THE NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS McKinley Elementary School 1 Colonnade Place Newark, New Jersey 07104 Phone: 973-268-5270 Fax: 973-350-5719 Christopher D. Cerf State District Superintendent

David Hespe Commissioner of Education

Jessica Silva-Olmo Principal

John Silveira Adamu S. Braimah Jonathan Olavarria Vice Principals

Parent Handbook School Year 2016-2017

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

Table of Contents Page #

Topic/Content

3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 15 17 18 23

Vision and Mission Statement Core Values Schoolwide Goals Principals Message Registration and Transfer of Pupils Report Cards and Warning Notices Attendance Dress Code School Nurse/Health Program Lunch Program Kindergarten Program Special Education Academic Programs Parent Tips

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

2

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

3

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

4

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

2016-2017 School wide Goals Goal 1- English Language Arts - Aggressively monitor student progress and create action steps and strategies to meet their needs via consist student data tracking while utilizing teacher collaboration in teacher teams to provide appropriate interventions for failing students. Establish a culture of accountability by having students and parents also create ELA goals. Goal 2- Mathematics - Utilize teacher teams to peer coach and establish routine procedures for students around technology and PARCC aligned rigorous tasks. Create and invest in Math Instructional Teams that will utilize their classrooms as lab sites for other teachers in a peer coaching fashion. Establish best practices and film great teaching strategies for others to learn from Goal 3- Science - Ensure teachers are confident in the use of Next Generation Science standards and begin to lay the foundation for STEAM initiatives. Goal 4- Attendance - Reduce the Chronic absenteeism and student tardies via positive behavior plans and implementation of student/teacher celebrations. Work collaboratively with the Community Engagement Specialist to ensure that parents and community assist in this effort. Goal 5- School Culture and Climate - Increase parental and community involvement while improving school culture and climate focused on Core Values. Create and distribute surveys for students, parents and teachers in order to make improvements based on that data.

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

5

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear McKinley Staff, Students, Parents and Friends,

It is with honor and great pleasure that I greet you as the new Principal of McKinley Elementary School. McKinley School has enjoyed tremendous success as a beacon of academic excellence for our community. This has been made possible through the hard work, dedication, and partnerships that have existed between school staff, parents, community members, and students. I am blessed and most appreciative of the opportunity presented to me to become a member of this educational family. As the instructional leader of our fine school, I enthusiastically embrace the task of continuing to establish a culture of learning through critical thinking where students demonstrate engagement, perseverance, and urgency. I expect all our students to receive an engaging and rigorous learning experience that will produce in them globally competitive students who are socially, emotionally and academically conscious. Your child is a valued individual in our building and a team approach most definitely is necessary to create and maintain that desired learning environment. This year, our McKinley Administrative staff is composed of three dedicated and hard-working Vice Principals as follows:   

Mr. Silveira- Grades 6-8 (School Culture and Climate) [email protected] Mr. Braimah- Grades 3-5 (Operations) [email protected] Mr. Olavarria- Grades Pk-2 (Attendance) [email protected]

We have set the stage for teamwork and continued success; your children are in the best of hands. Respectfully, Mrs. Jessica Silva-Olmo Principal Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

6

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF PUPILS General Requirements: A. Proof of Age - Any of the following documents are acceptable: 1. Birth Certificate 2. Baptismal Certificate 3. Passport B. Proof of Residency - Legal residency constitutes living with parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Any three of the following documents may be offered to prove legal residence: 1. Voter Registration Card 2. Deed or mortgage statement 3. Recent property tax bills (last 6 months) 4. Official notarized lease or affidavit of landlord verifying that pupil lives at the given address 5. Utility Bills (water, gas or electric) 6. Driver’s license 7. Federal State or County issued identification (containing a home address) 8. Financial account information (containing home address) 9. Employment documents and/or benefit statement containing home address C. Proof of Immunizations - All pupils must meet the current requirements for ageappropriate immunizations as indicated in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.1 et seq. Proof of vaccinations and immunizations must be submitted at time of submission. All pupils must be immunized unless exempt, as permitted by law. Provisional admission shall be granted to any child from another state or country who are in the process of completing their immunizations, provided they have started their immunizations. Provisional admission shall be granted in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.5. D. Health Examinations The school physician and school nurse shall conduct physical examinations in accordance with the program set up by the District medical inspector, and as prescribed by state law and as approved by the Newark Public Schools. The parent or legal guardian may have the physical examination, as required by the District, conducted by a private physician. In that event, the physician’s signed report must be submitted on the District health form.

