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STUDENT
/ FAMILY “Pride and Excellence”
Attendance Phone (619) 463-4688
WELCOME TO GAGE Welcome to Gage Elementary School. We hope that all students will find their time here enjoyable, interesting, and most of all educational. The staff is committed to providing each child with the best education possible and in assisting them in reaching his/her highest potential. But each child has the biggest responsibility, using his/her time and talent wisely. Remember that we are here to help you and your child. At all times we want your child to be proud of him/herself and of being a Gage Gator. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of San Diego City Schools and Gage Elementary is to improve student achievement by supporting teaching and learning in the classroom. Our foci are increasing literacy and mathematical understanding for all students. DAILY SCHEDULE
MORNING ARRIVAL Supervision is provided beginning at 7:30 a.m. Do not send children to school prior to this time, unless your child is enrolled in Klassic Kids. Students need to go directly to the playground and wait at their classroom line-up area or run/walk laps (weather permitting) on the field. CHILDCARE Klassic Kids (619) 460-3750 (paid for by parents) is available before and after school each weekday. Contact the program directly for their current time schedule and for required pre-registration. ATTENDANCE Regular and prompt attendance is required and is the responsibility of both student and parent. Absent students fall behind in their academic skills and miss important socialization opportunities. If a student is absent, his/her parent must call the attendance office at (619) 463-4688 before 8:00 a.m. When leaving information on the answering machine, state your child’s name, room number, reason for absence, and your relationship to the child. Any absence not cleared by phone requires a note written by a parent and delivered to the attendance office. Students who will be absent from school for 5 days or more due to religious or personal reasons should obtain a contract for independent study from the attendance office one week prior to the absence. LEAVING DURING SCHOOL HOURS Any person picking up a student from Gage must present a photo ID and their name must appear on the current enrollment card. Adults (18 and older) must come to the office and complete required documentation before the student will be released. TARDIES Students who arrive after 7:50 a.m. are considered tardy. Students who arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. should go directly to their classroom where the teacher will mark them tardy. Tardy students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must report to the attendance office for a late slip. TRUANCIES A truant student is one who is absent from class without permission or is tardy to class for more than 30 minutes. Truancies will be reported to the counselor immediately for parent contact. State law dictates that truancies will not be tolerated. DISMISSAL Students should go directly home at the end of the school day unless attending an organized after school program. Supervision is provided in the lunch arbor on Wednesdays until 12:35 p.m. for students who are eating lunch at school. STUDENT PICK-UP In order to maximize learning time, parents who arrive at school early to pick up students at dismissal are asked to please wait in marked “Family Waiting” areas. These areas are situated around the campus away from the classroom windows and doors so students can continue to concentrate. Thank you for supporting student achievement at Gage by waiting in the designated areas. TELEPHONE MESSAGES Personal messages for students or staff will be left for teachers to pick up prior to recess and lunch. Classrooms will not to be interrupted during instructional time except in an emergency. Arrangements for lunch money and after school plans must be made prior to coming to school. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS Names and phone numbers must be on file of those persons who are legally empowered to take charge of an injured child in the event that the parent(s) cannot be reached. Failure to provide this information could result in a call to emergency services. This information must be kept current. SCHOOL RECORDSDuring the school year, if you have a change of address, home phone, health information, emergency contact, or work number, be sure to notify the office. CAFETERIA Breakfast is served each morning from 7:30 to 7:40 and a hot lunch is served daily. New certification applications for free and reduced lunch will be sent home at the beginning of each school year. Full price breakfast is 50 cents. Lunch with milk is $1.25; milk only is 25 cents. Send all checks (clearly marked with your child’s name) to the cafeteria. Each student is given a pin number, which they enter into a computer at mealtime. All questions concerning