School Handbook
INFORMATION
A Community of Students, Teachers and Parents Working Together to Build the Foundations of Excellence.
Academic Program
Instructional Methods
Curriculum Content
Student Assessment
Grading
Promotion
Student Discipline
Choosing The Brompton School
Parent Participation
Parent Contract
Governance
Funding
School Uniform
Additional Information
Academic Program
Kindergarten
The full-day Kindergarten offers an age appropriate academically focused program. The reading / language arts program employs phonics based systemic instruction and practice in decoding letter-sound correspondence. Other subjects in the Kindergarten curriculum include math, science, social studies, classic literature, art, music, physical education, and Spanish. Back To Top
Primary Grades
The Primary grade instruction focuses on development of reading skills. Considerable time is spent on reading instruction. The reading program utilizes intensive phonics instruction, classical literature and use of basal readers. The math curriculum emphasizes knowledge and application of facts and operations and utilizes a systemic approach to the procedures and concepts of math through consistent instruction and practice. The primary curriculum also includes science, social studies, English, writing, art, music, physical education and Spanish.
Intermediate Grades
At the intermediate level the primary focus switches from the learning to read emphasis of the primary grades to a reading to learn emphasis. Students in grade three through five are expected to become independent, responsible learners who practice and apply grade level skills. The intermediate curriculum includes science, math, social studies, writing, English, classic literature, reading, art, music, physical education and Spanish.
Instructional Methods
Direct Instructional methods and learning strategies based on a sequential approach to student learning are used at The Brompton School. The direct instructional approach provides a structure and sequence to learning. The Saxon math and phonics programs use scripted direct instruction. The instructional approach in other curriculum areas, though not scripted, follows the steps of the direct instruction model. This approach compliments our belief that students must develop a base upon which to build future learning. Direct instruction helps students learn how to learn as it builds upon specific skills. Through this approach to instruction students are able to master increasingly complex material, building confidence along with ability. Back To Top
Curriculum Content
We offer a rigorous and fast-paced basic skills curriculum that challenges our students and encourages them to put forth their best effort.
Strong emphasis is placed on phonics based reading instruction and integration of reading instruction across the curriculum with the intent to develop confident readers who will become confident students in other subjects.
Reading
Our Reading program is built upon phonics instruction and strong use of literature. The reading program provides phonics instruction through use of the Saxon Program. Our Classic Literature provides a broad range of literature chosen for its depth, imagination and example. Basal readers are the third component of our reading curriculum.
English
Grammar usage and writing skills are emphasized in the English curriculum component. The McGraw-Hill series is used at all grade levels. The "Let’s Write" program is used in grade one and two to help our students develop strong writing skills.
Math
We use a solid sequential presentation of math through the Saxon Math program. The program is built upon a systemic approach to the procedures and concepts of math, uses manipulatives when appropriate while requiring knowledge and application of facts.
Spanish
We believe that instruction in a second language should take place at an early age. The benefits of learning a language other than one’s native language are immeasurable. Spanish is taught to all students, Kindergarten through grade five. The Spanish program is developed incorporating curriculum content areas at all grade levels.
Art
Our Art program focuses on the four core art disciplines: aesthetic, history, criticism, and making. Study of great works of art, integration of art within the curriculum and age appropriate art activities enable teachers to provide a meaningful art education experience.
Science
The McGraw- Hill Science program has been adopted for use in Kindergarten through grade five. This science program easily adapts to our direct instructional methods and provides hands-on learning experiences for our students.
Social Studies
Our Social Studies program incorporates a strong geography and history emphasis with study of government, citizenship and cultures.
Handwriting
Formal handwriting instruction takes place in all grades. We use the Zaner-Bloser modified program.
Computer
Technology instruction in our computer lab and in the classroom will help insure that our students are able to complete in an expanding technological world. Internet access is available in the lab and each classroom. We use the SRA computer curriculum at all grade levels.
Music
Students in Kindergarten through grade five receive instruction from our Music Teacher during two 40-minute classes each week. Back To Top
Student Assessment
Students attending The Brompton School participate in all District and Statewide assessment programs; The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) in grade four and the Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test (WRCT) in grade three.
Teachers closely monitor student progress. In addition to standardized tests, Brompton students are assessed informally on a daily basis, regularly take curriculum content-based tests as well as some semester and end of the year tests. Back To Top
Grading
Students are expected to successfully complete grade level work and to demonstrate that successful completion. Students demonstrate successful completion through formal and informal assessment tools.
Parents receive a formal report card each academic quarter. Parents also receive a mid-quarter report to insure they are informed about their child’s progress. Brompton follows the District adopted grading scale. Back To Top
Promotion
The Brompton School has a no social promotion policy that is strictly followed. Our Charter agreement with the KUSD Board of Education states "Students must meet grade level requirements as a condition for promotion to the next grade." If a student is unable to complete grade level work but is still promoted, that promotion is considered a social promotion. Brompton has a no social promotion policy. Students not promoted are not assured a place in the same grade level for the following year as space for currently enrolled students promoted to the grade will be given preference in placement. Back To Top
Student Discipline
All students have the right to receive instruction in a safe and orderly environment. Student conduct that interferes with the learning or safety of others will not be tolerated. The classroom Teacher or Supervisor handles discipline problems. If a child’s behavior does not improve, the Teacher informs the Principal. Every effort is made to resolve problems in cooperation with the student and family. Continued unacceptable behavior will result in dismissal from The Brompton School.
The school-wide discipline plan follows a step system that allows for student self-improvement and provides steps to insure parents are aware of potential or serious discipline problems. All discipline expectations and decisions will be applied age appropriately.