Requirements for Pre-Kindergarten: Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

7

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

1. 2. 3.

At least four years old as of October 1st. Pre-Kindergarten children will attend school all day. (8:05 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.) All other general requirements.

Requirements for Kindergarten: 1. At least five years old as of October 1st. 2. Kindergarten children will attend school all day. (8:05 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.) 3. All other general requirements.

Requirements for First Grade: 1. 2.

At least six years old as of October 1st. All other general requirements.

Transfers: When moving to another school or school district, transfers for children attending McKinley Elementary School should be obtained from the school office three (3) days prior to date of transfer.

REPORT CARDS AND WARNING NOTICES The Newark Public Schools has a system for reporting pupil progress. This system allows for better communication between the home and school regarding student achievement. Furthermore, teachers are allotted more instructional time before evaluations have to be made. It is anticipated that the increased instruction time will help to improve student performance. Listed below are the basic components of the reporting system: 1. Report cards will be distributed based on four (4) marking periods. Each marking period will consist of forty-five (45) school days. 2. Progress Reports will be issued to every student halfway through the marking period so that parents keep current with the status of their child’s progress. 3. Parents have access to the PowerSchool Parent Portal where they can view their child’s progress online as often as they wish. PowerSchool's Parent Portal provides parents/guardians real time access to information tied to their child/ren, such as attendance, grades, and possibly future assignment descriptions. Parents/guardians will only be able to see information for their own child/ren through the use of their own PowerSchool Parent Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

8

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

Portal account. In addition, PowerSchool's Parent Portal allows teachers and parents/guardians to communicate electronically so that information is shared on a regular, timely basis.

PROMOTIONAL POLICY According to The Newark Public Schools, promotions are the responsibility of the Principal. The Teacher and Principal shall take into consideration all circumstances affecting the work of the pupil as far as is known. Of the many factors to be considered in determining placement, the following should be given emphasis - essential and desirable standards of achievement in fundamental subject matter and skills, physical development, desirable health habits, stage of growth in social attitudes and behavior, individual needs and interests and readiness for the next state of learning.

HOMEWORK POLICY The standards of achievement, academically and behaviorally, that we've established have become model standards that other schools and communities have long envied. Maintenance of these standards can only be accomplished by a cooperative effort between home and school. Your continued support and assistance is greatly appreciated. The following are guidelines of our homework policy: PK-K 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8

-

10 Minutes 10-20 Minutes 30-40 Minutes 50-60 Minutes 70-80 Minutes

Homework is an important connection between home and school. It serves as a window through which parents can observe their children’s education and express positive attitudes towards their achievements. It is important that you assist us in developing the idea of "Quiet Time." This time is to be set aside for your child each night to complete written homework or read and review his/her days' lessons in school. Use the above guide to keep your child away from the T.V. and closer to his/her studies.

ABSENCE AND TARDINESS Please ensure that your child/ren attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience. The district’s attendance policy requires 100% attendance and promptness. A student’s attendance rate is crucial because students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently. It is a fact that students who attend school regularly learn more and are more successful in school than students who do not. Parents who Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

9

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

make regular school attendance a priority are also helping their children learn to accept responsibility, and that is an important lesson for a successful life. Attendance patterns are formed early in life. Children who develop good attendance habits in the early grades will be more likely to continue them throughout their school career, as well as, into their chosen career.

