• SCHOOL HOURS

     

    Grades 1 - 4:  School begins at 9:10 AM and ends at 3:45 PM for children in grades 1-4.  Students arriving after 9:15 AM must obtain a late pass.

     

    AM Kindergarten begins at 9:10 AM and ends at 12:05 PM.  Bus transportation is provided to school and parents provide transportation home.

     

    PM Kindergarten begins at 12:50 PM and ends at 3:45 PM.  Parents provide transportation to school and children may begin arriving in the lobby at 12:45 PM.  Bus transportation is provided at dismissal time.

     

    Half Day Sessions:  When school is in session for a half day because of parent/teacher conferences, grades 1-4 dismiss at 12:45 PM. 

    Kindergarten sessions are not held on these days.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    STUDENT ABSENCES

     

    Pennsylvania State Law allows a limited number of reasons for which a child may be excused from school for all or part of a day.  These include:

               

    1)         Illness

    2)         Urgent reason such as a death in the family, a court appearance, or a family emergency.

    3)         Religious Holiday

    4)         Student travel (educational):  Prior permission must be given by the Principal for trips up to five days and by the Superintendent for longer trips.  The educational value of the trip must be stated on the request form.  This form is available from the office and should be turned in two weeks prior to the trip.  Please note that teachers are not required to provide assignments or homework prior to extended student travel.  All work will be made up when the student returns to school. 

                                                                                                                                                                      

     

    Parents must send an e-mail to NESATTENDANCE@tesd.net to report a child’s absence or lateness.  Within 3 school days of any student absence, parents must send an email indicating the reason for the absence.  Without such an excuse, any absence must be considered illegal. 

     

     

     

     

    TRANSPORTATION (610-240-1680)

     

    Every child who rides a bus must ride the assigned bus and get on and off at the assigned stop.  No exceptions can be made unless approved by the principal following the Transportation Department’s guidelines.

     

    Students residing in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District shall be transported to and from elementary and secondary schools and other educational centers established and/or approved by state and local governmental bodies having jurisdiction in accordance with state law.

     

    Children may not ride a bus other than their own without a bus pass that is provided by the main office staff.  Written parental permission to take another bus or to exit at a different stop is required.  Long-term bus change requests may be made on a form that is available in the main office.

     

    Transportation shall not be provided for those students residing less than one mile from the school attended unless the route is considered by the District and the Commonwealth to be a hazard and unsuitable for walking.

     

    The transportation of kindergarten children is a responsibility shared jointly with the parent.  The district shall provide one-way transportation for kindergarten children.

     

    In the case of shared child custody, the student shall be transported to and from the primary residence as designated by the parents.

     

    A schedule of bus routes shall be made available at each school and at the Transportation Department.

     

    All students are expected to ride the bus to which they have been assigned.  Written parental requests for occasional, short-term bus exceptions are to be directed to the principal who, in turn, will evaluate the requests and, if approved, issue day passes.

     

    Parents who desire a long-term exception to bus assignments specifically for the purpose of child-care or student employment shall meet with the principal and complete a Request for Long-Term Alternate Bus Assignment form.  Consideration will be given only to requests for alternate transportation for childcare on a regular basis for a semester or academic year subject to space availability.  After conferring with the Supervisor of Transportation to assess the feasibility of the alternate assignment, the principal shall be responsible for acting upon the request.  In this regard, the following specific considerations shall be in effect:

     

    1)  Long-term alternate bus arrangements shall be considered only for the purpose of childcare and student employment.

     

    2)  Bus exceptions shall be granted only within the student’s attendance area; students shall not be transported across attendance boundaries.

               

    3)  A change in bus assignment shall be granted on a regular basis for a period of no more than one academic year, not less than one semester (or the end of the school year).

               

    4)  Each request is subject to space availability.  A bus with 55 or more students assigned to it shall be considered “filled.”

               

    5)  Once given, permission will be rescinded should space be needed to accommodate new students living along the bus route.  In that event, the last exception granted will be the first to be rescinded.

