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Awards and Recognition Recognition is given to students at Flag Assembly (usually on Fridays) in the following areas: Outstanding Citizenship Special Recognition Math Wiz Writing Wonders Art Awards (Student Council) Students who receive special recognition for exemplary participation in fundraisers or special school activities will receive recognition at Flag Assembly as well. Parents are notified if their students are being recognized at Flag Assembly and are invited to join in celebrating their child’s accomplishment. Primary students who make a special contribution are frequently recognized with “Praise Notes.” These are traded in for special prizes in the school office. Level Prize 30 Praise Notes Selection from prize box 30 Additional Notes A second selection 30 Additional Notes A third selection 30 Additional Notes A fourth selection 50 Additional Notes Off-campus lunch with Principal English Learners Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee (ELMAC) We are pleased to have an active English Learners Multicultural Advisory Committee (ELMAC) at John Adams. In the spirit of having those affected by decision-making participate in the process, ELMAC meets at least three times a year to discuss the ways we support our English Language Learners (ELL); make recommendations; and suggest program modifications, as well as, talk about ways that we can ensure that all language and cultural groups at Adams have the opportunity to participate fully in the educational program. Membership on the ELMAC is open to all parents of Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Fluent English Proficient (FEP) students. The dates of meetings are published in the Principal’s Newsletter. We welcome your interest and involvement. Our goals are to educate our families about our English Language Development (ELD) program, the full range of curriculum, programs and services provided at John Adams/Torrance Unified School District, and to work on planning activities that broaden multicultural interaction and appreciation. School Site Council (SSC) Site-Based Consolidated Programs Site-Based Consolidated Programs provide extra funding that enables us to more fully pursue a quality educational program and employ instructional assistants. Each school involved in the Site-based Consolidated Program has a School Site Council (SSC). This council is the centerpiece of site-based decision making. Council members work together to develop, implement, and evaluate school policies, programs, procedures, and budgets. A primary objective of our Single Plan for Student Achievement is to develop a closer relationship between the school and community. The School Site Council is comprised of staff, parents, and community representatives. This group is crucial in the ongoing improvement of John Adams’ instructional program. We encourage you to take an active role in this process. Elections for SSC positions are held annually. Each member holds office for a two-year term. If you have questions and/or concerns about school programs/policies or would like to suggest a program/policy for consideration, please contact the school principal or any SSC member. School Site Council meets monthly. Please refer to the school calendar for meeting dates. SSC meetings are open to all interested community members. Decisions are publicized monthly in the Principal’s newsletter and posted in the display case by the Cafeteria. Parent and Community Members: School Staff Members: 1. Michelle Dondick 2. Danny Garcia 3. Kari Kirkwood 4. Karen Knappenberger 5. Dolly Poulin 6. Rachel Tobin 1. Diana Smith, Principal 2. Sharon Jones, Secretary 3. Teacher (tba) 4. Teacher (tba) 5. Teacher (tba) 6. Teacher (tba) Search and Serve Notice State Law requires that all individuals with exceptional needs have a right to participate in a free and appropriate public education with special education services where necessary. Assessment for special education placement is provided for children from birth to 21 years of age. Some preschool programs are available for qualified handicapped children who are not being served. English Language Development (ELD) The State provides special funding for students whose primary language is other than English and who are learning English as a second language. The funding provides support instruction from an English Language Development Specialist and a bilingual instructional assistant as well as supplementary books and materials. All of our classroom teachers are certified to teach ELD. Counselor We have a half-time counselor available to works with students, staff and parents. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Enrichment programs for identified academically talented and high achieving students in grades 3/4/5 are provided at John Adams. These include: the GATE core books; opportunities to work at an accelerated pace in the content areas; participation in Super Saturdays; and the opportunity to attend GATE classes during summer school. Students are tested for GATE based on their CAT-6 results or parent/teacher recommendation. The testing takes place mid-year with results sent home in the spring. We identify students for testing in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Home Instruction Home instruction is available for children during extended illnesses (one month or longer). Please contact the school office for further information. Music/Instrumental Students in grades 3/4/5 may receive instruction in instrumental music. We have an instrumental music teacher who is assigned to several schools. Music/Vocal All classes (K through 5) participate in a district provided vocal music program. Reading Recovery Identified First graders who are at-risk in their development for beginning reading skills and strategies receive intensive one-on-one assistance to build specific skills that will help them to become proficient readers. This support is funded through Title I. Learning Centers Students who qualify for this program receive academic support from the special education staff as determined by their individual needs. General Education students may receive Learning Center support on a limited term basis as recommended by a School Study Team. School Study Team (SST) When parents or teachers feel that they need assistance in diagnosing and/or meeting the needs of individual students, they can seek the input/guidance of the SST. This team is comprised of a teacher leader, school counselor, school psychologist, Learning Center teacher, Speech/Language teacher, principal and referring teacher. The team works together to learn more about the student’s needs and makes recommendations about possible interventions. School Psychologist Testing and consultation are available as appropriate to evaluate and improve student learning. The school psychologist will be at John Adams one day per week. While the limited time available does not allow for long term on-site counseling, assistance in referrals to local community resources is available. Speech and Language Development Specialist Speech and language therapy is available for children with speech and language disabilities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office for an appointment with the speech and language therapist. ^TOP