Not Bring to School Student Cell Phone Usage Lunch Periods Student Movement Weekly Sign-­‐Out Sheets Classroom Celebrations Playground Safety 8 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 16 16 17 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 23 23 24 25 25 7
Textbooks and Workbooks Access to Student Records Field Trips Grading Policies and Procedures Releasing Student Information PBIS Code of Student Conduct Discipline Extra-­‐Curricular Activities School-­‐wide Reading Initiatives Academic Interventions Prince George’s County Public Schools Calendar SY2014 25 26 26 27 27 28 30 30 33 34 36 40 8
Prince George’s County Public Schools Mission The Prince George’s County Board of Education will advance the achievement of its diverse student body through community engagement, sound policy governance, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Board of Education Segun C. Eubanks, Ed.D. Carolyn M. Boston [email protected] BOE Chair [email protected] BOE Vice-­‐Chair, District 6 Zabrina Epps, M.P.M. Peggy Higgins, LCSW-­‐C [email protected] District 1 [email protected] District 2 Amber Waller Patricia Eubanks [email protected] District 3 [email protected] District 4 Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq. Lyn J. Mundey, MBA, CIPP/G [email protected] District 5 [email protected] District 7 Vacant District 9 Edward Burroughs III [email protected] District 8 Curtis Valentine, M.P.P. Daniel Kaufman, Ph.D. [email protected] Board Member [email protected] Board Member Beverly Anderson, Ph.D. Rukayat Muse-­‐Ariyoh [email protected] Board Member [email protected] Student Board Member Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kevin Maxwell Associate Superintendent-­‐ Area 1 Dr. Denise Greene Instructional Director-­‐Area 1 Melissa McGuire 9
Academy Andrew Jackson Our PTA PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT is a vital component to our educational community. PTA membership meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month. SY 2014 PTA Board Members President Audrey Belton Vice-­‐President Breyon Barbour Secretary Annabel Escudero Treasurer Jonise Andrews Sergent-­‐At-­‐Arms Vacant School Liasion Rhonda Moody Our Vision SUCCESS: Our students will achieve and integrate the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact a "Whole New World." Our goal is to create a program and environment that allows all students to actively and successfully participate in the learning process. EXCELLENCE: We believe that our school will foster achievement in every child. Our goal is to provide an exceptional academic program for all students. Rigor and relevance will be part of daily lessons. SERVICE: As a part of our community, our purpose is to serve; thus we value parental and community involvement. EMPOWERMENT: We believe in empowering people, utilizing collaborative decision making, and fostering opportunities for the growth of students and staff. TEAMWORK: We are our greatest strength and are all accountable for organizational outcomes. Collaboration, collegiality, congeniality, open communication, caring, trust, and professionalism are essential to the success of our school. EVALUATION: Student needs will drive instruction to maximize mastery learning. Effective evaluation and the use of data analysis will enable us to plan, implement, and realign instruction to meet the students' needs. TECHNOLOGY: Technological education and training will provide our students with the skills necessary to be competitive in the 21st century. THE FUTURE: It is our job to model our motto, “Excellence is Our Expectation” for the future for our students, our community, and ourselves. Skills for success will be modeled in every subject daily. We believe that through creating a nurturing and supportive environment, children will be able to think critically, use technology in meaningful ways, and will become equipped with the reading, writing, and mathematical skills to be successful in society. 10
Our Mission Andrew Jackson Academy is a comprehensive school committed to providing a strong academic program for ALL students. Based on an understanding of the developmental needs of adolescents and the diverse cultural population we serve, our mission will be accomplished by: • Utilizing a variety of instructional and assessment strategies; • Employing higher-­‐order thinking skills at ALL levels of instruction; • Ensuring that all cultures are represented in the curriculum; • Providing a safe and orderly environment; • Providing activities and supportive adults that foster the development of healthy social skills; • Involving parents at all levels of the school program. Our Beliefs At Andrew Jackson Academy, we believe: • That ALL students can learn; • Each person is unique and deserving of respect; • A climate conducive for learning must exist; • ALL persons should feel safe without threat of violence; • Conflicts should be handled in ways that show respect and safety for all; • Parents and community members are valuable partners in the education of children and •
ALL students can make choices which contribute to the mission of the school. 11
Jaguar
12
Represents strength,
agility,
beauty, and power
“Excellence Is Our
Expectation!”
13
ANDREW
JACKSON
ACADEMY
SCHOOL MANTRA
I am somebody.
The me I see is the me I’ll be.
I am:
14
Responsible
Organized & prepared
Accepting of self &
others
Respectful
Safe & orderly
I ROAR!