Each teacher shares classroom expectations and management plans with students and their parents. In addition, students and parents are made aware of school-wide and District behavior expectations. Back To Top
Choosing The Brompton School
The success of The Brompton School can be attributed to our strong academic focus and student effort, involved parents and dedicated teachers. Brompton works because we work! When choosing Brompton, you are making a commitment to your child and to the school.
We encourage parents to recognize that although our small class size benefits all of our students, class size is only one component to ensure student success at the Brompton School. Individual performance, behavior / attitude, parental involvement and school support are critical. It is expected that students who attend Brompton find academic challenge an adventure. The demands of the curriculum require assignment of daily homework that all students are expected to complete. Parents are encouraged to consider the expectations of the school for student academic commitment when considering The Brompton School.
Enrollment at The Brompton School is open to all students of the District with the expectation that the parents who choose Brompton agree with the philosophy, goals and requirements of the school. This agreement is documented in the Parent Contract signed upon registration. The nature and pace of the curriculum require a commitment from both the parents and the students to meet rigorous academic challenges in a traditional classroom setting with limited support personnel. The academic demands of our curriculum will mean that The Brompton School may not be the most beneficial setting for all students. While some students will benefit from the demands of Brompton, others may find the program too intense.
The Brompton School’s open enrollment for all students within the District insures equitable access regardless of gender, race, national origin religion or age. The school’s charter dictates a maximum class size of 16, thereby limiting the number of students who can attend.
To insure equitable access enrollment is on a first come, first served basis or by random lottery selection of family name should initial registration exceed class size limits. Subsequent registration will be taken on a first come basis until all spaces are filled. If necessary, a waiting list will be established through the lottery and then order of registration after initial registration. The waiting list will be used to fill spaces as they occur for the year that registration was completed. The list is not carried to the next year. Siblings are accepted without regard to waiting lists or lottery as space permits. Back To Top
Parent Participation
Parental involvement is an essential component to student success. A close parent-teacher relationship is encouraged at Brompton through frequent parent-teacher communication. For the benefit of our students, a positive and mutually supportive parent-teacher relationship must be maintained. In addition to parent involvement with student learning, our parents are highly active in many capacities.
Our parent organization, The Brompton Community Partnership (BCP), is an important part of our school community. The Mission Statement of the parent organization pledges "…to support educational opportunities, nurture social experiences for students and to foster a sense of community spirit and pride among students, parents and teachers of The Brompton School." The BCP holds monthly meetings that all families are expected to attend. During meeting times the students of Brompton and their siblings are invited to participate in supervised games and activities.
The BCP’s financial support of our school is crucial. BCP provides funds for all school field trips and out-of-school activities such as dances, swim parties, family picnics, and seasonal events. The parent organization assumes responsibility for copying costs, purchase of supplies and materials as well as the ‘people power’ needed in a multitude of activities throughout the year. Parents publish our monthly newsletter, The Brompton Beat.
In addition to their involvement in the school, parents have initiated regularly scheduled community service oriented school activities.
Parent involvement in extra curricular activities of the school adds a sense of community to our children’s educational experience. Parents are expected to take an active role in the activities of the school. Back To Top
Parent Contract Click here to view the Contract.
Parents are required to honor the Parent Contract that must be signed at the time of Registration. Families who do not fulfill the terms of the contract may be asked to leave The Brompton School. Back To Top
Governance
Mrs. Jones serves as Director of The Brompton School. As agreed upon in our KUSD Charter, she coordinates the daily operation of the school. She is responsible to the Board for meeting the terms of the Charter as well as for financial accountability, overseeing academic programs, handling student discipline, overseeing clerical procedures and correspondence, assessment and evaluation of programs. The school Advisory Committee, composed of parents, community members or teachers and the Director insure that the educational goals of the school are meet. Members are appointed for one year and are eligible for reappointment. As stated in our Charter, the Advisory Committee assists in developing, implementing and effectively using school procedures and resources. The Director meets with District Administrators and reports to the District School Board. Back To Top
Funding
Funding we receive for our total operating budget amount is determined by the District allotting the school 80% of the KUSD per pupil cost. The Third Friday enrollment count is used to determine the funding amount. The 20% per pupil cost retained by the district is used to cover its cost for providing support services including administrative consultation, financial services and facilities assessments. Back To Top
All Brompton school employees are KUSD employees whose full salary and benefits are paid with the 80% school funding allotment. Teachers are members of the local teacher union. There are no contractual waivers.
School Uniform Click here to view the Uniform Policy.
All students in grade one through five are required to wear the school uniform. Uniforms can be ordered through the School Belles uniform company. Informational catalogs are available in the school office in late spring. Students attending Brompton are required to wear the complete uniform. Back To Top
Additional Information
Transportation
Parents provide transportation to and from school for their own children. The Brompton School and KUSD will not provide transportation.
Homework
Homework is given daily. Students are required to complete all homework as assigned. Students in grades two through five are required to purchase and maintain a Brompton School assignment notebook. Teachers and parents review and sign the book daily.
Field Trips
Field Trips are planned to enrich the curriculum and are an extension of classroom instruction. Participation in field trips is required.
Lunches
Children can participate in the district Hot Lunch program or they may bring lunch from home. Soda is not permitted. Parents are welcome to have lunch at school with their child.
Fees / Supplies
Students are expected to bring supplies on the first day of school unless asked otherwise. Allowable KUSD student fees will be assessed at the beginning of the school year.
School Hours
Student hours are 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday dismissal at 1:45 p.m. On some Wednesdays, 11:30 dismissal is scheduled. Students do not enter the building until 8:10 a.m. Parents are responsible for their children until the start of school.
Parent Participation
All parents are expected to become involved in their child’s education and the activities of The Brompton School.
Back To Top