Academic Programs

 

Academic Grade Level Expectations

Each grade level has a set of expectations for academic achievement.  These are aligned to the Washington State Learning Standards.  We measure student progress on the WASL, DIBELS, MAP, and other assessment measures used in the classroom.  If you have any questions about your child’s learning, please contact your child’s teacher.

Family Learning Night - Curriculum Night
This event 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 mid-September.  The meetings are for parents to find out about the Title 1 program, Passports and PTO as well.

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.

Meet the Teacher – Open House

     On the afternoon before school starts, we like to welcome families and students to an Open House to meet the teacher.  During this informal time, students can meet their teacher, deliver their school supplies, and purchase their organization folders.  Parents can also find out about volunteering for PTO events.

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; band is available to fifth grade students.  Instructional periods are scheduled during the school day.   

Organizational Skills Program- Weekly Folders
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 Weekly Friday Folders are our link as a home-school connection.  Daily Homework Folders are sent home regularly with the hope that you review the work and send any follow up questions to the classroom teacher.

The major parts of the program are: 1) a folder for kindergarten through third grade students and 2) a binder (containing dividers, pencil pouch, plastic notice pouch, and monthly calendar) for grades four and five.  Both the folder and the binder will go back and forth between home and school daily.  If purchasing school supplies are an issue because of cost, please contact the office.

      Additionally, your child will be bringing home school announcements, newsletters, PTO notices, and other information from the office.  This will be placed the Organizational Folders each FRIDAY.   Please check your child's notebook/binder for school newsletters, notes, etc.

Parent Compact/Schoolwide Title 1 Program

      The Parent Compact is an agreement between the teacher, student, and parent about the responsibility each bears for the success of the student.  At the fall conference, your child's teacher will discuss the Compact with you. A sample of the compact is included in the Appendix at the back of the Handbook. Madison is a Title 1 school which is eligible for additional federal funds based on poverty rates.  The program helps any student who is having learning difficulties in reading and math. A parent involvement plan is written and review by staff and parents annually. 

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.  Check the school calendar for this year’s conference dates. 

Reading Buddies

      Community and parent volunteers come to tutor individual children at Madison who need extra confidence in reading.  Rotary has donated Reading Buddy Benches, special places for the reading buddies to tutor.  If selected, your child will be receiving books to take home.  Parent permission is expected for students to participate in this program.

Report Cards

      Report cards are sent home three times during the year.  If you have any questions about your child’s progress, please contact your child’s teacher.

Standardized Achievement Tests

Standardized tests are administered throughout the year to students at Madison.  They are:

·         The reading assessment, DIBELS, is given in three times during the yea for all students and more often for students needing extra support.  Results are shared with parents at each conference.

·         The Measures of Academic Progress is given to students in grades 2 - 5 in the spring.  This test is designed to measure growth of the grade level expectations and is sent home in the spring. 

·         The Washington state Measure of Student Progress (MSP formerly known as WASL) is taken by all 3^rd, 4^th, and 5th grade students in the spring.  The results are sent home in early fall.  It measures a student’s ability to meet the state standards in reading, writing, math and science. There also will be Curriculum-Based Assessments in PE, Art, and Civics.

What To Do When You Have a Concern 

As parents and school staff 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 is to build a positive relationship with school staff from the very beginning. 

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. 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.