Bessie Hoffman is a multiage magnet school which uses the High/Scope method of delivering instruction. Any student living within the Lincoln Consolidated Schools boundary is eligible to attend the school.

How is Bessie Hoffman organized?

There are three houses at Bessie Hoffman; the Lower House is a multiage grouping of kindergarten and 1st grade, the Middle House is a multiage grouping of 2nd and 3rd grades, and the Upper House is a multiage grouping of 4th and 5th grades.

Is this a structured program or are the classes unstructured?

The classrooms at Bessie Hoffman are highly organized with the teacher monitoring the progress of each student.

What is High/Scope?

High/Scope is an active learning approach to education. Each classroom is organized into centers to meet childrens’ needs in all academic areas. There is a consistent daily schedule that is most important for elementary learners. Children learn skills and content based on the district curriculum. The difference is in the delivery. Students complete their work in workshops working independently or in cooperative groups. The classroom environment is structured so that children have access to all of the materials they may need to complete their work. Teachers are continuously assessing students work. In a High/Scope classroom the adult-child interaction is of utmost importance. Teachers listen to children and guide their lessons on children's interests and abilities.

What curriculum is used at Bessie Hoffman?

The same curriculum that is used by all students in the Lincoln Consolidated Schools is used at Bessie Hoffman. The only difference is the approach. Additionally, content is covered on a rotating basis within the two grade span. As an example: in social studies in the 2nd grade the curriculum covers neighborhoods; in the 3rd grade the curriculum covers communities. One year neighborhoods are covered by the whole class; the next year communities are covered. Therefore a student in these classes will receive all of the content over the course of two years.

Is Bessie Hoffman right for all students?

All students have individual learning styles. At Bessie Hoffman we strive to meet all students’ needs regardless of their abilities.

Are textbooks used in the classroom?

The teachers develop their lesson plans based on the Lincoln Consolidated district curriculum. We try to meet all students needs by providing a hands-on approach.

Textbooks are but one resource teachers use in their classrooms.

What opportunities are there for parental involvement?

Parents are one of the main pillars of our program. Parents are always welcome at Bessie Hoffman to support their child's learning in whatever way they feel comfortable. We are partners in learning. Our goal is to create a feeling of community where we support one another. I would like my child to attend Bessie Hoffman.

What is the enrollment procedure?

If your child has not yet entered school, but has a sibling at Bessie Hoffman, your child will automatically attend Bessie Hoffman unless you indicate otherwise. Openings left after siblings are enrolled will be filled through the lottery process. You may call Bessie Hoffman to have your name put on the lottery list or you may sign up for the lottery at the Kindergarten Parent Meeting held each spring. (The lottery for the 2004-2005 school year has already taken place.) If your child is in school, call the school to find out if there is a waiting list. If there is, you can place your child's name on the waiting list. When there's an opening, we will call the first name on the waiting list. Prior to a child attending Bessie Hoffman, parents will attend an orientation program. This program includes a video, a tour of the building, and a question and answer period. This insures that parents are informed and comfortable with the our method and philosophy.

Will transportation to and from school be provided?

Students attending Bessie Hoffman are provided transportation per district transportation guidelines.

What is the school policy on medication?

An Authorization For Medication form MUST be on file in the office BEFORE any prescription medication can be given. NO over-the-counter medicine can be dispensed.

Please call the office for a copy of the form before you go to the doctor.

What should I do if my child will be absent from Bessie Hoffman?

Please contact the office between 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M. if your child will be absent. You may leave a message on the school's answering machine.

How do I request homework for my child when s/he is ill?

In cases of short term illness, requests for assignments should be made before 10:00 A.M.

Assignments may be picked up after 3:50 P.M.

Last updated 8/29/06

50700 Willow Road, Belleville, MI 48111 • (734) 484- 3150 • fax (734) 484-3155

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