food service should be directed to the cafeteria manager. Additional information is available on line at: http://www2.sandi.net/food/index.html. Students are not allowed to bring bottled or canned carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea to school. HEALTHY SNACK PROGRAM Gage Elementary staff cares about students and is encouraging families whose children bring snacks to make sure that the food provided is nutritious. In an effort to maintain healthy lifestyles, we randomly award Healthy Snack buttons to those students who participate by choosing wisely. Below is a suggested list of healthy snacks that students can eat during the first five minutes of recess, as well as a list of snacks that students are discouraged from eating. Encouraged Discouraged Fruit Donuts Vegetables Top Ramen Nutrition Bars Chips Cheese & Crackers Cookies Low Salt Pretzels Candy Bagels Cupcakes Nuts Hot Cheetos Low Sugar Muffins Pork Rinds HEALTH OFFICE A school nurse is assigned to Gage two and one day per week. This position provides assistance in the implementation of district health requirements and provides first aid. A health aide assists on all school days. Students must have a pass to visit the health office. MEDICATION All prescription and non-prescription medications must be in the original container and must be delivered to and from school by a responsible adult. The container will be kept at school until all the medication has been given and/or until it has been discontinued. It is not possible for office staff to receive and return medication on a daily/weekly basis. Students are not allowed to carry medication (prescription or non-prescription) of any kind, to or from school or on their person while at school. Contact the nurse about inhalers. For medications to be given at school for a period longer than 10 days, you must obtain a “Physician’s Recommendation for Medication” form from the health office which must be completed by parent and physician. A new form must be completed at the beginning of each new school year and before a new medication or a different dosage is given. If you are providing medication for your child for a short period of time, parent must obtain and complete a short-term permission form from the health office. Permission is valid 10-days only. Parents who request that the school provide Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, and/or Calamine lotion to their child must complete permission form, which is available in the health office. Since only a school nurse can administer these items, they cannot be dispensed except when the nurse is on site. SAFETYParents are asked to caution their children to cross at the patrol crossing only. It is dangerous to cross at other places, as cars can create a safety hazard. Students should always cross the street at corners, never in the middle of the street. Parents are asked to model this behavior. Please be vigilant when driving near school and heed the limited parking signs for the safety of all of our students. Student drop-off or pick-up by car is located on Highwood. Only bus pick-up and drop-off is permitted on Hudson after 1:00 a.m., Monday-Friday. SKATEBOARDS/ROLLERBLADESSkateboards, rollerblades, scooters, or roller skate type devices (shoes) are not allowed at Gage at any time, including before or after school or weekends. Violators will have their skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, or roller skate type devices confiscated and may receive a police citation. BICYCLESBicycles may be ridden to school only if students are in grades 4 or 5. Students must walk the bicycle to or from the nearest gate to the bike rack and must wear helmets. Bicycles are to be licensed and securely locked in the bike racks. The student assumes all liability for theft, damage, or loss of use, to any bicycle, equipment, or article left on it. Cellular TelephonesDistrict Policy states that elementary school students may possess and use cell phones, pagers, and other electronic signaling devices on school grounds while under the supervision of school district employees before and after school. These devices must be kept out of sight and turned off during the instructional program and in the classroom. School officials, including classroom teachers, may take the device away from students if used during the times not permitted. Repeated unauthorized use of such devices may lead to disciplinary action. LOST ARTICLESLost articles will be returned if they are marked with the owner’s full name. Sack lunches, lunch boxes, and removable garments are most often lost, and should be labeled with student’s first and last name and room number. The lost and found cart is located near the auditorium. Lost eyeglasses, keys, jewelry, money, and valuables are kept in the office. RUNNING CLUBStudents
earn tickets for each lap run/walked before school and at recess. All
students are expected to run/walk a lap daily before playing games.