15
Attendance Procedures Daily Attendance:
The compulsory attendance law of Maryland requires regular school attendance of children between five and sixteen years of age. This law also sets forth the penalties for violations of the law including a fine not to exceed $100.00 PER DAY OF UNLAWFUL ABSENCE or IMPRISONMENT FOR UP TO 30 DAYS, OR BOTH. The fine applies to parents, guardians, or custodians of the children. Who must attend — Each child who resides in this State and is five years old or older and under sixteen shall attend a public school regularly during the entire school year unless the child is otherwise receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age. Excused absences — A county superintendent, school principal, or an individual authorized by the Superintendent or principal may excuse a student for a lawful absence. Duty of parent or guardian — Each person who has under his control a child who is five years old or older and under sixteen shall see that the child attends school or receives instruction as required by this section. Penalties — (1) Any person who induces or attempts to induce a child to absent himself unlawfully from school or employs or harbors any child who is absent unlawfully from school while school is in session is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both. (2) Any person who has control over a child who is 5 years old or older and under 16 who fails to see that the child attends school or receives instruction under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not to exceed $50 per day of unlawful absence or imprisonment, not to exceed 10 days, or both for the first conviction and a fine not to exceed $100 per day of unlawful absence or imprisonment, not to exceed 30 days for the second and subsequent conviction. When a Student Returns from an Absence: Upon return to school after an absence, students are required to present a signed, written explanation from their parent/guardian. If the reason provided falls into one of the categories below, the absence will be recorded as EXCUSED. The first mod teacher will retain the note (for the duration of the school year), and issue a yellow PA-­‐1 form to the student. Students, who do not present a note, will receive a PA-­‐1 form with the notation UNEXCUSED. The student will be responsible for carrying the PA-­‐1 form to all classes and requesting make-­‐up work. The fifth mod teacher will retain the PA-­‐1 form (for the duration of the school year). 16
What are Considered Lawful Absences? Reasons for Lawful absences as prescribed in COMAR 13A.08.03 (effective July 1, 1990) are as follows:  Death in the immediate family. The local school system shall determine what relationships constititue the immediate family.  Illness of the student. The principal shall require a physician’s certficate for the parent/guardian of a student reported continously absent for illness  Court Summons  Hazardous weather conditions. Hazardous weather conditions shall be interpreted to mean weather conditions that would endanger the health or safety of the student when in transit to and from school.  Work approved or sponorsed by school, the local school system, of the State Department of Education, and ccepted by the Superintendent of schools or the school principal, or their designees as a legitimate excuse for absences.  Observance of a religious holiday  State Emergency  Suspension  Lack of authorized transportation. This shall not include students denied authorized transportation for disciplinary reasons  Other emergency or set of circumstances which in the judgment of the Superintendent or designee, constitutes a good and sufficient cause for an absence from school. Truancy Truancy is an occurrence upon which a student is found to have engaged in conduct resulting in an unlawful absence for any number of days or for a portion of a day. A truant is a student who is absent without lawful cause from the attendance for a school day or portion of it. Continued truancy is an unlawful absence extending without interruption after the student and parent(s) or guardian(s) have been notified of the truancy. A habitual truant is a student who is unlawfully absent from school for a number of days or portion of days in excess of 10 percent of the school days within any marking period, semester, or year. “The most effective strategy to prevent unlawful and excessive absence is proactive,
with the school, family, and community working together. To this end, school personnel
report to administrators or Student Services Personnel their concerns about student
behaviors which may be precursors to attendance problems. Additionally, the
Attendance Committee at each school, chaired by the Pupil Personnel Worker,
addresses emerging and continuing attendance issues through targeted programs,
individual parent and student meetings, and other appropriate interventions and
referrals.”
~~ PGCPS Code of Student Conduct
17
Andrew Jackson Academy Uniform Policy We have adopted a mandatory uniform policy at AJA in accordance with Prince George’s County Policy #600 effective February 4, 2002. We understand that this will take teacher/staff/parent support to be successful, but all students are expected to adhere to this mandated policy. At AJA, each classroom teacher will work closely with the students in his/her class and their families so that we may achieve 100% uniform compliance. This will mean developing a supportive relationship with families. Most uniform concerns will be handled at the classroom level. Any ongoing issues or resistance will be referred to Administration. Pre-­‐K -­‐2nd Grade Uniform Yellow polo styled shirts Beige pants/skirts/skorts All black dress or casual shoes or tennis shoes (no colors) Black belt Black, navy or white socks or tights 3rd – 5th Grade Uniform Light blue polo styled shirts Beige pants/skirts/skorts All black dress or casual shoes or tennis shoes (no colors) Black Belt Black, navy or white socks or tights 6th -­‐8th Grade Uniform Navy/Dark blue polo styled shirts Beige pants/skirts/skorts All black dress or casual shoes or tennis shoes (no colors) Black belt Black, navy or white socks or tights  No silver or gold, multi-­‐colored, print-­‐design belts or large buckles: Plain black leather only.  No cargo or carpenter’s pants.  No jeans under uniform pants.  No multi-­‐colored/print-­‐design shoes.  No thong/flip-­‐flop open sandals.  No multi-­‐colored socks or multi-­‐colored stockings or tights: black, navy or white only  No clothes displaying designer emblems. The following procedures have been established to address uniform violations: Violation 1: The student’s teacher will give the child the infraction notification warning to be signed by a parent and returned to school the next day. Violation 2: The student’s administrator will issue an infraction notification and contact the parent. Violation 3: The student’s administrator will assign an in-­‐school suspension. Violation 4: A mandatory parent conference will be held to discuss the uniform policy. 18
Violation 5: Student will be referred to the Pupil Personal Worker for intervention and to initiate the opt-­‐out process for a mandatory uniform school. Violation 6: The student will be reassigned to a school that does not honor a mandatory uniform policy. Dress Code for Scheduled Non-­‐Uniform Days Head ♦ Headdresses may only be worn indoors for religious or health reasons .
Skirts and Blouses
♦ Skirts and blouses should be continuous from neckline to waist. The entire mid-section should not
show. No tank tops and muscle shirts.
♦ No clothing with vulgar language, obscene pictures, weapons, drugs/alcohol or drug paraphernalia
and tobacco products.
♦ No identifiable gang-crew clothing or paraphernalia.
♦ No see-through clothing.
Skirts, Dresses and Shorts
♦ Shirts, dresses, shorts, and spandex skirts should be approximately six (6) inches below the buttocks,
or no shorter than fingertip level.
Shoes
♦ Shoes and socks must be worn.
Opt-­‐ Out Process in a Mandatory Uniform School 1. Parents/Guardians who disagree with the adopted mandatory school uniform policy may opt-­‐out of participation in this requirement at this school. 2. Parents/Guardians should complete an Application for Exemption from Mandatory School Uniform Program within the first forty-­‐five (45) days of the school year or within forty-­‐five (45) days after their child has been assigned to the school after the school year has commenced. 3. A student exempted from wearing a school uniform for documented religious reasons may remain in his/her school or be reassigned to another school. 4. A student whose parents have exercised their right to opt-­‐out of the mandatory school uniform policy at the school will be reassigned through established procedures to another school program. 19
Family Cards We cannot over-emphasize the importance of this vital informational tool. Every student must have an
updated family card on file, with working phone numbers for parents/legal guardians and an
emergency contact number. Three emergency cards are required for each student (one for the teacher,
one for the nurse and one for the office files).
