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1.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We adhere to the philosophy of heterogeneous grouping in all
of our classrooms. This means children of all ability levels
share the educational experience together. In the upper grades,
students may be grouped by ability in Mathematics; or they
may switch classes for various subjects to prepare them for
the transition to Junior High. The curriculum at Ardmore Avenue
has been established by the William Penn School District and
is used at all Elementary schools in compliance with state
standards. Teachers are encouraged and commended for trying
new techniques based on research and we are working hard to
make our instruction standards-based. Staff meetings are devoted
to discussing instructional issues and the building professional
development committee receives input from teachers on topics
of need or interest. In-service training for staff is usually
based on Principal or staff-identified instructional concerns.
2.
SCHOOL WIDE ASSESSMENT
Although the state mandated PSSA tests seem to be the most
popular measure for assessing student progress, assessment
takes many other forms at Ardmore Avenue. Every student is
required to have at least three Performance Tasks in Reading
per year, in which, students must respond in writing. Students
are required to show all of their work in Math and summarize,
in writing, the steps taken to solve problems. Standardized
achievement tests(Terra Nova, PSSA) are given in grades 2-6
on an annual basis.
3.
CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT
Teachers use various forms of assessments to determine student
progress. In addition to the traditional tools, such as quizzes
and tests, teachers use a wide variety of newer techniques
that involve student participation. These include portfolios,
rubrics and student checklists. Teachers encourage and guide
students with self-assessment and goal setting conferences
thus allowing the student to be an active participant in the
educational process.
4.
TEST PREPARATION
Every student is required to be well informed of the kinds
of items that are presented on standardized tests well in
advance of the testing dates. Ample practice opportunities
are scheduled by teachers.
5.
LEARNING TEAMS
Every teacher and the Principal is a member of a building
learning team. We are studying various forms of assessment
for the purpose of re-designing instruction.
6.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT: AN ACTIVE HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
What is it that makes a school special? In addition to a committed
staff, we have active parent volunteers that serve in a variety
of ways. They conduct an annual fund-raiser that has contributed
many special things to our schools, including computers. Our
Home and School Association has established a building °wide
theme of "Arts and Technology" for our school. Various school-wide
theme activities including assemblies and dramatic/musical
performances are planned annually. Many of the special events
planned by parents are traditional and therefore remembered
by students who have attended our school. Ardmore Avenue Kidlympics
is our annual school program to celebrate the closing of another
school year. Students participate in athletic games on the
field and have a day of fun and enjoyment after a year of
hard work in school. Ardmore Cares is an annual event planned
during the December holidays to help provide needy families
with some food and gifts.
7.
TECHNOLOGY: THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE
Because technology has far reaching ramifications for our
youngsters in the 21st Century, we recognize at Ardmore Avenue
that an early introduction to the world of computers is essential
to their education. Due to vigorous fund raising by our Home
and School Association and with help from the state through
a grant from the Department of Economic and Community Development,
we have managed to install at least one computer in each classroom.
About 85% of these computers are currently connected to the
internet through our state of the art fiber optic network
installed by the district over the summer.
Some staff
members in first, second, fifth and sixth grades were trained
over the summer through the Keystone Science Network and have
learned how to implement the use of technology into the science
curriculum. Through this grant, these classrooms have two
computers that have been purchased by the district. Our third
graders are exposed to basic word processing which helps to
enhance their writing and editing skills as well as their
eye-hand coordination and basic computer skills. In Library,
students are exposed to a variety of computer related activities
including accessing databases and the internet for research.
Educational
research shows that there should be six students to every
one computer and we are striving to obtain this goal. Teachers
are becoming more computer savvy and thinking of innovative
ways to incorporate technology as a learning tool into the
classroom experience.
8.