ATTENDANCE POLICY Our goal at McKinley Elementary School is to have students in the classroom every day and on time. School begins at 8:05AM. Students who arrive after 8:15AM will be marked late. If a student misses too many classes, s/he may be jeopardizing their promotion and/or graduation by not attaining enough school hours or passing their State Standards of Achievement. If a student’s attendance is affecting his/her grades or graduation standards completion, a parent conference will be set up by the immediate vice principal. Students must be in attendance for 170 or more school days in order to be considered to have successfully completed the instructional program requirements of the grade to which he/she is assigned. The school will call any student/parent that is on the absence list at the beginning of the day. Documentation must be provided on the particular absence. If the student is absent from school, a parent/guardian should call the school at 973-268-5270 before 9:00 a.m. to explain the absence. Regardless of the reason for the absence, a note is required from a parent or doctor for all absences. The note is turned into the homeroom teacher, who will then enter the specific reason for absence in Power School. A copy of all notes must be kept with the teacher. If the student is absent 3 or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note is MANDATORY! All ORIGINAL medical notes must be sent to the nurse, so that it may be kept on file. Teachers cannot make copies of medical notes. If the student forgets their note, they will have until the following school morning to turn the note into the teacher or that absence will be considered unexcused. The written note must include the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.

The students first and last name Dates of the absence Reason for the absence Signature of the parent or guardian (if medical must have a doctor’s signature)

Note: All students need a note from a parent or doctor when they are absent, even if the parent calls school. On the 10th absence, a“Pre-Judicial Hearing Letter” will be sent home indicating a pre-set date and time for a pre-judicial meeting with parent/guardian, School Resource Officer, and an 10 Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

administrator. Families who do not show up for the Pre-Judicial Hearing will be automatically submitted to the Municipal Court and receive a court date. If at any time it is suspected that there is a potential of abuse, neglect and/or a pupil is potentially missing the District shall implement all procedures required by law including reporting protocols, notification of parents/guardians and cooperation with law enforcement and other authorities and agencies, as appropriate. Good Attendance: 44.13%, Approaching Chronic Absence: 27.42%, Chronically Absent 28.46%

EARLY DISMISSALS AND SCHOOL CLOSINGS 1. Whenever it is necessary to order schools closed or to delay the opening due to weather conditions or other emergencies which may develop during the night, announcement of such closing or delayed opening shall be made posted on the Newark Public Schools website: www.nps.k12.nj.us 2. The best way to be notified when school will be closed is to download and install the Remind app for iOS or Android. When the decision to close schools, have a delayed opening or early closing is finalized, we will send a Push Notification message to your smartphone via the Remind App.

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

11

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

Once you have installed the Remind App, please join @npsmck and also join the @NPSvoices Remind Class. 3. Calls are not be made to schools, central office or to the radio stations. 4. Except in cases of extreme weather conditions or other emergencies, schools will not be ordered closed nor will the opening be delayed. Only the Superintendent makes the decision of school closings and delays, it is not up to each individual Principal.

Students are required to attend school for the entire day 8:05am to 3:25pm. Parents are asked to call the school in advance to let the office know that a child needs to leave early. The school will not tolerate habitual early pickups due to loss of instructional time as well as a disruption in the school day. Parents must show ID and be listed on the emergency form. Adults will be denied access into the building without showing identification. These regulations are for the protection and safety of all children.

Newark Public Schools Dress Code Regulations Uniforms Newark Public School's elementary and middle school students (Pre K to 8th Grade) are required to wear school uniforms. School Uniforms enhance school safety, promote school pride, create a sense of unity amongst students, improve the learning environment, bridge socioeconomic differences between children, promote good behavior, improve children's self-respect and selfesteem and produce cost savings for participating families.

McKinley Elementary School Specific Uniform Information PreK-8thGrade Students will wear uniforms according to our respective school colors > Royal Blue tops & Khaki/Tan Bottoms. All clothing must be sized to fit the student properly for example; Pants should not be too tight or too loose & shirts should be the appropriate size and should not extend below the hip. It is acceptable for students with special religious beliefs and/or special needs or extenuating circumstances to wear head coverings. Tops - Royal Blue Polo Shirts with School Logo 



Shirts It is expected that students wear royal blue polo with the school logo. (Sleeveless shirts are NOT permitted ever) Sweaters Long-sleeve solid colored cardigan sweaters are also available for purchase which have the school logo on them. (NO hooded apparel is ever permitted)

Bottoms - Tan or Khaki Pants Girls may also wear Tan/Khaki Skirts Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

12

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !



