The instructional program at Washington School includes the following disciplines:
Classroom and Homework Assignments:
Classroom and homework assignments reflect academic goals that are focused on literature, writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Your child's teacher will keep you up to date with letters home regarding homework assignments and other important information. Most Washington teachers use the "Agendas" (individual day planners provided each student by the District) to inform students and parents of daily homework assignments.
Federal and State Supported Programs:
Special Education and State and Federal Compensatory Education funding provide additional instructional support for students. Our goal is that all students successfully complete the District Core Curriculum. Students receiving additional services through the Title I program, the English Language Learner program, or the Special Education and Gifted and Talented programs also receive the District Core Curricular program.
Learning Center:
The Learning Center at Washington was created when staff and community looked for a way to provide additional support for students at risk of retention. These students are typically well below grade level in reading. Students attending the Learning Center do so after a thorough assessment of their reading needs is completed. A reading goal is established for the child. Specific reading instruction is provided based on the student's particular reading need. At the end of an eight week session, students are assessed again to determine if reading goals were met.
Library and Computer Labs:
Our library and computer lab provide our students with opportunity to use both book and electronic media for research and learning. They receive weekly instruction in the library and the lab.
Fine Arts and Music Program:
The Washington PTA supports the instructional program by providing the "Hands On Art" program for all students. During the year students are involved in several interesting art projects. This program, combined with classroom instruction, provides students with knowledge and skill in the fine arts. Our District provides weekly vocal music instruction for all students. Spring and winter programs provide students with opportunity to preform and practice their music skills. Fourth and fifth grade students also have the opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program. Instruction in this program is provided weekly.
Physical Education and Health Education:
Physical education is required in the curriculum. Students receive 100 minutes of physical education instruction during the school week. Washington teachers have been trained in the "Moving Children" physical education curriculum and work with physical education specialists to provide this program for students. In addition, the Beach Cities Health District supports health instruction with the "Hooked On Health" curriculum.
Character Counts Program:
Integrated into the school instructional program is the Character Counts curriculum. this program was adopted by the school district to provide support for safe school programs. Students at Washington are all involved in the Character Counts program through classroom instruction and at weekly "Explorer" assemblies.
Reporting Student Progress
During the school year students in grades K-5 will receive three progress reports at the end of each trimester. For students who are significantly below District standards of performance, parents receive special reports halfway through each trimester. Parent conferences are also an important part of progress reporting. At the end of the first trimester, the progress report is discussed during a parent/teacher conference. However, parents of children who are significantly below grade level may be asked to attend a conference with the teacher early in the school year. The school Student Study Team may be involved in this conference to provide support for the child and the parent by considering program interventions. Progress reports are designed to give parents a picture of the growth of their child toward District academic standards and expectations. Our goal is that parents are thoroughly informed of their child's progress. Parents are encouraged to call their child's teacher for information about their child's progress during the year.
Student Awards Program:
Each week during the school year students are recognized for various accomplishments at the Friday "Explorer" assembly. Award certificates given to students at these assemblies include the Principal's Award, Achievement Award, Writing Award, and the Mathematics Award. Students are also recognized when their name is added to the Math Honor Roll and for citizenship and given a "Character Counts" recognition certificate. An end of year Awards Assembly is held on the last day of school to recognize students for excellent attendance, service to school and academic achievement. A Student of the Year is selected by the school staff and honored at the assembly. Presidential Academic Awards are give to fifth grade who have excelled.
Testing:
Washington students in grades 2 through 5 are given the CAT 6 test during the month of May. This test is now required by the California State Department of Education and is called the Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR). Parents receive a report of their child's results after testing in May. this test is just one indication of the progress students are making i the various subjects during the school year. teachers also use other means to determine student progress during the school year. These include observing students during classroom activities, assessing student written work, class projects, and discussions with students, determining results of chapter and review tests. these results are reported on student progress report forms and sent home each trimester.