Elitha Donner Elementary School

ELITHA DONNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

STUDENT PROGRAMS
In California the educational program is based on district and state standards. Standards for each grade level are found on the district website at www.egusd.net. It is our desire that you thoroughly understand your child’s educational program. In July and August a “Back to School” night will be scheduled to better acquaint you with the year’s program. A summary of some of the student programs follows:

GATE/Accelerated Learning Program:

The GATE/Accelerated learning program is designed for pupils demonstrating a willingness to be challenged to learn at a faster pace, with greater depth in curriculum and above that of his/her grade level standards. GATE/Accelerated includes projects such as boards, dioramas, power point presentations, and demonstrations. It also means activities such as Oral Language Faire, Spelling Bee, Student Leadership, and band. It is the intent of the program to have students take an active role in determining WHAT they want to learn and HOW they will learn it! The topic and the form may be determined by grade level curriculum, teacher assignments, and/or student interest.

Students participating in the GATE/Accelerated program participate in three levels of acceleration:

1. Accelerate yourself and your assignments.
2. Choose from a menu of activities Teacher directed/Student Choice
3. Independent Learning – Student pursues his own interests and determines
how to present his learning.

Program Results (Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards):
1. Become more knowledgeable
2. Receive self satisfaction
3. Feel a sense of accomplishment
4. Become aware of one’s own capabilities
5. Become more self–sufficient
6. Prepare for future academic and personal challenges
7. Collect a pin and certificate
8. Have breakfast with and be served by the principal
9. Have opportunities to “take the stage” by presenting to peers

Click on this link for more information:
Elitha Donner GATE/Accelerated Learning Program.

Computer Technology:

All of our students are given the opportunity to develop technology skills that support learning, personal productivity, decision making, and daily life. Our standards provide a framework for preparing students to be lifelong learners who make informed decisions about the role of technology in their life. We base our technology curriculum and lessons on the NETS (National Technology Standards for Students) for Students. All of our children in grades 1 - 6 will receive computer instruction with a computer resource teacher. There are also other opportunities for students to work with computer and multimedia equipment in their classroom or in the computer lab under the direction of the classroom teacher.

For additional information go to the EGUSD website at www.egusd.net
All students who attend the computer lab will need to sign and return the “Application for Use of the Internet” prior to being able to participate in internet related activities. (The form is located at the end of the handbook section.)

English-Language Arts:

The Elk Grove Unified School District has adopted the Open Court Collections for Young Scholars series for kindergarten through sixth grades. Open Court Reading is a research-based language arts curriculum. Open Court is directly aligned with both State and District Reading/Language Arts Standards. The program is grounded in the systematic and explicit instruction of:
• Phonemic awareness – the ability to recognize that words in English are composed of individual sounds.
• Phonics – the ability to connect letters and sounds
•Spelling
•Word knowledge – vocabulary skills
•Comprehension strategies and skills
•Inquiry, investigation, and research strategies and skills
•Writing skills
•Grammar and punctuation skills
•Handwriting
•Speaking/listening

Through Open Court Reading, students will read a wide variety of texts, including both literature and real world informational text. The program materials are designed to meet the needs of all students as they learn to read and comprehend all selections.

Through Open Court Reading, students will read a wide variety of texts, including both literature and real world informational text. The program materials are designed to meet the needs of all students as they learn to read and comprehend all selections.

Teachers are provided with specially-designed lessons and materials to use with students who:
•need extra support with a particular phonics, comprehension, or language arts skills
•are working below grade level and need more intense support
•are working above level and need accelerated instruction
•are learning English and need additional support

English Learners:

English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC):
The Elk Grove Unified School District has an English Learners Advisory Committee that consists of representatives from schools in the district. A majority of members of the committee are parents of students who are English Learners. The ELAC annually approves the plans for English Learners, both at the district level and at the school site. They also approve the annual census of LEP students and participate in the annual needs assessment. Information regarding student performance, student services, and site level needs for EL students is gathered throughout the year. The priority for all schools is focused on the identified site level needs such as after school assistance with homework, tutoring and additional materials, instructional supplies and books that reflect the culturally related academic needs of students. Additionally, the Elitha Donner ELAC Committee has designated as priority to (1) Meet monthly to Increase parent participation, and (2) to provide support to the adult learners through such activities as Parenting and Adult and Community Education classes. We welcome any parents of English Learners to participate in the Elitha Donner Elementary School English Learners Advisory Committee.