Pants/Skirts Must be tan or khaki in color and should be worn with a belt for neatness & to ensure a proper fit. Girls may also wear a tan skirt of appropriate length. (No more than 3 inches above the knee)

Phys. Ed. - Royal blue sweat pants & Gold T-shirts with the school’s logo are the official uniform for Phys. Ed. classes and should only be worn only on the days which students have gym classes scheduled. Footwear Shoes must be securely fastened. Clogs, flip-flops, and bedroom/athletic slippers are NOT permitted. Headwear Students may not wear any form of headdress except for religious reasons. Also, only prescription glasses are permitted to be worn. Outerwear Coats and jackets must be stored in the student's classroom and may not be carried in school.

SCHOOL NURSE/HEALTH PROGRAM 1. The school doctor will examine your child in the kindergarten or 1st grade, 3rd or 4th grade, and 7th or 8th grade. 2. Your child will be weighed and measured twice a year. If he/she is losing weight, you will be notified. 3. If a child becomes ill or meets with an accident, he/she will be given first aid. If your child is too ill to remain in school or the accident is such that it requires medical attention immediately, you will be contacted. Therefore, it is your responsibility to complete an emergency form each year including the home telephone number as well as an emergency number of a neighbor or relative so that you can be reached. Further, if you have your number changed or have an unlisted number, the school must know it so that you can be reached. In addition, if the father or mother is employed, it is necessary that we have the phone number of their current place of employment. This, you can understand, is necessary in case of any situation of an emergency nature. Hospitals require the presence of a parent in emergency situations.

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

13

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM 1. The welfare and safety of our children is of the utmost concern to us. Many Newark students have been victims of accidents, crimes and have been exposed to many types of dangers during the lunch period. Therefore, The Newark Public Schools has implemented a closed lunch period. 2. Students may eat the cafeteria lunch. 3. You may send a lunch with your child. 4. Each lunch period is 30 minutes long. Students will spend about 15 minutes eating and the remainder of the time will be supervised in the playground or indoors during bad weather. Children will not be permitted to leave the school grounds. 5. Free breakfast is served in every classroom at 8:05 a.m. each day. A typical breakfast consists of fruit juice, cereals and milk. 6. If a family has a restricted income, reduced or free lunches are available upon application to and approval by The Newark Public Schools. Procedures 1. A BROWN paper bag may be easy for older students to carry, but a lunch box may be more appropriate for younger children. In either case, please write the Name, Grade and Room Number on lunch bags and boxes. 2. Parents are advised that we cannot provide refrigeration for lunch. Therefore, we suggest you exercise your best judgment. Nutritional Guidelines 1. MILK - We encourage this drink. In the interest of continuing a proper nutritional education, soda, flavored fruit drinks, Hawaiian Punch, HI C are NOT permitted. However, fruit juice in individual cans or boxes are permitted. ABSOLUTELY NO BOTTLES. 2. FRUITS and VEGETABLES - Bananas, apples, oranges, pears, peaches, cherries, dried fruits, raisins, carrot sticks, celery, etc. - fruit juice in individual cans or boxes. 3. BREAD and CEREALS - Bread, crackers - kindly avoid cookies, doughnuts, cakes. 4.

MEATS and FISH - For sandwiches you may consider leftovers such as meat loaf, roast beef, ham, turkey, chicken and also boiled eggs, tuna fish, peanut butter and jelly. Kindly use lunchmeats with moderation due to their high salt content. Hot soup, etc. carried in a thermos is discouraged among younger children, as in opening they can be easily burned. 14 Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

5. SAFETY REMINDERS - Mayonnaise and other foods that spoil easily are discouraged, as we can't provide refrigeration and in some sections of our building it can become very hot. Please avoid any glass items or cans, which require can openers. Lastly, this type of lunch program is used very effectively in many communities, and we have every reason to believe that if we work together in a cooperative effort, we will achieve a successful closed lunch program for the welfare of all students.

