Sierra View Elementary Schooltitle

1) Academic Focus.
The Academics Plus Program focuses on reading, writingand math, rounded out by a solid curriculum in composition, science, history, and geography. These are the foundations for all future learning and a successful career.  Enrichment subjects, such as art, drama, and music are taught, but the fundamental program receives priority. Academics Plus at Sierra View has over three decades of success with this approach. The Program has experienced teachers with a common commitment to the goals and philosophy of the program, a record of student
achievement, and a high reputation amongst parents.

2) Parent Involvement.
An important element of Academics Plus is that parents are encouraged to actively participate in their children's education, and are given multiple opportunities to do so. Since Academics Plus is an alternative program chosen by the parents, they are typically enthusiastic and willing to be involved in the educational process. Assisting with homework, reviewing and returning weekly progress reports, helping in the classroom, and supporting field trips are just a few of the ways parents will be involved in the program. Numerous studies have shown that parent participation in education is the highest single indicator of a child's academic success!

3) Focus on the Child.
Development of the "whole" child is also stressed in Academics Plus. The program is designed to instill within each child confidence, a sense of responsibility, pride in accomplishment, and a positive self-image through academic achievement. Teachers have high expectations, challenging students and helping them to succeed. Academics Plus believes that sensitivity to each student's feelings and individuality can be maintained in an atmosphere of fair, firm and consistent discipline. To accomplish this, the program emphasizes a caring and orderly learning environment, in which teachers and students treat each other with respect and dignity.

4) Joyful Learning Environment.
The classroom setting in the Academics Plus Program utilizes whole group interaction, small groups, activities, individual seatwork and/or centers to help make the learning experience exciting and enjoyable. All aspects of the curriculum are carefully planned by the teachers to be engaging and imaginative ways for young children to learn. The mission is to spark a joy for learning, while building a foundation of knowledge and skills so that students become lifelong learners and productive contributors to society.

Guidelines for a Successful Program - Parent Agreement

Parents help to assure a successful Academic Plus Program by providing an integral component in the educational process of their child(ren) through supporting the program in the following ways:

1. Reviewing and signing the Academics Plus Program Guidelines for a Successful Program Parent Agreement and having your child(ren) review and sign the "Student Agreement" at the beginning of each school year.

2. Assisting your child(ren) with homework as needed. It is your responsibility to know your child(ren's) class requirements and to make sure that your child(ren) are fully participating and meeting all deadlines. Reviewing Weekly Reports with your child.

3. Returning Weekly Reports and teacher/school communications in a timely manner.

4. Supporting the school/teacher discipline plans. It is imperative that you are in agreement with the plan laid out by the teachers and school. If for some reason you feel this plan does not meet your requirements, please talk to your teacher and administration to evaluate if this program is the right fit for your family.

5. Considering all recommendations of the staff (e.g. class assignments, bonus year, special education/G.A.T.E. testing, etc.).

6. Providing transportation for your child(ren) to and from school in a timely manner.

7. Being involved and helping in the program whenever possible (e.g., reviewing homework & weekly reports, program evaluation, class projects, field trips, classroom aide, read naturally, book buddies, fundraising, attending meetings of  the PTA, etc.). An important element of Academics Plus is that parents are encouraged to actively participate in their children's education, and are given multiple opportunities to do so. Please refer to the Sierra View Website Calendar for school events or check with your child's teacher for ways to sign up and complete your hours.

My signature below indicates that I have read, understand and agree with the expectations and philosophy of the Academics Plus Program as stated in the above Guidelines for a Successful Program.

I AM IN AGREEMENT WITH THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE ACADEMICS PLUS PROGRAM AND I UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE EXPECTATIONS.
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Parent Signature Date
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