A Model School for Academic Excellence

Applications for 09-10 School Year 

Available November 6

December 10, 2008

Aurora Quest K-8 is located at 17315 E. 2nd Ave., just east of Airport Blvd. and just south of William Smith High School.

Bell Schedule for School is 7:45AM-2:30Pm

Office Hours- 7:15AM-3:45PM

• View a slideshow of  Aurora Quest K-8 construction

MISSION STATEMENT

We are committed to providing a caring environment in which gifted students are empowered to identify, develop and apply their individual abilities. Student differences and growth are celebrated and supported in a challenging, culturally rich, learning community.

COMMITMENTS

Best Practice — In order to advance our shared vision of an exemplary school, we will provide appropriate instruction for gifted learners by:

• responding to learners’ need by differentiating content, process and product.
• flexibly grouping students in needs-based groups.
• using acceleration techniques to differentiate instruction (e.g., subject acceleration, pacing adjustments.).
• compacting curriculum (new and learned material) based on students’ needs.
• including greater depth and breadth in content (e.g., independent study, problem-based learning, William and Mary Literacy Units, Junior Great Books).
• teaching and integrating thinking skills (e.g., metacognition, reflective, critical and creative thinking).
• teaching real-world application of ideas, concepts and skills.
• providing choices for students, balancing teaching with facilitation, and scaffolding instruction.
• facilitating peer interaction (e.g., student-to-student talk, cross grade levels).
• incorporating the Condition of Learning in daily instruction.
• using the Teaching-Learning Cycle in daily instruction.

Diversity — In order to advance our shared vision of an exemplary school for gifted learners, we will:

• teach and model understanding and respect for diversity.
• integrate the arts into content areas using culturally rich resources.
• provide instruction in the Spanish language and culture.
• enrich students’ understandings of other cultures.

Caring Environment — In order to advance our shared vision of an exemplary school for gifted learners, we will:

• demonstrate that we value risk-taking by communicating with students, by validating their ideas and approximations and using positive, constructive feedback.
• explicitly teach and model mutual respect and empathy for others.
• provide clear, consistent expectations for learning and behavior.
• value students, encourage students to value themselves and support each other.

Affective Development — In order to advance our shared vision of an exemplary school for gifted learners, we will:

• help students develop an understanding of themselves as gifted, as learners and as part of a larger community.
• provide opportunities for students to apply their affective knowledge.
• provide individual and small group affective support and counseling.
• give students opportunities for expressive outlets, community service, leadership and risk-taking.
• use humor and encourage students’ use of humor.

Parent Involvement — In order to advance our shared vision of an exemplary school for gifted learners, we will:

• involve parents in the education of their child by keeping them informed of progress and inviting their insights concerning their child.
• demonstrate that we value and support parents by communicating respectfully, inviting them into the classroom and offering a variety of volunteer opportunities.
• provide parents with resources to help them appropriately and knowledgeably support, empower and advocate for their child.

Professional Development — In order to advance our shared vision of an exemplary school for gifted learners, we will:

• collaborate with and learn from each other to refine instruction using research-based “best practices.”
• communicate openly and honestly with all staff members.
• be instructional risk-takers who willingly apply new learning and seek to grow as professionals.
• celebrate individual strengths and provide a variety of leadership opportunities.

Applications

Volunteers Needed for:

Library during the school day·         

Computer Lab Supervision- Tuesday & Thursday 2:30-3:30    

Computer Lab Helper- K-2 - rotation 10:30 -11:30