               

    6)  Students granted exceptions shall use existing bus stops; no new stops shall be neither added nor established stops relocated.  No bus shall be rerouted to accommodate an alternate bus assignment.

               

    7)  No request for an exception shall be granted which, in the opinion of school personnel, may in any way endanger the safety of the students.

               

    8)  No request for an exception shall be granted which causes the district to incur additional expense.   

     

     

    Transportation Safety Rules

     

    At the Bus Stop:

    • Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled bus stop time.
    • Students with house stops should be waiting outside their homes at least five minutes prior to their scheduled bus stop time.
    • Be considerate of private property.
    • Stay off the road while waiting for the bus.
    • No ball playing or game playing is permitted at the stop.
    • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to board.
    • Do not crowd the entrance while getting on the bus.
    • If you are late, please do not try to catch a moving bus.
    • Parents are responsible for their children at the bus stops.

     

    On the Bus:

    • Keep your hands and head inside the bus at all times.
    • Help keep the bus clean. Don’t throw trash on the floor or out the windows.
    • Keep objects out of the aisle. Gym bags, instruments, or school projects must be held in your lap or under the seat in front of you, or they will not be allowed on the bus. All sports equipment must be in a contained bag.
    • Find a seat as soon as you board the bus. Do not leave your seat while the bus is moving.
    • Absolute quiet is required when the bus approaches a railroad crossing.
    • Always follow the directions of the bus driver.
    • No smoking, lighted matches, or open flame is permitted on the bus.
    • No eating or drinking is allowed on the bus.
    • Cell phone use is not permitted on the bus, except in an emergency.

     

    Leaving the Bus:

    • Always cross the street in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
    • Never cross behind the school bus!
    • Stay a safe distance from the side of the bus.
    • Drivers are allowed to drop off passengers only at their regular assigned stop.

     

    Remember, riding the school bus is a privilege. These rules help ensure safe bus transportation for students and bus drivers. Students who violate these safety regulations may be excluded from riding the bus. Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from school if the child has been excluded from bus transportation.

     

                                       

    STUDENT ARRIVAL / DROP-OFF AND DISMISSAL / PICKUP

     

    Due to the 2019 change in the elementary school start times, the T/E School District provides an early student drop-off option. This option has been approved to support elementary parents who are facing a significant hardship because of conflicts with work schedules or other commitments. Unless your family is experiencing a significant hardship that impacts your morning schedule, parents will need to make arrangements to accommodate this year’s 8:45-9:10 AM drop-off time.

     

    We emphasize that parents should only use Early Drop-Off to relieve a significant family hardship. In addition, it is expected that families will commit to using this program on a consistent basis. From 8:30-9:00 AM, students will report to the cafeteria where adult supervision will be provided until students go to their classrooms at 9:00 AM.

     

    Parents who have registered their child for Early Drop-Off may bring their child to school between 8:30-8:40 AM. The District-provided Early Drop-Off option is not available prior to 8:30 AM.

     

    Student Arrival / Drop-Off

     

    Cars –

    Use the upper circle only for student drop-off.  Please use the entire length of the sidewalk in the circle to allow more students to exit vehicles at one time. 

     

    8:30-8:40 AM – Early Drop Off students report to the cafeteria (Note: Cars can be in the bus circle only from 8:30-8:40 AM).

    8:45 AM – Student arrival begins.  Students report to the cafeteria if they arrive before 9:00 AM.

    9:15 AM – Late Bell; late arriving students check in at greeter’s desk at the main entrance to be marked late and then proceed to classrooms.

     

    Afternoon Kindergarten drop-off is in the bus circle in front of the main entrance at 12:45 PM (students may not enter the building prior to 12:45 PM).

     

    Buses –

    Bus drivers will allow students to disembark at 9:00 AM near the awning in the bus circle.

     

     

    Student Dismissal / Pickup

     

    At the conclusion of the school day, children who are walkers, car riders, and those going to A Child’s Place are dismissed first.  Parents wishing to pick up their children on any given day must write a note/email and send it to the teacher in the morning. 