Each ticket represents º of a mile and students must turn
in tickets daily to their teacher who monitors and records student
mileage. There is a daily maximum of STUDENT COUNCILStudents in grades 3, 4, and 5 may elect someone from their homeroom to serve on Student Council. Student Council officers are elected from the 5th grade students. The Student Council sponsors school spirit activities such as dress-up days, serves the community through such as activities as adopt a bus stop, communicates students’ concerns to Gage staff, and supports literacy in various ways. HOMEWORK POLICYSan Diego City Schools has a homework policy. Meaningful homework is assigned on a regular basis to reinforce or extend subject matter, to develop good study habits, to encourage responsibility, and to provide families with an opportunity to monitor their child’s work. The amount and kind of homework assigned will vary according to grade level and course material. It is the student’s responsibility to strive to do his/her best and to complete all assignments on time. Families should encourage systematic study and provide the proper conditions for doing homework effectively. It is the responsibility of the child to see that the homework is completed, signed (if required), and returned to the teacher. HOME READINGAt Gage all students are expected to read a minimum of 15 - 30 minutes at home each night depending on grade level. Students are required to submit a reading slip signed by an adult for each book read at home. The Home Reading grade on the report card is based on reading logs/lists signed by a parent and turned in to the teacher. Families are asked to encourage students to read at home. VISITS TO CLASSROOMSGage urges all families to visit their child’s classrooms in order to become more familiar with the teaching methods and materials used. District procedures require that all visitors report to the main office before visiting a classroom at times other than during Open House. The San Diego teachers’ contract requires a 24-hour notice prior to visits; make appointments directly with the teachers. PARENT CONFERENCESParent Conference Days are for an entire week in November. Student dismissal time for all conference days is 12:15 p.m. Parents and teachers may need to meet for additional conferences for some students; parents are urged to initiate conferences by sending a note to the teacher or by leaving a message at the office. PARENT/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTVolunteersAdults are encouraged to volunteer in classrooms and to share their talents with students. Volunteers are needed to work in the library or on special projects. If you are interested, please contact Carlos Arias, Parent Coordinator at (619) 463-0202 x 166. Volunteers must have a current TB test on file at Gage. All volunteers must sign in at the office prior to going to classrooms.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) All parents are encouraged to join the Parent/Teacher Association to make a positive contribution to Gage and to stay informed about the programs and events occurring. The PTA assists with school fundraisers, academic programs, field trips, parent workshops, and other events. School Community Planning Team (SCPT) The SCPT is a collaborative group made up of the administration, teachers, support staff, classified staff, and parents. Its purpose is to consider recommendations and make decisions with respect to developing, reviewing, and monitoring long-range goals and plans that deal with curriculum, instruction, student achievement, school and community relations, and organizational issues. The SCPT meets monthly and meetings are open to everyone. Minutes and agendas are posted in the office and workroom. School Site Council (SSC) Three teachers, one classified staff member, five parents, and the principal serve on the School Site Council (SSC) to assist in setting school goals. They monitor the School Improvement Program and budget for the current school year. Parents are nominated yearly to serve a two-year term. The SSC meets monthly concurrently with the SCPT and meetings are open to everyone. Minutes and agendas are posted in the office and workroom. Gage FoundationThe foundation was established in September 2001 and raises funds to support Gage. To get involved, e-mail: gageschoolfoundation@yahoo.com, to let them know you are interested, or call the school office. 5th Grade BoostersThe 5th Grade Boosters committee is comprised of parents and family members of students in the various 5th grade classrooms. The goal of this committee is to raise funds for and to organize the 5th grade activities celebrating promotion from Gage Elementary School. For further information or to get involved, contact the school office. Everyone a ReaderThis program is staffed by volunteers who provide individual attention to our struggling readers to assist them in making progress in reading. For further information contact Marion Spence at kjspence@incom.net or (619) 698-9321. English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)The principal, bilingual Project Assistant, and families of our English language learners make up this committee. Their purposes are to promote family involvement and to advise the school in matters of concern to the families of our English language learners. For more information, contact Carlos Arias at (619) 463-0202. Partners in EducationCommunity businesses enhance our instructional program through the donation of time, goods, money, support, and services. We are fortunate to have as our partners, California Coast Credit Union, La Mesa branch and Wendy’s on Lake Murray Blvd. TECHNOLOGYAll classrooms have a computer with Internet access. In order for students to use the Internet, a signed permission slip must be on file with the teacher. The Technology Use permission slip is located at the back of this handbook. LIBRARYThe goal of the library is to encourage all students to become excited about exploring the wonderful world of books. Students must have a signed parent permission slip on file to check out books. Library books may be checked out for a one-week time period. Books may be renewed, if they have not been reserved in advance by someone else. When a student has an overdue book, he/she may not check out another book until the book is paid for or returned. A library fine of five cents per day for overdue books will be assessed. If a book has not been returned, it will be considered lost. The parent or guardian will be expected to pay for lost books. If a book is returned in acceptable condition a refund will be made. Late fees and lost book payments must be made before the end of the school year in order for a child to check out materials from the library the following year.
