Exciting opportunities for our students!

Preschool:

We are restructuring preschool so that students are not so rigidly separated by age differences. We are implementing a much more flexible design that allows for more focused attention on individual student needs. Students will be grouped in different arrangements throughout the day, based on developmental readiness for a given activity. Additionally, the preschool content standards will be more closely coordinated with kindergarten expectations. Combining Preschool and Elementary under our new principal, Sue Torode, will also help with coordinating the curriculum.

Elementary (K – 4):

The K – 2 math curriculum has just been redesigned. We have put in place a much more powerful and flexible version of Accelerated Reader (AR). Expect to see technology and computer use integrated more regularly into the curriculum this year.

Middle School (5 – 8):

Dr. Joel Torode, our new Middle School principal, will be teaching and overseeing the daily operations of our Middle School.

Highlights:

• We have arranged our room use so that, with the exception of science and specials, all classes for Middle School will occur in either the current Middle School area in the 400 wing or in the 500 wing closer to the gym.
• We have redesigned our math and science courses.
  • Students who want to accelerate their placement in math can take advantage of an online tool called ALEKS. (Please note: ALEKS is not designed to take the place of an entire math course. It is best for situations where a student either wants to refresh skills or needs a partial year of material to be ready for the next level.)
  • Please contact the school office (440-322-6386) to register for ALEKS for the summer. Simply let us know what math course your student wants to take next year, and we will assign the appropriate preparation course in ALEKS. If you are unsure what course your student should take, please contact the ODCS Guidance Office prior to June 15.
  • A three-month subscription to ALEKS costs $25. We will bill your account. (This is the direct cost from ALEKS. ODCS is not charging any additional fee.)
  • Please register for ALEKS through ODCS, so that we may have access to students’ accounts to help with any questions.
  • We can provide a list of tutors who are available to work with students for an additional fee.
  • Students who use ALEKS to move up to a higher level in math must demonstrate satisfactory completion of at least 90% of the preparatory course material in their ALEKS rating.
• We have honors courses available in Language Arts and Science.
• Advanced Middle School students have the option of taking some of their courses from the High School (students who elect this option will have their High School classes located outside of the typical Middle School classrooms).
• Students in 5th and 6th grade will be assigned a homeroom teacher as part of their regular schedule.
• Students will see increased opportunities in Art, Choir, Drama, Foreign Language and Physical Education.

High School (9 – 12):

Our High School course catalog has been significantly revised. We have increased from 3 AP courses to 7 this year, and for the first time some students will have the opportunity to take a Post-Secondary Educational Option (PSEO) on our campus as part of their regular schedule. Students may now satisfy their PE requirement through participation in sports or marching band. Our Bible curriculum has been completely redesigned, with many new exciting options.
Please contact the school office (440-322-6386) if you have any questions about the 2010/2011 school year.