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Russell Byers Charter School
Middle School Curriculum & RENOVATION Update
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EXPANSION RECAP School Reform Commission (SRC) Approved RBCS 7th-8th Grade Expansion in Feb 2016 240 new seats (725 total enrollment), spread over all grades by Fall 2018 (3 sections/grade) RBCS negotiations with Liberty Property Trust regarding potential sale of 1911 Arch Street have stalled indefinitely Renovation Plan for Lower Level (Parking Area, Mulberry, Classrooms) Phase 1 – Prepare Levels 1-3 for Music, DML & Additional Students Phase 2 – Prepare Lower Level for Middle School (Grades 6-8) Construction Timeline Select General Contractor & Draft Building Plans (Nov. 2016) Share Building Plans for Feedback & Finalize (Dec. 2016) Secure Permits & Subcontractors (Feb. 2017) Phase 1 Build (Levels 1-3) (Jun.-Aug. 2017) – Ready August 2017 Phase 2 Build (Lower Level) (Jun.-Dec. 2017) – Ready January 2018
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WHAT WILL The m.s. LOOK LIKe?
Self-contained learning space Private entrance on Cherry Street with access to play deck Designated reception/security area, offices for admin and support staff Range of Academic and Specialty Classrooms, Common Areas and Offices Expanded sanitary and water capacity Innovative, flexible approach to classrooms , storage, “industrial feel” and access to natural light 1:1 Laptops for all MS students
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CURRICULUM TIMELINE September/October Goals and Priorities
Program Review with Teacher Input Parent Input Expeditionary Learning Collaboration November Curriculum Mapping Review of Topics and Sequence December Scope and Sequence Development and Review Charter School Office Submission Spring 2017 6th Grade Team Customizes/Aligns to Existing Program Present Ideas to 6th Grade Students for Input Hire Additional Teachers, Staff & Admin (TBD)
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Program offerings Core areas Specials Crew Humanities Mathematics
Science Specials Spanish Music Digital Media Art Physical Education & Health
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Humanities EL Education’s Modules
ELA supplemented with Social Studies content to build foundational knowledge Consulted with Expeditionary Learning in the design Reading, writing, speaking, and listening embedded in all units 1 Module per quarter / 4 Modules per year Case Studies in Quarters 1-3, Expedition in Quarter 4 Extended block format (daily) Additional information:
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Humanities
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mathematics Carnegie Math Curriculum
Aligned to PA Core Standards with demonstrated results Focus on application and problem-solving over rote memorization of processes Blended program that leverages 1:1 technology Opportunities for whole-group and individual learning Reviewed with current MS math teachers as part of the selection process Extended Block Format (daily) Additional information:
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mathematics
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mathematics
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science Discovery Education Curriculum
Aligned to PA Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards Focus on inquiry and exploration – not just simple content acquisition Explicit STEM connections, including units on engineering Digital Techbook that leverages 1:1 technology Reviewed with Dr. Westby as part of selection process Vetted using the NGSS-recommended EQuIP rubric Extended Block / 2x per 6-day cycle Additional information:
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science
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SPECIALS Spanish, Digital Media Art, Music, PE/Health
Regular Block / 2x per 6-day cycle Ongoing throughout the year Design with consideration of both current and potential resources Year 1 may look different with limited spaces Room to grow in subsequent years
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ACTIVITIES Will be built around teacher interest/expertise and community partnerships STEM-focused clubs (coding, robotics, lego design, maker space) Athletics (flag football, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, running, Outward Bound) Arts-focused clubs (advanced visual art, choir, band/ensemble, dance) Leadership (entrepreneurship, student government, public service, peer mediation) Student Ambassadors (giving tours to visitors), Crew Buddies (MS & ES)
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Curriculum Questions ( Real Estate Is Next! )
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