SHARED DECISION MAKING
The mission of the Shared Decision Committee is to improve
our school by making decisions that are in the best interest
of the students. Decisions are made by consensus in a collaborative
and inclusive environment. Teachers, parents, Administrative
staff and Support staff are invited to participate in the
process. After several meetings and much discussion, participants
have developed a process to make decisions. The Cafeteria
Committee met to determine a more effective schedule and to
establish better traffic patterns. In addition, a new exit
door was added and acoustical tiles were installed to help
with noise reduction. This effort resulted in a more pleasant
place for students to eat their lunch and a safer environment
in the event of an emergency. This March, the Shared Decision
Making team held Family Math Night for parents and students
in third and fourth grades. With the help of our LaSalle tutors,
the teachers planned various activities using Math. Each attendee
took home a "mystery bag" filled with tools and activities
to be used at home. This event is being considered for next
year. The team meets once a month. All are welcome to attend.
This year the focus is on improving parent-school relationships.
9.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
You will be contacted to meet with your child's teacher twice
a year (December and March). Your child's report card will
be reviewed personally with you. Please do not hesitate to
contact the teacher for a conference at other times during
the year when mutually convenient. Sometimes it is helpful
for your child to attend a parent-teacher conference.
10.
FIELD TRIPS
One Grade Level field trip is encouraged per year. Additional
trips are planned by individual classes if approved by the
Principal. You must give us permission in writing for your
child to attend a field trip The teachers will contact you
if chaperones are needed. The Principal reserves the right
to deny any students attendance on a field trip because of
inappropriate behavior. Parents must be given prior notification
of such action. Children not attending a field trip must come
to school and be reassigned to another classroom for the duration
of the trip.
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HIGHLIGHTS
| SERVICES AND POLICIES | INSTRUCTION
| ABUSEABLE/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
SERVICES
AND POLICIES AT ARDMORE AVENUE
1.
LOST AND FOUND
A container for lost items is located across from the main
office. The school cannot be responsible for lost items that
are not claimed by students or parents/guardians within three
days. Please feel free to check the lost and found in person.
2.
MEDICATION
We cannot give your child prescription medication at school
unless:
- We
have a signed permission form from the parent/guardian
- We
have a signed medical form completed by the Doctor
- We
have the original medication bottle issued by the pharmacy
with the name of the medication, the dosage and the time
of dosage clearly visible on the label.
- The
parent/guardian personally delivers the medication to the
Nurse, or to the Office.
Any deviation
from this policy will result in a delay in giving the medication
to your child. All forms are available in the Nurse's Office
or the Main Office.
3.
MEDICAL TESTS
State Law mandates the following medical tests for all schools
in Pennsylvania:
- Physical
examinations for all sixth graders and students entering
school for the first time are required. You are strongly
urged to have your family Doctor/Pediatrician do the examination.
Otherwise, it has to be done here at school by the school
Doctor. The Nurse will send home a form for you to complete
and return to school. We must have the form back to verify
that you have complied with the State Law.
- Vision
screenings are performed by the Nurse for all students annually.
- Hearing
screenings are performed by the Nurse in grades Kindergarten,
first, second and third annually.
- Dental
screenings are performed by the school Dentist for students
in Kindergarten and third grade.
Any problems
in these areas will be reported to parents/guardians for further
attention by the family Doctor/Pediatrician.
4.
PARENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
We often have a congested traffic situation on the streets
surrounding the school. The safety of the children must always
be the priority. Essex Avenue is a one-way street from 8AM
until 4PM so that school buses have curb access when arriving
with our students or departing with our students. We have
clearly marked areas designated for school bus parking only.
Unfortunately, many parents who drop off or pick up children
have ignored the signs and street markings, instead choosing
to park in the designated bus areas. This has created a potentially
dangerous situation for the children. The local police will
be regularly patrolling the streets adjacent to our school,
and those in violation of the no parking street signs and
markings will be ticketed.
5.
NUISANCE ITEMS
Unfortunately, some of your child's favorite toys may be disruptive
if present at school. The primary role of the teacher is to
educate your child. In order to do so, your child's full attention
is required and expected. Items, such as Pokemon cards, CD
or tape players and the like will not be permitted in school.
Nuisance items will be confiscated and placed in the Principal's
office for safekeeping. Parents may come to school and pick
the items up.
6.
STUDENT DRESS
The school uniform for students in grades kindergarten through
sixth, commencing with the first day of classes of the 2002-2003
school year, shall be as follows:
- Boy Student
Bottoms:
Solid color uniform or dress slacks or shorts of the appropriate
size for the student. Shorts should be at the knee or no
more than one inch above the knees. No baggy or cargo-type
pants/short will be permitted.