School Hours Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The best time to reach classroom teachers is between 3:15
– 3:30 p.m. You may contact your child’s teacher directly to confirm his or her planning time.
Our school hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. The doors are opened at 8:00 a.m. to admit students. If your
children walk to school, please check to be sure they are not leaving home too early. Children should
not arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. Children who arrive too early will be required to wait outside the
main entrance door until 8:00 a.m. There is no supervision prior to that time.
Parents picking up children at the end of the school day must arrive by 3:10 p.m. Unless a student is
involved in an organized after-school activity there will be no supervision after this time. Due to afterschool meetings and instructional planning, we cannot provide adequate supervision for students who are
not picked up in a timely fashion.
Please advise your children that they are not to play on the playground equipment either before school or
immediately after school. There is no playground supervision at that time.
Early Dismissals Permission to have students excused from class at any time for any purpose must be approved by the
school office and the child must be picked up. No exceptions! Teachers are not allowed to release
students to anyone and students are not allowed to walk home at any time during the school day. Early
dismissals are not permitted after 2:45 p.m. This puts a burden on the office staff, interrupts valuable
instruction and makes it difficult for your child to organize his/her homework and belongings. A
written note from the parent/legal guardian must be received in the office if a child is to be
released to someone other than the parent.
Students must have written permission from the teacher before using the phone in the office and this is
only granted for emergencies. Students are not allowed to call home from the office for lunches,
homework, etc., and cannot be called from class to receive a call. Messages will only be relayed to
children in emergency situations.
20
ANDREW JACKSON ACADEMY Regular Bell Schedule 2013 -­‐ 2014 Grades 7 -­‐8 Activity Breakfast in the Classrooms Morning Announcements MOD 1 MOD 2 MOD 3 MOD 3 (CONT) I/E MOD 4 Dismissal Start Time 8:00 8:30 8:35 9:58 11:03 12:35 1:08 1:45 3:10 End Time 8:30 8:35 9:55 11:00 11:53 1:05 1:42 3:10 Lunch Schedule 2013 -­‐ 2014 Grade PK-­‐2 3-­‐5 6-­‐8 Lunch Time 10:40 – 11:10 11:20 – 11:50 12:00 – 12:30 Recess Time 11:13 – 11:28 11:53 – 12:05 21
ANDREW JACKSON ACADEMY
2 HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE
2013 - 2014
GRADES 7 - 8
Activity Breakfast in the Classrooms Morning Announcements MOD 1 MOD 2 Lunch MOD 3 MOD 4 Dismissal Start Time 10:00 10:30 10:38 11:38 12:39 1:12 2:12 3:10 End Time 10:30 10:35 11:35 12:35 1:09 2:09 3:10 2 HOUR LUNCH SCHEDULE
2013 - 2014
Activity Lunch (PK-­‐2) Lunch(3-­‐5) Lunch (6-­‐8) Start Time 11:09 11:59 12:39 End Time 11:49 12:29 1:09 22
½ DAY DISMISSAL BELL SCHEDULE
2013 - 2014
Activity Breakfast in the Classrooms Morning Announcements MOD 1 MOD 2 MOD 3 Lunch (6-­‐8) MOD 4 Start Time 8:00 8:30 8:38 9:35 10:30 10:50 11:25 End Time 8:30 8:35 9:32 10:27 11:22 11:20 12:10 ½ DAY LUNCH SCHEDULE
2013 - 2014
Activity Start Time End Time LUNCH (PK-­‐2) 9:30 10:00 LUNCH (3-­‐5) 10:10 10:40 LUNCH (6-­‐8) 10:50 11:20 23
Emergency Openings and Closings If it is necessary to close school, delay the opening, or dismiss early, due to an emergency, an announcement will be made on radio, T.V., the School Communication System and will also be posted on the Prince George's County Public Schools webpage (www.pgcps.org). LISTEN TO THE RADIO, WATCH THE TELEVISION, OR VIEW THE WEBPAGE. DO NOT CALL POLICE, RADIO STATIONS OR THE SCHOOL. Each family should work out an emergency plan for early school closing. It is impossible for school personnel to contact a parent for every child enrolled, so it is important that children know exactly what to do and where to go when a responsible person is not at home. Visitors to the Building Andrew Jackson Academy students, members of the faculty and staff, and employees of the Prince George's County Public Schools have free access to our school during the school day. For the protection and safety of your child, all other persons must report to the Main Office to be granted formal permission and obtain a pass to transact business, or visit any person, or area of the building. Between 8:00 – 9:00 AM parents are asked to sign-­‐in inside the main lobby and obtain a visitors pass. Parents are welcome to visit at any time. Any parent who wishes to visit a classroom after 9:00 AM, must be cleared by the main office prior to reporting to the classroom. Students are not permitted to bring guests to school. For safety reasons, infants will not be permitted to accompany parents into the classrooms. Additionally, former students of AJA/AJMS are not allowed to visit classes or enter the building unless they are accompanied by a parent. Volunteers:
All of our activities need the support of our parent community. We are delighted to have volunteers working in our building. Please adhere to our regular policy of first reporting to the office, signing in, and receiving a pass. For the safety of our students, all volunteers and chaperones are required to undergo fingerprinting and possible background checks before being allowed to volunteer or chaperone in any Prince George's County Public School. Administrative Procedure 4215 outlines these requirements and can be found online at: http://www.pgcps.org/~procedur/4000/4215.pdf. School Communications School Website will be used as a key means of informing parents student expectations, school activities and events. Newsletters are sent home at least once each month. They include important information. Parents should require that their children assume responsibilities for delivering this important communication link. 24
School Calendars will be sent home once per month and should be put in a prominent place in your home and referred to regularly for days when students will be out for teacher in-­‐services, vacations, etc. Menus for the month are sent home the last week of each month. Agenda Books will be available for each student free of charge. This required book is used to record assignments and write notes from the teachers to parents/guardians and vice versa for students in grades K-­‐8. School Communication System: This automated calling system is utilized to inform families of important information or upcoming events affecting the school population via a recorded message. It is vital that we have current, working phone numbers in the computer system for all students as this is the means through which the calls are made. Medications The Board of Education has established clearly defined guidelines, which we are required to follow. All medications that are brought to school must be left in the Health Room where they are placed in locked facilities. All medications (prescription and non-­‐prescription) require a written permission form from a physician specifying dosage, child's name and time the medication is to be given; with authorization for us to dispense the medication to the child at school. No child, under any condition, is allowed to dispense medicine to themselves (even non-­‐prescription drugs, such as cough drops, allergy medication, etc.). Questions regarding this policy or its clarification should be directed to the principal or nurse. Student Illness at School Our Health Room is staffed by a full-­‐time professional school nurse. Our nurse is not permitted to administer any medication without written permission from a physician. Forms are available for over-­‐the-­‐counter medications as well as prescribed medications. Please check to see that your child is well before