Instructional Program
The Virginia Board of Education adopted the Standards of Learning (SOLs) in four core subject areas: English (Reading and Writing), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The SOLs provide a framework of instructional objectives for Kindergarten through High School. In addition, all students receive instruction in art, music, physical education, library, guidance, and instructional technology. Fifth grade students may elect to take strings. Reading resource, special education, EL, and gifted education services are also available. A schedule for reporting can be found on the county website: www.pwcs.edu.
Elementary students take an end of the year state test (SOLs) in grades 3, 4, and 5, to ensure that they are meeting curriculum objectives.
Homework
The purpose of homework is to provide reinforcement/practice of a concept already presented by a teacher. Parents should create a home environment that reinforces the school message that education is important, and that life is enriched by learning. Homework is assigned to reinforce skills taught in the classroom and to enrich the school experience. Teachers decide on the amount of and type of work considering the level and ability of the child. The responsibility for homework gradually increases for students in grades K through 5. As always, we encourage you to read with your student every day!
Title I
Kilby is a Title I school, but what does that really mean? Title I is a federal grant program designed to give educational assistance to students living in areas of high poverty. The Title I program originated in 1965 when Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and was reauthorized in 2001 with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. Title I is one of the oldest and largest federal programs supporting elementary and secondary education in existence, and over 90% of the school systems in the United States receive some sort of Title I funding.
The Title I program provides financial assistance through State educational agencies (SEAs) to local educational agencies (LEAs) and public schools with high numbers or percentages of poor children to help ensure that all children meet challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards. LEAs target the Title I funds they receive to public schools with the highest percentages of children from low-income families. Unless a participating school is operating a schoolwide program, the school must focus Title I services on children who are failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet State academic standards. Schools enrolling at least 40 percent of students from economically disadvantaged families are eligible to use Title I funds for schoolwide programs that serve all children in the school.
Title I reaches about 12.5 million students enrolled in both public and private schools. Title I funds may be used for children from preschool age to high school, but most of the students served (65 percent) are in grades 1 through 6; another 12 percent are in preschool and kindergarten programs.
School Counseling Program
Our professional school counselors provide classroom guidance for all students and small group and individual support as needed. They deliver lessons according to the Prince William County curriculum. These lessons support self-image, teamwork, choices, coping, community, and communication. Students or parents may request short-term individual guidance as needed. Our School Counselors are also an excellent resource for community information and needs.
Retention
When a student benefits from another year at the same grade placement, parents will be informed of the student’s specific academic needs by the teacher. Written notification regarding the possibility of retention will be communicated to the parents by the end of the second grading period.
Field Trips
A field trip that coordinates with a curriculum area will be scheduled for your student’s class during the school year. Each student who participates in the field trip must have a signed permission slip. Parents may be asked to chaperone classes on school-related field trips. Chaperones must be 18 years of age or older. Younger siblings may not attend field trips due to safety concerns.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times a year, at nine-week intervals and are visible in ParentVUE. The purpose of the report card is to help parents identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses and to help teachers evaluate and plan instruction accordingly. Teachers will request a conference with parents at the end of the first quarter. Additional conferences are encouraged and may be requested by either the parent or teacher as needed.