QUESTIONS (but difficult to ask)and ANSWERS ABOUT SILVER MOUNT INTERNATIONAL

Will my child get adequate attention from the teachers?

Our resources have been organized to reduce class/group size. This helps us achieve our class size target of 20. Children are regrouped for literacy in groups of 12 or less for extended periods of time. Thus, with small class/groups and a reduced range of needs, teachers are able to customize instruction for all children. In fact, our teachers are masters at challenging all children. In addition, research demonstrates that low class size has a positive impact on the achievement of all children.

Will my child be challenged?

Silver Mount prides itself on providing a quality education for all our children. We create a learning system in which all children could flourish.
Our instructional program reflects the following guiding principles:

• All children are thinkers and learners. Instruction is differentiated to ensure each child has access to the curriculum and academic challenge.
  Differentiation means that instruction is tailored for individuals or groups of children. For example, while all students are learning about even and odd numbers, some students are also learning about prime numbers.
• Children are involved in constructing their own knowledge.
  Children remember and learn more when they discover, experience and apply rather than being told.
• Content is integrated across disciplines.
  For example when studying the Independence Struggle, children read Independence Struggle novels and biographies, research the causes of other Independence Struggles and create mathematical representations of the number of people who died and were injured.
• Students are grouped and regrouped according to their needs.
  Students work together in groups based on language, concept or curricular needs. These groups are dynamic rather than static and meet for short periods. This allows focused instruction along with critical sharing of thinking strategies.

Will my child be safe?

Yes, your child will be safe. The Silver Mount staff is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment. As in all schools, some of our children enter school without an understanding of how to solve problems with words. Our curriculum consistently teaches and reinforces safe problem solving techniques. Silver Mount adopts PBS (Positive Behavior Support) as our climate model. Our PBS program positively emphasizes three school rules; be safe, be respectful and be responsible. Students want and are expected to follow these rules. They will also understand clear consequences exist for falling short. We have talented counselors and interventionists on staff who work hard to ensure the safety and emotional health of our community.

What language is spoken on the premises?

Children speak English on the premises. If English speaking children are involved in a group, the language of play is English. Our children will attend field trips, enjoy special assemblies and listen to guest speakers. We work hard to make certain our kids have many of the experiences children at other schools do not receive.

What about social connections?

Silver Mount children will mix and play well together. Teachers work diligently to create caring, cohesive communities. They consciously form integrated work groups in the classroom. Teachers also recognize students with common interests and make an effort to connect them in various activities.

What is your overriding teaching Philosophy?

Prospective parents often ask are we more experiential or traditional? Hands-on or directive? The short answer is neither. We employ a mix of both techniques that results in comprehensive learning. We believe in teaching comprehension strategies that broaden independent thinking, encourage questioning, and develop research based inquiry. Kids WILL leave here not only knowing the answers but with a deeper understanding of what lead them to that answer