Spelling:
The Open Court Spelling program will be used in grades 1-6. Logical word lists teach strategies to help students identify patterns in words and apply generalizations to new words. Developmental instruction begins with simple phonetically regular patterns, then progresses to word structure and finally to more complex forms.

Mathematics:
The Scott Foresman California Mathematics is the mathematics program used in grades K-6. The program reflects current thinking by national, state and local math groups and is developed around the California Mathematics Content Standards. Guided by District Benchmarks, which emphasize a balance between number facts and problem solving, these materials are intended to best prepare students for the challenges and careers of tomorrow.

History/Social Science:
The History/Social Science program in the Elk Grove Unified School District is standards-based with an emphasis on both subject content and historical and social science analysis skills. Both the Grade K-5 (Harcourt Publishing Co.) and the Grade 6-8 (Holt Publishers) programs contain strategies for writing, note-taking, critical thinking, vocabulary development, and building success in comprehending expository text. Primary source materials, both written and through media, are included to enhance student engagement in learning about events of the past. The text is available on CD and online for the convenience of students accessing information at home. The online interactive text supports student reading comprehension

Science:
The Board of Education recently adopted new science textbooks to be used by teachers in to teach the science standards. All students are instructed in physical science, life science, earth science and investigation and experimentation. Students will receive science instruction by their classroom teacher or other grade level instructor. Please look for additional information from your child’s teacher and the school.

Physical Education:
This school year, Elitha Donner has adopted the SPARK program. The SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids) Programs began studying elementary physical education in 1989, and today, the name SPARK represents a collection of exemplary, research-based physical activity/nutrition programs. The original SPARK study was initially supported by the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes. SPARK is dedicated to improving the quantity and quality of physical activity for children and teachers everywhere and countering our nation’s growing epidemic of childhood obesity. SPARK hopes to accomplish these goals by disseminating materials and services created during and after our seven-year study to schools and organizations throughout the world.

SPARK elementary physical education has been selected as the intervention program in many important research studies and cited in the Surgeon General’s Report as a “school-based solution to our nation’s health care crisis.” SPARK PE was validated by the National Diffusion Network of the U.S. Department of Education in 1993 and earned “Exemplary Program” status. Physical Education instruction consists of a program providing for student participation in psychomotor activities, gymnastics, individual games and group games. Good sportsmanship and positive attitude are stressed throughout the year.

Fine Arts:
VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) program is provided for all participating teachers of students in K-6. Students are also engaged in fine arts performances throughout the year with their class taught by their teacher. Our music program, consisting mainly of classroom music, is under the supervision of each classroom teacher. Private band lessons may also be offered after school for students in grades 4, 5, and 6.

Music

We are pleased this year again to offer Band to all our 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. Mrs. Jaime Lee Mangonon is our Music teacher. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1992 from the Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. She continued her education at DePaul University in Chicago where she studied French horn and received her Master’s Degree in Music in 1994. She has taught music in Baltimore, and Rockville, Maryland. In 2003, her family relocated to Elk Grove, California where she has taught band at a number of different elementary schools. In addition to her 12+ years of teaching experience, she performs with the Elk Grove Community Concert Band. Beginning on August 29th, Advanced band will meet on Tuesdays and Beginning band will meet on Thursdays. If you have any questions, please email Jaime at musicalmango@surewest.net or call the school. Stay tuned for our upcoming concerts throughout the school year!!!

Contact the school office to find out when band and choir are offered in this school year.

Click on the link to view the Handbook2008-2009

Top of Page