he/she comes to school. Due to limited facilities and personnel, a student who becomes ill at school may remain in the Health Room for 30 minutes, after which the parent must make arrangements for the child to be picked up. A student injured at school will be sent to the Health Room where minor scrapes and bruises will be attended. Parents are called when there is an injury to the head, neck or back. In the event of a serious injury, if a parent cannot be located, the child is referred immediately to the doctor or hospital listed on the family card. If, after being ill a student is not sufficiently recovered to participate in physical education or go out to recess, that child is probably not ready to return to school. There are some exceptions, such as broken limbs. A doctor's excuse is needed when a student is not able to participate in physical education. The law requires the regular participation of every child unless declared unable by a doctor. WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT BRING TO SCHOOL Toys, Pets, Gum: Electronic devices, toys (electronic games, radios, cards, action figures, Pokemon cards, etc.) will be confiscated and kept in the office until picked up by the parent. Parents should make arrangements to pick up items within 3-­‐5 days after the items have been confiscated, as secure space is very limited. We cannot be responsible for the safety or value of these items. Chewing gum is not permitted. 25
Lost and Found: The "lost and found" area is on the stage in the Multi-­‐Purpose Room. Parents should encourage children to check this area for lost articles. Possessions should be clearly marked for there is little the school can do to recover or pay for lost articles. Extra money and valuable items should not be brought to school. Supplies: The County supplies most of the necessary instructional materials for each child. However, there is a limit to the number of smaller items that can be supplied. Students are asked to bring certain materials to school during the first week. Teachers on each grade level will inform students and parents of the needed supplies. If you have access to usable paper or supplies, please consider donating them to the school. Student Cell Phone Usage Students are permitted to possess cellular telephones while on school property; however, telephones must be turned to the OFF position during the school day (8:00am-­‐3:10pm). In addition, students should not utilize electronic devices during school hours as well (Ipod’s, MP3 players, CD players, PSP’s, etc.). Students are permitted to use cell phones and PEDs at the following times: Before school hours on school property; After school hours on school property; At school-­‐sponsored events or school-­‐related activities on and/or off school property with appropriate permission from school personnel as defined in the policy; An emergency situation with permission of appropriate school personnel as defined in the policy; for approved instructional uses by the student’s teacher. The use of cell phones for telephone calls, text messaging, taking photographs are note permitted at any other time on school property. Cell phones and PEDs may not be visible during regular school hours. They should be placed in the student’s locker or can be carried by the student throughout the day as long as the device is completely turned off. The Board policy is designed to ensure that the use of cell phones and other electronic devices does not interfere with teaching and learning during the school day. A student’s failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary actions, such as confiscation by an administrator or security. This policy applies whether failure to comply was due to neglect, forgetfulness, or deliberate action on the part of the student. Teachers should refrain from taking a child’s cellular phone or any other device, doing so shifts personal responsibility of the device to the teacher. If the device is damaged, stolen, or lost, the individual who confiscated it will be responsible for replacement, repair or compensation. If you have a situation involving an electronic device, please inform an administrator or security. 26
Student Movement Orderliness is an essential component of the school climate an important factor in instruction. Our students must travel through the building in line silently and quickly to the right side of each hallway. Instructional staff will monitor the movement of the students through the hall. Students will stop at several preset points along the path to their destinations. 8:00 A.M. – Proceeding to Classrooms for Breakfast (AM) Students in Pre-­‐K-­‐ 8th grade proceed directly to their classroom for breakfast. Free breakfast is provided for each student on a daily basis. Fifth – eighth grade students must report to their lockers before reporting to their classroom. Students must be in their homerooms by 8:25 a.m. Morning pledges and announcements will start at 8:30AM daily. Lunch Periods-­‐ Dining Hall Grade Lunch Time Recess Time PK-­‐2 10:40 –
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1:10 11:13 – 11:28 3-­‐5 11:20 – 11:50 11:53 – 12:05 6-­‐8 12:00 – 12:30 Lunches PGCPS uses a computerized lunch program. This program requires all students to use a 4 or 5 digit account number that must be entered whenever a purchase is made. The price of a full lunch including milk is $2.60; and cafeteria breakfast is $1.50. Milk is available for those students who bring their lunch at a cost of $.55. Lunch may be paid for by cash or check to be deposited in your child's account at any time. Please make sure the student's name and account number is written on the check. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is offering a new online payment portal that will provide a convenient way for parents to pay for school meals using SchoolPaymentSolutions.com. The new online service makes it easy to stay up-­‐to-­‐date with your child’s spending, and you can even receive automatic notifications so you don’t have to worry about your child’s account balance. Visit www.SchoolPaymentSolutions.com to set up a convenient, online account to pay for your child’s school meals. Getting started is easy. First select your state (Maryland) and school district (Prince George’s County Public Schools). Then provide the following information: • Your child’s school • Your child’s PGCPS student ID number, name, address and birth date • An email address for contacting you about your account • Payment information (credit card or bank card) If you have any questions, please visit the PGCPS Food and Nutrition Services website at www1.pgcps.org/foodandnutrition/ or call 301-­‐952-­‐6580. 27
Lunch Loans There are no provisions for loaning lunch money to students. Students will receive a cheese sandwich and a carton of milk when they do not have lunch. Parents are expected to re-­‐pay the school for the cost of the milk. 3:00 PM Dismissing Students (PM) Afternoon announcements will begin at 3:00 PM. Following the announcements, dismissal will proceed as follows: 1. Pre-­‐K – 1st grade bus riders will be escorted to their buses by Mrs. Jenks-­‐Carter, Mrs. Hall, and Ms. Hamlin. 2. Pre-­‐K – 1st grade students will be escorted to the dining hall by their teachers and dismissed or released to their parents/guardians or AJA siblings. (Teachers, please inform your parents to pick up their child(ren) in the dining hall for dismissal. 3. DHOH students will be escorted to the gymnasium by their teachers and/or paraprofessionals to await their buses. 4. An announcement will be made for 2nd -­‐7th students who go home by day-­‐care providers to report to the dining hall. 5. Non-­‐DHOH bus riders (Grades 2 – 8) will be dismissed by bus numbers. Grade 3 -­‐ 8 students will use the back staircases and Grade 2/Guidance Office hallway to report to their buses. 6. Once all buses have departed, an announcement will be made for Grade 2 – 8 students who are being picked up by parents to exit through back doors (near the bus circle), walk across the grass, and meet their parents in the front of the school. 7. An announcement will be made for ALL walkers to exit through the back doors. Weekly Sign-­‐Out Sheet Our school will institute a Weekly Sign-­‐Out Sheet. The purpose is to: •
