Academic Program

Mission Statement

The mission of Mr. Washington School is to provide a rigorous and challenging academic program that enables all students to master and exceed state and district academic standards.

The staff and faculty are committed to educate, nurture and support each child as he/she strives for academic success and social maturation. The educational goal is to encourage life-long learning in an ever changing society.

School Mascot and Colors

Our school takes great pride in our historic building and grounds, the professional expertise of our faculty, the level of commitment from staff and the positive relationships we have with our parents and community. Our school mascot, the Mustang, represents determination and courage. Our traditional school colors are green and white.

Core Curriculum

The State of Ohio Academic Standards comprise the framework for the core curriculum at Mt. Washington. Using the state standards as a base, the faculty has designed a curriculum that meets and exceeds these standards. Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science are considered the five major subjects. Student progress is monitored on a quarterly basis, and work is designed for each student on their level. Students who qualify for advanced course work can take advantage of our college preparatory classes offered as part of the core curriculum.

Advanced and Enrichment Classes

Students who qualify for advanced course work will be placed in accelerated classes. Students may qualify for these classes based on the standard testing results and teacher recommendation. These classes begin at grade 4.

Any student who is identified as "gifted" through the standardized testing process will be offered a supplemental curriculum which is geared toward discovery learning. Mt. Washington's Aerospace Program for gifted students enables learners to demonstrate their talent in pursuit of individual excellence and advances scientific literacy by exposing them to a system of early self-discovery, identification of special aptitudes and scientific inquiry.

A key component of the program is the learner's ability to probe the relevance of scientific, mathematical and technological concepts. Students achieve higher levels of comprehension through practical hands-on application of scientific theory using flight simulators in a classroom "flight school" environment.

Additional Curriculum Offerings

In addition to the highly competitive core curriculum offerings, Mt. Washington offers classes in Music, Physical Education, Computer and Art. The integrated curriculum presented in these classes enhances and supports the instruction given by teachers within the core subjects.

Special Education and Volunteer Tutors

Mt. Washington has four intervention specialists. These teachers conduct tutoring and target instruction for students who have Individual Education Plans, or I.E.P's.

Our school partners with the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative to bring tutors and mentors to students needing individual assistance. If your student scored below the "proficient" level in reading or math, they will be paired with a tutor. These sessions occur during and after school hours. Parents, community members and retired teachers serve as volunteers, mentors and tutors, and their help, support and guidance is greatly appreciated at The Mount. If you would be interested in becoming a tutor or mentor, please call our volunteer coordinator, Mrs. Debbie Luedeker, at 363-3800.

After School Activities

Throughout the school year a number of after school activities are offered to students. They include:

Other after school offerings will announced after the start of school.

Summer School

Summer school will be offered this coming summer (2008) from June 9 through July 11. The district sets the purpose and intent of summer school each spring. Look for more information about this instructional enrichment opportunity in the Spring of 2008.

Additional Services

The following services are provided to our students on a part-time basis:

Achievement/Standardized Tests

Students in every grade are given state required achievement tests each year. These tests are generally administered in spring, and the nature of them is determined by the State of Ohio. Teachers and parents can gauge the progress of a student by looking at these test results. Parents should look for a testing report to be included with the fourth quarter report card.

Promotion and Retention

A child's teacher makes the recommendation concerning promotion or retention. If a parent wishes to appeal a retention, a written request must be made to the school principal.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued on a quarterly basis. This year, report cards will be sent home with students in the Monday Messenger on:

October 29
January 14
April 7
May 28

Parents are asked to acknowledge receiving their child's report card by signing and returning the report card "tear off" slip. Please be sure to return the slip to the homeroom teacher.

Grading Scale

The District uses the following grading scale:

Kindergarten	S = Area of Strength
	P = Performs with guidance in this area
	N = Needs Improvement
	X = Not Assessed
Grades 1 - 8	90 - 100 = A
	80 - 89 = B
	70 - 79 = C
	60 - 69 = D
	59 and below = F

Parent Conferences

Teachers formally conference with parents three times a year. Homeroom teachers will send home conference information a week before the scheduled conference day. This information is sent via the Monday Messenger. Parents can also request a conference any time during the school year by calling the school office and making arrangements with the specific teacher.

Homework/Assignment Books

Homework is an important component of the learning process as it reinforces skills taught in the classroom. Homework can be classified into four categories: written, non-written, reading and that requiring another person, or parent, for completion. Homework will be sent with your child on a regular basis. If your child continually tells you that they have no homework, please contact his/her homeroom. Our teachers require parents to sign off on homework either daily or weekly.

Assignment boos are required for students in grades 3-8. As a service to students, the school purchases and sells (at cost) a very nice student assignment book. Assignment books may be purchased in the front office for $3.00. These are available in the fall and throughout the school year.

Honor Roll and Quarterly Awards

Each quarter our school celebrates the accomplishments of our students by presenting special awards for the following areas:

Attendance: This award is for students who have been at school each day of the quarter and have been tardy no more than one time.

Scholarship: These awards honor students in grades 3 - 8 who have achieved exemplary marks.

Principal's Honor Roll: A's in all subject areas
'A' Honor Roll: 3.5 average in all subject areas
'B' Honor Roll: 3.0 average in all subject areas

Citizenship: This award is presented to students who demonstrate appropriate conduct in all school situations, work to their potential and interact cooperatively and respectfully with others. Recognized students will receive a variety of rewards ranging from field trips to lunches with the Principal.

Revised 8.23.2007