Francis Scott Key Elementary School         francisscottkeyschool.org

The Academic Plan

Our academic plan supports the educational and developmental needs of our students with a comprehensive program addressing five priority domains:

Academic Achievement. To significantly increase academic achievement and learning in all subject areas, with a focus on reading and mathematics.

Academic Equity. To ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive education and high-quality program of studies in all core curricula.

Instruction Improvement. To continually improve  instructional delivery to all students using best practices.

School Climate. To provide a safe, secure school learning environment with regard to cleanliness, management of the facility, and student behavior.

Parent and Community Involvement. To engage and involve of a broad base of parents and community members at the school.

Math

Our goal in mathematics is for students to develop fluency in basic computational skills as well as to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts. We encourage students to use their analytical thinking skills to problem solve.

Science

The elementary school science program (FOSS series) focuses on facts, concepts, principles, and theories organized under the headings of physical, life, and earth sciences. Students learn essential investigative and experimental skills that will continue in middle and high school. In the upper grades, our teachers divide the science units and team-teach the units.  Students learn through hands-on science activities and record their scientific observations.

Language Arts

The curriculum for reading and language arts is to develop skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, word-attack skills, spelling, vocabulary, fluency in reading connected text, comprehension skills, writing skills and strategies, and listening and speaking. Developing literacy is a key focus area in our academic plan. Each year the Writing Committee conducts a schoolwide writing contest; winners receive awards and publication in a contest anthology distributed to each classroom.

History/Social Studies

Students learn about history, humanities, geography and social sciences from this subject. Through the lessons, they develop knowledge in cultural understanding and appreciation, civic values, and rights and responsibilities as a good citizen.

Art

Art is an integral part of our school curriculum. The school receives supplementary arts funds from the District annually to enrich our art programs. Each grade level chooses an artist-in-residence for a period of 7-10 weeks in one of the following areas: visual & performing arts, music and dance, puppetry, story-telling, murals, poetry writing, etc. Our PTA also provides additional funds to enhance our art programs.

Music

Every class is involved in the Symphony Education (AIMS) project where mini-concerts are held at school by various music groups.  The project culminates with every class going to the SF Symphony for a concert.  Also, our school participates in the “Opera A la Carte” program where 3rd-5th grade students audition to perform an opera for the rest of the school.  Second grade is also involved in the Opera Guild’s “Sing-a-Story” program.  Starting in second grade, students can enroll in Little Kids Rock Program for free after school guitar lessons. Lessons are taught weekly from two teachers and the principal. All fourth and fifth graders may also elect to study an instrument of their choice (violin, trumpet, flute, or clarinet) and take lessons from the music teacher weekly. Instrumental music and guitar recitals are held in May annually.

Physical Education

We have two P.E. grants that provide us with a half-time P.E. teacher, brand new equipment, and teacher training. We aim to help students develop a lifelong commitment to the pleasure and the health benefits of physical activities. Primary grades also participate in a four-week world dance program with Mr. Moody, one of our resident artists.

Technology

Our school is fully equipped with a computer lab, certified computer teacher, computer tech paraprofessional, and a computer station in every classroom.

Garden Education

The recently planted garden is funded by our PTA and maintained by the classrooms with help from a volunteer from the SF Ecology Center.  Future plans include class plantings and gardening classes.

Nutrition and Health

Our school is fortunate to have a nutrition coordinator on staff who does nutrition lessons with the children, cooking, fieldtrips to the Farmer’s Market, and Walking Club activities during lunch.  Teachers also teach their own weekly nutrition and health lessons.
 

Special Education

We have one of the largest special education programs in the school district. About 12 percent of our student population receives special education services. We offer special day classes for students whose primary disabilities are in speech and language or orthopedic impairment. We also have a Full-Inclusion Program, Resource Specialist Program, speech therapy, physical & occupational therapy for our students with special needs.

At Francis Scott Key, we firmly believe in educating the whole child. Our philosophy of Building Healthy Minds and Bodies goes hand-in-hand with school-wide academic goals and fosters life skills that students carry far into the future. Through our coordinated Nutrition, P.E., and Caring School Community programs, students at FSK learn the importance of having healthy minds and bodies. By the time they go on to middle school, our students understand how to make responsible choices about food and exercise, and have strong foundations for healthy relationships with peers and adults.
 

Awards and Performance

2006 Honor Roll School, Calif. Business for Education Excellence Foundation.

School Report Card | Academic Plan | FSK at GreatSchools.net

After School Programs

There are several after school programs at Francis Scott Key Elementary, serving grades K-5 from 2-6 pm daily, and supporting the regular curriculum. Fee-based extracurricular programs are also offered, including Mandarin, Piano, and Chess.

The Child Development Center After School Program serves eligible families in grades K-3. The program focuses on language arts, math, and science. Staff are trained in developmentally appropriate practices and implement the Project Approach in addressing the needs and interests of students. For more information, please contact Noriega Children’s Center Site Manager, Candace Lee at 759-2853.

Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center After School Program is an academic and enrichment program serving grades K-5. Students attend academic classes focused on literacy and math, and a homework/tutorial program. Enrichment activities include: traditional Chinese dance; martial arts; origami; games; sports; cooking; arts and crafts. For more information, contact the Program Coordinator, Shawn Smith, through the school office at 759-2811, or see www.snbc.org.

Community Youth Center After School Program provides academic assistance and recreational activities to our students in grade 2 this year. For more information, contact the Project Coordinator, Joyce Huang, through the school office at 759-2811, or see www.cycsf.org.