•
•
To promote a highly structured academic environment in our classrooms. To reduce needless disruptions to our daily teaching. To encourage time-­‐on-­‐task behavior for our students. •
•
The sheet applies to all classes in grades 3rd-­‐8th grade. Use of the Weekly Sign-­‐Out Sheet was effective beginning the first day of school on August 19, 2013. All students in grades 3rd-­‐8th are directed to sign or print their name, date, time, and reason for leaving the classroom. Students must have a pass when they are leaving the classroom. The guidelines for the Weekly Sign-­‐Out Sheet are as follows: •
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Classroom Celebrations All celebrations must be approved by the principal. Birthday parties will not be permitted. Playground Safety We continually survey our playground situation to ensure the safety of all children. Safe play and the adherence to all school recess rules is the responsibility of every student. Games that involve pushing, shoving, kicking or hitting are forbidden. We provide appropriate recess balls for use in playing soccer or kickball games. Therefore, children are not permitted to bring them from home. Playing football or bringing footballs to school is forbidden. Bats and baseballs are not permitted on the playground unless under the direction of the physical education teacher during class. All recess games must be explained to and approved by the recess duty teacher. Games, which are not approved, are forbidden on the school playground. Picking up and throwing rocks and sticks is a forbidden and a punishable offense. Textbooks and Workbooks
It is a time-­‐honored tradition of the public schools of this County to extend the free use of textbooks and other similar study guides to pupils upon the express condition that such materials are returned in the same basic condition as issued, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The proper use of textbooks and similar materials is part of the educational process. All textbooks should be covered at all times. Online textbooks are available on designated grades. Students will not receive their report cards in a timely manner unless they: ♦ Return such textbooks and other similar educational materials, as were originally furnished, to appropriate school personnel in a satisfactory condition, or ♦ Reimburse the school for damaged textbooks or other similar educational materials, or ♦ Reimburse the school for lost textbooks or similar educational materials at the full cost of replacement, without any reduction for depreciation or age of the lost textbook or educational material. ♦ Make other satisfactory arrangements with the principal concerning the textbooks or other similar educational materials. Homework The Board of Education recognizes homework as an integral and necessary part of the
educational program for each student.
Homework is a learning activity relative to weekly instructional goals, which is presented
within the school. The purpose of homework is to reinforce, supplement and enrich work done
in the classroom, to provide for individual interest, to promote competency in skills and content
learning and to enable them to use a variety of source of information. After the return of a
student from an excused absence, the student is allowed the same number of days to make up
the work as he/she was absent (i.e. if a student is out for two days, the student has two days to
make up work).
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Homework will be assigned by all teachers on a nightly basis. Homework will be carefully
planned and directed by the teacher in terms of:
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Achievement levels and skills needs of individual students
Interests of individual students
Need for additional practice and meaningful drills
Availability of material and sources of information
Health status and recreational needs of students
Balance among all subject areas
Field Trips Field trips are considered to be an extension of the classroom experience and a part of the educational program. These trips require: ♦ A possible fee to cover transportation and the cost of the activity ♦ A signed parent permission slip supplied by the school (no phone calls home to request oral permission or bring a forgotten permission slip will be permitted on the day of the trip) ♦ The school must receive field trip fees and parent permission slips at least two days prior to the trip ♦ Volunteer parents to act as chaperones (must comply with Administrative Procedure 4215) ♦ Students to bring a bag lunch (no glass, please). Any student having previously paid for a trip and unable to attend, irrespective of the cause, shall not be entitled to a refund unless a standby goes in his/her place. Access to Student Records Confidentiality. Individual pupil records maintained by school personnel are confidential in nature, and access to these records may be granted only for the purpose of serving legitimate and recognized educational ends. Access of Parents. Requests for record reviews and or copies will be available to a student’s parent or legal guardian in during a scheduled conference with appropriate school personnel. A nominal fee may be charged for copies of student records. Records will not include employees’ personal notes regarding student behavior and academic progress. 30
Releasing Student Information Employees of the Prince George's County Public Schools who have a legitimate professional interest may have access to pupil educational records. Such employees will include the principal, teachers, and special services personnel. Supporting services personnel such as secretaries and aides wili be granted access by the appropriate school official as such access relates to the performance of their job function. Physicians, public health nurses, and supporting health center personnel (health room aides) employed by the Prince George's County Health Department, during the implementation of their regularly scheduled school medical and health service duties, will have access to the folder. Grading Policies and Procedures Letter Grades Letter grades will be given in all courses taken for credit except where other means of evaluation have been authorized by the Superintendent and adopted by the Principal and his staff. Where letter grades are used, the present A, B, C, D, and E grading system will continue to be used; and no plus or minus signs or exponents shall be used. Guide for Determining Pupils' Grades In reporting to parents, the letter grade is used to indicate the performance of each pupil in relation to attainment of course objectives. Interpretation of the meaning of the five-­‐
letter grading is as follows: Grade A B C D E I N Percent 90-­‐100 80-­‐89 70-­‐79 60-­‐69 0-­‐59 Incomplete No Grade Meaning Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Unsatisfactory/Failure Lawful Absences-­‐see Administrative Procedure 5113 No Grade-­‐No penalty Grading Factors • Competence as determined by tests, examinations, and teacher evaluation as well as achieving performance objectives. • Completion of assignments as determined by the quality, regularity, and punctuality of work products. • Participation in the day-­‐to-­‐day activities of the class. • Adherence to good work habits in the classroom. • Attendance Parent Conferences
It is expected that all parents will maintain regular contact with parents. Such contact will
enhance the success of the instructional program. A log of parent contacts will be maintained.