     

    Cars –

    All pickup by parents/guardians in cars at New Eagle will occur in two separate zones:

     

    Zone 1 – Upper Circle. (This is our usual parent pickup location). 

    Students who DO NOT have siblings at New Eagle will be picked up in the Upper Circle.  This is for ONE student in a family being picked up.

     

    Zone 2 – Circle Behind the Gym.  (At the very end of our long driveway past the bus circle and main entrance, there is another pickup circle).

    Students who have siblings AT NEW EAGLE or who are in a carpool of more than one student will be picked up in the Circle Behind the Gym.

     

    We are continuing to use two zones because we anticipate many cars in our pickup line each day.  Using two zones allows for more families to pick up at the same time, increases the rate at which cars can move through the zones, and is safer for the students.  We will aim to complete carpool pickup by 4:00 PM, but please be patient as we have hundreds of students to place safely into their vehicles each day.

     

    Parents must present a name card with all student name(s) in the window of their vehicle in order to facilitate a quick, smooth dismissal.  Name cards will be sent home with students on the first day of school.

     

    Morning Kindergarten pickup is in the bus circle in front of the main entrance at 12:05 PM. 

     

    Buses –

    All buses will be loaded near the awning in the bus circle.

     

    If a child misses their bus in the afternoon the following will take place:

     

    1)  Parent will be contacted.  Cell phone numbers are important to have since a parent may be at the bus stop when the school is attempting to call the home.

     

    2)  If the parent cannot be contacted, the emergency information is used to contact a neighbor to pick up the child.

     

    Arrival and Dismissal Safety Reminders

     

    Please refrain from using cell phones when entering or exiting the carpool circle.  Arrival and dismissal times are very busy, and we need everyone to be alert.

     

    Each family will receive a name card to display in their cars in the carpool line. In order to keep our carpool line running safely and smoothly, we ask that you display the name card on your dashboard or under your visor.

     

    Please pull forward as far as possible to allow staff members to load several children into their cars at once. If you have to wait for your child or buckle them in, again, please pull up as far as you can to allow the carpool line to move quickly.

     

    Please do NOT get out of your car to retrieve your child from the line. Please let your child out on the curb side of the carpool circle.

     

    We strive to keep the line moving so everyone can get out in a timely manner.

     

    Please do not park and leave your car anywhere but in a lined parking spot during morning drop off or afternoon dismissal.

     

    Please be mindful of the stop signs, oncoming traffic in the parking lot, and the speed limit.

     

    Cars are not permitted in the bus circle between 8:40-9:20 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM There are some exceptions for when it is permitted to use the bus circle: Early Drop Off Students from 8:30-8:40 AM; Morning Kindergarten Pick-up and Afternoon Kindergarten Drop-off; Late- arriving students after 9:10 AM

     

    If you are dropping students off in front of the school after all buses have arrived (after 9:10 AM), please form a single line along the curb and allow your child to disembark on the curb side. Please DO NOT form double lines of cars in front of the school.

     

    EARLY STUDENT DISMISSAL/PICKUP

     

    Parents who need to have students dismissed early or excused from school for a brief period of time must send an email/note to the teacher and NESATTENDANCE@tesd.net.  As children arrive in the morning, they should give any notes to their homeroom teacher who will forward it to the main office for approval.

     

    Parents should sign in with the greeter.  Students will be called down to the greeter’s desk.  Parents must sign all students out of the building with the greeter. 

     

    It is most helpful to each child’s learning that classes only be missed when absolutely necessary.  When possible, please try to plan appointments around school hours.

     

     

    EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

     

    SCHOOL CLOSING

     

    In the event that the need arises to close school early during the school day, we will initiate our TE All-Call emergency calling system.  Parents must remember to press “1” to confirm that they heard the TE-All Call message.  Every parent should plan emergency procedures with their child.  Parents may also check the TESD website (www.tesd.net) or call the T/E Information Hotline (610) 240-1970 for school closing information.

     

    LATE OPENING

     

    In the event of inclement weather conditions, school may open two hours late.  The T/E All-Call System will be used to communicate this message.

