Back-to-School 2014

Karen’s Corner

An Exciting Start to a New School Year

The preparation by the School Lane Charter School staff went a long way this summer and I am truly grateful for everyone’s hard work. SLCS opened its new high school, welcomed students to new spaces, new technology, new learning tools—and we are off to a strong start. This is in large part thanks to the dedication of our teachers who participated in five full days of thinking, sharing and reflecting on our practices and approaches to learning. We also held Kindergarten Orientation for the 100 newest SLCS students and look forward to seeing them grow with us!

Enrollment

Current: 968, with additional four students placed in approved private schools.

Wait List: K-142, First-59, Second-37, Third-37, Fourth-23, Fifth-21, Sixth-22, Seventh-12, Eighth-4, Ninth-0.

SLCS High School Building Updates

We held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 18 to show off our temporary high school facility and welcome the incoming class of ninth grade students. More than 100 SLCS supporters turned out to celebrate, including students, parents, Mayor DiGirolamo and several members of the Bensalem Township Council.

School Lane has secured the permanent high school property by signing an Agreement of Sale for 1211 Ford Road. The 103,000 square foot warehouse building will be renovated in two phases. Phase one will be completed for the start of the 2017-2018 school year, at which time it will be open for grades 9-12.

Grade K-5 Report

Vice Principal Vince D’Andrea is already working with his teachers to increase the level of student expectation and accountability in the classroom. During professional development, K-5 staff established benchmarks in writing to address changes the Pennsylvania Department of Education made to the PSSA Reading and Writing exam. Writing will now be incorporated with Reading in an ELA test that grades 3-8 will take. Teachers are being encouraged to introduce students in grades K-2 to Persuasive and Informative (Expository) writing.

Grade 6-8 Report

Vice Principal Kelly Ousey reported the staff is excited to see routines in place and construction completed in the middle school building. New teachers attended two days of sessions to become familiarized with the IB Middle Years Program and SLCS customs, as well as meet with mentors and Carol Walsh, the new Curriculum Coordinator. Each middle school teacher received website training and guidance for setting up their own webpage, which will be used for posting homework and other information about their classes.

Teachers can count on support as they implement the IB program in classroom instruction, learning activities and assessment of student progress. Preparations are under way to create laminated sets of IB subject rubrics for each student. We are planning a parent information session as a means to further educate families about the IB program.

Grade 9 Report

High School Principal Mattias van ‘t Hoenderdaal reported that new teacher orientation and whole staff professional development went well. Everyone is now familiar with the IB Learner Profile and IB Middle Years Program framework, including the rubric-based grading policy.

The Fire Marshall and Chief of Police conducted walkthroughs of the building and all safety procedures are up to date.

Mr. van ‘t Hoenderdaal plans to be visible in hallways and classrooms to give clear and immediate feedback to teachers and students. He is exploring extended learning opportunities for students to interact with working professionals in various fields. In addition, the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia hosts Model UN conferences in which SLCHS students will be able to participate.

Lastly, SLCS ordered LearnPad tablets for the high school students. LearnPad is an Android-based tablet that has many education functions already loaded. Teacher training occurred during professional development. All student textbooks will be accessed from the tablet.

Learning Support Report

The Learning Support team has grown with the hiring of four new staff members, four Special Education teachers and one ESL teacher. Vice Principal Lee Ann Gordon is focused on working with new team members to ensure they are familiar with SLCS requirements and responsibilities for their roles.

Upcoming Events and Closings

·  September 9: Back-to-School Night Grade 9, 6:30 p.m.

·  September 25: School Closed

Board of Trustees Meetings Open to the Public

·  September 18: Multipurpose Room, 7 p.m.