Instructional Programs
Guided Reading—All students are taught reading in small dynamic groups of 3 to 6. Guided reading instruction is based on individual, on-going assessment, using the Literacy by Design program. Students are expected to participate in literacy activities 120 minutes at school and no less than 15 minutes at home each day.
Reading Recovery—This research-based reading program is for the lowest 20% of our first graders. Students receive a 30-minute daily Reading Recovery lesson based on their assessed needs. This is a regular education intervention, and not part of special education. Our three reading teachers are all certified in Reading Recovery and participate in continuing training.
Math Trailblazers—A conceptual, research-based math program where students learn facts and problem-solving together and are encouraged to articulate their method of problem-solving. Additionally, this method includes labs that integrate science on a regular basis.
All-Day Kindergarten—All-day kindergarten, which includes a four week transition period, was implemented at Central Elementary in 1999. Since that time, we have realized outstanding resulted in student achievement. All our students are expected to exit kindergarten with well-developed math and writing skills, as well as the ability to read.
Student Assistance Programs
Title I Reading—Students who are below grade level (proficiency) receive an additional “dose” of reading each day from one of our three specially trained reading teachers. Some Title I groups work on words, while others work on fluency and/or comprehension, based on what each student needs to become a successful reader.
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program—All students at Central Elementary School participate in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. This program teaches students to include each other in all activities, be a good friend, tell two adults if they feel bullied, help others who are bullied and never tolerate bullying in any form.
Grandpals—A program that matches senior volunteers with young children to help support learning.
Big Brothers & Big Sisters—A program that fosters the mentoring of our young students by high school students.
Child Study Team—A multi-disciplinary team that provides and monitors instructional and behavioral interventions for students who are in need.
Extended School Day
Early Childhood Programs
Pre-School—Central Elementary has a wonderful pre-school program where students with developmental delays, along with typically developing children, ages 3-4 learn together in a school setting, using the High Scope curriculum. All students in our program are required to go through a screening process before school begins. Information for the screening process may be obtained by calling the Special Services Cooperative of Wamego at 785-456-9195.
Parents As Teachers—Certified by the National Parents As Teachers Program, our PAT program is funded by both USD 320 and the State of Kansas. PAT offers weekly playgroups, special monthly programs, parenting information and in-home visits by trained parent educators.
Special Programs
Parent, Teacher Organization (PTO)—Central’s PTO supports teaching and learning through volunteerism, fund-raising and special evening events. Central PTO Page
Site Council—A group of parents, teachers and community members who meet monthly to monitor and support our school improvement process. Central Site Council Page