     

    On late opening days, children will be picked up at their bus stops two hours after the usual time.  A modified Kindergarten schedule will be used on days when inclement weather results in a 2-hour delayed opening.  Each kindergarten session will be reduced by 1 hour each so that there is equal instruction time for both sessions.  This modified schedule will be as follows:

                            AM Kindergarten 11:10 AM – 1:05 PM

                            PM Kindergarten 1:50 PM – 3:45 PM

     

     

    SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

     

    Physical examinations are required for all new students to the district.  State law requires that all children enrolled in the school district must be properly immunized before entering school.  The completed immunization card will be kept on file at school.  You may call the school nurse if you have any questions.

     

    Parents can help to prevent and control disease by keeping children home when they are sick and notifying the school promptly when a child is home because of a communicable disease.

               

    First aid is given in school for pupils injured or sick while attending school.  Parents are expected to give information to the school to cover emergency situations and to make transportation available when needed.  The school is not responsible for treating injuries that happen at home.

     

     

    TREDYFFRIN-EASTTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT MEDICATION POLICY AND REGULATION 5406

     

    1. Students are not permitted to carry prescription or over-the-counter medications to school.  A parent or guardian must deliver the medication and any necessary refills to the nurse’s office.
    2. Medications may be given in school if failure to take the medication would jeopardize the student’s health or prevent a child from attending school.  The initial dose of a medication cannot be given at school except in a life-threatening situation.
    3. Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol), Ibuprofen (generic Advil), and Benadryl for allergic reactions may be dispensed by the nurse under the direction of the school physician, at the discretion of the school nurse, and with the permission of a parent or guardian.  A check off area for permission to give these medications is included on the emergency card.
    4. Prescription medications and over-the-counter medications may be dispensed by the school nurse with a written order from a physician indicating the student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, the route of administration, the time, any special circumstances under which the medication should be administered, and the length of the period for which the medication is prescribed.  A note from the parents or guardians requesting the school nurse to administer the medication is also required.
    5. Epipens and inhalers are considered emergency medications and may be carried by the student if a physician’s and parent’s request form is on file in the nurse’s office.  Students must sign a medication form in the nurse’s office each time a dose is self-administered.
    6. Parents of students who have life-threatening allergies should provide to the nurse each year a completed Emergency Allergy Plan and any needed emergency medications as indicated in Allergy Policy and Regulation 5403.
    7. A medication will not be given if the prescription date is over a year old, or if the medication has expired.  All requests for medication administration by parents and physicians must be renewed each school year.
    8. All medication must be picked up from the nurse’s office during the last week of school by a parent or guardian.  Medications remaining after the last day will be destroyed.
    9. Students are not permitted to carry medications on School Field Trips except as stipulated in item 5.  All prescription and over-the-counter medications must be given to the nurse or staff member accompanying the students on the trip.  The medication must be in the original pharmacy container.  A parent’s request to administer the medication and a physician’s order must be provided.  The physician’s order must include the student’s name, the name of the medication, the dose, the route of administration, and the time or special circumstances under which the medication should be given.

     

     

     

     

    EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION

     

    Emergency medical information is completed by parents at the beginning of the school year or upon a child’s entry into school.  This information is necessary for immediate use in the event of illness or accident. 

     

     

     

    LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES

    TESD Allergy Regulation (R5402)/Safeguards for Students with Food Allergies

     

    Our District continues to see an increase in the prevalence of life-threatening food allergies within our schools.  Almost every classroom at the elementary level has at least one student with a life-threatening allergy and some students have multiple food allergies. The need to recognize the risk of accidental exposure to allergens through cross-contamination has become more important so the District has changed its past practice with respect to food in the elementary schools. 

     

    The Elementary food practice is as follows:

     

    • In accordance with Regulation 5402, no food of any kind is permitted to be brought to school to be shared with students in connection with recognition of birthdays, celebrations such as Halloween, holidays, Valentine’s Day, cultural events, and end-of-year festivities in grades K-4.

