| Semper has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Many parents are regular volunteers in the classroom. We have a day care program that supports working parents and a variety of Enrichment activities, providing experiences in the arts and sciences. Our school community speaks 17 languages. We have a Multicultural Day to celebrate this diversity. We host a Literacy Night, Young Writers Conference, GT Parent Night, and ESL parent meetings. Teachers develop a positive classroom environment beginning the first day of school. We set high expectations for behaviors in the halls, cafeteria, and at recess. Students are assessed frequently, and the data is used to guide instruction. Each grade level team works collaboratively to plan units of instruction and to provide students with the necessary interventions to improve their achievement. Our school goal is to close the gap with writing scores, using more systemic practices among the teachers. Staff development revolves around improving writing instruction. We have done several book studies and implemented ideas from the Daily 5 and Better Learning Through Structured Teaching. |