COUNSELING CENTERProgram Goals Current research emphasizes the need for both preventive and remedial approaches to guidance. Gage’s preventive program includes activities designed to anticipate future problems and provide early intervention strategies, while our remedial program includes activities that deal with existing problems or immediate needs. There is a counselor on site one day every week and an attendance aide who is here daily. Parent Conferencing and Education Referrals to community agencies are available. Classroom Presentations At a teacher’s request, the district counselor makes classroom presentations on a variety of topics such as peer relationships, decision-making, Stranger/ Danger, Good Touch/Bad Touch, and teamwork. Reward and Recognition Students may be referred individually or in small groups for a 30-minute activity as a reward for good or improved behavior. Student Study Team (SST) This team meets bi-weekly to address special needs of students (academic, personal, social, health, and language development). The team consists of an administrator, nurse, district counselor, resource specialist, speech therapist, psychologist, and classroom teacher. Parents are invited to attend and other specialists may be invited. Supportive Individualized Counseling This service may be short-term, or children may be scheduled for regular appointments. Problem Solving Students with problems such as fighting, disruptive behavior, and defiance may be referred for counseling and problem solving activities. Guidance Groups Guidance groups are available for the student who needs support in dealing with divorce, learning conflict management, handling peer relations, and making good decisions. Time-out Students may need time away from the classroom for a temporary change of environment with a chance to think things over. Appropriate counseling is offered, and students return to their classroom within 30 minutes.
In-school Suspension Students who exhibit severe behavior problems may be sent by the administrator or teacher to spend one or two days in the counseling center as a final step before suspension. Prior to a child serving time in in-school suspension, the administrator or teacher will contact parents. The teacher will provide independent academic work for the student. Counseling for behavior modification and parental support is an important part of this program. DRESS STANDARDSThe purpose of a school dress code is to keep the school environment wholesome, safe, and focused on instruction. Students are to be appropriately dressed at all times. In keeping with that intention, we ask that parents consider carefully what is purchased for school wear. Students engage in physical education activities daily so clothing should be comfortable and enable participation without being immodest. Please be sure clothing, particularly jackets and sweaters, is identified with the student’s name. 1. If students arrive improperly dressed, parents will be contacted and asked to bring a change of clothing to school. If parents cannot be contacted, students will be sent to the nurse’s office for a change of clothing. 2. Caps, clothing or accessories with suggestive or vulgar words, logos, or designs that advertise or promote violence, drugs, gangs, alcohol, sex or other illegal items are not allowed. Gang colors or gang style of dress is forbidden. Caps may be worn outside only; and must be worn with the bill toward the front. 3. We recommend wearing regular athletic shoes with low heels and soles to allow participation in daily physical activities. All footwear must remain securely on the foot. Clogs, flip-flops, high heels, open toes, and shoes not fitted or strapped at the heel are not allowed. Shoes with wheels are not allowed (wheels will be confiscated). 4. Dangling earrings, long necklaces, chains, make-up, tattoos, and glitter are not allowed. 5. Hats must be worn with the brim forward and removed while inside buildings. No stocking caps, sweatbands, or bandanas may be worn. 6. Clothing which is immodest or tends to disrupt the educational process is inappropriate, including half shirts, halter tops, muscle tops (that do not cover the shoulder), tube tops, mini skirts, or clothing made from transparent material. Midriffs may not be exposed and straps on tops must be at least two inches wide. Shorts are encouraged to be worn under dresses to allow for athletics. 7. Students with temporary coloring in their hair will be asked to wash it out. 8. Pants must be of appropriate length/size for the student and must be fitted or belted at the waist. 