Questions and Answers...
(It is important to us to collaborate with parents... so your questions and what is important to you IS IMPORTANT TO US. We will continue to post questions and answers from our blog section here from time to time. We hope it is helpful to you.)
We have been asked... *Scroll down for latest questions.
1. How are Gifted (GATE) students and Special Need students served at the intermediate level? Our GATE students have the opportunity to participate in GATE Enrichment Class 2 of 4 nine-weeks periods in 5th grade. GATE students will attend GATE classes for 40 minutes a day every day of the 9 weeks as one of their 3 elective classes each day. GATE students will attend GATE classes 1st & 3rd nine weeks or 2nd & 4th nine weeks. GATE students will be able to enjoy and explore a variety of elective life app classes with this schedule. Our schools have invested in added technology/communication broadcasting equipment that showcases our students as they research and extend their learning in meaningful ways interacting with the world around them. Students will create reports on news and high-interest real-world topics, extending their learning. Some GATE students may also qualify for Advanced Math Classes. Our outstanding counselors, administrators, teachers, and curriculum and resource team collaborate to best meet the needs and challenge both our gifted and special needs populations. Please contact our counselors regarding IEP needs or questions regarding testing or individual student needs.
2. What opportunities does Canyon Ridge offer my child? Rigorous, challenging curriculum; outstanding teachers with a heart for kids; clubs and activities such as musicals, Honor Choir, Band, Concert opportunities, Art projects and contests, Archery Club, Science Club, Photography club; Book Club, and PE focusing on life-long health and understanding organized sports, rules, games, and sportsmanship; School-wide optional intra-mural sports tournaments, Canyon Cares After-school "Service to Others" Club; lessons on Anti-bullying, relationship-building, health, etc., and many more clubs and events. All students have the opportunity to take Communications, Technology classes, STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math problem-solving), Robotics, and Enrichment Project-based classes, as well as Spanish, Art, Vocal, and Band! We have CARE classes and Advanced Math & ELA classes, all designed to work with every child in smaller groups at their particular level, challenging them and ensuring they succeed.
3. Starting time? The first bell rings at 8:00am to allow students to go to Homeroom Classes. School begins promptly at 8:10 AM and is dismissed at 3:05 PM.
4. Bells? Canyon Ridge does have bells which ring throughout the school day. Passing time is only 3 minutes because we do not have lockers and most classes are next door to each other. If students need to take a restroom break, teachers explain for students to go to their next class, place their belongings on their desk, notify their teacher and then take a restroom break.
5. Traffic control? We are working with the city, district leaders, and architects to constantly work on the best traffic flow. It is an ongoing effort. We are in constant communication with OKC regarding traffic options. It is our primary goal to keep students safe. Bus riders will drop off and pick up on North side of building; daycare will be in front on West side of building, and all Car-rider drop-off and pick up will be on the South side of the building. There is a RIGHT-TURN ONLY policy turning into the car-rider drive and exiting the car-rider drive. This means all cars must approach the car-rider drive traveling from SOUTH TO NORTH on SARA ROAD. Thank you for your understanding.
6. Electives (sometimes called Specials or Essentials) = LIFE APP CLASSES? At Mustang's Intermediate Schools, these classes are called Life Apps. 5th grade students will have PE and rotate through additional Life Apps for 9 week periods. 6th grade students will have a semester of PE and additional choices regarding additional Life Apps. Click on enrollment tab to see details.
7. Keyboarding? Keyboarding will not be a separate class. Keyboarding skills may be incorporated in many classes for short periods of time as Bellwork, and technology skills will be learned as iPad and Laptops are utilized in all classrooms.
8. Middle School Philosophy? Yes! Teachers collaborating and communicating in an ongoing manner with students' best interests at heart is not just a middle school concept. Teachers across our district build relationships with students, examine data, and communicate with each other regarding enrichment, interventions, teaching strategies, and how to best meet students' varied academic and social needs. Collaboration is key! Teachers have such a heart for kids and collaborate and build relationships with their students on a daily basis to help them succeed and gain confidence. This is true at all grade-levels and definitely a focus at Canyon Ridge.
9. Computers? There are mini-labs of computers in the media center as well as multiple mobile laptop and iPad carts for classroom use. The district is dedicated to ensuring students have as much experience using varied technology as possible. It is imperative that all students gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an ever-changing technological world.
10. Class sizes? It is our goal to keep the class size as small and equitable as possible.
11. Room for expansion? Architects and school leaders have plans in place to continue meeting the needs of our growing student population.
12. Team concept? Yes! Teaming is a great way to build relationships with students.
13. Advisory? There are plans that include components of advisory, but an "advisory class" is not in the schedule at this time.
