LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS 2015-16 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF LIGHTHOUSE S MISSION, VISION, AND PHILOSOPHY CALL 510-562-8801 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR EMAIL ARLENE.ALDRETTE@LIGHTHOUSECHARTER.ORG
Mission and Vision WHAT IS THE MISSION OF LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS? The mission of the Lighthouse Community Charter School is to prepare a diverse K 12 student population for college and or a career of their choice by equipping each child with the knowledge, skills, and principles to be a self-motivated, lifelong learner. WHAT IS THE VISION FOR REACHING THIS MISSION? In order to achieve our mission, Lighthouse Community Charter School has committed to five priorities in its school design: High Expectations A Rigorous Curriculum Serving the Whole Child Family Involvement Professional Learning Community WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FEATURES OF LIGHTHOUSE? Lighthouse has a complex and multi-faceted approach to ensuring each student can achieve our mission. Some highlights include: Structures to get to know your child well o Looping in all grades except Kinder (students stay with same teacher for two years) o Crew for grades 5 12 (a portion of the day set aside for team-building and goalsetting) o Each child has an Individual Learning Plan More time for teaching and learning o 8:30 3:30 for grades K 8. o 8:30 3:45 for grades 9 12. o After School programs for tutoring and enrichment Curriculum taught through learning expeditions and investigations o Students learn by doing long-term projects o Projects often involve fieldwork, experts, and service o Students have multiple ways to show their learning o Arts, fitness, and heritage language development are integral parts of the curriculum Emphasis on Serving the Whole Child o Character development and conflict resolution is taught and reinforced o Social and emotional counseling for students in need o Healthy, organic meals served daily
High Expectations HOW ARE HIGH EXPECTATIONS DEFINED AT LIGHTHOUSE? To prepare students for the college and/or career of their choice, Lighthouse believes students must develop their knowledge and skills in the following areas: Core character traits, including respect, responsibility, compassion, collaboration, communication, courage, curiosity, persistence, integrity and reflection The conventions of language and computations of mathematics Critical reading, strategic writing, and effective communication Mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and computation across all strands: Number Sense, Algebra and Functions, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics, and Data Analysis, and Probability The skills of a scientist, including collecting data, designing a controlled experiment, analyzing data, and using formal scientific communication. The skills of a social scientist, including research and evidence, point of view, interpretation, connections and patterns, supposition, determining importance. A deep understanding of core scientific and social studies content that will provide them with the cultural capital to enter and succeed in college The ability to express themselves through the arts The knowledge and skills necessary to improve their physical fitness and make informed choices about their personal wellness. Conversational and literacy skills in at least one language other than English Technological fluency HOW DO WE ASSESS A STUDENT S PROGRESS TOWARD MEETING THESE HIGH STANDARDS? Assessment and Reporting Practices That Are Aligned to Learning Targets/Standards A portfolio in which students gather evidence of their mastery of the learning targets Passage presentations at Grades K, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 in which students present to their teachers, family, and community members evidence of their mastery of content in order to be promoted to the next grade/loop level. A report card that provides detailed information on students mastery of learning targets, in both grades and narratives Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), that track students progress toward mastery of specific learning goals
Rigorous Curriculum HOW IS A RIGOROUS CURRICULUM DEFINED AT LIGHTHOUSE? We believe students learn best when they: Learn in depth, rather than breadth Are engaged in inquiry and problem-solving Learn in authentic contexts, providing a real world connection and purpose for learning Are provided with specific strategy instruction in the development of new skills and concepts Are frequently assessed LEARNING INVESTIGATIONS & EXPEDITIONS Standards (a.k.a. learning targets) related to social studies, science, literacy, character development, and craftsmanship are embedded in a long-term investigation and/or expedition. Learning investigations and/or expeditions are designed around a compelling topic, framed with guiding questions, and use a variety of inquiry-based approaches to develop students mastery of the grade level learning targets. LITERACY We believe our primary task is to develop each and every student s ability to be an independent reader and writer. Reading and writing is infused within the learning expedition and across the content areas, enabling students to make meaning through purposeful reading connected to their expedition and write with a specific purpose, topic, and audience. Reading and writing instruction at Lighthouse allows for differentiated reading intervention and the development of independent, life-long readers. The literacy program at Lighthouse utilizes a balanced approach, supporting the mastery of discrete reading and writing skills while supporting application of these skills in authentic settings. Structures include readers workshops, writers workshops, word work, and language, author, and genre studies. In Kindergarten through Grade Eight, this curriculum is specifically designed following the Comprehensive Literacy Model (CLM). NUMERACY At Lighthouse, mathematics is taught in an inquiry-based manner, balancing the development of mathematical skills with the ability to apply these skills in context. We believe that as mathematicians, students must be able to problem-solve and communicate their mathematical thinking in addition to developing their computational fluency. In Kindergarten through 5th grade, curriculum is based on the Investigations in Math and Science, a curriculum developed in coordination with TERC (a not-for-profit education research and development organization dedicated to improving mathematics, science, and technology teaching and learning). In Grades 6-12, curriculum is based on College Preparatory Math (CPM). HERITAGE LANGUAGE At Lighthouse, we believe bilingualism and bi-literacy to be assets for all students. We value the linguistic and cultural resources of our students and their families and believe we must support students in developing academic proficiency in English as well as another language. In grades K 4, students spend 45 minutes three days per week developing language skills in their home language or Spanish as a Second Language if they speak English as a first language. Students in high school will also take a foreign language class as a part of their graduation requirements. THE ARTS At Lighthouse, we believe that the arts are essential to achieving our mission and providing an equitable learning experience for our students. All students at Lighthouse grades K 12 receive art instruction. FITNESS AND WELLNESS At Lighthouse we believe that the whole child must be developed to achieve our mission of college and/or a career of choice. Lighthouse students are expected to improve their physical fitness and make informed choices about their personal wellness.
