Chris Akkerman School

1. Chris Akkerman School Traditional Learning Centre 1

2. Agenda Introductions Calgary Board of Education About Chris Akkerman School Traditional Learning Centre Program-Key Components Transportation Registration Process/Timelines Entry Assessment Process Questions Tour 2

3. Who�s Who Introduction of School Staff Deb Warmington, Principal Joan Murtagh, Assistant Principal Penny Lennard and Anica Robinson, Learning Leaders Celia Long, Office, Bussing & Lunch Program Barb Bustin, Darlene Rosin, Brenda Hofer, Meagan Keashly: Teaching Staff 3

4. Who�s Who 4

5. Calgary Board of Education Mission statement Alternative Programs within the Calgary Board of Education Common Calgary Board of Education Practices Funding Staffing Alberta Education Program of Studies Student Assessment/Reporting to Parents Fees 5

6. Chris Akkerman SchoolGeneral Information Current School Organization Traditional Learning Centre: K-4 Approximately 574 students in Kindergarten to Grade 4 currently (2011-2012) Serves students from all Area 3 communities see posted list on bulletin board in hallway 6

7. Traditional Learning CentreProgram Philosophy A Liberal Arts Focus Brings a balance between the humanities, sciences and the fine arts Uses literature that is classical, modern and culturally diverse Math and science begin with basic knowledge and application through problem solving is emphasized Technology is explicitly taught and integrated into curriculum Music and art develop practical skills as well as an appreciation of culture(s) 7

8. Traditional Learning CentreProgram Philosophy Learning Environment Teaching approach values knowledge Whole group teacher directed instruction for basic skills Critical thinking and inquiry methods assist students to expand their thinking Common Resources Between TLC programs at CBE schools Within the TLC program with continuity from grade to grade 8

9. Core Components:Language Arts Alberta Education mandated Language Arts program RESOURCES: Two Resources are common to all K-4 TLC schools: Literacy M.A.P. Program - Explicit instruction in Phonics (K-3 only) Open Court Reading Series Graded, sequenced, structured, anthology of literature based program (basal reading series) Specific instruction in traditional printing, spelling and grammar Character themes are emphasized 9

10. Core Components:Mathematics Mandated curriculum - Alberta Education Program of Studies Math Curriculum � K � Grade 6 emphasizes problem solving approach to develop mathematical thinking RESOURCES: �Math Makes Sense� (Pearson) Supplemented with other resources approved by Alberta Education Singapore Math may be used in some grades as part of a homework program 10

11. Core Components: Other French as a Second Language Instruction � begins in grade 1 CBE curriculum for grades 1 to 3 Provincial curriculum for grades 4 and up Music : emphasis on musical theory & instrumental skills in Grades 5 & 6 Rich curriculum with integrated digital resources Celebration of Cultural Diversity Daily Homework Expectations: posted online for parents Parent Commitment to support school expectations/requirements 11

12. Core Components:Character Education Pillars of Respect for Self, Others and the Environment Virtues Project Focus on character development includes: Daily Character Circle (in classrooms) Announcements Class projects School projects Citizenship opportunities School assemblies Student of the Month 12

13. Transportation Fee for all CBE students accessing Transportation Established annually by Board of Trustees in late Spring.) 2011-2012 fees are $215 for kindergarten students and $295 for Grades 1-6. Form must be completed and fee submitted prior to end of June or as soon as registration is completed if after June 30. Note: Fees may change for 2012-2013. One form per family Bus routes developed throughout the summer Routes and stops may be similar to this year or may change if there is a significant shift in demographics There are congregated bus spots for children in alternative programs. These may be in one location and may be a distance from (not close to) your home. 13 Joan & Celia will speak about TransportationJoan & Celia will speak about Transportation

14. More About Transportation Bus maps are usually available over the summer and will be posted on CBE�s website. They will also be available from the school in late August. Kindergarten children have two bus routes. Early morning or late afternoon and a mid-day trip. Kindergarten class placement (morning or afternoon) is determined by address and established by Transportation Department in late June. First Ride Program is offered by the Bus Company on May 28th and 29th (North). Registration information is posted on the web and will be available at the Office tonight. Registration for this program opens on April 11th. 14