Days set aside for parent conferences will be posted on the school website and included in the
monthly newsletters and or calendars. When a student receives failing grades at the end of the
quarter, teachers may hold the report cards for a maximum of ten days.
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PBIS – (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports)
A Jaguar always “ROARS!” •
Responsible •
Organized & Prepared •
Accepting of Self & Others •
Respectful •
Safe & Orderly What is PBIS? PBIS is: •
A positive behavior management process to create safer and more effective schools. •
A system of clear school wide expectations with consequences and incentives. •
Intervention when you need help. •
Recognition and celebration for your successes! What does PBIS do for you? •
Students are recognized and praised for positive behaviors. o Gifts, opportunities to participate in special events, school supplies, materials, etc. •
Students receive interventions to help them refocus their unsuccessful behaviors. o Teacher-­‐student conference, parent contact, reflections, parent conference, administrative referral. How Does PBIS Work? •
All students follow the same set of rules and expectations throughout all areas in the building. •
These rules and expectations are displayed as a matrix, which is posted in every hallway and classroom. •
When students follow the rules and expectations, they are recognized. •
When students do not follow the rules, there are planned consequences to help them get back on track. •
Hallway-­‐ To the Left -­‐ Homegrown SW-­‐PBIS Videos on Vimeo 32
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CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT The Code of Student conduct is a set of rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Education that is designed to maintain order and discipline necessary for effective learning. The policies of the Code are carefully followed at Andrew Jackson Academy. Any student bringing a weapon of any sort, drugs or an alcoholic beverage to school will be subject to immediate suspension or expulsion from school. A student may be suspended from school by the principal or her designee for persistent disobedience. "Persistent Disobedience" means recurring cases or instances of refusal to obey school officials or to comply with school rules and regulations, persistent insubordination or loitering. A student may be excluded from riding a bus without being denied any other educational participation for inappropriate conduct restricted to his/her school bus behavior. Student conduct on school buses, as a part of the school environment, follows all the requirements and provisions as outlined in the Code. A student's privilege to ride a school bus may be denied up to ten (10) days by the principal, or longer by the Superintendent's designee. Discipline A prerequisite to classroom learning is classroom control. Students who are well disciplined direct their energies towards greater achievement. Those who are not disciplined direct their own opportunities and make learning difficult for others. While the administrative team is very supportive of teachers, many mis-­‐behaviors will be managed within the classrooms. After a teacher has exhausted all avenues to address a behavioral issue, including issuing Minor/Major Discipline Forms, the student is to be written up on a PS-­‐74 to the administrator indicating what the student has done, listing the previous actions taken by the teacher and the team to modify the behavior. Teachers will adhere to the School-­‐wide Discipline Plan and PBIS Plan in order to address minor and major discipline infractions. Each teacher will submit a PBIS (discipline) plan for their class in writing. Plans will include classroom rules and consequences for behavior. PBIS rules and/or general procedures for your classroom should be posted with an age-­‐appropriate reward system in place. 34
Minor Discipline Behaviors: These types of problems are to be resolved and dealt with in the classroom and by the teacher to which the student is assigned. These behaviors do not require a referral to the office. Classroom Managed Behaviors Lack of material Out of seat w/o permission Wearing head cover/band Eat/drink in class Writing/passing notes Throwing items Chewing gum Excessive talking Play fighting Disturbing others Incomplete work No homework Playing in class “Joning” Non-­‐Participation Profanity/disrespectful language Late w/o excuse Loitering Pushing Bullying Sequence of Intervention 1st offense – Non-­‐verbal or verbal warning 2nd offense – Private teacher/student conference 3rd offense – Phone call home; loss of recess/privilege; writing assignment *Teachers will maintain telephone log or parental contact 4th offense – Minor Discipline Referral Guidance support; student/parent conference 5th offense – Major Discipline Referral Administrative intervention: Removal from class, parent contact, parent shadowing, lunch detention, loss of school activity privilege, short-­‐term or long-­‐term suspension •
(3) Minor Discipline Referrals = (1) Major Discipline Referral 35
Major Discipline Behaviors: These behaviors require referral to an administrative via a major discipline referral. Administrator Managed Behaviors Sequence of Intervention Profanity used towards an adult 1st offense Parent contact MUST be made Insubordination by the referring staff member. Disrespect Persistent Disobedience (habitual refusal to 2nd offense Major Discipline Referral Form comply with reasonable request(s)) must be completed when referring the Vandalism student to an administrator (with full Theft description of incident). Referral should be Inciting Others to Violence sent with the student. If the student is *Sexual Harassment interfering with Teaching-­‐Learning, send *Shakedown the form with that student (if you know that he or she will go directly to the office). Refer immediately to an administrator When sending a student to the office, · Major Vandalism contact must be made to the main office · Fighting notifying office personnel administrator of · Theft of valuables over the student’s impending arrival. If it is $50.00 questionable whether the student will · Physical Assault report directly to the administrator’s office, · Arson request assistance. If the incident dictates · Pulling the Fire Alarm that a student may remain in class after · Possession of Weapon your intervention, but would like · Possession of Alcohol or Drugs administrative follow up as well, retain the · Physical Attack on a PGCPS Employee student in class the referral form ASAP. Administrative Actions may include one or more of the following: 1. Student-­‐Administrative Conference 2. Student-­‐Teacher-­‐Administrator Conference 3. Student-­‐Parent-­‐Administrator Conference 4. SIT Referral/Discussion 5. Administrative Lunch Detention 6. Parent Shadowing 7. Suspension – Progressive discipline •
(2) Major discipline referrals = (1) PS74 Removing a Student From Class A teacher may request the temporary removal (i.e. UP TO 30 MINUTES) of a student from class. This decision must be made in direct collaboration with the administrator. The student will be supplied an appropriate or alternative assignment for the period of time (i.e. UP TO 30 MINUTES) he/she may be excluded from the class in question. 36
Extra-­‐Curricular Activities There are many activities for students to participate, in addition to the daily academic schedule.
