Programs and Events
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Each year our sixth graders participate in a program called Outdoor Education. Along with their teachers and parent volunteers, students spend several days and nights at an outdoor school exploring such subjects as biology, botany, physical fitness, camping skills, writing, art and poetry. (This year students will attend the YMCA Program at Point Bonita in the Marin Headlands in late May/early June.
PARENT/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMS
An important priority at McNear School is the participation of parents and other community members in children's education. Some volunteers help during school hours. Others volunteer some of their evening or weekend time to assist teachers or organize and participate in school-wide events. Many help the PTA to support school needs and fund school enrichment. Some work in consultation with the principal and staff on curriculum and policy issues. Below are some of the ways McNear invites you to become actively involved in the school community. Your ideas and participation are welcome and essential to our success!
McNEAR SCHOOL PTA
All parents and teachers are invited to become members of the McNear School chapter of this national organization. Meetings are (see calendar) held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. You may attend meetings even if you have not officially joined the PTA; however, you must be a member to vote. The PTA's mission is to improve the quality of our children's educational experience, to promote parent involvement in the school and to assist parents in developing skills they need to nurture children. The PTA organizes events and fund-raisers to meet this objective. Meetings and special informational programs are announced in the bi-monthly newsletter, and membership information is sent home the first week of school. For more information, call PTA President Jo Dargie at 766-8047(h), 479-5275(w), or jo.dargie@bankofamerica.com.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Classroom Volunteers: Help on a regular basis in their own child's classroom, or with field trips and special events. Some parents with limited volunteer time can provide enrichment to classes as guest presenters, or help with special school projects. If you are interested in becoming a classroom volunteer, please contact your child's teacher.
Room Parent: Each class has at least one Room Parent who works with the teacher to organize class parties, help with the telephone directory, donated supplies and to assist with other parent volunteers. Room parents also welcome new families and serve as communicators in case of emergency. To volunteer, sign up on the PTA survey or with the Volunteer Coordinator, Katchi Sibbald, 762-0733.
A volunteer survey will go home with the 1st day packet and will be available on the first day of school and at Back to School night. (For further information, contact the McNear Volunteer Coordinator.)
Reminder: TB test results are required by our office for all adult volunteers. Please be sure you have a current, up to date test. TB tests are done in the TLC at the District Office, 200 Douglas Street, on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The School Improvement Program (SIP), funded by the state, is designed to strengthen the total education program. At McNear, funds are available for kindergarten through grade 6. Key aspects of the program, developed by the School Site Council (composed of equal numbers of parents and staff), include:
- Activities to improve all areas of the curricula to meet the individual needs of each student.
- Involving parents in planning and evaluation of the program, and as volunteers in the classroom.
The funds are used for specialist support in the classroom, enrichment learning for students, professional development opportunities for teachers and instructional materials purchases.
McNear School Site Council (SSC) develops a school improvement plan with curriculum goals in a least one of seven subjects (Language Arts, History, Social Science, Math, Physical Education, Visual and performing Arts and Science). The "School Improvement Plan" also includes a budget of about $39,000 annually to implement these improvements.
All parents are invited to attend and share their opinions on curriculum. It's an excellent way to meet the staff and get questions answered on school issues. Elections are held every spring to fill the six parent positions. 2005-2006 parent representatives are: Caitlin Cunningham, Sue Davy, Mary Lindsay, Carol Oppenheimer, David Rabbitt, and Christine Walker with alternate, Warren Dranit. The council also includes four staff members, one classified member, and the principal, Jason Sutter.
BILINGUAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BAC)
The McNear Bilingual Advisory Committee meets 3-4 times a year, and is open to anyone interested in multi-cultural aspects of the school's educational and enrichment programs. The meetings are conducted in Spanish and English, and bilingual language ability is not required. The committee sponsors discussions on school and health-related issues with guests from the county and district. For more information, contact Mrs. Cohen, Coordinator, or our bilingual instructional aide, Mrs. Martinez at 778-4752.
COMITÉ ASESOR BILINGÜE (BAC)
El comité asesor bilingü de McNear se reúne de 3-4 veces al año, y está abierto a toda persona interesada en los aspectos multi-culturales de los programas educacionales y de enriquecimiento de la escuela. Las reuniones son conducidas en Español y en Inglés y no se requiere habilidad en lenguaje bilingüe. El comité auspicia discusiones de temas relacionados a la escuela y a la salue con invitados del condado o del distrito. Para más información llamar a nuestras asistentes bilingües al 778-4752.
After School Enrichment Program
A variety of classes are offered after school in fall and spring sessions, plus some one-day classes in December. Cost includes materials, instruction and administration. Scholarships are available. This is sponsored by PTA.
Back-To-School Night For Parents
Parents of all McNear students are invited to meet their child's teacher. Teachers present their academic programs and general expectations for the coming year. Sign-ups are held for classroom volunteers and other school/PTA projects. (September) (Sorry, we are unable to provide child care for this parent meeting.)
Book Fair
Children may purchase books, posters, school supplies and videos during Book Fair Week. The fair is sponsored by Scholastic Books and the PTA. Coffee and gourmet desserts are available on the Friday night of the Fair. Proceeds from sales go directly to the library or classrooms for books and software. (November)
Family Reading Night
For grades K-2, students and families come to a fun evening of reading and writing activities. (Fall)
Fall Theme Day (Halloween)
Classroom oriented afternoon activities are planned. Room parents assist. (October)
Holiday Giving Project
Sponsored by the PTA, this gift program supports McNear families anonymously. (December)
Ice Cream Social
A get-acquainted evening social event for all McNear families. (September)
Music Programs
For intermediate grade students: music appreciation – 4th grade; choice of band or chorus – 5th and 6th grade students. For primary grade students: weekly music instruction. Music specialist enrichment is a regular part of the Kindergarten curriculum also.
Open House
McNear families and prospective families are invited to come see student school work and projects on display in classrooms and around the school. (May)
Orientation
For new students this occurs in August before school starts. For new parents the principal presents an overview of the school's program. (September)
Principal’s Classroom Visitations
Each spring a number of parents (from McNear and surrounding areas) are interested in visiting classrooms. Their purpose is to learn enough about the school and its teachers to decide upon enrollment and/or to give input for classroom placement for the following year. Cassroom visitations at McNear are coordinated and led by the Principal on a few selected days in March and April. Times are limited by the Principal’s availability and by other school special events. Parents are encouraged to attend Open House to gain further information.
Student Council
Students from grades 4-6 are elected three times a year to the student council. The council advises the principal, organizes special events, creates fund raisers, and works at solutions regarding student issues.
Summer Reading and Writing
A popular and enjoyable program that encourages students to read and write over the summer.
Talent Show
In alternate years, students (some with parents) from all classes try out as individuals or groups for the chance to display their artistic, musical, dramatic and creative talents at the annual Talent Show. Parents and families are invited to attend this evening event.
Tee Shirts and Sweatshirts
Sold by PTA, these support school spirit with the goal of breaking even.
TV Turnoff
McNear participates in the national program which encourages families to stop watching TV for 1 week and enjoy other recreation during that time. (April)
Village Work
Parents, teachers and other community members plan together to enhance our support of children’s learning and of our inclusiveness as a community. (year-long)
Westside Relays
Grades 5-6 compete in athletic games with students from other elementary schools. (May)