Description of the Program

The staff, community and students of Spring Hill Elementary School-Within-A-School are “ building together the foundation of the future.” This is the vision statement for our learning community. Our vision is to develop lifelong learners, effective communicators, strong problem-solvers, readers who comprehend, students who possess necessary life skills and are self-confident individuals. This vision drives our mission statement, “Building Together the Foundation of Our Future”.

The focus of Spring Hill Elementary School-Within-A-School is on student achievement. All of our efforts are directed toward ensuring that students are able to read, write and problem-solve at grade level.

The major components of the School-Within-A-School program are :

Parent Volunteer Commitment- Parents are required to volunteer four hours per month with at least one hour per month at school.
Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences- Conferences are primarily student led and are held four times per year.
Enrichment/Remediation- Through the volunteer efforts of parents we are able to increase the opportunities for students to work one-on-one with adults.
Thematic Instruction- Teachers teach thematically in order to provide an integrated learning environment. The 1998-1999 theme was “Walk Across America”. Our 1999-2000 theme is “Around the World”. These themes will rotate each year.
Looping- The School-Within-A-School teachers loop with their students. We are on a two-year loop- K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Students can expect to have their teacher for two years.
Common Plan Time- The School-Within-A-School teachers share a common plan time. This common planning, development and instructional time enhances consistency from grade-to-grade and facilitates teaming.
Family Nights- The School-Within-A-School hosts various family nights that include: Family Math, Reading Around the World, ice cream socials, music and curriculum fairs and volunteer training opportunities
Buddy Time- Students are paired with other students of different grade levels to learn together. This cross-age tutoring has seen many positive results.
Flexible Grouping- Students are placed in flexible groups in math and reading. These flexible groups allow students to learn and grow at their own levels.
Full-Day Kindergarten- Students in the program attend school the entire day.

The Spring Hill Elementary School-Within-A-School program is housed within the larger, Spring Hill Elementary. There are six full-time certified staff members and three paraprofessionals. A music educator, physical educator, and special educator work with the program. The Spring Hill Elementary principal oversees both the traditional and charter school program. A lead teacher conducts the day-to-day management of the charter school. A steering committee comprised of parents, community members, teachers and an administrator act as evaluators of the program and offer suggestions.

The Spring Hill Elementary School-Within-A-School Charter School is governed by the USD 230 School Board .

If you want more information or have comments please contact:

Michelle Toon@ usd230.k12.ks.us or call (913) 592-7277.

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