Serving the Whole Child HOW IS SERVING THE WHOLE CHILD VITAL TO THE LIGHTHOUSE MISSION? One of the key tenets central to achieving the Lighthouse mission is to serve the whole child. At Lighthouse, we view children and youth as whole entities, not simply academic receptacles. We believe that we must support and foster a student s social, emotional, and physical health needs if they are to achieve our high expectations. We also believe that if we are truly going to prepare students for life outside of school, that they must be active citizens equipped with a moral compass, life purpose, skills for coping with conflict and adversity, and strategies for being healthy and well through every aspect of their life. WHAT ARE THE IDENTIFIED CORE PRACTICES WE USE TO SERVE THE WHOLE CHILD? The following Core Practices ensure that we are deliberate and reflective in serving the whole child: FAMILY INVOLVEMENT We view students within the context of families and work to involve their families in many ways. Teachers are in regular contact with families through notes, phone calls, and conversations. In addition, school structures such as ILP meetings and EXPOs ensure that all families are involved in their children s education. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT We support the emotional and social growth of students through the teaching of the Lighthouse Guiding Principles and conflict resolution skills. These principles and skills are developed during specific parts of the school day as well as embedded into curriculum and the daily facilitation of the classroom and school community. In addition, After School Program is used when appropriate to develop character traits and teamwork. Building a strong school culture is critical as it allows students to feel physically and emotionally safe at school and that allows all students to reach our high expectations. To ensure that students are meeting our high expectations in terms of character, a shared school-wide student discipline practice is in place. SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH We work deliberately with students who are most in need of extra support in the areas of social and emotional health. One-on-one, dyad, or group counseling offered by K 6 and/or 7 12 th grade school counselors. FITNESS & WELLNESS We support the physical health and growth of students through sports, physical and health education, and the introduction of a healthy breakfast and lunch programs at grades K 12. Adventure education also takes place at Lighthouse: students frequently go on camping trips, hikes, and outdoor adventures to build character and strength. In addition, our after school program fosters physical health, as well as teamwork and character building.
Family Involvement WHY IS INVOLVING FAMILIES SO VITAL TO THE LIGHTHOUSE MISSION? Involving families is a vital and integral part of what we do. Involving families at Lighthouse is not a tacked-on notion or an option. It is crucial to the attainment of our mission and we view families at Lighthouse as partners in the education of their child. WHAT ARE THE CORE PRACTICES WE USE TO INVOLVE FAMILIES AT LIGHTHOUSE? At Lighthouse, we involve families in several ways. These multiple methods for involvement allow for multiple entry points into the school for our diverse families. There are a few mandatory events and several optional ways for getting involved. MANDATORY EVENTS Lighthouse has established the following mandatory events to ensure that all families are involved and supported in understanding the school life of their child: Individualized Learning Plan meetings. Three times per year (October, January, and March), parents and students are required to attend ILP meetings to discuss goal setting, progress, and other issues with their student s crew leader. EXPO of Student Work. Twice per year, parents are required to attend Expos of Student Work to celebrate joys and successes of their individual child and their crews. Back to School Night. Back to School Night provides teachers a chance to introduce parents to their classroom specific policies and curriculum. OPTIONAL EVENTS In addition, there are several optional events that families and teachers may engage in to deepen and further develop family involvement. The following types of optional events may be initiated by the teacher or crew leader: Home visits. Teachers are encouraged to conduct home visits of their students. This is a great way to get to know families and to establish trust. Administrative staff can help arrange for translation if teachers would like to initiate home visits. Potlucks. A great way for teachers to build community among their students families, scheduling out of school potlucks, either at school or at your home or at one of your families home is a fun and exciting way to involve and get to know families. and community breakfasts. Family Learning Night. The school administration with the help of the Lighthouse Parent Advisory Committee organizes a Family Learning Night that features workshops and speakers on various topics pertinent to our families needs. Crew Parents. Crew parents are Lighthouse s PTA. The first Monday of each month, parent leaders get together to discuss issues, ideas, and plan events. All are welcome to join. Coffee Tuesday. A weekly opportunity for families to socialize together and also chat with different guest speakers with a focus on parenting and community development. Work Days. Throughout the school year, parents come into the school to help clean, organize, and repair the physical plant of the building.