9. Students are asked not to wear body-piercing jewelry except in the ears. CODE OF CONDUCT Every student at Gage has the right to feel safe. Every student at Gage has the right and obligation to learn. When these very important rights and obligations are threatened or taken away, the staff will act to protect students and their rights. Gage’s discipline code is intended to protect the rights of our students by stating those acts that are illegal and/or threaten the rights of others. EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIORSBefore and After School Students are answerable to the school administrators for their behavior on the way to and from school. The following are the behaviors we expect: 1. Use the safest, most direct route without playing or stopping along the way. 2. Cross streets only at street corners and obey safety patrol members at crosswalks. 3. Walk only on the sidewalks and respect community property along the way. 4. Arrive at school between 7:30 - 7:45 a.m. 5. Report to designated classroom line-up areas on the playground or run/walk laps around the field until line-up time from 7:30 - 7:45 a.m. 6. Leave the grounds immediately after school and go directly home, unless participating in Klassic Kids, or other sponsored activities. 7. Be in classroom ready to learn at 7:50 a.m. On the Playground 1. Remain inside the classroom until the bell rings. 2. Follow directions the first time given. 3. Walk to and from the playground. 4. Play only on the playground or field. Do not go to classrooms, go on the banks, cross the yellow line by room 3, or enter into the bungalow area. 5. Use equipment safely. Students may not jump or hang from, twirl, spin, or sit on equipment. 6. Be courteous. 7. Refrain from throwing rocks, sand, or any other object not intended for throwing. 8. Use proper language (no profanity or name-calling). 9. Use the game rules from physical education class. No place backs in any game. Automatic out for touching the tetherball rope. 10. Report to the supervisor on duty if another student bothers you. 11. Leave personal toys, games, video games, cameras, radios, and sports equipment at home. 12. Snacks may be eaten near the fence between rooms 6 9 and between rooms 12 15 during the first five minutes of recess only. 13. No food is allowed on the playground at lunch. 14. Basketball and soccer are to be played by two teams of no more than six players each. 15. Stop play at the sound of the freeze bell. 16. Return all sports equipment when the first whistle blows. At the double whistle, all students walk from the playground to line up. 17. Play fighting or kick fighting is not allowed. 18. Tag and chase games are not allowed. 19. Play only these approved games: softball, jogging/running the field, hopscotch, jump rope, relays, US map game, jump & swings, hula hoop, tetherball, four square, wallball, Chinese jump rope, kickball, backstop, jungle gym, circle soccer, basketball, four corners, or tennis. Play structure equipment is also available. 20. Students who continue to play after the whistle blows may lose recess the next day. 21. Students may not go to their classroom to return belongings or visit any other room. 22. All students are expected to run/walk a lap before playing games, except at lunch recess. In the Restrooms 1. Use the restroom properly and then leave. 2. Paper wads must not be thrown on the ceiling. 3. No writing on the doors or other areas. Vandalism, including graffiti, is an offense that can result in suspension. 4. Respect the privacy of others. 5. Use quiet voices. 6. Do not play or eat in or around restrooms. 7. No profanity or name-calling is allowed. 8. Use the restroom and get a drink of water before the bell rings at the end of recess. At Lunch Time 1. Students are to remain inside the classroom until the bell rings. Teachers will then escort them to the lunch court and cafeteria. 2. All students enter the lunch court on the northwest side. Students are not to cut across the lunch court. They must walk around the grass area on the sidewalk through the school gate. Students purchasing hot lunches will continue around the building; students bringing sack lunches will enter the lunch court. 3. Students will remain seated at assigned tables until dismissed. 4. Students must wait to be dismissed by tables when students have finished eating and trash has been picked up. 5. Once dismissed, walk directly to the playground using the blacktop by room B-11. 6. Students are not permitted to bring carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea to school. 7. Glass containers are not allowed. 8. Use the restroom and get a drink of water before the bell rings at the end of lunch. At Assemblies 1. Students will sit cross-legged, flat on the floor, facing forward and wait without talking. 2. The appropriate audience response is applause. 3. Students will follow their teacher’s directions for dismissal.
