This document provides an overview of orientation for a school called AECS. It introduces several key concepts in the school's shared language like just-in-time instruction, the "just right place" for students, self-directed learning, advisories, habits of mind, and gift-mindedness. It outlines the daily schedule, highlights project-based learning, discusses other instructional strategies like multiage grouping. It also covers expectations for students, parents, and forms of student performance assessment. Finally, it provides some other helpful logistical information.
3. Our Shared Language
Just-In-Time Instruction
Instructors provide a learning solution
when it is actually needed, rather than
on a standard basis.
4. Our Shared Language
Just Right Place
The place where students are on their learning
journey. If you are in your “just right place,”
you are not behind or ahead. You are just
right where you need to be.
6. Our Shared Language
Advisories
A student’s intimate learning community that
helps the student learn and grow into who
they want to be. Students will remain in the
same advisory during their career at AECS.
7. Our Shared Language
Habits of Mind
Ways of thinking and being when you
are faced with a problem you don’t
know the answer to.
8. Our Shared Language
Gift Mindedness
Recognizing that each and every one of us is a unique
and gifted person. No one’s gifts are more special
than anyone else’s. The number of gifts we have
and how big our gifts grow are unlimited.
To be gift minded, we need to remember to celebrate
and generously share our own gifts, and to take
time to discover and appreciate others’.
9. Our Daily Schedule
8:30 - 8:40 Advisories (M,F) & Community Time (T, W, Th)
8:40 - 9:40 Self-Directed Math by Grade Level
9:40 - 11:10 Reading, Writing and Language Arts
11:10 – 12:00 Lunch / Recess
(T, W, Th – Once a week, students will eat together in the AECS
space with their advisor.)
12:00 - 12:20 Read Aloud (M,W, F) and Cursive/SSR (T, Th)
12:20 – 2:00 Project Time
2:00 - 2:30 Encore and Clubs
2:30 – 3:00 Encore and Clubs
3:00 Dismissal
10. Project Highlights
• Ecological Inquiry
• Timeline Practice Project
• AECS Ambassadors
• Street Name Investigations
• Outdoor Sanctuary Design
• Pick Your Own Design Challenge
• Several History-Based Projects
• Choose Your Own Travel Adventure (Year-Long)
11. Other Instructional Strategies
• Multiage
• Collaborative Mixed Groups
• Core Instruction
Self-Directed Math by Grade Level
Theme-based Reading Units
• Encore
• Clubs
12. Parent Expectations
You are a co-learner in our community.
You are part of our gift celebration system.
You are a “just in time guide” on the side, as
teachers are.
You are part of helping your child reach
his/her highest potential.
13. Student Expectations
I see myself as special and unique.
I know that my just right place is right where I should be.
I am a co-creator and co-owner of our school agreements.
Over time, I will grow my skills as a life long learner –
directing what and how I want to learn.
I think learning is FUN and EXCITING.
I can only have fun and excitement if I am PRESENT
(physically and mentally).
14. Performance Assessment
Student "Just Right
Place" Assessment
Student "I CAN"
Common Core
Mastery Checklists
Student Goal Setting
Student Created
Portfolios
Student Generated
Progress Reports
Teacher Monitered
Student Personalized
Learning Plan
15. Other Helpful Information
• Our Spaces Are Shared – You will not always find
us in the same place.
• Our Teachers are shared too – All the teachers
will be your child’s instructor.
• Advisors are your first point of contact.
• We have a special way of celebrating birthdays.
• Students will bring their own snack.
• Lockers are for outdoor clothing, backpacks, gym
shoes, and snacks. Some students will share.
16. Other Helpful Information
• Keep an eye on our news bulletin board and
announcement board.
• There will not be regular homework.
• Smile – We are Going on Some Exciting Field
Trips and Need Your Help Throughout the
Year!!
• Reminder – Most supplies are shared.
• Two-way communication is essential!
