Auburn Village School

August 2006

This is the beginning of my sixth year at Auburn Village School. I have enjoyed becoming acquainted with the community of Auburn. As with most educational communities, our school is in a continual process of change and improvement.

My first year here was the beginning of “staggered starts”. The distinction in school schedules really accentuated the difference in our middle school and elementary programs. We essentially operate two schools under one roof. I often refer to it as my ‘“upstairs, downstairs” school. The middle school begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:15. The elementary schedule is an hour later, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:15. We publish two distinct student handbooks, two disciplines codes, two homework procedures, and so on.

Our 1-8 school is an interesting blend. There are certainly some advantages to having older students in the building. Some of the primary rooms have “buddy programs” with classrooms at the higher grades. Middle school student council members and members of the Junior National Honor Society assume leadership roles that carry through the grades. We have a wide range of developmental ages and stages. Life is certainly never dull here!

Our curriculum and academic program are in a continual cycle of revision. Three years ago we added foreign language to our course listings. Most sixth grade students participate in Exploratory French classes. Most seventh and eighth grade students are taught French. With the addition of an additional reading specialist for the upper grades, we can now offer reading as an alternative to French for selected students. Having two reading specialists on staff also allows us to offer remedial reading support throughout all eight grades.

Language arts curriculum is being revised to meet new Grade Level Expectations in the areas of reading and writing. The elementary grades use the Scott Foresman Reading Program. Grades 6, 7, and 8 use literature series from Holt, Rhinehart, and Winston. The John Collins Writing Program is used throughout the grades. This spring and summer most staff members took training in Independent Investigation Method of teaching research skills. We will use system consistently through all grade levels.

In 2005-2006 the elementary grades implemented the Everyday Math Program. This year grades 6-8 will start using the MathScape Program. Both programs are standard based and will assist the school in meeting state Grade Level Expectations in the area of math. We have done substantial professional training in the area math in the past two years.

Science curriculum is not in the process of review in response to new state guidelines and the addition of NECAP science testing in grades 4 and 8. Our science curriculum is primarily kit based with hands on experimentation. Print resources supplement and enrich the kit instruction.

For the past few years we have used two diagnostic assessment programs to help monitor student progress and inform instruction. In the primary grades (R-2) we are using DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) data system to monitor the beginning reading skills of our youngest students. Classroom teachers with the elementary reading specialist assess the students three times a year. These brief tests are individually administrated. Students in grades 3-8 have reading and math skills individually assessed in the fall and spring through a computerized assessment program (Measures of Academic Progress) developed by Northwest Evaluation Association. This is a dynamic testing instrument, adjusting the level of difficulty of the questions as each student takes the test. This program provides quality information for both teachers and parents.

Having enough instructional space to accommodate enrollment and program needs is an issue at Auburn Village as it is in many other communities. We currently have three modular units, providing space for six elementary classrooms. Every year we assess our program needs and adapt the available space to best meet the needs of the students. We have subdivided some rooms with temporary walls to provide office and instructional space for regular education and special education programs. We have reassigned areas and combined purposes for rooms as needed.

We are have been working on a continual facility maintenance program. Several years ago we installed new playground equipment. The gym was repainted, and the stage floor refinished approximately three years ago. This summer the gym roof was replaced. Over the past few years, we have removed worn carpet, repainted and tiled in selected classrooms each summer. We are gradually working our way through the building. Two years ago we installed a security system in the building and fenced in the upper sports field. These efforts over the past few years have really improved the appearance of the building, providing a healthier, safer, more pleasant learning environment for the students of Auburn. It has been a good investment for the community.

The greatest strength of Auburn Village School has always been the quality of its staff. Teachers, special education service providers, para educators, secretaries, lunch staff, and maintenance personnel all work conscientiously, cooperatively, and competently to make Auburn Village School the best it can be. Working collaboratively with parents, Auburn is a positive school community, a good place for children to grow and learn.

If you are new to our community, we welcome you. We invite you to become actively involved in our school through class projects, attendance at School Board meetings, PTA activities, and volunteer work. Please attend our middle school sports activities and our school concerts. This web site, email, and voice mail have improved our ability to communicate with parents beyond progress reports, report cards, and scheduled conferences. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Your participation in our school community is important.

Sincerely,

Anita Johnson

Principal