December2014

Karen’s Corner

Single-Day Parent-Teacher Conferences a Success!

Parents streamed in and out of School Lane Charter School’s classrooms from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11 for parent-teacher conferences that for the first time were held in a single day. Teachers enjoyed the opportunity to meet with parents and guardians and discuss the progress of their children. Parents of students in Grades 6-8 were very receptive to the new IB report cards, which provided a thorough explanation of each achievement level. Students have adapted well to thinking of themselves as lifelong learners and being evaluated based on their achievements rather than a percentage of the content they retain. Teachers, parents and students are to be congratulated for their role in making the first parent-teacher conferences of the year a huge success.

Growing School Lane’s Vision

The administration and Board of Trustees are looking to build on the success of School Lane Charter School through a permanent high school location and the formation of a nonprofit educational foundation. The new high school location will be announced in the near future once the agreement of sale is finalized. Plans to establish the School Lane Charter School Foundation will be discussed during the Jan. 22 Board of Trustees meeting. The purpose of the foundation is to raise funds through grants and donations to open additional School Lane Charter Schools in Pennsylvania. Through the foundation, School Lane Charter School will provide many more students with the opportunity to become creative,intuitive and analytical thinkers in an inclusive environment.

Enrollment

Current:968, with an additionalfive students placed inapproved private schools.

Waiting List Total 365: K-143, First-56, Second-41, Third-41, Fourth-30, Fifth-22, Sixth-20, Seventh-12, Eighth-0, Ninth-0.

Registration

New student registration for Bensalem Township residents is scheduled for 9:00-11:00 a.m. Jan. 24, 2015.

New student registration for non-Bensalem Township residents isscheduled for 9:00-11:00 a.m. Feb. 7.

International Baccalaureate Update

Learning Support Vice Principal Lee Ann Gordon attended a conference on designing assessments that meet the rigor and expectations of School Lane and IB. The workshop clarified strategies to provide students with the IB experience through modifications to their assignments or curriculum.

Grade K-5 Report — Vice Principal Vince D’Andrea

Students received new club information for the second trimester. The girls’ basketball team finished the season in third place, while the coaches for the boys’ basketball team are developing their final roster following tryouts. On the curriculum side, work is continuing on the literacy program and consideration is being given for next year to review the report card rubrics, update the leveled library and possibly introduce new math resources and diagnostic tests. Students are making great progress based on recent observations of classroom lessons and the parent-teacher conferences.

Grade 6-8 Report — Vice Principal Kelly Ousey

Students selected sample pieces of work and written reflections for student-led portfolio conferences. The self-reflection component of their portfolios focused on the academics in each subject as well as their Approaches to Learning and IB Learner Profile. The students did an impressive job explaining their performance under the IB rubric to their parents, and they truly took ownership of their own progress and areas for continued growth. Based on recent classroom observations, students are very engaged and active learning is taking place. Teachers also are working diligently to continue to enhance the learning experiences of their students.

High School Report — Principal Mattias van ‘t Hoenderdaal

The first parent-teacher conferences at School Lane Charter School were exceptionally well-received and well-attended. Nearly 90 percent of parents or guardians participated, and the majority of those who could not attend because of their schedules have made appointments. The high school continues to be a hub of learning and activity. The Performing Arts group, which has been working on a selection of international, culturally-diverse music,performed at the middle school. A Winter Dance is being planned by students. The Model United Nations students are looking forward to attending a conference at the University of Pennsylvania on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The UN students recently held a video web conference with organizers, and they are drafting a resolution to a real-world problem related to water management.The high school also is preparing to greet future and prospective students at Open Houses on Jan. 8 and Jan. 17.

Learning Support — Vice Principal Lee Ann Gordon

Teachers are in the process of being evaluated for their classroom instruction, IEP and 540 Plan development and presentations, lessons plans and student data usage. Teachers also are working to complete the required special education documentation to meet IEP and Title1 goals.

Buildings — Director of Operations Andrew Ruhf

The front canopy damaged by a delivery truck has been fully repaired. Information is being gathered on the cost to install a fence around the parking lot near the middle school. The fence around the playground will be replaced over winter break. The HVAC unit for the high school office was repaired, and repairs are planned over the winter break for other malfunctioning HVAC units.

Upcoming Events and Closings

  • Dec. 19: Grade 5 field trip to Old Barracks Museum
  • Dec. 24-Jan. 2: School Closed
  • Jan. 6: Grade 4-8 Trimester 2 extra-curricular activities
  • Jan. 7: Market Day pickup 6-7 p.m.
  • Jan. 8 - High School Open House
  • Jan. 9: Dress Down Day
  • Jan. 17: High School Open House
  • Jan. 19: School Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Jan. 24: Bensalem Township new student registration 9-11 a.m.

Board of Trustees Meetings

  • Jan. 22: Multi-Purpose Room at 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 26: Multi-Purpose Room at 7 p.m.