Horace Mann Brochure
Horace Mann Choice School Introduction to the Curriculum, Horace Mann Choice School Who We Are Horace Mann Choice Year-Round School is a public school of choice, with families, teachers, and other staff members choosing to be a part of the school because we like what happens here. The school was established in 1991. It draws its students from across Rock Island-Milan District #41. We use proven innovations in education, focused on an integrated curriculum which meets Illinois educational goals and standards and district objectives. Committed to cultural diversity, our student population is representative of the district population at large. Building Philosophy We believe that all children can learn and that successful learning can help children achieve a wholesome attitude toward life and community. Children differ in their own rates of growth and development. In order to become self-motivated learners, children should be allowed to develop and achieve at their own rates. We believe that Horace Mann Choice Year-Round School promotes the philosophy of continuous but flexible growth through a cooperative effort involving students, staff, and parents. Admission Horace Mann is a public school. Admission is open to all district children through a waiting list. Parents may ask to have their child placed on the waiting list one year prior to the child˙≠s starting school or at anytime thereafter. Students are admitted based upon their order on the waiting list with priority given to siblings of current students and the maintenance of a school population representative of the district˙≠s student demographics. Year-Round At we use a year-round calendar consisting of 176 days. We start the school year in July, dividing it into four sessions with breaks between them. The winter quarter lasts ten weeks and the others nine. After the summer, fall, and winter quarters we break for three weeks and after the spring quarter enjoy a five-week summer, with variations possible each year. The school year is no longer than in traditional schools, just divided differently. Families and teachers have found that concentrating on learning for nine or ten weeks followed by a break is advantageous for students. Multiage At Horace Mann we use a four-level multiage structure. Five and six year-old students begin in classes of their own much like the traditional kindergarten. After that, however, students typically spend two years in the same primary classroom, two years in the same middle level classroom, and two years in the same intermediate group. We have two first-year classrooms, four primary classes, four middle level, and four intermediate classes. Beyond the beginning level, students most often remain with the same teacher for two years. Some student movement between classrooms may take place for certain portions of the day to better meet specific instructional needs. Approximately one-half of the student population in each classroom changes yearly as new students arrive from the preceding level and the oldest students move to the next level. <o:p></o:p> Families and teachers have found that the family nature of the multiage classroom provides a nurturing and non-competitive learning environment. The multiage structure allows students to grow and develop at rates appropriate for their needs and learning styles and facilitates cooperation among students of varying ages. Integrated Curriculum Staff members at have developed integrated thematic units containing a variety of student materials that rotate on a multi-year cycle. Students are taught through literature-based instruction which utilizes both fictional and expository (non-fiction) trade books. This thematic approach gives children solid content in their reading, allows teachers to integrate various aspects of the curriculum and provides real-world learning exeriences for students. We frequently use hands-on and cooperative learning experiences throughout the curriculum. Some material is taught using whole class instruction. Other material is taught in skill or age level groups.
As a result of this integrated approach, students find themselves doing such real-world things as using math while reading, writing about science, or reading when the subject happens to be art.
Title I and Special Education Resource Instruction In an effort to support the instructional needs of all students, we provide Title I services for students identified as needing extra assistance in reading and writing. These services are generally limited to the early primary and primary levels. Special education resource instruction is also available for students requiring these services. Both Title I and Special Education resource services are provided through a combination of in-class and out-of-class instruction. Gifted and Speech and Language services are also provided. Student Evaluation Process In keeping with Horace Mann School˙≠s philosophy, progress reports focus on continuous growth toward instructional goals which align with the Illinois State Standards. Student evaluation consists of ungraded progress reports and two parent-teacher conferences. Assessment includes student portfolios, staff generated tests, district-mandated assessments, yearly use of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills at every level, and the Illinois Standards Achievement Test as mandated by the state. Parent Involvement Parent involvement in student learning is a big part of Horace Mann. We support and encourage it in a variety of ways. Parents sign a contract that they will assist their children on daily homework assignments and will participate at least twice each quarter in school events, parent workshops, or other parent involvement opportunities. These responsibilities serve to strengthen the school˙≠s committment to active partnership among parents, teachers, and students. Parent volunteers are welcomed in the classroom and in the parent work room. Many parents also provide assistance to teachers by completing activities at home in their spare time. Another opportunity for parent involvement is membership on an Executive Board consisting of parents, teachers, and the principal. The Executive Board provides input on school policy and activities. There are also many other committees of interest available for parent participation. Homework Contract A weekly homework contract is provided by each classroom teacher. The homework contract allows parents to monitor and assist with student learning and provides a vital link between home and school. At least thirty minutes of work is expected on homework assignments daily. Parents monitor the child˙≠s progress and initial the contract each day. At the end of the week, the homework contract is returned to the school.
Additional Student Opportunities Families can take advantage of additional opportunities provided through. Before and after school child care is provided by the YMCA Pals Program. Busing is available from neighborhood school sites. Enrichment, as well as further academic instruction, is provided at during the intersession breaks. After school clubs and special programs are offered periodically throughout the year. Horace Mann provides Spanish instruction twice-weekly for all students. In Short The components of provide an innovative framework for a quality learning experience for students. The Horace Mann philosophy values all learners. The year-round calendar supports continuous growth. The multiage structure enhances academic development. The integrated curriculum facilitates connections among learning experiences. The student evaluation process promotes personal investment in learning. Parent involvement and the homework contract foster the development of the parent-teacher-student partnership in education. These components and other aspects of Horace Mann Choice Year-Round School provide a high level of satisfaction for those involved.
Horace Mann Staff Building Principal Kathy Reimers
Ann Cottay Sandee Ellis Kim Kettering Tera McCormick-Skinner Intermediate Mary Laidig Sarah Kautz Don Neer
This Page was last update: Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 8:52:23 AM This site is using the Horace Mann theme.
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