January 2015
Karen’s Corner
Celebrating School Choice
School Lane Charter School is participating in National School Choice Week January 25-31, 2015. All grade levels will join in our persuasive writing campaign by sending letters to local, state and national government officials to encourage them to support efforts that allow families to have a choice in public education. We are thrilled to be a part of this special week!
Enrollment
Current: 966, with an additional five students attending approved private placement. Grades K-7 each have 100 students enrolled. Grade 8 has 99 students. Grade 9 has 67 students.
There are 360 students on the waiting list for the 2014-2015 school year. The list includes 15 siblings, 122 Bensalem Township residents and 223 residents of other school districts. As of January 14, the waiting list for the 2015-2016 school year includes 69 siblings, 40 of which are for Kindergarten.
For 2015-2016, SLCS is anticipating 75 students in ninth grade, 75 students in tenth grade, and increasing Kindergarten enrollment to 125 students.
Plans for IB Campus
SLCS is excited to announce that we have signed Agreements of Sale for two properties to create our International Baccalaureate (IB) Campus. The buildings are located at 3050 and 3340 Tillman Drive in the Glenview Corporate Center off of Street Road. We plan to designate one building for the IB Middle Years Program for grades 7-10 and one building for the IB Diploma & Career Certificate Programs for grades 11-12. The building at 3050 Tillman Drive will open in August 2016 for grades 7-10 while students in grade 11 remain at the temporary high school facility for the 2016-2017 school year. The following school year, 2017-2018, we will open the building at 3340 Tillman Drive for grades 11-12.
Grade K-5 Report
Vice Principal Vince D’Andrea is continuing to research math programs and reading diagnostics to help advance each student’s educational experience. He is also developing a master list for every grade that clearly defines and highlights specific tasks and a timeline. The master lists will serve as resources for staff and aid in the future expansion of School Lane.
Students in the elementary grades are developing individual thought processes, the diversity and authenticity of which is demonstrated throughout the halls and in the classrooms by the variety of student work displayed on our bulletin boards. Meanwhile, second trimester clubs are up and running. The Weird Science Club for students in grades 4 and 5 have been working on experiments and discussing the scientific method. The Art Club is creating two food-themed murals for the school walls.
Grade 6-8 Report
Vice Principal Kelly Ousey reported that students and teachers have offered positive feedback about the new adapted Specials’ schedule. Session Two began on January 22. All students have moved into their next Specials’ class, which will run until the first week of March. The Specials’ teachers enjoy getting to know students better by seeing them every day, and it has led to increased classroom participation and the ability to go into more depth with the curriculum and activities. Students appreciate the opportunity to delve into subject matter. They also cite a lighter class load and easier time management as positives.
Students in the Music classes showcased their talent and creativity in a choral performance on December 19, 2014. Students and teachers in the other subject areas are preparing to present unit exhibitions over the course of the next few months. Additionally, Lauren Lynch started after winter break as the new Spanish teacher for grades 6-7. She joins SLCS from an IB school in Ecuador.
Grade 9 Report
On February 5, 2015, the Individuals and Societies class will have their end-of-unit assessment, which will take place in the form of a leadership summit. Students have been analyzing the characteristics of historical leaders. During the summit, students will interview several leaders to learn more about their leadership styles and qualities. Guests will include: Bensalem Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo; State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo; and Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce President Dan Bates.
A group of five students represented School Lane at a Model United Nations conference on January 19 at the University of Pennsylvania, where they contributed to a resolution on water sanitation issues that will be presented to the Model UN Headquarters.
Lastly, SLCHS held its first Snowball Dance before winter break. It was a great success!
Learning Support Report
Vice Principal Lee Ann Gordon is working to ensure that all students who are eligible for accommodations on the PSSA and Terra Nova tests receive the necessary and allowable support. Michelle Stride and the Learning Support staff are also addressing issues for the upcoming year to determine the appropriate learning materials for students and professional development for teachers.
Upcoming Events and Closings
· February 6: First Friday Dress Down Day
· February 7: Non-Bensalem Township New Student Registration, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
· February 16: School Closed
Board of Trustees Meetings
· February 26: Multipurpose Room, 7:00 p.m.
· March 26: Multipurpose Room, 7:00 p.m.