Title I

1. Title I Ford Elementary School qualifies as a school-wide Title I school. This means that the school receives services and materials in addition to what is provided by the school district. Title I funds are provided by the federal government.

2. Title I During the spring of last school year, the school staff and the School Improvement Council reviewed the needs of the school and made recommendations for serving our students. This year, our school benefits from the following additional resources:

3. Literacy Coach • Works with classroom teachers during professional learning communities to plan, instruct, and assess South Carolina English Language Arts standards • Performs model guided reading, shared reading, writing, and read aloud lessons • Works with teachers to interpret MAP data in order to drive instruction to meet the needs of the students • Provides staff development

4. Instructional Coach/ESOL • Provides additional literacy help to ESOL students to ensure their success in the classroom • Works with teachers during professional learning communities to help teachers meet the needs of the ESOL students • Provides staff development

5. Parenting • Coordinates our volunteer program to involve parents and other volunteers in our school activities • Interprets and translates for non-English speaking families • Ensures that our parent involvement plan is carried out

6. Reading Recovery Teacher • Provides individual and small group tutoring to selected first grade students who are below grade level in reading • Works with some second graders who qualify in a small group setting

7. Computer Lab Assistant • Provides instruction that will reinforce skill development and allow independent practice for students in reading, writing, and math • Addresses the technology standards during computer lab classes

8. Class Size Reduction • Provides for acceleration in learning by lowering the class size in one first grade and one second grade class.

9. Instructional supplies and materials • Provides supplemental classroom teaching materials and supplies to enhance instruction and academic achievement

10. Funds for Field Trips • Funds for field trips to the Joe Adair Outdoor Science Center are provided for students so that they can benefit from the educational opportunities provided by this local facility

11. Parent Involvement Policy Ford Elementary School Parent Involvement Policy The Ford Elementary School Parent Involvement Policy is developed and continuously evaluated through parent, teacher, and community input. We will, to the extent practical, provide all parents, including those of limited English proficiency, those in migrant work, and those with disabilities, information and school reports in a language/format that is easily understood. Additionally, we will coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs and activities with other programs such as Head Start. In order to improve student academic performance, Ford Elementary School will supply students and parents with clear evaluations of progress and achievement through conferences, interim reports, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) reports, report cards, newsletters, parent nights, PTO meetings, and School Improvement Council meetings. Information concerning the South Carolina State Curriculum Standards will be made available to all parents. The school Title I Parenting Coordinator will provide additional opportunities for parent involvement through workshops, trainings, take-home activities, home visits, and on-going efforts to extend home/school communications. The Parent Involvement Policy of Ford Elementary will be presented for comments, suggestions, and approval during the initial open house and throughout the school year, at varying times, in order to accommodate our parents’ schedules. A suggestion box is located in our main office. We appreciate your comments and suggestions concerning our school-wide Title I project, our Parent Involvement Policy, and our Parent/Student/Teacher Compact as we strive to better serve our students, parents, and community.

12. Parent/Student/Teacher/Principal Compact Ford Elementary School The mission of Ford Elementary School is to create a community of learners who are responsible and productive citizens. PARENT/STUDENT/TEACHER/PRINCIPAL COMPACT 2009-2010 As a parent/guardian, I will: Show respect and support for my child, the teachers, and Ford Elementary School. Participate as appropriate in decisions relating to the education of my child. Monitor my child’s attendance in school. Support the school’s discipline policy. Provide a quiet, well-lit place for study and supervise the completion of homework. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Talk with my child each day about his or her school activities. Monitor my child’s TV viewing. Assist with at least one school or classroom activity. Encourage my child to use extracurricular time wisely. Read with my child for at least 10 minutes each day and let my child see me read. As a student, I will: Always try to do my best work. Be kind and helpful to my classmates. Show respect for myself, my school, and other people. Obey classroom, school, and bus rules. Show respect for property by not stealing or vandalizing. Come to school prepared with my homework and my supplies. Believe that I can and will learn. Spend at least 15 minutes each day studying or reading at home. Talk with my parents each day about my school activities.

13. Parent/Student/Teacher/Principal Compact (continued) As a teacher, I will: Show respect for each child and for his or her family. Schedule (at least annually) a parent-teacher conference with the parent(s) of each student in my classroom to discuss this compact as it relates to the individual child’s achievement. Make efficient use of learning time. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables children to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards. Help each child grow to his or her fullest potential. Provide meaningful and appropriate homework activities. Provide necessary assistance to parents so that they can help with assignments. Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently. Communicate to parents about the progress of their child’s achievement on an ongoing basis through parent-teacher conferences, interim reports, MAP reports, and report cards. Use special activities in the classroom to make learning enjoyable. Demonstrate professional behavior and a positive attitude. As the principal, I will: Provide reasonable access to all staff members. Provide opportunities for parents to volunteer and participate in their child’s class. Provide opportunities for parents to observe classroom activities. Now, hand in hand, we will work together to carry out this contract. __________________________________________ ___________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date __________________________________________ ___________________ Student Signature Date __________________________________________ ___________________ Teacher Signature Date __________________________________________ ___________________ Principal Signature Date

14. Title I We feel that the services and materials that Title I provides for our school greatly benefit our students. If you would like to make any comments or suggestions about the Parent Involvement Policy, Compact, or the services provided, a suggestion/comment box is located in the main office.