15. TLC Student Profile KINDERGARTEN � GRADE 4 At least average abilities and grade level achievement. Age appropriate self-management and organizational skills. The ability to focus on tasks for an extended period of time. The ability to listen to and follow oral directions without delay. Self-motivation and a willingness to be challenged academically. A willingness to do nightly homework. Ability and willingness to respect self, others and the learning environment. A desire to work and play with others and display good character. An ability and willingness to take ever-increasing responsibility and ownership for their own learning (independent work within a structured setting). A willingness to wear a school uniform. 15

16. Learning Supports Classroom Teachers and School Based Learning Team initially address learning concerns. Further supports in assessment and identification of learning issues may be available through the Calgary Board of Education. Kindergarten students may qualify for speech/language/fine motor skills therapies through CBE specialists Older students may access various supports through Student Health Partnerships or Calgary Health Services Special needs students with an Individual Program Plan must fit the overall profile for TLC students and benefit from whole group direct instruction. Short term additional support or small group instruction is available but not on an on-going basis. A significantly modified instructional program does not fit the program�s mandate. English as a Second Language support is available to facilitate development of English language skills. Support provided is dependent upon student need and resources available. 16

17. Uniforms Required: purchased by parents Formal uniform required on Mondays and special assembly or occasion days Informal uniform may be worn on all other days Casual clothes may be worn for designated off-site activities (teacher choice) Casual clothes may also be worn on Spirit Days Information about purchasing is available when acceptance into TLC is confirmed and child is registered 17

18. Uniforms: Girls K to 4-Formal White collared dress shirt Tartan tunic Green/navy socks or tights Green cardigan Black dress shoes 18

19. Uniforms: Boys 19 K to 4-Formal White collared dress shirt Navy dress pants Navy socks Green cardigan Tartan tie Black dress shoes K to 4 Informal White dress or sport shirt (golf, polo or roll neck) combined with: Navy dress pants or navy shorts Navy vest or green cardigan Navy socks Black dress shoes

20. Application Process/Timelines Registrations accepted January 16 � March 15 2012 during business hours: Monday � Thursday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Friday 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM The registration process needs to be completed by the end of March 15th in order to be included in the lottery draw, should we need one. A letter of confirmation will be sent near the end of April. Priorities for existing openings are: Students who live in Marlborough Eligible siblings of students currently attending a TLC program Students who applied and were waitlisted last year and have completed the current application process Students who live in Area 3. Students living outside of Calgary Complete and appropriate applications received after March 15th will be considered should spaces become available. 20

21. Registration: Not Canadian Citizens Students who are not Canadian citizens register through Calgary Board of Education�s Admissions Office (Kingsland School) for their designated community school Parents must phone to make an appointment Phone # 777-7373 Maps with the address for Kingsland School are available by the Office 21

22. Confirmation of Registration Process Once placement in TLC is confirmed by mail (by end of April) parents will need to call the school within one week to confirm attendance. Registration package will include: Uniform information Transportation form (if available) If some forms are not available, parents will be contacted to pick them up at a later date. Forms are available on the CBE website : www.cbe.ab.ca 22

23. Entry Level Assessments The TLC program Integrity Document states that schools will contact parents if testing is required (Grade 3 and above). At Chris Akkerman, testing is to inform instruction and will be conducted in September by classroom teachers. The tests used are not standardized achievement tests but tests that provide teachers with an assessment of the skills of their students. Parents will be contacted should concerns arise from the assessment. 23

24. School Tours Tonight after presentation or Please call office to sign up: 777-8120 Monday, January 30 - 10:00 AM Monday, February 13 � 1:00 PM Friday, February 24 � 11:00 AM 24

25. CBE Website Information is also available on the CBE website All forms required for registration can be downloaded from the website also. This PowerPoint will be posted on our school website: www.cbe.ab.ca/b339 25

26. Questions? We would appreciate it if you would proceed to a microphone so that everyone can hear your question and thereby avoid having to answer the same question more than once. Please take a few minutes to go on a tour. Registration packages available in the foyer. Thank you for your interest in our school and for coming tonight! 26