What should the morning programs look like?

Please read this background information before proceeding:

Dallas Community School operates a site-based program to support students who benefit from group instruction. The overall goal of the morning program is to augment home learning by using curriculum and lessons that would enhance developmentally leveled learning concepts.

The optional morning site-based classes run Monday through Thursday for grades 1-6 throughout the school year. Classes are offered in a variety of subjects and feature mixed-age student groupings that reflect skill level rather than grade level. The morning program allows for up to thirty on-site students and three staff. Families who enroll in the morning program should be able to commit to attending on scheduled days/times.

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* 1. Please enter your name and email address.

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* 2. Are you planning on enrolling in the morning program?

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* 3. What are the ages of your children? Check all that apply.

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* 4. Which of the following subjects should DCS offer during the morning program?

  Very important: our family is relying on DCS for this support during the morning program. Somewhat important: it can be covered if time permits. Not important: we will cover this material at home.
Math
Reading
Writing
Science/Engineering
Social Studies
Technology

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* 5. Listed below are a list of possible classes for the morning program. Please rate the classes that you would be interested in having your child/children attend if they were offered.

Very Important Important Somewhat Important Not at all Important
For those attending all 4 days of the morning program daily warm up and check in. Begin the day with a group meeting and math instruction. Math curriculum will be decided by the Guides and will be the same for all levels. Students will also be using Dreambox and Khan Academy to supplement instruction as needed.
Institute for Excellence in Writing - (IEW) taught by DCS staff - This approach to writing provides the structure that students need to develop confidence in the writing process. They will learn nine structural models (note taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, essays, and critiques) to help them organize any type of composition. Please note that IEW will also be offered as an afternoon enrichment class.
Young Authors - Students are given opportunities to write in a variety of genres to help foster a love of writing. Students will publish a combined book at the end of the year with samples of their writing. Other DCS Students will be encouraged to submit writings to this publication as well.
Journalism - Students will create a school-wide newspaper with submissions from both on and offsite students.
Explorations in Reading - as a supplement to home instruction, students will work on phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency and comprehension skills enabling them to develop continued success in reading. An advanced class will teach students skills and strategies for reading to learn by increasing comprehension through a wide range of texts and genre with the overall goal to help foster a love of reading in beginning to intermediate readers.
Real World Math - Students will uses topics drawn from national math standards to develop skills. The focus will be on math processing through problem solving, reasoning, organizing, recording, and communication of mathematical ideas and concepts. Students will use real life problem solving skills to have fun with learning and applying mathematical concepts.
Science Inquiry - Students will be learning through hands-on investigations and activities in which they are guided to discover and understand ideas about science.
Engineering – Students will be actively engaged as they learn basic engineering concepts while designing and building cool things!
Technology - In addition to learning the appropriate use of technology students will develop ongoing skills to be successful in today's ever-changing digital world. They will be introduced to key technology concepts and will incorporate them in a fun and engaging setting.
Through Project Based Learning students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge through a variety of themes.

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* 6. If you have a kindergarten-aged student what support are you looking for DCS to provide?

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* 7. If you have a student who will be in 7th or 8th grade what support are you looking for DCS to provide, e.g., subject matter support, social group interactions/skills, etc.?

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* 8. Would you be interested in attending parent educator workshops offered during the school year and if so, what subject areas would you like DCS to offer? Please indicate those in the text box below.

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* 9. Please list any other class ideas you would like to see offered during the morning program.

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