- Girl Students
Bottoms:
Uniform pants, jumper shorts, skorts or skirts of the appropriate
size for the girl student . Skirts, shorts, skorts and jumpers
should not be more than one inch above the knees. No baggy
or cargo-type pants/shorts will be permitted.
- Tops for
Girls & Boys:
Solid color shirt with collar, either short or long sleeve.
In cold weather, a solid colored pullover vest or cardigan
sweater may also be worn. Solid colored turtlenecks/mock
may also be worn. No logos on shirts. No sweatshirts, fleece
or hoodies will be permitted.
- Foot Apparel
for Girls & Boys:
Enclosed shoes will be permitted only, black in color. Athletic
shoes will only be permitted to be brought in (and worn)
on gym days. Socks must be worn. All laces must be tied.
- Clothing
Colors:
Slacks, skirts or shorts must be navy blue. Tops must be
white, light (baby) blue or maroon (deep red).
7.
HOMEWORK
Your child should be bringing home homework on a regular basis.
If he/she tells you they have no homework, something is wrong.
Call the teacher right away. (610-623-7900)
8.
SCHOOL RECORDS
A cumulative folder is kept for each child in accordance with
William Penn School District Policy. This folder is passed
on from year to year and contains the academic record of the
child in addition to registration information. Also, any standardized
achievement results are kept in this folder. Parents and students
may review the content of the cumulative folder by making
an appointment with the Principal.
9.
DISCIPLINE
William Penn School District has a detailed discipline code.
All parents and students receive a copy of the code and must
sign that they have read and understood it. Students are tested
on their knowledge of the code shortly after the opening of
school. The Principal maintains a file of disciplinary incidents
involving each child. Parents and students may review the
content of the discipline file by making an appointment with
the Principal.
10.
REGISTRATION
The Registration Department assigns students to the schools.
Class size in the different schools is the primary determining
factor. When the Registration Department informs the Principal
that your child is to be placed on a class list at Ardmore
Avenue, you will automatically receive a mailing with all
of the information you will need about the opening of school.
11.
FOOD SERVICE
The great majority of our students purchase lunch daily in
our cafeteria. Choices include a hot entrôe, cheeseburger,
hamburger and peanut butter and jelly, along with fruit, salad
or vegetable, white or chocolate milk and dessert. The cost
is $1.60 daily, however, parents/guardians may choose a weekly
payment plan at $7.75. Children who require special dietary
substitutions or restrictions should bring a note from home
in an envelope addressed to "Cafeteria Manager". Children
may also bring lunch from home if parents/guardians so desire.
Snacks, ice cream and juice are available for an additional
$0.50-$0.75. Breakfast is also served in cafeteria from 8:15-8:30
daily. The cost is $0.80, and a separate menu will be sent
home monthly with your child. Your child will bring home a
form for you to determine if you qualify for free or reduced
price lunch and breakfast under federal guidelines.
12.
EMERGENCY CARDS
We must be able to reach you quickly in event of an accident,
medical or other emergency. Emergency cards will be sent home
with your child the first week of school. Please complete
the card in detail and send it to your child's teacher. If
changes of address, secondary contact person or phone number
occur after the opening of school, you must provide us with
the new information so we can update the emergency card. Cell
phone numbers and/or beeper numbers should be included on
the Emergency Card if you have them.
13.
EMERGENCY RELOCATION OF STUDENTS
If the Ardmore Avenue School needs to be evacuated due to
an unusual emergency, the students will be transported to
a safe location rather than sent home. This procedure will
allow time for parent notification that an emergency exists.
Penn Wood High School will accommodate grades K-6. In the
unlikely event that Penn Wood High School is evacuated on
the same day, students in grades K-6 will be transported to
Lansdowne Presbyterian Church. When you are notified via the
media or telephone that an emergency exists you are invited
to come to the alternate location to pick your child up if
you are frightened. If you are unable to do so, rest assured
that your child is safe and under the direct supervision of
his/her teacher until dismissal time.
14.
