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Seattle, WA
Giddens School
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
neighborhood: Madrona/Leschi/Central District · Telephone: (206) 324-4847 · Website: www.giddensschool.org
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) | 
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year | 
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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source:
Savvy Source's Comments
Student Evaluations
Teachers at Giddens are trained to assess students? progress without undue reliance on tests or letter grades. Parent-teacher conferences are held in the fall and spring (see calendar for dates). In addition to a narrative evaluation, teachers provide a continuum: a graphic representation of the stages of learning development in particular areas. Specific descriptors provide a framework for assessing each student?s growth. The continua support our philosophy that children think and understand in diverse ways and emphasize the skills and strategies of each student. Descriptors that exemplify learning behaviors are marked on the continua with the date the particular behavior has been consistently observed.
The descriptors, ?with guidance/begins to/explores? indicate that a child is beginning to explore a new skill or strategy, but needs adult support and encouragement.
?Independently/consistently? indicate that a child exhibits the skill or strategy at least 80% of the time.
In addition to scheduled conference days, parents can make appointments with their child's teacher to discuss his or her progress at any time. Or, on a more informal basis, teachers are there every morning and afternoon, at drop-off and pick-up, for a quick chat or to touch base on an ongoing conversation.
(from school website)
Separation
| OVERALL RATING (4.4) |
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source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
It is an active and engaged parent community. There is a Faculty/Parent Association that holds meetings for the community throughout the year. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate at all levels of the school.
Parent #2
The teacher works with the parents to develop goals for the child for the year at the first parent-teacher conference.
Parent #3
Preschool at Giddens was a great experience for our family. All the students worked so well together and developed close connections. They worked out their differences and were expected to show respect to others. A great way to build their social skills.
Parent #4
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Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.7) |
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Parents:
- Hold social events at the school to build community
- Fundraise
- Are able to visit the school anytime we want
- Go on field trips
- Volunteer in the classroom
- Receive newsletters
- Encourage play dates out of school
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
We aren't required to make donations, but we're encouraged to participate in the annual fund and to help procure items for the annual auction.
Parent #2
It is up to each class to decide what they want to do. We have had potlucks ouside of school.
Parent #3
We have email and phone #s for all parents are are able to communicate with each other as needed and as desired.
Parent #4
Pairs old parents with new parents
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
- Notes
- Phone Calls
- Voice Mail
- Special Meetings
- Two or More Regular Conferences
- Drop-Off
- Pick-Up
- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Weekly newsletter from the teacher and teaching assistant covering what's happening in the classroom.
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