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 Our aim is to help our students develop a sense of themselves as lifelong learners and problem solvers. To do this our students must acquire skills in reading, writing, math and critical thinking. They must also be armed with the ability to become skillful decision-makers and responsible citizens in a global community. The diversity of our many cultures is a strength that we use to make ISP an exceptional educational environment that supports this development.
Our highly qualified and dedicated professional teaching staff, working in collaboration with our parents ensures that every child's learning (academic and social) is the key focus of all that we do in the elementary school. Our child-friendly program with its small class sizes and personalized attention provides each student with the appropriate instructional opportunities to meet their needs.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The unique needs of pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students are met in the basic skill areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science/Health, through thematic Units of Inquiry. In addition, ISP Elementary offers a full complement of special classes, including: Foreign Languages (Czech, French and Spanish), Music, Physical Education, Art, Technology, and Library. Computer labs are state-of-the-art. Classroom computers (Pre-kinder – Gr. 3) and laptops (Grades 4 – 5) are also utilized to develop students' technological skills and support their learning.
Teachers meet regularly to share ideas, coordinate programs, and provide for the ongoing improvement of units of study in an integrated fashion. Field trips are planned regularly to enrich classroom learning. In a city as historic as Prague, field study possibilities are limitless. Prague and the surrounding areas are a resource that we make use of to enrich the education and lives of our students.
English as a Second Language teachers work directly with classroom teachers, so students can function successfully within the regular educational program.
Students are engaged in hands-on learning experiences on a regular basis. It is our desire to bring the curriculum to life in as many was as we can, to stimulate the various ways that students best learn. The curriculum is designed to ensure that learners meet specific overall standards while striving to reach benchmarks of excellence.
ISP elementary parents are highly involved in their children’s education. Parents meet with their children’s teachers at the beginning of the school year in “Hopes and Dreams” conferences, at EC (Early Childhood) and UES (Upper Elementary School) Parent Nights, and during regularly scheduled conferences. There are regular opportunities to learn more about the children’s classroom and unit learning through grade level presentations, as well as student-led conferences and portfolios of student work. Parents are also involved in book fairs, assemblies, International Culture Week, as Room Parents, and as chaperones on field trips.
Children are supported in making smooth transitions when starting school in PK - K (overview and transition days), moving to a new school or culture, making the move from Early Childhood to the Upper Elementary School (UES), and from the UES to Middle School (Moving On Ceremony). Our Counselor works with students in addition to the instructional assistants who are available to each classroom (ES Counseling). Our Learning Support department works with students who need specialized assistance and instruction to help them succeed to their potential.
To better promote the social life of students, ISP Elementary has over 30 after school activities, including sports, games, and crafts and cooking each trimester. Band is offered beginning in 5th grade. Special dance and choral programs are also offered as a part of after school options.
SNACKS and LUNCHES
Students in the Elementary School eat twice during each school day. Food for a mid-morning snack must be brought from home. We encourage the children to bring healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, sandwiches, and juice. Foods with a high sugar content or caffeine (such as chocolate) are not nutritional energy food for children.
The children eat again at lunchtime. They may bring food from home for their lunch or they can take advantage of our full service cafeteria. In the Elementary, the food service choices depend on age. (Cafeteria website)
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
Parents receive regular communication in “Friday Folders”, with classroom newsletters, the ISP newsletter (Grapevine), on class websites, and via email through “Parent Contact”, as the need arises (SCA website). Parents are kept informed of their child's progress through a comprehensive reporting system. Teachers or parents may make appointments to conference any time that it is appropriate or desired. Students also receive detailed information about their progress at the end of each trimester (report cards, narrative reports, and / or portfolios).
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
- Elementary enrollment is at approximately 380 Students (PK3-5th Grade)
- The adult to pupil ratio is 6 to 1
- EAL is available for students needing help to become fluent in English
- Learning Support is available for students with identified special learning needs
- A full-time elementary Child Psychologist / Counselor is on staff for counseling services and testing
For detailed information on school hours, behaviour and discipline, homework and report cards see the PARENT HANDBOOK.
Dr. Cynthia Gause-Vega, Elementary Principal
Mrs. Corky Hawkins, Asst. Principal
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