Frequently Asked Questions WHAT GRADES WILL ENROLL IN FALL OF 2015? Lighthouse will enroll grades K 12 for the 2015-16 school year upon space becoming available. DOES LIGHTHOUSE CHARGE TUITION? No! Lighthouse is a tuition-free, public school. There is no fee to attend. ARE THERE ANY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? For Kinder 12 th grade, the only admission requirement for Lighthouse is that a parent/guardian who is enrolling their child must attend an enrollment meeting before filling out an application. Our goal is for students and family members to understand and commit to the mission, educational philosophy, and design of the school. For grades 10 12, families are asked to bring a current transcript upon acceptance to determine which A G classes are best suited for incoming high school students. As per the Kindergarten Readiness Act, all children applying for Kindergarten will have his or her fifth birthday on or before September 1, 2015. Lighthouse Community Charter School is open to all students, on a space available basis, and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language, or academic achievement. WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION? Grades K 8: 8:30 3:30 Grades 9 12: 8:30 3:45 Minimum Days on Wednesdays: school is out at 1:30 for all grades. After School Program offered to about 30% of students (separate application process) until 6:00 p.m. daily. WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE? Students are required to wear a uniform each day. The uniform for students in grades K 8 consists of khaki pants, skirt, or shorts which you purchase on your own and a Lighthouse shirt available online. High school students uniform consists of denim bottoms, which you purchase on your own, and a High School shirt available online or through the High School. WILL MEALS BE SERVED AT LIGHTHOUSE? Lighthouse partners with Revolution Foods to provide healthy, organic breakfasts and lunches daily. Students can sign up for this program upon acceptance to the school. Universal Breakfast is served school-wide, where all students receive free breakfast in the classroom. DOES SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION GUARANTEE A SPOT IN LIGHTHOUSE? No, an application does not ensure an automatic spot for a students applying to Lighthouse. All students must go through the Enrollment Process first to determine their acceptance. Enrolled students are determined by lottery. IF I AM A PRIOR YEAR APPLICANT WHO IS STILL ON THE WAITLIST DO I STILL HAVE TO APPLY FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR ENROLLMENT PROCESS? Applications are only valid for one school year. You will need to re-apply to update your status and submit another application for the following school year. HOW MANY SPACES ARE OPEN IN EACH GRADE FOR THE 2015 16 SCHOOL YEAR? GRADE SPACES AVAILABLE Kindergarten 44 If more applications than spaces available, a lottery will determine the order of the waitlist. 1 st - 12 th grade 0- Students are aautomatically placed on the wwaitlist
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY APPLICATION FOR GRADES K-12 ONCE IT IS SUBMITTED? Is the applicant a sibling of a current student enrolled, a child of a staff member, or sibling of a LCCHS graduate? N O Is the applicant an Oakland resident? N O If grade level which student is applying for has space available, a spot is offered. If more applications than spaces available, a lottery is done to determine the order of the waitlist. These applications are on the top of the waitlist for the appropriate grade level. A lottery is done to determine the order of a student list chosen at random. If spaces are available for the grade level which the student is applying for, then a spot is offered. If there are more applications than spaces available, applications are placed on the wait list in the order according to the lottery. Applications with siblings and staff member priority are placed before this group of applicants on the wait list. Does the applicant reside outside Oakland and does not have siblings/staff member priority? Due to the high number of applicants being Oakland residents, this group of applications are most likely to go on a waitlist automatically. A lottery is done to determine the order of the applications for the wait list. Applications with sibling/staff member priority and Oakland residents are both placed before these applications on the wait list. Is the applicant applying to Lighthouse with multiple siblings in a variety of grade levels? If the applicant was on the wait list for the 2014-15 school year, must the student apply again for the 2015-16 school year? There is no priority to applicants applying with siblings until a spot is available, offered and accepted by one of the related applicants. I.E.- This application is for a space in the 9 th grade and has a younger sibling applying for 4 th grade. If the 9 th grade applicant is offered and accepts a spot, the application for the 4 th grade sibling is placed higher on the wait list. This application will be placed at the bottom of the sibling/staff member priority list and before the Oakland resident wait list. All applications are only valid for one school year. Prior placement on the wait list does not influence placement for the 2015-16 school year.