On Busses 1. Follow the rules of the driver. 2. Use quiet voices. 3. Keep all body parts inside the bus. 4. Stay seated, facing forward. 5. Do not throw anything out of the window. At All Times 1. Gum is not allowed at school. 2. Profanity, name-calling, racial slurs, and verbal put-downs are unacceptable. 3. Fighting, pushing, or shoving are unacceptable behavior before, during, or after school. This can result in suspension. 4. Throwing any object is dangerous and can cause serious physical injury and damage to property. This can result in suspension. 5. Inappropriate remarks about someone’s body, sexual innuendoes, touching or suggestive postures are all considered harassment. If you have a discrimination or sexual harassment complaint, contact a teacher or the principal. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated and can result in suspension. 6. Gambling is not allowed at school. Students may not gamble with dice, playing cards, etc. 7. Vandalism is considered a serious offense and will not be tolerated. Vandalism, including graffiti, is an offense that can result in suspension. Parents will be required to pay for damages resulting from vandalism. Because of problems with graffiti, all marking pens must remain in the classroom. Permanent markers are not allowed at school. 8. Animals are not allowed at school except for sharing in accordance with district procedure and with prior permission of the teacher. When using a pet for sharing, parents must bring the pet to school and immediately remove it after sharing. 9. Sharing articles must stay in the classroom. 10. Toys, cameras, Walkman® radios, electronic games, trading cards, etc., are not allowed except for sharing and must be approved by the teacher in advance. If these items are brought to school for sharing without the teacher’s permission, they will be taken away and will be returned only to the parent. 11. Leave valuable items at home. 12. No water shooting devices are allowed. 13. Do not run on campus. 14. Students may not go into the staff lounge or staff bathrooms. Standard Classroom Rules 1. Follow directions the first time given. 2. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. 3. No profanity or name-calling is allowed. 4. Wait your turn to talk. 5. Respect the rights and property of others. 6. Get a pass from your teacher to go to the nurse. 7. Be courteous to and cooperative with your classmates, teachers, and other adults. 8. Use good work habits at all times. 9. Do your schoolwork to the best of your ability. 10. Participate in class activities and discussions. REINFORCING THE STANDARDSThe following guidelines assist school staff whenever unacceptable student behavior occurs. Activate Classroom Discipline Each teacher establishes an individual classroom discipline plan and implements it by: · posting a discipline plan · counseling the child · providing appropriate consequences · communicating with parents to seek support · documenting the behavior · suspending a student from class for up to two days for seriously disrupting instruction. · referring to Student Study Team. Refer Student to Counseling Center If three or more attempts have been made by the classroom teacher to modify the student’s behavior as listed above and expected behavioral changes have not occurred, the student will be referred to the guidance staff to work out a solution. Based upon the seriousness of the problem and number of previous infractions, the guidance staff may recommend any of the following: · time out · anti-litter campaign · meaningful extra assignments · contracts · in-school suspension · counseling · removal from playground or lunch area · referral to Student Study Team (SST). Parents will always be asked to assist in the problem resolution and documentation of all referrals will be maintained. Refer Student to School Administration After the classroom teacher, parent, and counseling staff have made many attempts to modify a student’s behavior and expected behavioral changes have not occurred, the student will be referred to an administrator. The administrator may: · remove from playground or lunch area · require contracts · assign in-school suspension · suspend student using district guidelines. Suspension Guidelines Students who do not choose to behave appropriately in school will be suspended. Repeated incidences of misconduct may increase the length of the suspension and could result in a new school placement. Automatic suspensions will occur for the following offences: · possession of weapons or drugs · fighting · profanity to a staff member · bringing, possessing, or using tobacco, marijuana, or alcohol on campus · sexual harassment · violence based on race, religion, or ethnicity · threatening the safety of another person · theft · vandalism or graffiti. SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAMSSpecial EducationOur resource specialist and instructional aide assist qualified special education students on an individual and small group basis. Students receive special assistance in basic skills and learn strategies to help them succeed in the regular classroom. We have a SEEC pre-formal class and three non-severe special day classes where teachers and instructional aides provide for children with special needs. The speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, and adaptive physical education instructors offer services for students with active Individualized Educational Programs. English Language LearnersChildren in grades K 5 receive specialized English language instruction emphasizing a natural approach to language acquisition. Specially trained teachers provide language arts enrichment activities that emphasize active participation and the development of critical thinking skills. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)GATE cluster classes are offered to identified students in grades 3 5. Enrichment activities utilizing higher level thinking skills are implemented in all classes. Students also engage in special activities and events provided by GATE funds. