| “First
and foremost is to raise student achievement. This will be done
by bringing consistency to the curriculum and instruction in this
building. . . There has to be consistency where everyone knows what
to expect from one grade level to the next. Also, there is a need
for professional development in those areas. I have hard working
teachers; it is a matter of working smarter rather than harder.”
— Principal Maurice Turner
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Academics
Hopkins Street
School is a school in need of improvement. Testing has shown that more
than half of our students are below grade level in reading and math. Writing
test proficiency is reached by fewer than 15% of our students. In recognizing
the need to reach proficiency, we have put the following measures in place.
• A Learning
Team made of Hopkins teachers examined the data collected
from various student assessments and analyzed it
to discover the areas of weakness.
• Direct
Instruction has been adopted as a teaching methodology. It assesses
student learning, reteaches areas where the child has a lack of understanding,
and reinforces learning with appropriate homework.
• The curriculum
is aligned to state standards and MPS Learning Targets,
ensuring that all essential information is covered at the appropriate
grade level.
• Portfolio
assessment is part of the preschool through grade 5 program.
• A full
range of prereading and reading awareness activities is
utilized to ensure all the skills needed for reading are learned
early. A Literacy Coach assists teachers with incorporating
activities into the classroom.
• The SRA
Math Explorations and Applications (McGraw-Hill) textbook
series has been adopted, which uses games and manipulatives
to teach problem solving. A Math Teacher Leader
conducts staff-development activities and instructs parents in how to
help children complete math homework.
• The 6
+ 1 Traits writing assessment is used as a guide for teaching writing
skills. This assessment defines good writing
and helps teachers focus on particular skills.
• All ste tested at the beginning and end of the school year to ensure
early identification of academic difficultudents
aries.
• Enrichment
activities, such as Skylight Opera Theatre mini-productions
and field trips, broaden our students' knowledge of the world.
Community Partners
As a community
school, Hopkins is working toward building partnerships in the surrounding
neighborhood and bringing resources to the school through other partners
in the city.
• Hephatha
Lutheran Church, 1720 W. Locust St., provides weekend programs
for many of our children. Pastor Mary Martha Kannass often visits
the school and has lunch with children from her congregation.
• Skylight
Opera Theatre provides musical experiences.
• University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's men's basketball team members
mentor young athletes.
• Augusta
M. LaVarnway Branch, 2739 N. 15th Street, which is a short walk
from the school, provides after-school activities and has allowed
the school to host basketball games in its gym.
A Safe
and Orderly Environment
A good
learning environment is created by providing children clear rules for
behavior, rewarding good conduct, and obtaining reinforcement from parents.
School and classroom rules are provided to students and parents. A Merit
Program awards students who have not fallen below 43 of 50 merit points
a week with a special activity on Friday afternoon. Parents are provided
with weekly Merit Cards that detail the child's behavior, work habits,
tardiness, homework completed, etc. This enables the parent to stay informed
and encourages the child to attain a higher behavior standard.
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