Important Update
September 2010
Dear OPE Families,
As we start out our new year together, I would like to address some of the questions that have been brought to my attention during the past few days.
GATE Program – Last year, the state funding for our GATE program was eliminated. However, our program for our advanced learners will continue to thrive. We are not reliant on state funding to administer services to our gifted students, however, we will not label a student as “gifted.” During the past few years, we have been offering an accelerated math program to our students who qualify, based on how they scored on their most recent CST tests and how they score on their grade level placement assessments. We differentiate language arts in the classroom using methods such as Socratic learning groups, book clubs and advanced projects, among other things.
EUSD is now in line with the San Dieguito Union High School District, where they advance students who have aptitude in specific subjects. According to the San Dieguito Union High School District: “Beginning in 2006-2007, the San Dieguito District expanded access to Honors and Advanced Placement classes by removing the barriers to entrance. Previously, students were required to either be GATE identified in elementary school, and/or score above the 95th percentile in State testing, and earn a grade greater than B. Because of this past practice, families felt a strong need to have their students GATE identified in elementary school. Currently, we provide families with information about each of our classes, the suggested prerequisite coursework, workload expectations, and the learning and performance objectives. Our families then make the choice of appropriate courses. Our teachers, counselors and administrators work with families to help them make the best choice. Expanding access to the most rigorous curriculum has led to students being given the opportunity to take classes that they were previously restricted from taking. Since 2004, we have had a 55% increase in the number of students taking Advanced Placement exams, a 37% increase in the number of tests taken and a pass rate that has increased from 62% to 77%.”
New Macintosh Computer Lab – OPE has a new digital media lab! This is an exciting new addition to our school. The older computers that were in the lab have been distributed to classrooms. All classes have the opportunity to use the new lab. A few years ago, every school in Encinitas was allocated funds for Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA.) However this VAPA budget has been “frozen” over the past few years due to our uncertain financial times. Luckily, the budget “thawed” and we were finally able to spend the money to purchase our state-of-the-art computer lab. During the next few months will be adding more computers to this lab so that all students can benefit from their lab time.
Literature Dress up Day – Two years ago, our teachers decided it would be wonderful to tie our Community Read-In day with a literature dress up theme. Each teacher will decide what this will be like in his or her classroom. However, all students are encouraged to dress up in their favorite literature character on the last day before our October break.
Anti-Bully Program – OPE is partnering with the Anti-Defamation League this year as we continue to provide our children with a safe place to learn. We are adopting their “No Place For Hate” program and many of our teachers will receive the training in late September. We are very excited about this program and look forward to learning ways in which to eradicate all bullying from our wonderful school. On Thursday, we shared our plan with our students at our behavior assembly and asked them to pledge to help create a school where bullying does not exist. We also had a wonderful assembly with Retro Bill who reviewed our new plan with our younger students.
Behavior Assembly – On Thursday August 19, all students in grades 1-6 participated in our annual behavior assembly. We went over all of our school rules and outlined ways in which they can be successful OPE students. During this assembly, we discussed lunchtime rules and it was suggested that students bring home any uneaten lunch items so parents can see what was not eaten. All students are given ample time to eat. They are asked to sit at the lunch tables with their classes for 10 minutes before going out to play. Rather than throwing their uneaten food away, we are asking that they bring it home to show what was not eaten so adjustments can be made.
Parking Lot – Our plan is working. There is less chaos in our parking lot and cars are not pulling out in front of each other. Both of these things greatly contribute to the safety of our children, which was our number one goal for this new plan. However, as the week progressed we noticed some areas that still need adjustments. One thing drivers can do for us is to line up in front of the school on Calle Acervo before turning into our parking lot. This queuing will help eliminate some of the congestion on Rancho Santa Fe. Please also remember to never leave your car unattended in the drop-off/pick-up lanes or the “flow” lanes out in front of school. If you have someone else picking up your children, please convey this information to anyone who might pick up your children. Please pull up as far as you can go on the white curb. Right now, we are able to clear our parking lot of all cars picking up students in 16 minutes. The dismissal bell rings at 2:20 and the last car to pick up has been leaving our parking lot at 2:36. (Students get to our parking lot at 2:25). We are safely moving over 670 students out of our school in 16 minutes! Thank you for all of your help and cooperation as we refined our plan.
EEF Consultants – Last year, we had a very successful auction season. The funds generated allowed us to hire back our wonderful consultants for the first half of our new school year. The upcoming Pioneer Pledge Drive provides the necessary funds for the second half of this school year. The money you donate pays for our consultants and other items no longer paid for by the state. These consultants add so much to our program. I can’t even imagine our school without the amazing programs created as a result of your generosity. You should be proud to send your children to one of the best (if not THE best) schools in the state.
Tumble Books – We are still offering these on line audio books to our families. These books can be accessed at www.tumblebooklibrary.com. Our user name is: ope and the password is: books.
As always, it is my pleasure serving you and your families.
Erin English
Principal
Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School
A 2010 California Distinguished School