     

    • At snack time, students are not permitted to have any foods that contain peanuts, tree nuts, peanut or tree nut oils, peanut butter, or any peanut or tree nut products that would be consumed in a classroom.  During lunchtime in the cafeteria, children may continue to pack or buy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or eat foods containing peanut or tree nut products.

     

     

    FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES

     

    The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Food and Nutrition Services department provides nutritious meals that meet the recommended dietary allowances for school-age children.  Their nutrition standard is based on Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid.

     

    Each school cafeteria utilizes the Cafeteria Point of Sale System.  This system eliminates the need for daily cash to make cafeteria purchases.  Children receive a personal identification number (PIN) that remains with them from grade K through 12.  A student must enter his/her PIN for all purchases.  The cashier screen displays the student’s photo, spending limits, restrictions, and student food allergy information.  Students may still pay by cash on a daily basis for cafeteria purchases; however, parents are encouraged to deposit money in their child’s account (https://www.tesd.net/Page/15624).

     

     

    CONTACTING STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

     

    We request classrooms not be interrupted during school hours.  If it is necessary to deliver a message or drop something off for your child or a teacher, please leave it with our greeter who will gladly take care of it.  Children are permitted to call home only in emergency situations; forgotten lunches or homework is not normally considered an emergency.  Students will be helped in handling these situations.

    ACADEMIC PROGRAM

     

    ACADEMIC PROGRAM

    The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Philosophy encourages each child to develop to his/her maximum potential and to acquire skills in ways that stimulate curiosity, foster creativity, and develop self-discipline.  New Eagle Elementary School provides experiences which will develop intellectual excellence and promote a positive understanding of oneself and others.

     

    Individual progress is highlighted and supported in the reading/language arts and mathematics programs, and by the many support services available.  Children also have the opportunity to develop their talents in the arts and in physical activities.

     

    GRADE LEVEL TEAMS

    New Eagle is organized into teams and divisions so that the collaborative efforts of teachers can best serve the learning and developmental needs of each child.  On a grade level “team,” a group of teachers share students, plan together, have similar schedules, and are located in a common area of the school building.  Grade level teams provide small learning communities within the school for children.  Students will have opportunities to learn with other students on their team in various subjects, units, and activities and will share lunch and recess with them.

    Teachers on the team meet regularly to discuss individual student needs, to plan curriculum, to integrate subject areas, to share ideas, and to plan for the grouping and regrouping of students for instruction.

     

     

    INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM 

     

    INTEGRATED CORE

    Language Arts (includes reading, writing, spelling, grammar and mechanics, speaking and listening) and Math classes meet daily.

     

    Science, Social Studies, and Special Area Classes rotate on a six (6) day cycle.  Special Area classes include music, art, physical education, and library.

     

    Reading – Leveled texts, literature, language experience, sustained silent reading (SSR) and a wide variety of multi-sensory experiences are used to teach reading.

     

    Writing – Students’ ideas are important.  Students learn how to brainstorm, use graphic organizers, write rough drafts, revise, edit, and rewrite as they move through the grade levels.  The goal of the writing program is to develop students’ confidence and abilities in expressing their own ideas clearly and fluently.

     

    English – Grammar and mechanics are taught and refined.  Students learn how to apply learned skills in their own writing.

     

    Spelling – Students have a list of high-frequency and curriculum-related words which they are tested on each week.

     

    Speaking and Listening – These basic skills are refined and reinforced at all levels.

     

    Students first learn MATHEMATICS concepts using manipulatives.  Experience with concrete objects leads to abstract mathematical concepts and applications.  A strong foundation in the basic skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is developed while students work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents.  Other essential skills in problem- solving, geometry, measurement, and graphing are also taught.

     

    The SCIENCE program explores life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Students learn about science topics and actively participate in experiments and simulations.  Science is taught in the science lab, which is equipped with a variety of scientific tools, instruments and materials.

     

    The SOCIAL STUDIES curriculum focuses on what makes up human societies, and the many aspects that go into local and global communities including geographical location, cultures, and countries.  Kindergarten focuses on our local community while first grade and second grade expand to global concepts.  In third grade, students look at how opportunities and conflict over time have influenced where people live and why, including the historical development of Pennsylvania and Chester County.  Fourth graders learn about early events that shaped the formation of our country and current aspects of the United States of American.