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM The kindergarten is an intermediate stage between the home and the more structured life in the school. The program is designed to foster the child's growth in the following areas: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Emotional Development Physical Development Social Development Intellectual Development

Lack of development in one period cannot be fully recovered in a later period. The kindergarten program encompasses all of the traditional subject matter in its own unique way. 1. Reading Readiness cultivates the visual and auditory skills necessary for beginning to read. The basic reading series presently used in the school begins with a formal program that starts in kindergarten. Material is designed to give children the opportunity to move as rapidly as possible into the word recognition and comprehension skills used in the grades to follow. 2. Language Activity includes Speaking, Writing, Listening and Dramatics. a. Speaking - learning to form sounds, to speak sentences and to develop poise and the ability to speak before a group. b. Writing - children learn to write the alphabet, their names and words. c. Listening - children learn to listen when others speak or read. d. Dramatics - children learn how to speak with expression, dramatize stories and to recite poems. 3. Work and Play a. develop the ability to work constructively with materials b. learn to follow directions Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

15

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

c. learn to develop initiative, imagination and self-expression d. learn to share and to take turns e. learn to respect other people's property 4. Music and Rhythms a. develop an enjoyment for singing and listening to music b. develop the ability to sing simple songs c. develop a feeling of rhythm and various movements 5. Science a. learn parts of the body b. learn about nature c. take walks, observing surroundings e. plant seeds and watch them grow f. set up aquariums and terrariums 6. Mathematics a. learn number recognition b. learn to count c. learn the concept of numbers 1 - 10 Special individual work with the speech teacher is given to help children who have speech problems. Kindergarten children are given a reading readiness test before entering first grade. The teacher will be happy to discuss any phase of the program with you at their convenience and yours.

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

16

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

SPECIAL EDUCATION:AUTISM McKinley School has the largest Autism Program in the Newark Public Schools, educating students from preschool to the eighth grade. The Autistic Program was begun here at McKinley in September of 2003, when the first preschool class began. We now have 2 preschool classes in Autism and 12 elementary classes for a total of 14 classes in all. At McKinley, we are very excited about this specialized program and all work diligently to provide the best education to these students as possible. Generally speaking, there are six to seven students in a classroom and a very small teacher/teacher assistant ratio of 1 to 3 students.

Services that we provide in addition to the small teacher to pupil ratio, are daily breakfast and lunch, transportation, an Extended School Year (ESY Summer School) along with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to those students who qualify for such services. Our teachers are all Certified in Special Education with many professional development hours in all areas of Autism. Our goal is to develop each child’s specific strengths and attempt to ameliorate their weaknesses so that they can reach their true potential. Our teachers and para professionals are all dedicated and persevere to be the best they can be in their respective fields. When we had our first graduation class from 8th grade this past June 2016, there were many tears in the audience because all of these graduates began school here at McKinley in preschool. All of the graduates went on to high school – each with a strength that could be pursued in later years as young adults. Those strengths included creative writing, drawing, music, song writing, video production, calligraphy, math, and electronics. These graduates are our pride and joy. Our hope is that all subsequent 8th grade graduates will follow in their exemplary footsteps.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Learning/Language Disabled Severe Programs (LDS): Here at Mckinley we have two classes that are Learning/Language Disabled severe grades 6/7 and 7/8. Students receive individualized instruction with a lower student-teacher ratio. Depending upon the students individual needs some services that are provided are Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy,, Speech and Language Services, Counseling and transportation. The teachers are certified in Special Education. There is one teacher assistance in each class as well as paraprofessionals. Some of the students have a classification of Autism. Although the program is a LDS program it is not limited to students with just learning Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

17

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

disabilities. Most of the students have been with us since Kindergarten and we enjoy having them as much as they enjoy being here.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: In- Class Support Resource Services (RCI): We have a large population of students participating in our in class support Resource Program ranging from PK thru 8th grade. In an in-class resource program, the student is provided modifications to the instructional strategies and testing procedures or specialized instruction to access the general education curriculum in accordance with the student’s IEP. Students receive specialized instruction by an appropriately Certified teacher of students with disabilities. Some students receive related services such as Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and transportation. This program is considered the least restrictive environment for our children with special needs.

