Please find answers to FAQ below
Q: How many classes will you have? How many students will be in each class?
A: In 2014-15, TES will have the following classes:
Each classroom will have 1 teacher. The 2 kindergarten classes will share 1 assistant teacher.
K (2) classes of 19
1-2 multi-age (4) classes of 19
3-4 multi-age (4) classes of 19
5-6 multi-age (2) classes of 22
Q: What Specials classes will TES offer?
A: 2014-15: Music and PE (As planned now- Spanish 2015-16 and Art 2016-17)
Q: Will students miss out on art?
A: No, art is an integral part of project based learning. Students will have opportunity to be creative in the classroom. In addition, there will be art based clubs offered on the early release Wednesdays. However, "formal" art class will not be in place until year 3 of the school.
Q: Will TES have sports?
A: TES will not offer sports in year 1 because we will not have 7th and 8th graders. We would welcome a team of parents to help determine how and what sports could be offered at TES with the facility and surrounding park we have to use.
Q: When can we tour the facility?
Building Layout
A: Our facility will not be fully renovated until June/July, 2014. We will offer facility tours when it is possible. The renovations are fully underway and are coming along nicely! It is going to bright and happy!
Q: When can we meet the teachers?
A: TES will host a "Meet the Teacher" night as the first day of school approaches. We will keep families informed about these dates.
Q: Who are the teachers?
A: We are in the process of hiring our teachers and other staff. Later in the spring, we will post a teacher bio page so that families can become familiar with the TES teachers. Our hiring committee is comprised of expert teachers. Our hiring process is a mutli-step process that is designed to get a well rounded view of teacher candidates. We are seeking highly qualified staff that we believe will fit the mission and vision of TES as well as provide students with rigorous and engaging learning experiences that will help them to grow as learners.
Q: What kind of security and safety will TES have?
A: TES holds safety as a top priority. Similar to other public schools, TES will have a computerized check-in system that logs each visitor. In addition, we will have locked entrances that require visitors to be "buzzed in". Each visitor must check-in with the office. TES will have a School Safety Team that will have protocols in place for tornado, fire, evacuation and lock down drills. All staff must have a clean criminal background check on file.
Q: What are "Early Release Wednesdays"?
A: TES has a strong commitment to its Education Plan. In order to build in the time needed to support this plan, each Wednesday has time reserved for professional development. School will end for students 2 hours early at 1:15pm.
Options for Families on Early Release Wednesdays:
- Families may choose to pick up their child(ren) at that time to go home.
- The TES after school program will offer care for families on this day. (The after school care will have a fee.)
- TES will set up enrichment club options. Some will be free while others may be fee based. Some examples include: art club/lesson, music lessons, dance/movement, book club, Odyssey of the Mind, Board Game club, (insert your idea here)
Q: Will TES have after school care?
A: Yes, please see After School Page
Q: Will there be recess?
A: Yes, outdoor play time is important for all students. TES will develop 2 on-site play areas (one basketball/wall ball area and one fenced-in grassy area for K-2). We will utilize Gold Park and the River Walk, which are steps away from the school. TES will have safety precautions in place for use of the park as our playground.
Q: What will the technology be like at TES?
A: In our first years of operation, TES will have a limited budget for technology. We will start out with a shared cart of laptops or some type of tablet. We will build our technology as quickly and appropriately as we can to support teaching and learning. Technology will be used for research, project creation, and skill practice.
Q: My child has an IEP, how will he/she be served?
A: TES will have at least 1 full-time, certified Special Education teacher on staff in year 1. The Director of Education, the Special Education teacher, and the classroom teachers will work as a team to modify instruction as necessary.
Q: My child has been labeled "Gifted" at his/her current school. Will TES have a gifted program?
A: TES will not label students as "gifted". Like all schools, TES classrooms will have students performing at different levels. We will be addressing the needs of all learners using differentiated instruction. Differentiated instruction provides extensions, enrichment or acceleration as appropriate for students on a flexible basis. It also provides students who need extra support the time and/or instruction to support their growth.
Q: TES is using the Common Core Standards. How will TES not "teach to the test"?
A: Projects are based on standards, but driven by teacher/student interests. Teachers teaching the same grades will be collaborating to do grade-level projects, which will enhance the strength of each project by drawing upon each teacher's strengths and background. A day in the life of a TES student will include hands-on, child-centered learning experiences, balanced with teacher directed and small group experiences, and projects which integrate topics and real-life learning. Our social-curriculum is also important and daily time is set aside for morning meetings and other class meetings where students have the chance to discuss and learn social skills, and afternoon times to assist with organization. A reality all students face in our world today is testing. Therefore, our teachers will also aim to help students become comfortable and proficient at this skill. However, test taking is just one small skill in a host of other life-skills we hope to hone in each student.
Q: What will homework be like at TES?
A: Homework will be given 4 days/week unless student is completing make-up work due to absence
K: 15 minutes including reading
1 and 2: 5-15 minutes (plus reading minimums below)
3 and 4: 15-30 minutes (plus reading minimums below)
5 and 6: 30-45 minutes (plus reading minimums below)
7 and 8: 30-60 minutes (+ some periodic weekend homework)
At Home Reading Minimums
(or being read to)
5 days/week
K: Included in “homework time”
1 and 2: 10 minutes
3 and 4: 20 minutes
5 and 6: 30 minutes
7 and 8: 40 minutes
Homework will not be given over holidays, unless student make-up work is required due to student absence.
Homework will not be given over weekends for grades K-6. Students should still plan to read at least one weekend day.
Limited homework may be given over weekends in grades 7-8. Students should still plan to read at least one weekend day