14. Lockers? There are open lockers in homeroom classrooms, but no traditional lockers.
15. PLC (Professional Learning Communities)? Yes. Teachers are doing an excellent job collaborating, examining student data, monitoring students' progress, and implementing interventions and enrichment in an ongoing manner. Collaboration time for teachers is essential in doing what is best for students.
16. How much time for each core class? The schedule includes large blocks of time for both ELA (English Language Arts) and Math, between 75 and 80 minute blocks. We have listened to students and teachers and want to provide more time for students to process and learn concepts and become involved in higher level discussions and projects. We hope to be the MODEL in our state for intermediate schools.
17. Band? Yes. Band is a Life App choice for 6th grade students. We have an outstanding band program in Mustang.
18. Vocal music? Yes. General music will be in 5th grade, and vocal music will be a choice for 6th grade.
19. Can an elementary certified teacher teach in 6th grade without an endorsement in a specific subject? IN THE PAST YEAR, TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS HAVE CHANGED. Elementary degrees qualify teachers to teach in either 5th or 6th grade classrooms. In the past, a teacher must have passed a state test to be highly qualified in a particular subject and teach that subject in a 6th grade departmentalized setting. We appreciate these qualifications but they are no longer a requirement. (2017_18)
For info regarding highly qualified, visit... http://ok.gov/sde/faqs/highly-qualified-hq-teachers
For info regarding taking certification tests in a subject area, visit... http://www.ceoe.nesinc.com/
20. Will Sara Road be widened? There are finally plans to widen Sara Road as the TURNPIKE AUTHORITY is partnering with the CITY OF MUSTANG. We are very grateful and look forward to this project. We do not currently have a timeline on this project. School administrators are continuing to work with city planners and OKC regarding this matter.
21.Are there electives at intermediate level? Yes, they are called Life Apps and are currently scheduled in 40-45 min. classes. Most are 9 week classes; some are semester or year-long.
22. What kind of technology is available for students? How often will they have access? It is essential that students are prepared and able to utilize varied technology often. All administrators and teachers share this core belief. We are equipped with iPads, laptops, and Chromebooks that can be readily accessible to students. All math, science, and social studies classes have SmartBoards as well. Technology, STEM, and several other classrooms have SmartBoards as well. We are constantly striving to incorporate more and more technology, with our primary focus on putting the technology into the hands of our students. Thanks to our patrons passing the 2017 bond election, we are expecting Smartboards to be added to all classroom and additional carts of Chromebooks for our students! Thank you, parents and patrons!
23. Is there recess? Yes, around lunch time only. It is important that students have time to "play," exercise, and have social time during the school day!
24. Are there any clubs? Yes. Clubs are an enjoyable part of the intermediate school experience. Information about the choices of clubs is posted on the school website & info regarding upcoming PE tournaments, opportunities to tryout for musicals, etc., will be updated throughout the year.
27. Are there organized sports? Although there are not organized teams and sports such as basketball, football, etc., at intermediate level, PE focuses on building these skills to prepare students for middle school sports. At intermediate level, we provide opportunities throughout the year for students to participate in competitive games during PE classes as well as additional competitive fundraising sporting tournaments.
2. What opportunities does Canyon Ridge offer my child? Rigorous, challenging curriculum; outstanding teachers with a heart for kids; clubs and activities such as musicals, Honor Choir, Band, Concert opportunities, Art projects and contests, Archery Club, Science Club, Photography club; Book Club, and PE focusing on life-long health and understanding organized sports, rules, games, and sportsmanship; School-wide optional intra-mural sports tournaments, Canyon Cares After-school "Service to Others" Club; lessons on Anti-bullying, relationship-building, health, etc., and many more clubs and events. All students have the opportunity to take Communications, Technology classes, STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math problem-solving), Robotics, and Enrichment Project-based classes, as well as Spanish, Art, Vocal, and Band! We have CARE classes and Advanced Math & ELA classes, all designed to work with every child in smaller groups at their particular level, challenging them and ensuring they succeed.
3. Starting time? The first bell rings at 8:00am to allow students to go to Homeroom Classes. School begins promptly at 8:10 AM and is dismissed at 3:05 PM.
4. Bells? Canyon Ridge does have bells which ring throughout the school day. Passing time is only 3 minutes because we do not have lockers and most classes are next door to each other. If students need to take a restroom break, teachers explain for students to go to their next class, place their belongings on their desk, notify their teacher and then take a restroom break.
5. Traffic control? We are working with the city, district leaders, and architects to constantly work on the best traffic flow. It is an ongoing effort. We are in constant communication with OKC regarding traffic options. It is our primary goal to keep students safe. Bus riders will drop off and pick up on North side of building; daycare will be in front on West side of building, and all Car-rider drop-off and pick up will be on the South side of the building. There is a RIGHT-TURN ONLY policy turning into the car-rider drive and exiting the car-rider drive. This means all cars must approach the car-rider drive traveling from SOUTH TO NORTH on SARA ROAD. Thank you for your understanding.
