Programs

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Below are descriptions of the programs that students will be taught at New Beginnings Academy. An added feature in 2011-2012 will be the change from a multiage to single-grade classroom configuration. This will enhance the focus of instruction at each grade level and will be more consistent with the new academic programs recently initiated.

Integrated Literacy

Reading, science, and social studies are taught in an intensive, daily two-hour block.  Teachers read aloud to students from content-based books daily, followed by work in balanced literacy and content area centers to acquire literacy skills and Science and Social Studies content through thematic centers.  Each unit finishes with a cumulative project to demonstrate skills and ideas learned throughout.  Literacy Centers are organized as follows:

Guided Reading is a center where students are taught reading in small groups of six or less, grouped by ability level.  This allows students who are advanced and those who are struggling to receive instruction at their level.  Teachers meet with each group multiple times each week.  Lessons are created using resources such as the Continuum of Literacy, When Readers Struggle, and the Prompting Guide by Fountas and Pinnell.  Students are assessed monthly in reading to determine progress. A reading specialist runs focused Leveled Literacy Interventions created by Fountas and Pinnell.  The program targets those students who are assessed as not meeting criteria for reading at grade level.

Independent Reading is a center where students can choose from various themed books.  They can gather more information about science and social studies and respond to literature.  The books are at various reading levels so that all students are able to find a book to read independently.

Word Study activities allow students to play with the idea of making words.  Students develop vocabulary through a variety of hands-on activities.

Phonics allows students to develop phonics strategies and learn to decode our language.  In this center, students work through a mini-lesson and complete activities as outlined in the Fountas and Pinnell phonics program.

Social Studies and Science:

Content Inquiry center is a place for students to develop a greater understanding of content areas.  This center may have manipulatives to explore, nature to observe, technology to experience, or some sort of research.

Deep Thoughts is a center designed to stretch students* minds.  The center will have a topic, object, or some sort of stimulus.  The students are asked to respond orally in a dialogue format using specific guiding questions.

Hands-On-Activities is a center for students to explore content area information.  This center engages students with authentic learning experiences as well as working independently to solve problems of varying kinds.  The center is thematic and based on the units of study.

Math

Students receive daily math instruction from the Singapore Math™ Primary Mathematics Series.  It is a research-based program that was developed in Singapore, a country with consistently high math scores.  Students master basic facts and learn problem solving while developing the foundation they will need for more advanced mathematics.  Math instruction encourages the active thinking process, promotes communication of mathematical ideas, and emphasizes mental math and the model drawing approach.  In order to meet the diverse needs of students, accelerated math is used as an enhancement. The teachers have the flexibility to level and assign objectives that are appropriate for each individual student. Teachers and specialists use the data to create lessons that challenge or support students.

Writing

Write Steps is a structured writing program based on the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations for Writing. The program is implemented in a focused hour-long session.  During this time students pre-write, write, edit, revise, and publish a variety of projects.  Students and teachers meet at least twice monthly for individual writing conferences.

Arts

All students explore visual, musical, and dramatic arts by experimenting with a variety of media, techniques, and materials to represent their ideas and experiences.  Students investigate and extract meaning from links with culture and history through the study of artists and their works.  Students make regular musical and dramatic presentations at school-wide activities.

Technology

All classrooms and the computer lab are equipped with interactive white boards and computers for student use.  A classroom set of NEO laptops is available for a variety of instructional activities.  Technology activities are integrated into all areas of study, and students receive formal computer instruction weekly.  Students are taught to be lifelong users of ideas, information, and technology.  By the end of the fifth grade, students learn through technology rather than about technology.

Physical Education and Health

Active physical education is a regular part of each student*s schedule.  Fundamental motor skills for coordination and agility, physical fitness, sports, team building, and positive leisure activities are all part of the program.  Basic units in health education are also taught throughout the curriculum.

Library

All students visit the school library weekly.  A highly trained media specialist reads with the students, teaches library skills, and assists students with finding books to borrow from a vast selection.

Service to the Community

Emphasis is placed on developing a school community and applying the principles of community to the city, state, nation, and world.  Students are expected to learn how actions impact the community and world. Students are expected to complete a variety of projects prior to graduating from the Academy.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

“Jus Us Kidz” is operates on-site at the school and offers arts & crafts, reading, games, science experiments, health and fitness, homework help (MEAP & IOWA State Test) and outdoor play.

About Jus Us Kidz

Jus Us Kidz is located in Ypsilanti. Our goal is to provide  safe, efficient service to our customers.  We must satisfy not only the interest of school officials but those of parents and students as well. The Key to our success is  forming a partnership with schools & Parents we serve.  This is accomplished by providing  trained (CPR), Licensed, responsible staff and knowing that there is no second chance on safety!!!  At stake is the well-being of the students entrusted to our care & the peace of mind of the parents entrusting us with their children.

Hours of operation

Morning sessions: 6:00 am – 8:00 am
Afternoon sessions: 3:15 pm – 6:00 pm
For more information please call Angela Boyd at 734-306-3732  or Tameka Steed-McDonald at 734 945-8474 Name: Wonder Barton