John E Ford K8 School Growing Leaders and

John E Ford K-8 School Growing Leaders and Learners English Montessori Spanish Immersion

International Celebration

Student Applicants We are currently accepting applications for: • Pre-kindergarten- Tuition Based (Montessori & Spanish Montessori programs only) • Kindergarten & First Grade (all programs) **We do not accept new students in grades two through eight unless they have prior documented Montessori or Spanish. Immersion experience.

The Application Process • • Fill out magnet form (zone specific) Take a tour Obtain a signature on the completed form Turn in form no later than February 29, 2012 – **Pre-K forms stay at JEF – ** Kindergarten and higher forms go to School Board Building 1701 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville FL 32207 *Lottery run for placement is in April, with notification in May 2012

Birthdays in a Spanish Montessori Classroom

Pre-K Program • Tuition based for ages 3 & 4, in English Montessori or Spanish Montessori classes • We do not accept VPK vouchers. • Part of multi-level classroom, with kindergarteners • $327/month (subject to change) • 8: 30 am- 1: 30 pm on regular school days • Extended Day available for additional fee • Must be completely potty trained, NO PULL-UPS, ETC…NO EXCEPTIONS, for hygiene purposes. • Upon acceptance, deposit required to hold space, details will be given in acceptance letter.

A Typical Montessori Class Children working independently.

What is Montessori Education? • In a Montessori school children develop a meaningful degree of independence and self-discipline. This sets a pattern for a lifetime of good work habits and a sense of responsibility. Students take pride in doing things for themselves carefully and well. • Each child is treated as a unique individual learner. Children learn at their own pace and in ways that work best for them as individuals. Teachers are flexible and creative in addressing each student as a unique individual. Montessori educators keep asking the right questions to lead children to discover the answers for themselves. Learning becomes its own reward. • Children learn by doing, and this requires movement and spontaneous investigation. Montessori children are free to move about, working alone or with others at will. They may select any activity and work with it as long as they wish, so long as they do not disturb anyone or damage anything. They must also put it back where it belongs when they are finished.

Montessori Basics Specially arranged environment The Montessori classrooms are commonly referred to as prepared environments. Care and attention is given to creating a learning environment that will reinforce the children’s independence and intellectual development. The Montessori materials; a road from the concrete to the abstract Children learn most effectively through direct experience; and the process of direct investigation and discovery. Montessori guides (teachers) have four principal goals: – to awaken the child's spirit and imagination – to encourage his normal desire for independence and high sense of self esteem – to help him develop the kindness, courtesy and self-discipline that will allow him to become a full member of society – to help the child learn how to observe, question and explore ideas independently

What’s the difference between Montessori and traditional education? • Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. • Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in multi-age groups forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

What is Language Immersion? • Students are taught all subjects in the Spanish language during the entire school day at John E. Ford K-8. • Resources (music, PE, art, media) taught in English • 3 rd-5 th *English infused into classroom due to testing criteria in DCPS • 6 th-8 th*Lesser immersed, English spoken in all academic classes & electives, with the exception of Spanish elective class which continues Spanish instruction at the middle school level

Why Choose Language Immersion? • Being bilingual opens doors to the global market • Children immersed in a second language demonstrated higher order thinking skills and critical thinking skills. • It takes between 5 -7 years to become fully bilingual, so your child could be fluent in Spanish before they leave John E. Ford K-8 school, putting them ahead of students just being introduced to a foreign language in middle/high school!

What if we don’t speak Spanish at home… • The program was designed for children in English speaking homes. • Teachers are aware most parents are not Spanish speaking, and send home notices/parent materials in English. • You as a parent will play an active role in your child’s education: reading and speaking to them in English, providing reading/listening materials in the language not provided at school. Skills transfer from one language to the other. • You began as your child’s first teacher, and continue to be an important part of their education!

A Field Trip to the Post Office

To help your child succeed in a language immersion program: • Talk with your child frequently in English • Help your child focus on sound patterns of words, such as those found in rhyming games • Read a variety of books often and talk with your child about the story • Have your child retell stories & talk about events of the day • Talk with your child during daily activities • Give directions for your child to follow (e. g. making cookies, making the bed) • Talk about how things are alike and different • Give your child reasons and opportunities to write.

School Hours & Extended Day • 8: 30 am – 3 pm • Extended Day available for an additional fee, per child. Enrollment each session. • Extended Day options: monthly= 20 school days • Morning session 7 am $52. 00/month • Pre-k session (1: 30 -3: 00 pm) $32. 00/ month • Afternoon session $100. 00/ month • A. M. & P. M. session $152. 00/month

A November Tradition The Turkey Run

Who will teach my child? • Certified Montessori teachers with additional formal training in the Montessori method of instruction. • Specialized language immersion teachers, who are native Spanish speakers or fully bilingual individuals with superior levels of oral and written proficiency in Spanish.

Cheering on our friends during a race.

RESOURCES ART MUSIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION MEDIA/LIBRARY Our students are lucky enough to receive all 4 resources!

Additional Programs • We have a multi-level chorus group, led by our music teacher. They do a winter and spring concert. • We offer Junior River Run training. • Additional enrichment programs are offered including writing programs, dance and more.

Some of our school events… • • Spring Carnival Greening of the Grounds Book Character Parade Turkey Run International Celebration Field Trips Family Nights Literacy Events

How you can get involved… We welcome parent involvement in the classroom, on field trips, special events and more. Parent committees such as PTA (Parent Teacher Association) and SAC (School Advisory Committee) allow parents the opportunity for maximum involvement. We are constantly seeking parents who want to implement special programs. *All volunteers must be pre-screened by DCPS. *

Together We Finish Strong!

We Love Our Business Partners! • • Robert J. Slama, PA Chuck E. Cheese Dana D. Dorrell, PLLC Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church A New Beginning Childcare A Quantum Leap Sea. Best Seafood Jacksonville Legal Document Preparation Center We are always looking for new business partners. More information is available in the front office.

Thank You For Visiting Our School! Should you have any further questions or want a second look, you are welcome to attend another of our scheduled tours. Feel free to contact us at the school: John E. Ford K-8 1137 Cleveland Street Jacksonville, FL 32209 904 -630 -6540