English Language Arts The language arts are integrative, interactive ways of communicating that develop through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. They are the means through which one is able to receive information; think logically and creatively; express ideas; understand and participate meaningfully in spoken, written and nonverbal communications; formulate and answer questions; and search for, organize, evaluate, and apply information. Literacy, then, is a way to acquire knowledge for thinking and communicating; it is more than the acquisition of a specific, predetermined set of skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.

Inherent in the goals and practices of the Office of Language Arts Literacy are four assumptions about literacy learning: 

First, literacy learning is an active process for constructing meaning through the use of prior knowledge and understanding.



Second, literacy develops in a social context; the use of language almost always relates to others.



Third, literacy ability increases in complexity if language is used in increasingly complex ways. Literacy learners must engage in texts and conversations that are rich in ideas and increasingly complex in the patterns of language they display.



Finally, learners achieve mastery of language arts literacy not by adding skills one-by-one to their repertoire, but rather by using and exploring language in its many dimensions.

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

18

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

The language arts are interdependent processes that often merge in an integrated act of rehearsal, reflection, and learning. Through the language arts, students develop the skills they will carry with them into adulthood as contributing members of society: critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.

Mathematics Program Math is an excellent vehicle for the development of a child's cognitive growth .The mathematics program, "Math In Focus", taught at McKinley Elementary School, is designed to prepare your child with the basic skills necessary to prepare them for their futures in college and in their chosen careers.

Through the district's Mathematics Assessments and the Math In Focus curriculum our students will be provided with the tools they need in order to prepare them for the state mandated testing. Each grade has a specific number of focus standards which must be mastered by the student under the guidance of their teacher.

.What is Math In Focus? Math in Focus is an authentic curriculum that consists of problem solving as the center of math learning and concepts taught with a concrete, pictorial & abstract learning progression through real-world, hands-on experiences. What does Math in Focus look like in a classroom?   

Supports the goals of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics Is research-based and focuses on classroom learning, discussion, and practice Balances conceptual understanding, visual learning, and problem solving

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

19

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

BILINGUAL/ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM When any new student enters the school, the child's parent must fill out a Home Language Survey. This Survey is passed on to the school’s Needs Assessment Teacher and it will be determined whether or not the student is eligible to be assessed. If a student is eligible, the Needs Assessment Teacher will administer the W-APT/IDEA Test to assess the child's language and determine his/her eligibility for bilingual services.

The Bilingual/E.S.L. Program is provided to identify limited English proficient students regardless of the student's language backgrounds. E.S.L. is an integral component of any bilingual education program. Emphasis is placed on the development of English vocabulary and structures in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. In the spring each year, all students who receive bilingual/ESL services will be administered the ACCESS 2.0 assessment which measures the students’ abilities and growth in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing in English. The E.S.L. teacher is responsible for providing second language instruction in a program, which teaches English vocabulary and structures using second language teaching techniques. E.S.L. incorporates the cultural aspects of the pupil's experiences in their E.S.L. instruction. The bilingual classroom teacher instructs the same content areas of the general program. However, having the ability to speak the child's native language, he/she may use this ability to review or explain a particular lesson. The bilingual classroom teacher also facilitates the child's assimilation into a new and unfamiliar environment by being able to communicate with the child and the parents. Once a child meets the standards for mainstreaming established by The Newark Public Schools, he/she will be placed in the general program. Parents will be notified.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY In an ever-increasing technological and informational age, the administrators and staff of McKinley Elementary School believe it is imperative that our boys and girls become proficient with the new technology. We at McKinley Elementary School hope to develop an understanding of, and a positive attitude toward, technology so that our students will succeed in this rapidly changing world of academics and technology. Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