Information will be made available to parents and students for participation requirements. Below
are the planned activities for the school year (list may change as necessary).
• Act Like A Lady Club
• AJA Morning News Team
• Boys Baseball
• Boys Basketball
• Boys Soccer
• Cheerleading
• Girls Basketball
• Girls Soccer
• Girls Softball
• Creative Writing Publishing Club
• Dance Team
• Etiquette Club
• Geography Club
• National Geographic Bee
• National Junior Honor Society
• Recorder Club
• Safety Patrols
• School Newspaper
• SCRIPPS National Spelling Bee
• Sign Language Club
• STEM Club/Science Bowl
• STEP TEAM
• Student Government Association
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25 Book Campaign
Our 3 – 5 grade students are required to read 25 self-selected books
during the school year. Students record their selections on a book log, and complete a response form for
each book read. Twice during the school year, students will create projects in response to a book that
they’ve read, and then share their work during our Family Literacy Circles events.
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Class Novels
Each 6 -8 grade reading teacher will assign a class novel to her class. All students
are expected to read the novels, and participate in lively discussions about the novels’ central messages,
main characters, problems, settings/moods, make connections, etc. In addition, students will complete a
project in response to each novel. The readings will be done chiefly in class. Students in our Honors
classes will read four novels during the year, and students in our traditional reading classes will by required
to read two novels during the year.
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Critical Thinking
Teachers will use research-based techniques to strengthen your child’s critical
thinking skills such as strategies from Rigor is Not a Four Letter Word and Webbs DOK. Students will also
be required to take ownership of their learning and engage in more student-centered instruction/activities,
and develop projects that require critical thinking. Beginning in February 2012, our Honors’ students will
participate in Junior Great Books (JGB) roundtable discussions, and read ten stories, exploring each
through a sequence of activities, directed note-taking, and the shared inquiry process.”
Differentiation
Each child is different, each child learns differently, and each child has different
reading needs. To honor those differences, teachers will develop lesson plans and instructional activities
that speak to the needs of our students. Some activities will include varied, multi-level reading selections,
flexible groups, tape-assisted readings, choice boards, and interest centers.
Strategy and Skill Instruction
All K-8 grade reading teachers will implement the Toolkit
Curriculum. In addition, our data shows that our primary students are in need of additional phonics
instruction. Kindergarten – grade 2 students will benefit from the Plaid Phonics Intervention during a daily
Intervention and Enrichment period. All K-8 grade reading teachers will provide weekly, supplemental
comprehension instruction for targeted students. Teachers will reinforce strategies and skills during literacy
center activities.
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Teacher-led Small Group Instruction
All K-8 grade reading teachers are required to
frequently meet in small groups with struggling readers to reinforce reading strategies and skills. In
addition, all teachers will adhere to the curriculum based small group instruction mandate that requires two
additional small group instruction days for all students in grades K-5 . We will implement an MSA Flexible
Group Initiative in February to reinforce key reading skills so that our students are well prepared for the
State test to be administered in March 2014.
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Vocabulary Instruction
To increase word knowledge and comprehension, some students will
participate in our Word of the Day Initiative. When students use the word of the day during instruction, they
earn a “word buck” which can be accumulated and used to participate in school-wide incentives. Our Word
of the Day Initiative will infuse words from our curriculum-based Bringing Words Life vocabulary program,
as well as common core curriculum verbs and nouns.
Writing
To prepare our students for the upcoming new Common Core State Curriculum, each quarter
teachers will develop writing activities that focus on a required writing style: explanatory/expository,
narrative, or argumentative. This will be a school-wide initiative, and will include your child’s math,
science, social studies, and reading teachers. In addition, our 6 - 8 grade students will engage in monthly
writing assignments in their language arts classes. To get a better understanding of students’ writing skills,
each student will be given a diagnostic essay, which will be used to drive writing and grammar instruction.
All 3 – 8 grade students will be taught how to skillfully write BCRs that include inferences,
interpretations, synthesis, and/or evaluations in order to prepare our students for Maryland School
Assessment (MSA).
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ELO
Selected students will have an opportunity to participate in after-school tutoring through our
Jaguars ON THE MOVE and Empowering the Pack Extended Learning Opportunity program (ELO). This
year we will offer support using research-based materials and web-based programs in the following areas:
phonics, power standards, informational text skills and general reading processes.
Phonics Program
Our K-2 grade students will have an opportunity to participate in a phonicsbased after school program to strengthen their decoding and fluency skills. Teachers are required to create
supplemental phonics activities for identified students. To help students develop instant recognition of sight
words, our K-2 grade students will participate in our Sight Word of the Day Initiative. All sight words will
come from the county-based Early Literacy Assessment, Frye’s Sight Word List, and/or Dolch’s Sight Word
List. Teachers will be encouraged to extend usage of the sight words through homework and classwork
assignments.
