NSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery is a research-based, short-term intervention of one-to-one teaching for identified first graders. In Reading Recovery, students receive 30-minute lessons each school day for 12 to 20 weeks from a specially trained teacher.

Each lesson consists of
o re-reading familiar stories,
o reading a story that was read for the first time the day before,
o working with letters and words using magnetic letters,
o writing a story,
o assembling a cut-up story, and
o reading a new book.

The teacher teaches, demonstrates problem-solving strategies, and provides just
enough support to help the child develop effective reading and writing strategies
and work as independently as possible.

As soon as students can read and write at grade level and demonstrate that they can continue to achieve, their lessons are discontinued and new students receive individual instruction.

Library
Students have the opportunity to visit the library weekly to select from a wide variety of books. We encourage students to bring their library books home to share with you. We appreciate any help you can provide in the care and return of materials. Reference books and encyclopedias may not be taken home. Donations are always appreciated for the purchase of new books.

Educational Technology
K-3 students receive weekly computer instruction in the computer lab. Students in grades 4-5 have laptop access in their classrooms.

Music
Instrumental music, provided by a music specialist, is available to 5th grade students on a voluntary basis for those who are interested in band and orchestra. Choir will be available for students in grades 4 5 on a voluntary basis. All performance classes require a year commitment.

The classroom music program, provided by a music specialist, includes a variety of activities that incorporate singing, note reading, composing, performance, movement, music listening and appreciation.

Common Planning Time
Common Planning Time gives teachers the opportunity to plan school-wide events, share curriculum materials and coordinate a cohesive curriculum for all students. Every Wednesday is an early dismissal day - 1:17 for grades 1-5, and 1:14 for kindergarten.

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Instruction for identified gifted and talented students is integrated into the regular classroom instructional program. Additionally, after-school classes are provided at various school sites throughout the year. Gate students are challenged through appropriate enrichment and higher critical thinking activities. Leadership roles are encouraged when appropriate in the classroom and in school-wide leadership roles. The district G.A.T.E. Advisory Committee, composed of parents and district staff, helps organize the GATE Program.

Physical Education
The physical education program, provided by a physical education specialist, offers a wide range of activities and skill development. Emphasis is placed on self-improvement, participation and cooperation. The goal of physical education is to have each student physically fit, able to enjoy a variety of physical activities and committed to lifelong health and physical well being.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)
The D.A.R.E. Program, led by a deputy sheriff fromthe Alameda County Sheriff's Department, includes specific strategies and techniques for resisting violence.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Student Support Team
The Student Support Team (SST) is composed of the principal, the classroom teacher, the reading specialist, psychologist, and support personnel. It meets every other week to discuss teacher and/or parent referrals of students having difficulty at school for any number of reasons. Parents/guardians are invited to help understand the student’s needs and develop an action plan that may include specific program modifications or additional resources.

Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language therapy is provided for children who have difficulty with communication skills and auditory processing, as determined by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Resource Specialist Program
The Resource Specialist (R.S.) provides instructional services to students with identified learning disabilities. The regular classroom teacher and R.S. work together to modify the classroom program according to the individual needs of the students.