Beginning in September of 2002, students with academic weaknesses in the areas of reading and/or mathematics at Central and West Elementary Schools have been provided with a unique opportunity for academic assistance. We officially implemented our Extended School Day (ESD) program during the 2002-2003 school year for students in grades 2-5.
The Extended School Day program concept for USD 320 was developed by the West Elementary Leadership Team during the 2001-2002 school year. We have been very pleased with the results of this program as our students have performed exceptionally well on the Kansas Assessments all five years of program implementation. We believe that the evidence reveals that our students performed better on the Kansas Assessments due to their participation in ESD than they would have without this “extra” and necessary support.
ESD teachers for the 2007-2008 school year are as follows: Central Elementary-Deb Long and Marsha DeHart; West Elementary- Angie McCune, Cheryl Stallard, and Cathy Woodyard. Other staff members who support our efforts with ESD are Special Education teachers Marcia Beachler and Emily Stein, who work directly with our Kansas State University para-educators. These individuals take time out of their contract day to work with our paras to provide needed information on the Special Education students in their care. They provide guidance and direction for working with these special needs students. Lessons are planned with feedback from all grade level teachers.
KSU students that are pre-service teachers are hired as para-educators. They obtain invaluable experience working with students and are compensated for their time. Also, our students respond very well to the enthusiasm and energy that the K-State para-educators bring to the program.
A Typical Day
The students meet right after school to eat a snack and join their KSU para-educator. After finishing their snack, each group goes to a classroom for instruction. There is a 40-45 minute block of reading instruction and a 40-45 minute block of math instruction with a short recess in between.
Introduction to Extended School Day Staff:
My name is Marsha DeHart and since 1982 I have been learning with students in the Resource Room at Central Elementary. I received my undergraduate degree from Sterling College where I studied elementary education with emphasis in science and English. After graduation I taught middle/high school students in Minneola, Kansas before coming to K-State to complete a Master's degree in Elementary Special Education. I joined the ESD staff in 2007. I plan the second grade math program.
My name is Deb Long, I began teaching in 1983, as a second grade teacher and in 1996 I became a Title I, Reading Recovery teacher. I have been a Reading Specialist for first, second and third grade. This is my first year to include kindergarten as part of my teaching experience. I graduated from Kansas State University with my Bachelor's and Master's degrees and my reading specialist certification. I obtained my Reading Recovery certification eleven years ago through the University of Nebraska. I have been a part of the ESD program since 2002, when it was first developed. I plan reading for the second grade students.
My name is Angie McCune. I have been a teacher for USD 320 since 2003. I have been an ESD teacher since 2006. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University in December of 2002. I earned my Master’s degree in technology in 2006. I plan the math and reading lessons for the third grade groups.
My name is Cheryl Stallard and to many of you I am a familiar face. I taught second grade at Central for eleven years before becoming a Title I and Reading Recovery teacher. I was the Title I teacher at both Central and West for six years, before coming to West full time. I graduated from the University of Kansas, and received my Master’s degree and reading specialist certification from Kansas State University. I taught first grade in Atchison and fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades in Montana prior to moving back to Kansas. I helped start the ESD program in 2002. I plan reading for the fourth and fifth grade students.
My name is Cathy Woodyard. I have taught fifth grade since 1994. For the first three years I taught all subjects and have taught math, social studies, and science since. I team teach with Kay Ann Hewlett. I was a non-traditional student when I attended K-State. In December of 1993 I received my bachelor’s degree from K-State. USD 320 hired me for a fifth grade teaching position in August of 1994. I earned my master’s degree in technology from K-State in 2000. I helped get the ESD program started and worked in the background the first year. The second year I came on board full time and have been one of the lead teachers in the program since. In addition to teaching a group, I plan math for the fourth and fifth grade students.
If you have questions please contact:
Coordinator Central West
Amy Flinn Marsha DeHart Angie McCune
Deb Long Cheryl Stallard
Cathy Woodyard
Resources
Here are some resources you can access from home to help understand your child’s difficulties or help them practice specific skills:
Fact Practice--
http://www.mathmastery.com/cyberchallenge &
http://www.math.com/students/practice/arithmeticpractice.htm
