News
September 1, 2010
Introducing the 2010-2011 ProvoREADS Pick
Instead of a single book, ProvoREADS will be highlighting all of the works by author Katherine Paterson, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. ProvoREADS has decided to choose an author rather than a single book to give each age group and reading level an opportunity for an exceptional book or story.
With nearly 40 different works to choose from, anyone is bound to find something that fits their reading level and liking. Various ProvoREADS activities will occur throughout the year, so be sure to check this Web site frequently so you don't miss out.
September 1, 2010
Katherine Paterson's ProvoREADS! Book-of-the-Month:
Each month, Karen Brown, the Provo School District's Literacy Specialist, will spotlight one of Katherine Peterson's works. The Great Gilly Hopkins has been selected for September.
Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Gilly Hopkins has been moved from one foster home to another, and in the process she has learned to be one "tough cookie." Brilliant, brash, deceitful and daring, Gilly knows what she needs to do to survive in any situation. That is until she meets her newest foster mother, her freaky foster brother, and their poetry-loving next door neighbor. At first Gilly despises them all and comes up with a plan to escape, but soon she discovers that sometimes life just doesn't turn out the way we plan.
Grade Level: 4-8
August 30, 2010
Introducing Provo School District's eSchool
In an effort to provide educational support to all Provo families, Provo City School District has created a new on-line, home-based school. eSchool is designed to give students and parents access to curriculum via the internet.
"We are a public school, however our vision is to promote a new standard for cooperative learning," said Claudia Lauret, Online Specialist for Provo School District.
Previously, the district has not been able to offer much support to home school parents, but eSchool changes all of that. This unique model gives families the flexibility to meet the individual needs of their students, including the option of attending up to three classes at their campus school if they choose to. eSchool supports innovative, progressive educational designs and flexible partnerships with families who want an alternative to the traditional style.
"Another great feature of eSchool," says Lauret, "is the capability of earning high school credits; something that has not previously been available to families who want to teach at home".
Any who are interested in enrolling in eSchool can email Claudia Lauret at claudial@provo.edu for details and information. Additional information can also be found on the district's eSchool web page.
More Information:
KSL Article about Provo School District's eSchool
August 11, 2010
Provo School District Welcomes Students Back For Another Great Year
Teachers, secretaries, principals, custodians and lunch workers are excitedly prepping classrooms, hallways and lunchrooms to be busy with students after the summer break. Provo School District will expect its 13,247 students to return to class on Tuesday, August 24 in its 13 elementary schools, two middle schools and three high schools.
"We have greatly anticipated the beginning of another school year," said Superintendent Randy Merrill. "We are expecting great things from our fine teachers and know they will provide a quality educational experience for their students."
Each school will have a Back to School and/or Open House event to individually welcome each student into his or her school before class starts or shortly thereafter. Students and parents can find more information about these welcoming events at each student's school.
August 19, 2010
After-School Music Lessons
After-School Music School violin and cello lessons are available on a volunteer basis for students in the third grade. Each student will participate in three weekly lessons: a private lesson, a group instrument lesson, and a group musicianship lesson for a total of two and half hours per week. These lessons will be held between 4 and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. One parent should plan on being involved by attending each half-hour private lesson and by supervising practice at home. Lessons and classes will take place at the Wasatch School, 1080 N 900 East in Provo, and instruction will begin the week of September 13, 2010. The PDF found below contains the form and registration information needed to enroll.
Costs:
- $100 per month payable a month in advance.
- Parents will provide instruments and transportation.
- Teaching staff will guide parents in renting or purchasing instruments as needed.
- Music books and materials will be available for purchase at the music school.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Richards, UVU Department of Music
Jerry L. Jaccard, BYU School of Music
Todd Billings, Provo School District Curriculum Department
June 17, 2010
2010-2011 School Year and Teacher Contract Calendars Finalized
The Provo School District Board of Education has finalized the calendars for the 2010-2011 school year. School will begin on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 for students this school year. The dates for all school breaks are included. Please check the 2010-2011 School Year Calendar below for specific details.
The teacher 182 day work calendar will show the dates that Provo School District teachers are required to work for the upcoming school year. Teachers will return to the classroom on Friday, August 20, 2010 for this school year. Please check the calendar listed second for more details.
