Stevenson PACT A Progressive Public School pact.mvwsd.org

Tonight’s Discussion o o Stevenson PACT’s Model o o Innovative Curriculum o o After School Programs o o Results o o Why Parents Matter o o Participation Requirements & Funding o o Enrollment o o Next Steps and Q&A

Stevenson PACT o oStevenson PACT School is a public K-5 school that offers progressive education and a developmental curriculum o oStevenson PACT’s mission is to cultivate a life-long love of learning by educating the whole child (socially, emotionally, and intellectually) in a collaborative learning community o oProgressive education philosophy: children learn best when seen as unique individuals who are contributing members of a strong community and learn in the context of the real world

Stevenson PACT’s Vision o oThrough experiential learning, innovative teaching methods and a strong collaboration between teachers and parents, we emphasize growth of the whole child – intellectually, socially, physically, and creatively o oWithin our diverse and caring community, we provide an environment that challenges each child to become:   A lifelong learner   An independent thinker   A respectful individual   A responsible global citizen

Developmental Learning Model Innovative Teaching Empowered Community Experiential/ collaborative Small group work 3 x more offsite learning trips Reflects multiple learning styles Children learn to work cooperatively Parents & teachers collaborate daily Differentiated activities Tight-knit community Students challenged based on readiness, not age/grade “Whole Child” approach integrates academic, social, emotional, & physical development Stevenson PACT School Overview

Innovative Curriculum o o Extraordinary Teachers o o Several opportunities for small-group learning o o Curriculum meets and exceeds state & district requirements   Latest research & best practices integrated into curriculum o o Students experience a unique, integrated curriculum   Art Focus, gardening, cooking, field-trips, Kid Writing, Rocket Day, literacy circles, music o o Parents collaborate, innovate, and implement enrichment activities with teachers

Innovative Curriculum Examples Kid Writing Arts Focus Class Gardens

Arts Focus o o Intensive art curriculum   Classes are multi-age K-5 o o Held for 6 weeks, 2x year   Drawing & painting   3-D sculpture   Paper arts   Clay   Textiles o o Children experience each medium, create art, and study famous artists and history o o Designed, developed and taught by parents and teachers

Kid Writing o o Daily journal writing o o Kids write at their own developmental level o o Adult underwrites the "kid writing" o o Makes writing fun, progressive, experiential, creative o o Innovative approach only possible with high teacher/student ratio

Garden o o Customized curriculums:   Composting   Soil analysis   Flower and vegetable life cycles   Planting, harvesting, cooking projects o o Created and maintained by parents & children   Funded annually by Stevenson PACT budget

What Happens After Classes? o o Newton Center onsite homework and free play club   Children supervised by Newton staff until 6:00 PM o o Wide variety of enrichment classes on campus   Enrichment classes schedule changes every 8 weeks o o You can pick only the Newton center, or only the enrichment classes, or a combination of both o o You can sign up for as little as 1 hour/week up through daily care until 6:00 PM

 For more info go to

“So What About The Test Scores?” o o Stevenson PACT is consistently near the top of the District!   API Score = 874 o o But - test scores only measure one dimension of the whole child’s success o o Whole child objectives beyond the tests:   Leadership   Creativity   Independent problem solving   Empathy   Confidence

Why Parents Matter ! Parents: o o Provide support to teachers o o Facilitate small-group learning o o Enrich the curriculum with parent talent and expertise o o Provide transportation and chaperones on field trips o o Make Stevenson PACT more than a school – an enriched community

Participation Commitment 1.Educational Support: ~10 hours/ mo per child o Work in a classroom and/or assist teachers with tasks which directly support student learning o Parent Education: 3 sessions initially (9 hours) then on- going throughout the year (approx. 1.5 hours / month) 2.Community Support: ~30 hours/yr o Provide support to the Stevenson Community o Make an annual family donation

Donation Commitment o o Annual parent donation is primary fundraising (75% of total) for Stevenson PACT expenses o o Requested donation amount is $300 per child o o Give whatever you can– but 100% participation expected o o This donation is tax deductible and payment methods are flexible o o Ask your employer about company match

Enrollment Procedures o Mountain View Whisman District Residents:  Submit registration materials: 2/1-2/28  Registration by appointment only  Proof of residency, age, immunization must be submitted in person at District Office  Subsequently, a ‘snap code’ will be assigned to complete registration online at  Select Stevenson/PACT as your first choice  Enrollment Lottery results communicated in April  You remain eligible to receive a spot at your neighborhood school if you don't get in to PACT through the lottery  PACT waitlist admissions continue through January o Inter-District transfers are no longer accepted

For More Information o o Pact.mvwsd.org o o MVWSD District Office (650) / o o Stevenson PACT Tours & Coffees (no RSVPs): Feb 7 th (Tue) - 9:00 – 10:30 PACT Site Tour Feb 7 th (Tue) - 9:00 – 10:30 PACT Site Tour

The Stevenson PACT School o o Developmental learning o o Innovative teaching & curriculum o o Personal growth, academic success o o Strong community You Have A Choice in Public Education! Pact.mvwsd.org

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