20

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

We strive to infuse technology into areas of our core content standards through projectbased activities, both in the classroom and in the computer lab. We currently have 334 Chromebooks that are used and shared throughout all classrooms throughout the school. We are also happy to share that 98% of classrooms have a SMART board or ENO board, projectors, and document cameras. We also have a set of IPADS that are utilized as needed. The students are taught to use the word processor to create documents, use reference software to research topics in the content areas and to access the Internet to further their research skills. It is our hope that upon graduation from McKinley Elementary School our students will be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead of them on the secondary level.

THE SPEECH CORRECTION PROGRAM The Speech/Language program is an important part of the public school. Through a screening process and referrals, students with speech and language defects are identified and enrolled in the program. A speech defect is defined as any form of verbal communication (exempt from dialect) that is unclear, garbled or unintelligible to the listener. Disorders of articulation, voice, language and fluency are focused on in the school through individual and group work. If you have any questions concerning your child's speech or language, please feel free to schedule an appointment with our Speech/Language Specialist.

GUIDANCE The Guidance Program at McKinley Elementary School is charged with assisting in the social, emotional and academic growth of our student population. The school counselor provides instruction to students in the aforementioned areas by engaging in individual and group counseling sessions. The services delivered will assist in providing the foundation for the social, emotional and academic success of all students. Referrals to guidance are made by teachers, administrators, parents and students for the purpose of helping students develop positive self-esteem, self-understanding, decision-making skills, values clarification and plan for high school. Consultations with teachers, parents and school administrators help to bring about the better adjustment of students and to promote an environment that will contribute to optimum development. The counselor works closely with parents to establish a good relationship between home and school. Parent workshops stress the importance of a positive learning environment at home. 21 Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

Parents learn about the framework for building positive attitudes, behaviors and skills that determine academically success in school and beyond

SPECIAL ASSEMBLIES Parents are invited to attend our special assemblies as our Christmas and Spring Concerts and graduation ceremonies. In June, special awards assemblies are held for all grades. Children will be presented with certificates. Parents are once again encouraged to attend and recognize the accomplishments of their children. We ask that everyone arrives promptly so that all programs can begin as scheduled.

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

22

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

READING: HOW THE PARENT CAN HELP Teaching reading is an important and difficult job in which both the school and the parent can cooperate. Here are many ways in which you as a parent can help your child. 1. TALK to your child. Almost from the day he is born a child is ready to express himself. At first, he will respond by cooing and gurgling. Later he will pick up a few words and sense the rhythm of language. Help him to add words to his speaking vocabulary. The more words he uses naturally in his ordinary conversation, the more words will have meaning for him when he sees them on the printed page. 2. LISTEN to your child. Children must have many opportunities to express themselves. Encourage your child to talk about things he has seen or done. The more the child talks, the better he is likely to read. Suggest that before he reads aloud to you, he should read the story to himself to be sure that he knows all the words. This makes listening to him read much more interesting to you. 3. READ to your child. Every time you read to him you are building an appreciating of books and reading. A child who has been read to is usually more anxious to read to himself. Reading becomes more important. Remember, his listening and interest levels are above his reading level. 4.

HELP him with his reading. Tell him words if he's in the beginning stages of reading. Help him work out the word if he's in a later stage by looking at the picture, skipping over the unknown word and reading the rest of the sentence to see whether this suggests a new word, and checking to see whether the word makes "sense" in the sentence. ("I was a pig." or "I saw a pig.")

5.

TEACH your child how to take care of books. He will then learn to regard books as friends.

6. TAKE him on trips. Even a short trip on the bus or subway will excite his curiosity and give him new words and meanings for words. The following places might be visited: Newark Museum; Children's Museum; Museum of Natural History; Statue of Liberty; United Nations; Newark International Airport. 7.