BEFORE AND AFTER CARE
The Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County provides our
school with computer skills trained staff to provide before
and after care. The program offers time for supervised play
activities, homework clinic, and games. We serve approximately
fifty families. Registration and fees are required. Contact
the "Y" at 610-259-1661.
15.
SECURITY
Exterior doors will be locked to prohibit entrance to the
building once school has begun for the day. During school
hours, enter the building via the Ardmore Avenue doors. Security
cameras are located in the main and Berkley entrances and
are monitored in the main office.
16.
VISITORS
Please make an appointment with your child's teacher if you
wish to visit your child's classroom. All visitors must come
to the office to sign in and receive a visitor's pass. Visitors
return the pass to the office upon leaving the school.
17.
OPEN HOUSE TUESDAYS
Parents are invited to visit their child's classroom between
9 and 10AM on Tuesdays all year long. Visitors must stop by
the office to get a visitor's button. Children are pleased
when they can see that their parents are involved at school.
18.
ATTENDANCE
Children must be in school every day to fully benefit from
instruction. In Pennsylvania, legal excuses are for illness,
death in the immediate family or religious observances. Trips,
vacations and other absences when school is normally in session
are not legal. All absences must be clearly explained with
a specific reason. Please send a note to your child's teacher
on the first day your child returns to school.
19.
ABSENTEE HOTLINE
Parents are invited to call the school to report a child's
absence at 610-623-7901. However, a written note must be sent
in to school with your child upon their return.
20.
TARDINESS
All students must be in their classrooms by 8:35AM. Allowances
are made if buses arrive late. Late minutes are counted up
each day. If a student is excessively late, the truancy procedure
will take place. Parents must insure that students are here
on time every day.
21.
TRUANCY
This is a legal term. In Pennsylvania, we have Compulsory
Attendance laws. Children are required by law to attend school,
and parents are responsible for making sure that they do attend.
The Principal has the authority to file truancy papers if
the parent has been warned about the excessive absence of
the child. This procedure will result in a parent court appearance
and possible fines for truancy.
22.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES/CONDITIONS
The School Nurse has the authority to exclude students from
school due to the following:
- The
presence of a rash or other symptoms that may indicate the
presence of a communicable disease
- The
presence of head or body lice.
Communicable
diseases include Measles, German measles, Chicken Pox, Mumps,
Scarlet Fever, Scarletina, Strep Throat, Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis),
Impetigo, Scabies, Ringworm, etc. A Doctor's note stating
the diagnosis and readmitting the child to school is required.
Any student
with an infestation of Head and/or Body Lice shall have the
infestation corrected within three to seven days. The School
Nurse shall examine the child upon returning to school. If
the lice condition is no longer present, the child may remain
in school. If the condition persists, the child may continue
to be excluded from school until the Nurse certifies that
the condition is no longer present. If the student remains
absent from school longer than seven days, the absence will
be considered excessive and illegal (in accordance with the
Compulsory Attendance Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).
Illegal absences will result in a referral to the William
Penn School District Attendance Officer for a declaration
of truancy.
23.
FIRST AID
Although we make every effort to provide a safe school environment,
accidents do happen. Teachers will send students to the Nurse's
Office for first aid and parents will be contacted by the
Nurse. If a parent cannot be reached, alternate numbers listed
on the Emergency Card will be contacted. If possible, we would
like students receiving first aid to remain in school unless
the condition is serious.
24.
CLASSROOM PARTIES AND OBSERVANCES
Parties for various occasions are at the discretion of the
classroom teacher and generally occur anytime after the last
lunch period of the day (1:20). Student birthdays are recognized
by the Principal with a card. Invitations to birthday parties
outside of school should not be distributed in class unless
the whole class is invited to attend. Students are not required
to attend parties or observances which infringe upon their
religious beliefs.
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HIGHLIGHTS
| SERVICES AND POLICIES | INSTRUCTION
| ABUSEABLE/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
ARDMORE
AVENUE INSTRUCTION
1.
OVERVIEW
Students receive instruction with their "homeroom teacher"
through direct instruction and independent, group and cooperative
learning activities. Cooperative Learning allows students
an opportunity to work in groups and to learn how to emulate
the "real world" by practicing decision-making skills. In
addition to practicing these skills in their classroom, students
have an opportunity to share learning across grade levels.