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Academic Interventions
Reading
**Comprehension Toolkit K -8**
Primary Gr. (K-2)
Leveled Literacy Intervention
Istation
Plaid Phonics
MSA Study Island (Reading Eggs)
Intermediate (3-5)
SPIRE
Istation
Intermediate/Secondary (3-8)
MSA Study Island (On-line Program)
Achieve 3000 (On-line Program)
MSA Finishline
MSA Grand Slam
Reader’s Handbook
Time for Kids/Scholastic News
DHOH K - 7
Voyager Passport Reading Journeys
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Academic Interventions
COMPREHENSION TOOLKIT teaches the reader, not just the reading. We want children to be lifelong learners who read actively and independently across the curriculum, who engage their minds and understand what they read. The Toolkit lessons and practices teach kids to use comprehension strategies to 'read to learn' as they encounter information and ideas in a wide variety of nonfiction texts." —Stephanie Harvey & Anne Goudvis The READER’S HANDBOOK explains the process, strategies, and tools needed to become a good reader. The handbook looks over the student's shoulder as he or she reads, guiding the reading of different texts. The handbook teaches: the reading process, critical reading strategies and when to use them, reading tools and organizers, how different kinds of texts are organized, and much more.
Time for Kids/ Scholastic News
Weekly issues cover topics that support your science and social studies curriculum; for example, an issue about apples in September, bats in October, and Pilgrims in November. News of the Month Issues brings relevant current events to the classroom. Plus, text structures, such as headlines and captions, supplement the high-­‐interest news stories and build nonfiction-­‐reading skills. 41
Academic Interventions
Math
Manipulative & Calculator Use (K-8)
Flexible Group Instruction (K-8)
Intermediate (Gr. 3 -5)
First In Math (Gr. 4 -5)
MSA Study Island (Online Program)
IXL ELA Mathematics
Secondary (Gr. 6 -8)
MSA Study Island (Online Program)
Moving with Mathematics
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Academic Interventions
Math
Manipulative Usage
Teachers use manipulatives to provide a way for children to learn concepts in a developmentally appropriate, hands-­‐on and an experiencing way. Mathematical manipulatives are used in the first step of teaching mathematical concepts. Ideas exist in children's minds, and manipulatives help them construct an understanding of ideas that they can then connect to mathematical vocabulary and symbols. First In Math® Online
First In Math (FIM) offers comprehensive content—ranging from single-­‐step addition to complex algebra—in an engaging format. Students progress at their own pace to master basic and advanced math skills. This dynamic online program encourages students to practice through IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK. "Game" activities ensure that students engage in active practice required for skill retention, and motivation is fueled by reinforcement in the form of electronic award stickers when students solve problems correctly. No penalties are levied for incorrect responses, and students become encouraged to take ownership of math learning and practice. Math Centers
Math centers are small-­‐group stations that let students work together on fun math activities such as puzzles, problems using manipulatives, and brainteasers. Math centers give students opportunities to problem solve through a variety of activities, pace themselves, and work independently or with their peers. 43
Prince George’s County Public School Calendar for 2013-2014
July 4 Thursday Holiday* – Independence Day August 5-­‐7 Monday -­‐ Wednesday Professional Duty Days for New Teachers August 8 Thursday Eid al-­‐Fitr** August 12-­‐16 Monday -­‐ Friday Professional Duty Days for All Teachers August 19 Monday First Day of School for Students September 2 Monday Holiday* – Labor Day – Schools and Offices Closed September 5 Thursday Holiday* – Rosh Hashanah – All Schools Closed – All Offices Open September 6 Friday Rosh Hashanah** September 14 Saturday Yom Kippur** September 27 Friday Professional Development – Schools Closed for Students October 10 Thursday First Quarter Progress Reports Released October 15 Tuesday Eid al-­‐Adha** October 18 Friday MSEA Convention – Schools Closed for Students and Teachers October 25 Friday End of First Quarter (46 days) October 28 Monday Grading/Teacher Planning – Schools Closed for Students November 7 Thursday First Quarter Report Cards Released November 11 Monday Parent-­‐Teacher Conferences – Schools Closed for Students November 27 Wednesday Thanksgiving – Schools Closed for Students and Teachers – All Offices Open November 28-­‐29 Thursday -­‐ Friday Holidays* – Thanksgiving – Schools and Offices Closed December 19 Thursday Second Quarter Progress Reports Released December 23-­‐25 Monday -­‐ Wednesday Holidays* – Christmas – Schools and Offices Closed December 26-­‐27, 30 Thursday & Friday, Monday Winter Break – Schools and Offices Closed Dec. 31 – January 1 Tuesday -­‐ Wednesday Holidays* – New Year’s – Schools and Offices Closed January 16 Thursday End of Second Quarter (46 days) January 17 Friday Grading/Teacher Planning –Schools Closed for Students January 20 Monday Holiday* – Martin L. King, Jr. Day – Schools and Offices Closed January 31 Friday Second Quarter Report Cards Released February 5 Wednesday Professional Development – Schools Closed 1/2 Day for Students February 14 Friday Teacher Planning – Schools Closed for Students February 17 Monday Holiday* – Presidents’ Day – Schools and Offices Closed March 10 Monday Third Quarter Progress Reports Released March 27 Thursday End of Third Quarter (46 days) March 28 Friday Grading/Teacher Planning -­‐ Schools Closed for Students April 10 Thursday Third Quarter Report Cards Released April 14-­‐17 Monday -­‐ Thursday Spring Break – Schools Closed for Students and Teachers April 18 & 21 Friday & Monday Holidays* – Easter May 16 Friday Fourth Quarter Progress Reports Released May 26 Monday Holiday* – Memorial Day June 5 Thursday Last Day for Students (1/2 day) – End of Fourth Quarter (42 days) – Subject to change due to inclement weather June 6 Friday Last Day for Teachers – Subject to change due to inclement weather June 6 & 9-­‐11 Friday & Monday-­‐Wednesday Inclement Weather Make-­‐Up Days June 14 Tuesday Fourth Quarter Report Cards Released 180 student days
191 teacher days
194 days for new teachers
*All schools and offices closed
**Holiday begins at sunset of the proceeding day. PGCPS prohibits scheduling
of any meetings or activities during or after the regular school day. (Does not
apply to state or regional events)
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