     

    HEALTH units at all levels focus on drug and alcohol education, family life education, safety/first aid, care of the body, and body systems.

     

    PHYSICAL EDUCATION encourages personal fitness, teaches “how to play,” and emphasizes team play in games and sports.

     

    COMPUTERS – New Eagle has a range of computers, including desktops, Dell laptops, and iPads.  Students become familiar with the keyboard, commands, and the various functions of the computer in their classrooms and have opportunities to use these skills in various settings.  A large variety of software which reinforces, extends, and enriches classroom learning is available in most subject areas.

     

    In ART class, students have the opportunity to develop artistic skills and talents, to learn the basics of visual art, and to develop an understanding and appreciation for artistic works.

     

    The major goal of MUSIC class is to increase the sensitivity of all children to the power of music as an art.  The Kodaly approach of the teaching of sight singing is used.  Students learn the fundamentals of music while developing an appreciation for listening and performance.

     

     

    GUIDANCE

     

    Our guidance counselor meets with children individually, in small groups, and in homeroom classes throughout the year.  The guidance program assists children as they develop a positive self-concept, relate to others, make choices, develop values and a sense of responsibility, and cope with stress and change.  Additionally, the counselor is available to consult with parents and teachers regarding specific children.  Parents may contact the guidance counselor at 610-240-1556.

     

     

    LIBRARY

     

    Students visit the library regularly with their classes.  During these periods, the students will learn library skills, research skills, or listen to a story with a lesson extension.  Students also visit independently with their teacher’s approval to do research or select a book for leisure reading.

     

    Parental involvement is encouraged in their child’s book selection, and we are happy to assist you in finding books that you may read with your child.  Parents are also invited to volunteer to assist with the daily operation of the library.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

     

    Book Loan periods and Number of books by Grade Level:

     

    Kindergarten

    1 book for 1 week. Remind students that their book is due at next week’s library class.

     

    First and Second Grades

    2 books for 1 week.  Remind students that their book is due at next week’s library class.

     

    Third and Fourth Grades

    2 or more books for 2 weeks.

     

    Students with overdue books:

    If a student has 1 overdue book, he/she may check out 1 book.

    If a student has 2 (+) overdue books, we will hold books he/she selected for one (1) day.  The overdue books must be returned before the student may check out additional books.

     

    Students are responsible for any material they check out or use in the library.  Damage or loss of an item will be charged to the individual student.

     

     

     

    RESOURCE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

     

    Reading Support Program

    This program is designed to provide supplemental instruction for students in need of additional support in grades one through four.  Specific levels and areas of instruction are determined by the reading specialist in collaboration with the core teacher.  Ongoing communication with parents is encouraged throughout the year.

     

    Kindergarten BRIDGE Program

    (Beginning Reading Instruction, Developing Guided Experiences)

    This program is designed to provide early intervention to kindergarten students who require additional literacy support.  Kindergarten students in the BRIDGE Program meet in a small group setting and practice pre-reading activities so they can benefit from ongoing classroom instruction.  Ongoing communication with parents is encouraged throughout the year.

     

    First Grade Reading Intervention Program

    This program is designed to provide supplemental reading instruction for first grade students who have the greatest need of additional support.  Specific levels and areas of instruction are determined by the reading specialist in collaboration with the core teacher.  Instruction for these students occurs during a minimum of three thirty-minute lessons a cycle.  Ongoing communication with parents is encouraged throughout the year.

     

    Support Services in Grade Two through Four

    This program is designed to provide supplemental reading instruction for students who have the greatest need of additional support.  Instruction for these students occurs on a daily basis for a minimum of thirty minutes at a time.  Students work either individually or in small groups.  Specific levels and areas of instruction are determined by the reading specialist in collaboration with the core teacher.  Ongoing communication with parents is encouraged throughout the year.

