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Mrs. Hoversten |
FAQFrequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What programs does the enrichment program encompass? The Enrichment Coordinator at St. Ambrose facilitates programs that are apart from but complimentary to the school curriculum. There are countless enrichment events that classroom teachers offer to classrooms as a whole; however,the enrichment department deals with those activities that occur outside the school and/or classroom day, involve small pull-out groups during the school day, or involve multiple classroom assemblies. At the Junior High level, classroom teachers, rather than the Enrichment Coordinator, direct additional enrichment programs which fall under the subjects of their expertise. What are examples of specific programs coordinated by this dept.? Junior Great Books (1st-5th) Academic Triathlon (5th-8th) Math Masters (5th) Geography Bee (4th-8th) Extra! Program (2nd - 5th) Art Adventures (k-5th) WordMasters (3rd - 5th) Quiz Bowl (8th) Scrabble Club (6th - 8th) Which students are eligible for these programs? Several programs involve entire grade levels (Geography Bees, Mini-Academic Triathlons, Art Adventures, WordMasters, etc.). Some programs are open to all students who wish to sign up (Junior Great Books, Academic Triathlon, Math Masters, Scrabble Club, etc.). Participation in some programs is determined by teacher selection (for example, Extra! or Quiz Bowl). Selection is based upon academic readiness, individual effort and dependability, and unit topic - student interest fit. Which programs need volunteers, and what is required of them? Volunteer opportunities exist at each grade level and are varied, from one- time events to more on-going programs. Training is available through the Enrichment Office. Specific information on volunteer needs is available at Back-to-School Day or in the Enrichment Office. A background check and Virtus training are required of all parents volunteering at St. Ambrose. Information on this is also available at Back-to-School Day or in the school office. What is the best way to get in touch with you? I work full time at St. Ambrose,but my hours can be irregular as many of the programs involve before or after school hours or weekends. While in school you can usually find me in rm. 110 in the 3rd-5th hallway. At times I am teaching groups, but if not am happy to visit with you. Also, feel free to contact me by e- mail or by phone either at school (768-3052) or at my home (738-2803). I do not mind evening phone calls. Does St. Ambrose have a 'Gifted and Talented' program? Students at St. Ambrose are not tested and identified as 'gifted'. The needs of academically advanced students are met through classroom differentiation, the pull-out Extra! program at the elementary level, varied levels of subject classes at the junior high level, and opportunities presented through academic programs such as MathMasters, WordMasters, Geography Bee, Quiz Bowl, etc. where students are able to progress as far as their abilities take them. How are elementary students selected for Extra!? Students are identified for the Extra! program by classroom teachers according to the following criteria: past teacher recommendations, report card and daily academic scores, standardized test scores, classroom observation. Student participation in Extra! may vary from unit to unit, year to year, depending upon the student's current needs. How and when can students sign up for Enrichment programs? Information about specific programs and registration forms (when necessary) are sent home to students and parents a few weeks before each program begins. For the Extra! sessions, parents of recommended students will receive information from the classroom teacher before each unit begins. |