Fourth graders have read to Kindergarten students on Dr. Seuss
Day. Students from first grade, learning support and the academically
talented program have worked cooperatively on an environment
project to observe the habitats and feeding habits of birds
indigenous to our area. In fifth and sixth grade, students
switch classes for Science and Social Studies. This practice
helps to familiarize the sixth graders with changing classes,
which better prepares them for the Junior High experience.
2.
CORE SUBJECTS
Core subjects are taught by homeroom teacher and include Reading,
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. As
part of the Science component, Health is covered in the upper
grades and as part of the Student Assistance class, students
are exposed to such timely topics as substance abuse prevention.
Language Arts covers grammar, spelling, vocabulary, speaking
and listening skills and age appropriate literature. Teachers
strive to provide additional enrichment activities through
extra literature, experiences and dramatic productions.
3.
SPECIAL SUBJECTS
Special subjects are a wonderful experience for our students.
Children travel from their homeroom to attend classes once
a week in each of the following: Music, Multi-Media (Library),
SAS, Art and Physical Education. These classes are taught
by trained professionals who specialize in these areas.
4.
READING REMEDIATION
Reading Remediation is available to targeted students in grades
K-6. Since reading is the most important subject we teach
our students, it is our highest priority. We have two excellent
specialists on staff who conduct pullout programs for children
requiring Reading Remediation as well as provide in class
support.
5.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Special Education Services are available for children who
have been identified by their classroom teacher and tested
by a school psychologist or specialist. We have several classes:
Learning Support (2), Life Skills (1) and Language Impaired
(1) at Ardmore Avenue. In addition, there are other special
education classes, such as Emotional Support, within the School
District that can meet the needs of students. Instructional
Support (IST) allows identified students to receive additional
instructional support from a qualified Reading Specialist
in the classroom. Students are identified by homeroom teachers,
and a team of teachers, parents and the Principal meet on
a regular basis to plan assistance and support for these students.
Academically Talented students are identified according to
district and state guidelines and these students attend enrichment
classes one half day a week. In grades 1-5, the students are
bussed to Park Lane Elementary and Ardmore Avenue is proud
to host the sixth grade students from around the district.
Parents will be notified when testing is scheduled and will
be invited to a follow up meeting to discuss the results and
appropriate placement.
6.
SCHOOL CLOSING
In the event of an emergency school closing due to weather,
the information will be broadcast over local radio and TV
stations. Our school district closing number is 467.
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HIGHLIGHTS
| SERVICES AND POLICIES | INSTRUCTION
| ABUSEABLE/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
ABUSEABLE/CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCES
A student
shall not possess, use , transmit, sell, distribute, or be
under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug,
amphetamine, barbiturate, anabolic steroids, marijuana, alcoholic
beverage, intoxicant, any controlled substance of any kind,
nor shall a student possess look alike drug paraphernalia,
or abuseable substances such as inhalants (including gases,
solvents, butane, propane, and adhesives) or misuse of any
solvents(paint thinner, paint, white-out, etc) on the school
grounds, off the school grounds at any activity, function
or event , on any vehicle designated or used by the school
for transport of students. The term controllable substance
shall include any prescription or patent drug, or prescription
inhalers except those for which permission for use in school
has been granted pursuant to the policy of the Board of School
Directors. The inappropriate and/or illegal use of prescription
and the over-the counter drugs shall be prohibited. Prescription
medication for student use shall be allowed only inder the
supervision of school medical personnel or the principal with
written orders from a licensed physician including prescription
inhalers, which may be carried by the student for self medication.
The following action will be taken for cases involving controlled
substances:
Any Offense
-
10 day suspension and a hearing to determine whether circumstances
warrant additional days suspension, and/or recommendation
for - placement in an alternative program, and /or recommendation
to the Board for expulsion
All violations
of this regulation will be reported to the local police authorities.
It is mandatory that and student violating this policy on
controlled substances be enrolled in the Student Assistance
Program (SAP) at his/her respective school and be evaluated
by the drug and alcohol assessor. That student must follow
the assessor's recommendation for treatment. Failure to comply
with the assessor's recommendation may result in expulsion.
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