Creekside Cooperative
Physical Address: 2225 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Meet Our Instructors and StaffMindy Adams, Education Specialist Visit Our FacilitiesOur site, located at 2225 West Lake Boulevard, is across Ward Avenue from Kilner Park which we use for many of our outdoor activities. We have two buildings: the main building houses our classrooms, the computer lab, library, kitchen and the administrative office. The second building is our special project, visual and performing arts center. Parent InvolvementParents of Creekside students participate in establishing many of our site’s policies and guidelines. In the last year, decisions on our site calendar, nutrition policies, enrichment curriculum and content, field trips and our five year projection for the site have been discussed and/or settled at our monthly PTO meetings to which all parents are invited. Additionally, we have a seat on the Forest Charter Council which is the governing entity for Forest Charter School. It is a priority of Forest Charter School and the Creekside Cooperative site that parents continue to be involved in establishing site and school-wide philosophy and goals while maintaining the wonderful, creative flexibility that enables us to reach every student. Personalized LearningUnder the Forest Charter School philosophy of personalized learning, our instructors (Education Specialists) work collaboratively with parents and students to insure that each child’s interests, skills and goals are met in a manner that is attainable, yet challenging, while guiding them to excellence within the state standards and well beyond. Each personalized plan established jointly by student, parents and Education Specialist adopts curriculum best suited for the student while supporting the classroom instruction. This manner of education invites a higher level of participation from parents and students in creating a unique path of learning. It also enables classroom instructors and coordinators broad creative license with regard to curriculum and structure within the standards established by the State of California. One way this creative license is apparent is in our classroom scheduling. Fridays are designated Enrichment Days and are comprised of language, art, space science, yoga, computer technology, physical education such as nordic and downhill skiing, hikes, outdoor and indoor field trips, and music and movement. Guest speakers from around the world visit to discuss social, economic and cultural diversity. Enrichment classes are lead by teachers, volunteers, hired contractors and parents. These diverse and hands-on experiences provide life-skills application of the core subjects studied in the Monday through Thursday. Class Size and DistributionEach classroom will not exceed 20 students and it is our intent to have a dedicated kindergarten with no more than 15 students. Our teachers are experienced in reaching every student within multi-grade classrooms, and use different levels of study and ability to enhance the learning experience of each student through such methods as partner reading and mentoring (where older children are teamed with younger children on a project). Given the opportunity to help teach a subject to younger students, the older students’ knowledge is reinforced while the younger student receives the benefit of one-on-one learning. We will limit kindergarten enrollment to 15 students in order to enhance the introductory year of elementary education through a low student to teacher ratio. While kindergarteners develop their academic skills, they will also learn to engage in dispute resolution, to respect others, to share and to work individually and as part of a team. The students will take ownership of their classroom through discussing and collaboratively establishing classroom rules, jobs and priorities, all guided by their teacher. This classroom ownership will continue throughout their Creekside experience. Nutrition Education and Physical Activity ProgramIn recognition of the important connection between a healthy diet, physical activity, and a student’s ability to learn, our Cooperative also acknowledges the role of schools as part of a larger community to promote health, physical activity, nutrition education, sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. Taking meals and participating in physical activity are fundamental experiences for all people and are primary ways to nurture and celebrate our cultural diversity, offering excellent bridges for building friendships and intergenerational bonds. Our goal is to sustain good health within our community by teaching students and families ways to establish and maintain healthy eating and physical activity habits through including nutrition education, physical education, garden experiences within the core academic content in the classroom and enrichment programs. Go to the Creekside Enrichment website and calendar: http://www.creeksidepto.org
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