I have been teaching first grade at Campus Community School since the school opened in September 1998. I formerly taught first grade in the Capital School District at Fairview and South Dover Elementary School. I also taught 3 and 4 year old classes and Creative Movement at Wesley Preschool. Teaching at Campus Community School is my dream job. I love our constructivist teaching philosophy, and helping students learn to take responsibility for their behavior using Glasser's Choice Theory/Reality Therapy model. The professional development I get through courses and workshops at Wesley College is helping me become the best teacher I can be. I love being a supervising teacher for Wesley College education students in my classroom. I learn so much from my colleagues; they are all fantastic teachers!
What makes our first grade program so special?
This past year, our Jump Start Early Intervention Program won a Superstars in Education award from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. "Jump Start" was initiated in 2004 to give our first graders extra support in reading and math. Students who are identified as being below level in these areas are paired up with Wesley College education students for one-on-one tutoring five days a week, 30-45 minutes per day for the entire semester during the school day from 7:45- 8:30 am. Tutors work the their student to determine their strengths and interests, and plans instruction to build on what the student already knows in order to help them learn new reading and math skills. Our $2,500.00 award money will be used this fall to purchase new materials for the Jump Start students.
"Reading Buddies" is our after-school tutoring program for students below level in reading. In this program, first graders needing extra help in reading and writing are paired up with a Wesley College education major for intensive tutoring each Monday and Wednesday after school from 2:45- 3:30 pm. Parents are responsible for picking up their child on time at 3:30 pm.
All incoming first graders for the 2007-08 school year were screened on June 5th. Students were given a summer writing journal to complete and return when school begins in August. Students are asked to dicatate at least one story to a parent each week, draw a picture to go along with the story, and then reread the story to the parent daily. Parents are asked to read at least one book to their child on a daily basis and discuss the book in order to build comprehension strategies. Having the child retell the story in their own words is an excellent strategy to strengthen comprehension.
Class assignments will be made on August 1st. A letter will be mailed on that date to each new first grader that includes the name of the new teacher, a list of school supplies to purchase, and other important information about the school to make the transition to first grade as easy as possible.
A school calendar for 07-08 is now available and can be obtained by calling the school office at 302-736-3300.
Have great summer and don't forget to wear sunscreen!
My email address is sandy@ccs.k12.de.us.
Sincerely, Mrs. Patti L. Sandy, NBCT
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