BUILD UP a reading atmosphere at home. Have books, magazines, newspapers, etc. around the house. Let your child see you reading frequently. Tune in to thoughtful programs on the radio and television. Your child will tend to imitate his parents.

8.

ENCOURAGE him to join the public library. Take him to the library at first. Don't tell him what books to select. If he is a poor reader, he may at first choose easy books. As he gains confidence, satisfaction, and improves in reading, he will choose more difficult books. 23 Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

8.

BUY games and puzzles for your child. These help your child learn shape and form and help him relate words to things. Anagrams, letter games, Scrabble, and lotto will help him with his spelling and reading. Jigsaw puzzles help a child recognize shape because the puzzle must be matched to fit a space.

9.

MAKE GAMES. You can make simple word games by cutting words from a magazine and asking your child to match these words to a picture. Make word cards for troublesome words (was, there, what, went, etc.) and play a game with your child. How quickly can he learn the word and how many word cards can be removed from the pack because he really has learned them? What words should be added?

10.

BUY books for your child. For birthdays and holidays buy books when you can afford them. A child who owns a few good books is usually interested in reading. Try to get books at his reading grade level so he can read these books with fun and pleasure. Buy children's magazines too: Children's Digest, Humpty Dumpty, Calling All Girls, Boys' Life, etc.

11.

PRAISE your child. Remember, reading is a difficult task. Don't forget to praise him when he succeeds. Don't expect him to know the word when you tell it once or twice or even ten or twenty times. Some normal children need to see a word many more times than this.

12.

KEEP your child well rested. A child who has stayed up late to watch television shows the effect the next day in his schoolwork. Cooperate with the school nurse and doctor in correcting his vision or hearing or nutritional defects.

13.

GIVE your child responsibilities, which he is capable of taking. This allows him to earn recognition and to get real satisfaction from accomplishments.

14.

SEE that your child has good habits of attendance. When he is absent from school, he misses his work and may not be able to keep up with the class.

15.

CHECK your child's report card. If he is having trouble with reading or any subject, consult his teacher to find out why and how you can help.

16.

SET ASIDE a regular time for homework. Give your child a definite place in which to work. Help him develop the habit of daily attention to homework routines.

17.

GUIDE your child to better movie going. Select radio and TV programs which will give him worthwhile information as well as entertainment. Check the newspaper listings for these programs.

18.

ACCEPT your child as he is. Don't compare him with his sister, brother, or friend. Encourage him to improve as much as he can. Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

24

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

20. SHOW a real interest in school. The parents' attitude is usually the child's. You and the teacher are partners in the important job of teaching your child to read. An interested, relaxed, helpful parent is a most valuable co-worker, and you are the partners we need. 21.

SIGN all homework.

REMEMBER:

Children learn to read by reading. The more they read, the better readers they become! If your child is having difficulty in reading, be sure to praise him when he reads a word, sentence, etc. correctly. When he makes a mistake, correct it and continue. Do not scold him!

WAYS IN WHICH YOU AS A PARENT CAN COOPERATE 1.

Have your child attend school regularly and on time. Plan to have your child leave home in time to arrive at school before the bell rings.

2.

On stormy or extremely cold days, the door will be opened at 8:05 a.m. so children may enter. Please do not have your child arrive at school earlier than this because the teachers are not here to supervise them.

3.

Notify the teacher if you know your child will be absent for more than one day.

4.

Send a note of explanation if know your child will be absent or tardy, even if you have called the school.

5.

See that your child goes to the toilet before leaving for school.

6.

Put your child to bed at a reasonable hour.

7.

Mark clothing with your child's name.

8.

Have wraps and overshoes large enough so that your child can remove and put them on without assistance.

9.

Teach your child his name, address and telephone number.

10.

Notify the school of any change of address or telephone number. Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

25

McKinley Elementary School Home of the Mustangs !

11.

After the first week of school, parents should not enter the school building with their children. LEAVE THEM AT THE DOOR.

Respect ~ Integrity ~ Perseverance ~ Excellence ~ Responsibility

26