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMSLanguage ArtsGage teachers recognize that students learn to read, write, listen, and speak successfully when a variety of instructional approaches are provided. They provide the following approaches in their language arts programs to teach these skills. Read AloudReading aloud introduces students to the joys of reading and the art of listening. Reading aloud provides opportunities to model reading strategies. Through reading aloud students understand that the language of books is different from spoken language, develop understanding of the patterns and structures of written language, learn new words and ideas, and learn about and locate models of particular genres or forms of writing. Shared ReadingShared reading using a text which everyone can see provides an opportunity for all students to successfully participate in reading. Each student, regardless of reading level, can be engaged in the reading process. Teachers demonstrate the reading process and strategies that successful readers use. Students and teachers share the task of reading, supported by a safe environment in which the entire class reads text (with the assistance of the teacher) which might otherwise prove to be too difficult. Guided ReadingGuided reading provides an opportunity for students to practice reading strategies and take responsibility for their reading. Students practice for themselves the strategies that have been introduced in shared reading. The text that is selected matches the needs of the group of readers. Teachers identify the supports and challenges in the reading material. With some guidance, students read for themselves within the group setting. Teachers listen in and make decisions on the student’s instructional needs. Independent ReadingIndependent reading by students gives them opportunities to practice the strategies they have learned in shared reading, guided reading, read aloud and word study. Teachers provide guidance with book choices, tailor teaching to meet individual needs, and meet with individuals to monitor progress. Books from a range of levels are available in the classroom. Students become proficient at selecting books that match their interests and reading level. Word StudyWord study provides students with the opportunity to become aware of sounds in words and how they relate to symbols in written language. Word study prepares students to become familiar with both the visual aspects of letters and words and the phonological pattern of words. Beginning readers are taught the alphabet, the relationship between sounds and letters, blending of sound-letter links, and high frequency words as well as regular patterns. The more advanced readers study unfamiliar word patterns, word origins, prefixes/suffixes, and the use of literature to increase their individual vocabulary. Interactive WritingInteractive Writing introduces K-1 students to the joys of writing and how language works. Interactive writing is a cooperative event in which teacher and children jointly compose and write text. Not only do they share the decision about what they are going to write; they also share the duties of scribe. The teacher uses the interactive writing session to model reading and writing strategies as he/she engages children in creating text. Writer’s WorkshopAll students participate in Writer’s Workshop in which they write on topics of their choice. Teachers confer with individual students providing instruction to improve student writing. First drafts and ideas for writing will be kept in folders (K 2) or in journals (3 5). Periodically students will select a piece of their writing, which will be edited and rewritten to produce a finished product. Observation and AssessmentSystematic assessment, which is recorded, builds a profile of the progress a child is making in literacy. Ongoing assessment informs teaching, tells teachers what students can do, and what they need to do next. Teachers assess students in a variety of ways and focus on individual students. Running records, informal comprehension assessments, observations, and writing samples are all critical components of purposeful assessment. In addition, students participate in federal, state, and district assessments. Mathematics Students build an understanding of the conceptual strands of mathematics (number sense and operations, functions and beginning algebra, measurement, and geometry, and probability). They develop proficiency in mathematical processes (problem solving, using reason and proof, communicating and making connections). These processes are the tools and habits people use when solving problems. The adopted Harcourt Brace math program, along with district-developed modules, is utilized for the teaching of these skills to allow all students to meet the standards set forth in the state framework. Social Studies Gage teachers use the McGraw-Hill social studies materials to guide the study of specific times and places in history. What students are expected to learn about the content is spelled out in the California Department of Education’s social studies/ history content standards. The 4th grade OCILE program supports the study of San Diego History. Science Through the use of the FOSS materials, students learn first hand about scientific inquiry and conducting investigations through observing, questioning, classifying, interpreting, inferring, measuring, hypothesizing, and experimenting. The Harcourt textbook is supplementary. The 5th grade OCILE program supports the science curriculum.Physical EducationGage has a school-wide physical education instructional program. The program includes a K-5 scope and sequence of physical education skills and provides both large and small group instruction for children at all grade levels. Two physical education teachers provide activities above and beyond the classroom teachers’ instruction. We have an adaptive physical education program for students with special needs. Our physical education teachers also sponsor Gage’s running/walking club. ArtGage uses the Barrett Kendall text, Portfolios. Visual and performing arts connections to the literacy program are emphasized through student projects. Teachers foster individual student’s creativity through participation in district contests and display their art in the La Mesa branch of California Coast Credit Union. MusicThe music program for all students is the Macmillan, Share the Music. The program includes a scope and sequence of music skills, use of instruments, CDs, and features music from a variety of cultures. Students in grades 4 and 5 may join the band and orchestra.
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| Gage encourages all families to visit their child's classrooms! Call (619) 463-0202. Attendance Please Call (619) 463-4688 or email pkelly@sandi.net
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