This year we will be implementing new literacy curriculum resources at Steele. This is a welcome addition for both teachers and students.

 

Grades 4/5 are implementing a curriculum named Expeditionary Learning (EL). Most schools in DPS have adopted this curriculum. If your 4/5 kiddos have been talking about human rights the last few days, it's because that's the focus of their first unit. The purpose of EL is to tie topics and learning into a central theme, so that the learning is relevant for all students. This fits right in line with our British Primary philosophy, and we're excited to have great resources at our fingertips to implement this style of learning.

 

Grade K through 3 are part of a curriculum pilot called Mondo. We applied for this pilot last year and were one of 15 DPS schools chosen. This curriculum also works in themes with a great connection between writing and reading. In addition to having consistent themes for students, there's a strong emphasis on foundational reading skills. This has been a focus in the lower grades for the past two years, and we're excited that we can use a curriculum that will provide our students with consistent language and provide our teachers with ready-made resources.

 

Both curricula are rigorous and feature high-level reading text. We're thrilled to have such great tools for our use.

 

Don't forget, Back To School Night is tonight! There will be childcare in the gym starting at 5:00 PM. The program starts at 5:15. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Thanks for all you do!

 

Cheers,

Kevin

PTA Meeting
Wednesday 9/9, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Auditorium
Help kick off the new school year by attending our first PTA meeting of the year! Even if you are not a member yet, you are welcome to attend the meetings for important updates about the work we do to enrich our students' experience at Steele academically and culturally. Agenda items for this meeting include a summary of highlights from Principal Greeley, a report from our Treasurer and request for approval of the PTA's 2015-16 planned expenditures, an overview of volunteer opportunities through My School Anywhere, and school year fundraising programs and goals. Child care is available in the gym for $3 per child. Camaraderie continues after the meeting at Blackbird Public House.

Steel Dines Out
Mark your calendars: the first Steele Dines Out for the 2015-16 school year is at Max's Gill and Grill at 1052 S. Gaylord St. on Tuesday, 9/15 from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Owner and Steele parent Jeff Estey has reserved the whole back atrium, patio, and tiki bar for Steele families so kids have space to roam and parents have freedom to socialize. There will be a magician performing for Steele families, and an expanded children's menu offered that evening. 20% goes back to Steele!

Garden News

The Youth Farmers Market will be on Friday from 3:00 - 3:45 PM with wonderful produce for sale from the Steele School Garden.

Looking for a Business Marketing Opportunity?

Advertise your local business directly to the Steele and Wash Park community! Along with advertising in our school print and online directory, we are excited to offer an exciting new option for the 2015-16 school year: a marketing banner viewed by the community all year long! You provide the details (logo and tag line); we provide the template and printed banner. For additional info, click here. In order to get the most school year for your marketing investment, deadlines are quickly approaching!

Direct United Way Contributions to Steele!