1

FACT SHEET Fall River Public Schools Expanded Day

Osborn Elementary School

Three Fall River public schools Matthew J. Kuss Middle School (512 students), N. B. Borden Elementary School (142 students) and Osborn Elementary School (140 students) have received the honor of being among only 10 schools in the state to expand their school day beginning in September 2006. Students now have an average of 8 extra hours per week to enhance their studies in core academic subjects and participate in exciting new electives and cultural programs.

What Is An Expanded Day? An expanded day allows schools to support the academic learning of students by providing them with additional time in the core academic subjects of literacy and mathematics, provide for extra time in science and social studies, allow for one-on-one tutoring and expand the opportunities for access to arts and physical education. The time also benefits teachers and staff who have additional opportunities to meet and work with each other for planning purposes and coordinated professional development. It is not just about adding hours to the school day clock, it is about exposing today's youth to the academic, social and cultural skills they will need to thrive in the 21st century.

The New Day at Osborn Elementary School Osborn teachers have been working diligently for the last year to design a new school day like no other one that is stimulating, engaging and addresses all levels and styles of learning. More time is the tool that will provide students with the best learning opportunities and environment.

Schedule: Monday Friday 7:25 am 3:32 pm (breakfast is provided at 7:30)

The Osborn curriculum now features: An additional 2.5 hours per week of English literacy instruction, including reading,

writing (Writers Workshop), speaking and listening An additional 1 hour per week of math instruction plus extra small group instruction

available for students who need more time An additional 2 hours per week of enrichment activities in small groups An additional 2 hours of science and social studies instruction per week An additional 2 hours of physical education and curriculum based art. A nutrition component 2.5 hours per week provided by UMass Amherst and the

Osborn staff

Highlights of the Osborn Expanded School Day Expanded course offerings and expanded student choice: The expanded day schedule

allows the Osborn the opportunity to offer a number of additional courses from which students can choose, both new courses and the reinstitution of courses that were recently cut due to lack of funds.

More in-depth study: Students have the opportunity to explore both core academic subjects and elective subjects in more depth. The expanded schedule provides both

2

more blocks of instructional time and opportunities for double periods and other innovative scheduling for more in-depth study of particular topics. The expanded schedule also provides for project-based learning to enhance the standards-based curriculum.

Starting the day: Osborn students begin their day with a universal breakfast provided through Project Bread followed by a short nutrition lesson. Students then begin each day with a 20 minute math exercise and a 10 minute introduction to the day during which teachers explain the days schedule.

English literacy: Students now participate in a 45 minute Writers Workshop everyday that incorporates stories, reading comprehension, and small group instruction. Teachers are able to provide individual student assessment twice each week. Students have 1 hour and 45 minutes to focus on reading in a variety of settings, including small group and whole group instruction.

Electives: Twice each week for 12 week sessions students participate in small group enrichment activities designed by teachers to encourage students creativity.

Professional development: Teachers now have 12 professional development days (3 hours per day) each year centered on nutrition, the Writers Workshop and math instruction. Last year, the Osborn was not able to accommodate any school-wide professional development days into the school year. The sessions include grade level meetings between the Osborn Street School and the N.B. Borden School, data review and common planning time.

Community Partners Students are exposed to the resources and talents of several community and non-profit organizations that are partnering with Osborn teachers to make the school day creative and stimulating. Many of the project-based activities are implemented with the assistance of community partners that provide volunteers to lead the activities, community-based facilities and other resources.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is providing five professional development sessions for Osborn teachers, guidance for the nutritional program, and a separate educational curriculum to reduce the size of classes throughout the week.

St. Annes Hospital Youth Trauma Program is sponsoring a small group session on how to deal with bullying and how to help prevent it.

The Ocean State Futsal Association provides an innovative approach to encourage healthy food options and increase physical activity.

Osborn Elementary School at a Glance:

Grades: K-5 Students: 140 Principal: Ana Riley Contact #: 508-675-8275 Location: 160 Osborn Street Fall River, MA 02724