2012 – 2013 Annual Report Presented by: Mary Zigman, Principal

Our Mission The Ivy School offers a Montessori education with Spanish-language study. Our mission is to inspire children of diverse backgrounds to be lifelong, independent learners who value responsibility and embody peace.

Our Vision Ivy students will engage in a dynamic Montessori curriculum which allows for exploration of the world around them. Through creative and challenging multi-sensorial instruction, Ivy students will develop critical thinking skills necessary to be global citizens. The Ivy educators are reflective by implementing best practices through Montessori philosophy and materials, state standards, authentic assessment and student interest. By partnering with parents and the community, the Ivy School will be a safe place where all students can thrive.

Presentation Agenda Student Demographics Montessori Educational Philosophy at Ivy School Climate and Culture Individualized Learning and Enrichment Specials Formal and Informal Assessments Facilities Community Service Community Partnerships Field Trips and Going Outs Parent and Volunteer Involvement Organizational Development School Improvement Goals for

Our Students The total enrollment for the school year was 180 students in grades 1st through 8th. 25% of our students qualified for Free or Reduced lunch. 14 students received Special Education services and/or Speech- Language support.

Montessori Educational Philosophy at Ivy Students work and progress at their own pace in accordance with their individual ability in a thoughtfully prepared environment. Teachers follow each student’s and adapt the curriculum to the interests, strengths, and challenges of the individual student. Materials are highly interesting and follow a progression that takes students to a higher level of learning. Concrete, hands-on materials are used by students to discover the world around them in grades 1 – 3, and then they move toward abstract in grades 4 – 6. Multi-age classrooms allow older students to become mentors to younger children in their classroom community. “Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.” -Maria Montessori

School Climate and Culture Self-awareness Children develop a greater sense of confidence and well being Grace and Courtesy Peace table, resolving conflicts with words, manners, affirmations and compliments Community Awareness Develop a sense of responsibility to the community outside the classroom Cultural Awareness Building compassion for other people Environmental Awareness Students learn how to be stewards of the environment

Individualized Learning and Enrichment Specials Individualized Learning Opportunity to set goals & manage time (Daily Work Plan) Student self-reflection & teacher conferences Student Portfolios Freedom of choice within limits A flexible learning pace & independent movement in the classroom Enrichment Specials Spanish Daily group lessons of songs, stories & interactive games Art & Music Skills, concepts, appreciation, & history Physical Education Cooperative games & team building activities Afterschool Classes Summer Camp Program

Formal and Informal Assessments Formal Assessments Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA’s) OAKS Testing Quarterly Math Testing Informal Assessments and Documentation Observation Daily Work Plans Student Academic Achievement Indicators Weekly Student-Teacher Meetings Portfolios Student Work Samples Report Cards

Formal Assessment Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA’s) Evaluate the reading levels of each student Consists of fluency, comprehension, and miscue analysis Design projects and works specific to reading & writing levels Develop intervention strategies to improve reading

Formal Assessment OAKS Testing for % of Ivy students met or exceeded the OAKS benchmark in reading, which is 3.4 points above the state average. 33.9% of Ivy students exceeded, compared to the state average of 24.7% exceeding. 54.1% of Ivy students met or exceeded in math, which is 8 points below the state average. 80.8% of Ivy students met or exceeded in science, which is 13.2 points above the state average.

Informal Assessments Informal assessments occur through hours of observation, weekly conferences between students and teachers, and written evaluation of each student. Evaluation of a student’s progress is partially inherent in the materials – successful completion of a task depends on the student’s understanding of the concepts and applying them appropriately. Lead teachers engage in 1-on-1 conferences with students.

Facilities Two campuses, one community Ivy purchased the Prescott campus for $1.3 million Growing an educational community Securing our longevity with the Ivy Capital Campaign Continuous use and improvement

Community Service Columbia Slough Ronald McDonald House St. Vincent DePaul Maria’s Place

Community Partnerships Audubon Overnight Northeast Community Center Matt Dishman Community Center Friends of the Children AKA Science OMSI Hacienda Portland Art Museum Outside In Battle of the Books Portland Metro Saturday Academy Science Class Montessori of Alameda Portland Parks and Recreation Fernhill Park Summer Series Native American Youth Association Lewis & Clark Public Montessori School Alberta Court Crossing Eliot Neighborhood Newspaper Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Northwest Children’s Theater Smith and Bybee Wetlands Portland Junior Rose Festival Parade Oregon Health Authority Smiles and Healthy Growth Initiative Harmony Montessori School Hollywood Library The Columbia Watershed Council Montessori Institute Northwest Oregon Zoo Ethos – Band and Choir Artist in Residence – Jody Katopothis (After-school program) Lego League – Dave McFarland (After-school program)

Field Trips and Going Outs Montessori philosophy holds that students, starting with very young children, need to experience the environment outside the classroom. Outings include: Camp Wi-Ne-Ma, plays, library, farms, OMSI, veterinary hospital, restaurants, pet store, museum, theater, recycling center, and the Forestry Center. Students on field trips & going outs take public transportation, which allows for additional community participation.

Parent and Volunteer Involvement The Ivy School PTA Weekly Newsletter Social Events and Gatherings After-School Programs Fundraising Parent Google Group Parents volunteered hundreds of hours of service during the school year. Ivy School Committees – Room Parents/Volunteers, School Spirit, Communications

Organizational Development International Montessori Congress in Portland, Oregon Montessori refresher sessions Neuroscience Research and Montessori From Hope to Empowerment: Montessori as a Tool for Creating Environments Where the Human Spirit Blossoms Staff-Led Professional Development Betsy Geddes Love and Logic Response to Intervention Reading Program Self-Study Parent Communication Bully Prevention School Improvement Planning Spanish Assistants Montessori Introduction Week-Long course at Montessori Northwest Institute training center Board of Directors Professional Development

School Improvement Goals 2013 – 2014 Improve student achievement in math All students will make measurable gains or test on grade level in reading Develop consistent curricular planning across the school and improve teacher collaboration Create and implement a vibrant afterschool program including enrichment classes

Thank You!