Academic Programs

Academic Learning Standards

Each grade level has a set of expectations for academic achievement. The condensed standards are in the Appendix of this Handbook.

Curriculum Night

This is the first step in the Olympia School District's reporting system. It is an opportunity for parents to come to school for a classroom meeting with their child's teacher to discuss the programs, curriculum, expectations, and procedures for the school year. These meetings will be held in September. The meetings are for parents only, but free childcare will be provided at Madison by the PTO.

Junior Programs

The Olympia School District has participated in the local Junior Programs for several years. The programs give our students the opportunity to see live theater and musical presentations performed here in Olympia. The programs usually occur in the second half of the school year. Ticket information will be sent home early in January.

Madison Pride Student

This program recognizes the academic achievement of a child in each classroom each week. The spotlighted work is celebrated in the classroom then displayed in the library on the Madison Pride bulletin board. A letter is sent home to parents to inform them of their child's accomplishment.

Music Program

All students in grades K - 5 participate in a vocal music program from an itinerant music teacher. Orchestra is available to all fourth and fifth grade students. Instructional periods are schedule during the school day. Band is available to fifth grade students only. It is also scheduled for during the school day.

Organizational Skills Program

This program helps children organize their school materials and assignments, kindergarten through fifth grade. Organizing material is a very important skill. It is taught and practiced here at Madison with the belief that it will enhance our students learning and sense of responsibility.

The major parts of the program are a folder for kindergarten through second grade students and a binder (containing dividers, pencil pouch, plastic notice pouch, monthly calendar and a spelling help booklet) for grades three through five. Both the folder and the binder will go back and forth between home and school daily. Please check your child's notebook/binder for school newsletters, notes, etc.

Backpacks or book bags are strongly encouraged for all students. They make transporting supplies between home and school much easier.

Outdoor School

In the spring, the fifth grade class will close up in Olympia and reopen at Cispus Environmental Center near Randle for three days of natural science studies. Madison fifth grade students and their teachers join fifth grade classes from several other Olympia schools.

Parent Compact

The Parent Compact is an agreement between the teacher, student and parent on the responsibility each bears for the success of the student. The compact is included in the Appendix at the back of the Handbook.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

Parent Teacher Student conferences occur twice yearly. In the fall, the student, parents, and teacher meet together to identify goals for the student during the year. In the spring, the learning team meets together for an evaluation conference. At this time, the student shares with his/her parents what he/she has accomplished during the school year.

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home three times during the year, once in early November, in March and again in June, on the last day of school.

Standardized Achievement Tests

Four standardized test are administered throughout the year to students at Madison. They are:

• The second grade reading assessment given in the fall before the first conference.

• The Olympia Academic Levels Test given to students in grades 2 - 5 in the spring. This test is designed to match the curriculum taught in Olympia School District classrooms.

• The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) taken by all 3rd grade students in April. This is a national test which tests basic skills.

• The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) taken by all 4th grade students in the spring. It measures a students ability to meet the standards of the Washington State Essential Academic Requirements.

What To Do When You Have a Concern

As parents and school personnel work together to support the academic success of the student, there are times when concerns occur. These are often a result of miscommunication and varied perspectives, but can nonetheless create significant distress. As a parent the most effective step you can take to enhance your role as your child's advocate is to build a positive relationship with school authorities from the very beginning. This relationship helps to create a receptive environment in which your opinion has maximum credibility.

When concerns do arise it is important to speak first with the staff member directly involved whenever possible. Exercise self-control in choosing when and where to voice complaints and be selective with whom you share your concerns. If concerns about a classroom or school situation are not addressed to your satisfaction, then request a meeting with the school principal. You are welcome to invite someone to be present at the meeting with you. This person can help you to represent your concerns and help you reflect afterwards.