Myrtle Tate Elementary School

 

As you will read below, Myrtle Tate Elementary School provides a variety of educational experiences for its students.  With your help, we can expand our ROAR beyond our school walls, offering even more opportunities for our students.  After reading our story, please consider donating so that we can fund more field trips, purchase more instructional technology such as iPads and laptops, grow even more plants and trees in our garden, include more students in our after school progams, or implement new ideas that help our Tate Tigers become more successful students and members of the community.

ZOOM SCHOOL

Tate Elementary is one of 26 ZOOM Schools in the Clark County School District.  This state-funded initiative, targets increasing the academic achievement of English Language Learners through four components.  The Pre-Kindergarten Program, open to all students in the school’s attendance zone, offers half-day programming, four days a week that focuses on building language and literacy skills and creating a home-school achievement connection.  Kindergarten classes at Tate are full day programs that are staffed at a 21 to 1 ratio, allowing for individualized instruction that focuses on the development of foundational literacy and language skills.  The ZOOM Reading Center houses three paraprofessional tutors and a Project Facilitator who provide 30 minutes of targeted intervention for students focused on connecting language acquisition, fluency, vocabulary, and phonics.  A full day Summer Academy operates for 18 days in June for all students, reducing the number of days between school years and providing Tier I instruction across the content areas through thematic lessons, field trips, and engaging presentations.  While the ZOOM initiative was developed for English Language Learners, all students at Tate benefit from the program.

DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION

Tate also utilizes Title I funding to provide a continuum of differentiated support.  In traditional Tier I instruction, the school day day includes a 30 minute block known as TIGER Time, an acronym for Targeted Instruction for Growth and Enrichment in Reading.  During TIGER Time, students receive small group instruction from one of four Certified Temporary Tutors, a Learning Strategist, or a classroom teacher at their instructional level, from intervention through enrichment.  Additionally, the Certified Temporary Tutors provide Tier III Math intervention for students performing below grade level.  By providing differentiated support outside of the Tier I instructional block, students receive individualized support without missing on-grade level instruction.

UNIQUE PROGRAMS

Students at Tate also benefit from special programming offered during and outside of the school day.  As a Professional Development in Arts Education (PDAE) grant school, classroom teachers utilize instructional strategies usually found in fine arts and performing arts curriculum while art and music specialists ingrate content area subject matter.  The school also houses a USDA certified school garden, known as “Tate Farms,” where students participate in hands-on learning through the cultivation and harvesting of plants.   As a 21st Century Learning Community Grant School, students have the chance to participate in two hours of after school programing designed to support content area instruction and enrichment activities.  After a nutritious meal, students receive an hour of small group math and reading instruction aligned with grade level standards.  They then attend Leadership, Creativity, or Intramural Club where they participate in activities such as student council, gardening, dance, art, football, soccer, basketball, or cheerleading.

DEDICATED STAFF

The instructional staff also benefits from a unique school structure that allows for ongoing collaboration and professional development.  The daily instructional schedule is designed to provide grade levels with common preparation periods five days a week, allowing for collaboration and instructional planning.  In addition, Title I funding is allocated for “prep buy-outs,”  allowing the administration to plan and provide weekly Professional Development aligned with school goals and initiatives in exchange for 45 minutes of contracted pay.  This pilot program ensures that all teachers receive ongoing professional development throughout the school year without interfering with commitments outside of the contracted day.

By providing a variety of supports for students and instructional staff, Myrtle Tate Elementary School engages all stake-holders in a positive, effective learning community!  Please join us in our efforts by donating today!