     

    Math Support Program

    This program provides supplemental instruction for students needing additional support in mathematics.  Instruction is delivered via small groups and may occur either during or in addition to the child’s regularly scheduled math class.  Inclusion in these groups is flexible and varies according to content strands and individual student needs.  The specific level and area of instruction is determined by the math support teacher in collaboration with the mathematics teachers.  Ongoing communication with parents is encouraged throughout the year.

     

    Speech and Language

    The Speech therapist diagnoses speech, voice and/or language difficulties, and provides therapy suited to a child’s needs.  Students requiring therapy meet with the speech therapist one or two times per six (6) day cycle.

     

    English Language Development (ELD)

    Students whose first language is not English, and who require support, receive special instruction from the ELD teacher to help them develop skills in English proficiency.  The goal of the ELD program, mandated by federal and state regulations, is to provide students with the capacity to succeed in school, both academically and socially.  Recognizing the diversity of T/E students, ELD teachers believe it is important to foster their students’ participation in American society, while preserving the individual’s language and culture.  For English Learners, the ELD teacher is the language arts teacher and provides several blocks of instruction according to the student’s proficiency level.  As the student’s skills in English increase, the child gradually receives more instruction from the Core teachers.

    English Learners are referred for ELD testing through the Home Language Survey completed at registration.  Teachers, counselors, administrators, and the child’s parent or guardian can also refer the student for testing.  English Learners exit the program by meeting the state exit criteria.

     

    Special Education Supports and Services

    The District provides a range of special education supports and services for eligible students.  An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to specify the type of support needed to enable the student to fully access the curriculum.  This may include direct instruction by the special education teacher, curriculum adaptations, or other accommodations in the regular classroom.  Placement in the program is a team decision involving staff, parents, the school psychologist, and the student, when appropriate.

    At the elementary level, the District operates programs of learning support, emotional support, autistic support, and speech and language support.  In addition, related services such as occupational, physical, vision, or hearing therapies are provided by qualified personnel when a student requires these services.  The IEP is reviewed at least annually.  Any team member may request a meeting at any time during the school year to review the program.

     

    Programming for Gifted Students (Challenge)

    Programming for gifted students in the elementary schools provides a wide range of services.  A Gifted Individualized Educational Plan (GIEP) is developed that specifies the type of support and instruction that meets the students’ needs.  Options may include direct instruction by the gifted support teacher, small group enrichment, curriculum and instruction differentiation, and collaboration with the classroom teacher.

    The program is aligned with the requirements of the Pennsylvania state regulations.

     

    PROGRESS REPORTS

     

    Progress Reports for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade are issued three times during the school year:  November, February, and June.

     

     

    PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

     

    Parent-teacher conferences are held each year in the Fall and Spring and are listed on the school calendar.  Parents may schedule conferences on-line.  Home and school communication is highly encouraged, and additional conferences may be scheduled by contacting your child’s teacher.

     

    If you would like a teacher to contact you, please call the teacher’s voicemail, ask the school office to leave a message for the teacher, or email the teacher directly.

     

     

    STUDY SKILLS/HOMEWORK

     

    The development of good organizational and study skills is an essential part of schooling.  Both staff and parents have worked to design tools to assist children with these skills.  Topics such as time management, planning for long- and short-term assignments, organizing work space and materials, and studying for tests are taught and reinforced at the appropriate team levels.

     

    The PTO provides students with appropriate study skills materials for each team.  Students are taught how to use these organizational materials and assignment folders.

     

    Homework varies according to the teacher and team level involved.  Typical homework includes reading, follow-up or review in any subject area, projects, and drill work in math computation.  The length of time spent on homework can vary greatly from child to child.  The following homework time guidelines may be helpful to you:

     

                First Grade (second half of year)        15 to 30 minutes per week

                Second & Third Grade                       15 to 30 minutes per night

                Fourth Grade                                       30 to 60 minutes per night

     

    If your child spends an excessive amount of time doing his/her homework, it would be wise to assess your child’s use of his/her time and to contact the teacher.  Likewise, if your child seldom has homework contact the teacher so that this can be discussed.