June 9, 2010
Dual Language Immersion Page Updated
The Dual Language Immersion web page, with information regarding the program and downloadable forms, has been updated and enhanced on the Provo School District web site. Provo School District has Dual Language Immersion programs available at four different elementary schools, including Spanish at Timpanogos and Canyon Crest Elementary Schools, French at Edgemont Elementary School and Mandarin Chinese at Wasatch Elementary. If students stay in the program until the sixth grade, they will be fluent in the target language. Students will learn not only the language, but also the customs and culture from where the language originates. Students enrolled in the programs will begin language instruction in the first grade at all schools except Timpanogos. Timpanogos begins Dual Language immersion in kindergarten. Provo School District has an open enrollment policy, allowing any student from any boundary to enroll in any school other than their neighborhood school if capacity permits.
Please call the school you are interested in for more information. Phone numbers and contacts are available on the updated Dual Language Immersion page.
May 26, 2010
Administration Announces Final Schedule Recommendations to the Board
In response to the broad feedback that district administration and the Board of Education received relative to previous proposals for Unified School Start and Release Times, recommendations and a revised schedule for the upcoming school year were presented to the Board of Education in a special study session on May 26th. A copy of the presentation as well as the recommended start and release times are linked to this article. The Board will make a final decision on a Unified District Schedule in the regular June 8th Board Meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m.
Highlights from the recommendations include:
- Friday Early Release Day for elementary students
- Monday Late Start Day for secondary students
- Common expectation for instructional time for students at each level
- Flexibility on start and release times for non-busing elementary schools within certain parameters
A desire to better support collaboration between teachers directed to improved student learning has prompted these recommendations. In addition, more unified school start and release times provide greater efficiency in transporting students to and from school.
Proposed Elementary School Schedule
- Regular Day (Monday - Thursday)
- 8:40 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
- Morning Kindergarten 8:40 a.m. - 11:40 p.m.
- Afternoon Kindergarten 12:20 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
- Early Release (Friday)
- 8:40 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Morning Kindergarten 8:40 a.m.- 10:45 p.m.
- Afternoon Kindergarten 11:25 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Proposed Secondary School Schedule
- Regular Day (Tuesday - Friday)
- Middle Schools 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
- High Schools 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
- Late Start (Monday)
- Middle 9:20 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
- High School 8:05 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the District proposing a common schedule for all schools?
- What are Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)? Why are they important?
- Are there other reasons for having a common early release day?
- Why are we doing this now?
- Is the length of some school days being increased?
- What about After School Programs at the Elementary Level?
June 3, 2010
Provo Peaks Elementary Construction Update
The construction of Provo Peaks Elementary, located on the south side of Farrer Elementary, is under way and going well. While the construction workers were digging out a giant hole for the new school, they found that the soil was unstable, meaning it could not be relied on to stay in place. The construction was delayed a small amount to remediate the soil and make sure it would be stable and could support the large structure. That is now complete and workers are ready to install the footings for the building.
Construction workers will reuse some of the decorative terra cotta moldings from Farrer Elementary, which will be installed around the top of Provo Peaks Elementary, keeping some of Farrer Elementary’s historical look. Students have helped decide the mascot for the new school, a puma, and the colors will be blue and gold. Construction is expected to be complete in the summer of 2011, giving teachers and employees plenty of time to move their classrooms and equipment over to the new school during the summer break a year from now.
For more information on floor plans, architectural renderings, and other details regarding the new school, please visit our School Construction Projects web page.
May 6, 2010
Provo’s Child Nutrition Program Named Best of State
The Provo School District Child Nutrition Program was chosen to receive the Best of State Award for being the top educational support personnel group in Utah. This statewide award is given to outstanding businesses, programs, groups, or individuals. More than one hundred judges scrutinized the nominations for the Best of State Award. The judges sought out individuals, businesses and organizations that excel in their endeavors, use innovative approaches, and make Utah a better place to live.
Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., former Governor of Utah said, "Best of State recognizes those who are excelling and surpassing all else and who are the best of the best in their respective fields."
The Child Nutrition Program is thrilled and honored to win a Best of State award. They are constantly trying to enhance the already nutritious and healthy meals served in Provo’s schools. Studies show that children are better able to learn after eating a nutritious meal, and this dedicated Nutrition team is happy to do their part in helping each student receive an excellent education. Provo School District is extremely proud of the Child Nutrition Program as they strive to continue to promote healthy lifestyles that will have life-long benefits.
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