6. Electives (sometimes called Specials or Essentials) = LIFE APP CLASSES? At Mustang's Intermediate Schools, these classes are called Life Apps. 5th grade students will have PE and rotate through additional Life Apps for 9 week periods. 6th grade students will have a semester of PE and additional choices regarding additional Life Apps. Click on enrollment tab to see details.
7. Keyboarding? Keyboarding will not be a separate class. Keyboarding skills may be incorporated in many classes for short periods of time as Bellwork, and technology skills will be learned as iPad and Laptops are utilized in all classrooms.
8. Middle School Philosophy? Yes! Teachers collaborating and communicating in an ongoing manner with students' best interests at heart is not just a middle school concept. Teachers across our district build relationships with students, examine data, and communicate with each other regarding enrichment, interventions, teaching strategies, and how to best meet students' varied academic and social needs. Collaboration is key! Teachers have such a heart for kids and collaborate and build relationships with their students on a daily basis to help them succeed and gain confidence. This is true at all grade-levels and definitely a focus at Canyon Ridge.
9. Computers? There are mini-labs of computers in the media center as well as multiple mobile laptop and iPad carts for classroom use. The district is dedicated to ensuring students have as much experience using varied technology as possible. It is imperative that all students gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an ever-changing technological world.
10. Class sizes? It is our goal to keep the class size as small and equitable as possible.
11. Room for expansion? Architects and school leaders have plans in place to continue meeting the needs of our growing student population.
12. Team concept? Yes! Teaming is a great way to build relationships with students.
13. Advisory? There are plans that include components of advisory, but an "advisory class" is not in the schedule at this time.
14. Lockers? There are open lockers in homeroom classrooms, but no traditional lockers.
15. PLC (Professional Learning Communities)? Yes. Teachers are doing an excellent job collaborating, examining student data, monitoring students' progress, and implementing interventions and enrichment in an ongoing manner. Collaboration time for teachers is essential in doing what is best for students.
16. How much time for each core class? The schedule includes large blocks of time for both ELA (English Language Arts) and Math, between 75 and 80 minute blocks. We have listened to students and teachers and want to provide more time for students to process and learn concepts and become involved in higher level discussions and projects. We hope to be the MODEL in our state for intermediate schools.
17. Band? Yes. Band is a Life App choice for 6th grade students. We have an outstanding band program in Mustang.
18. Vocal music? Yes. General music will be in 5th grade, and vocal music will be a choice for 6th grade.
19. Can an elementary certified teacher teach in 6th grade without an endorsement in a specific subject? IN THE PAST YEAR, TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS HAVE CHANGED. Elementary degrees qualify teachers to teach in either 5th or 6th grade classrooms. In the past, a teacher must have passed a state test to be highly qualified in a particular subject and teach that subject in a 6th grade departmentalized setting. We appreciate these qualifications but they are no longer a requirement. (2017_18)
For info regarding highly qualified, visit... http://ok.gov/sde/faqs/highly-qualified-hq-teachers
For info regarding taking certification tests in a subject area, visit... http://www.ceoe.nesinc.com/
20. Will Sara Road be widened? There are finally plans to widen Sara Road as the TURNPIKE AUTHORITY is partnering with the CITY OF MUSTANG. We are very grateful and look forward to this project. We do not currently have a timeline on this project. School administrators are continuing to work with city planners and OKC regarding this matter.
21.Are there electives at intermediate level? Yes, they are called Life Apps and are currently scheduled in 40-45 min. classes. Most are 9 week classes; some are semester or year-long.
22. What kind of technology is available for students? How often will they have access? It is essential that students are prepared and able to utilize varied technology often. All administrators and teachers share this core belief. We are equipped with iPads, laptops, and Chromebooks that can be readily accessible to students. All math, science, and social studies classes have SmartBoards as well. Technology, STEM, and several other classrooms have SmartBoards as well. We are constantly striving to incorporate more and more technology, with our primary focus on putting the technology into the hands of our students. Thanks to our patrons passing the 2017 bond election, we are expecting Smartboards to be added to all classroom and additional carts of Chromebooks for our students! Thank you, parents and patrons!
23. Is there recess? Yes, around lunch time only. It is important that students have time to "play," exercise, and have social time during the school day!
24. Are there any clubs? Yes. Clubs are an enjoyable part of the intermediate school experience. Information about the choices of clubs is posted on the school website & info regarding upcoming PE tournaments, opportunities to tryout for musicals, etc., will be updated throughout the year.
27. Are there organized sports? Although there are not organized teams and sports such as basketball, football, etc., at intermediate level, PE focuses on building these skills to prepare students for middle school sports. At intermediate level, we provide opportunities throughout the year for students to participate in competitive games during PE classes as well as additional competitive fundraising sporting tournaments.