Academic Instruction

All instruction is in English with an American and Chilean curriculum.

The Instructional Program

The Nido de Aguilas Preschool program focuses on learning readiness and reading readiness skills. Foremost among these skills is the ability to communicate in English.

Kindergarten students who wish to be considered as potential candidates for entry into First Grade should possess reading and math readiness skills and other developmental concepts necessary to be successful learners. Successful Kindergarten students will have demonstrated the capacity to communicate in English.

The Elementary School curriculum is accredited in the United States as well as with the Chilean Ministry of Education. Major emphasis is given to the development of communication skills in English including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The program of study also includes mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, physical education, computers, and daily instruction in Spanish for first and second language learners. With the exception of Spanish classes, all instruction is in English and students must demonstrate the ability to learn in English.

Homework Policy

Homework Philosophy:

Research studies have consistently shown that homework for young children helps them develop good study habits, positive attitudes toward school, and communicates the idea that learning takes place at home as well as at school. Nido’s homework philosophy reflects our belief that homework provides students with opportunities to practice and reinforce taught skills and concepts. Aside from homework specifically designed for parent participation, students should be able to independently complete assignments with minimum supervision. Parents are encouraged to work closely with their child to establish and maintain a consistent daily scheduled routine for doing homework. Homework gives parents an opportunity to talk with their child about current learning while fostering ongoing communication about school activities.

Daily Reading:

Teachers assign daily reading homework to help students practice reading fluency and comprehension. Reading provides excellent practice of grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and language reasoning skills.

Daily reading can take several forms. In the early childhood center, parents are asked to read with/to their child daily (which is an excellent habit to continue right through to middle school!). In the elementary school teachers may ask students to read an assigned short chapter or article for homework, however most of the time students are encouraged to read books of their choice. Parents can help their child by asking him or her questions about the text and having a discussion. When children discuss a text, they engage with it and comprehend it. Children will find reading easier if they practice reading constantly. We ask that your child read for pleasure for at least 20 minutes a day.

Time Allotments:

In addition to daily reading for at least 20 minutes, Nido students are expected to complete the following allotted minutes of homework or study per day. The time allotment for homework should increase gradually from grade to grade. Actual time spent will vary due to diverse ability levels and time management of individual children.
* PK: 5-10 minutes (Daily Reading)
* Grades K1-Grade 2: 10-20 minutes
* Grades 3-4: 30-40 minutes
* Grade 5: Up to 50 minutes

Guidelines:

Well-planned homework assignments involve the following principles:
• Assignments support classroom instructional objectives.
• Assignment expectations are well defined and clear to the student.
• Assignments are varied and require the use of a number of skills.
• Every homework assignment will be accounted for (i.e. some papers will be self-checked, some teacher, or instructional assistant checked, some shared with peers, etc.).
• Homework should grow from classroom tasks, projects and concerns. Types of homework assignments may include practice or reinforcement of skills learned, long-term projects, unfinished class work assignments, and enrichment activities.
• Homework for practice is not part of the academic grade; rather it is part of our “work habits” expectations.
• Teachers may grade homework to show students have learned the skills or information. Teachers must inform students prior to an assignment if the homework is to be graded.
• Spanish teachers will coordinate with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade homeroom teachers to avoid excessive homework.
• Teachers will provide feedback related to the objective of the homework to students.
• Students are to use the communication notebook (or 5th grade agenda) to record daily and long-term assignments.

What Parents Can Do

Homework provides an opportunity for the home and school to work together. While the student should assume the responsibility for completing homework assignments, parents are encouraged to take an active interest in the student's homework by:
• Providing a study area that is quiet, comfortable and free of major disturbances.
• Providing a definite time for daily reading, homework and study.
• Checking the student's work for neatness and legibility. (Primary students should use pencils for written work.)
• Limiting TV viewing and computer/video games. • Helping your child develop study skills.
• Reviewing your child's communication notebook (5th grade agenda) regularly with him/her.
• If no homework is assigned, stick to your daily homework routines by studying spelling words, practicing math facts, writing letters or journal entries, or reviewing the concepts learned that day/week.
• Informing the classroom teacher of issues or concerns regarding your child’s homework completion; keeping the lines of communication so your child’s individual learning needs can be met. Informing the teacher if your child is spending more than the recommended time each night on homework (but not wasting time), so you can work together as a team to address the issue.

Textbooks, Supplies, & Materials

Nido de Aguilas will supply students with textbooks, all Nido notebooks including a Communication Notebook for students PK – Grade 4, and an Agenda for students in Grade 5. It is the student’s responsibility to properly care for each book. Students will be charged the replacement value for lost books and/or a commensurate amount for a damaged book.

Students will be given a list of supplies to purchase for use throughout the school year. When/if supplies are depleted it is the student’s responsibility to quickly replace them. Without the necessary materials, students will not be able to comply with the high standards Nido de Aguilas expects from its students. Supply lists are available at www.nido.cl

Field Trips & Outside Performances

Field trips and outside performances expand the educational program at Nido de Aguilas and enrich student learning. To be eligible to go on a field trip or to perform at a function outside of school, students must bring a permission slip signed by the parent and returned to the teacher before the scheduled trip. Students without signed permission slips will not be allowed to attend field trips or outside performances.

Elementary Daily Schedule

PK and K1 have individual recess and lunch schedules.

Morning Arrival

Nido de Aguilas cannot guarantee that children will be supervised before 7:40 A.M. Parents should not bring children before this time.

Early Dismissal Schedule

On half days all students (Kinder 2 through Grade 5) attend school from 7:45 – 12:00. Pre - Kinder and Kinder 1 will attend school from 9:30 – 12:00.

After School Departure

All students must leave campus at 2:25 unless participating in a supervised activity. Students remaining after 2:25 not participating in a supervised activity cannot be guaranteed any supervision.

Cafeteria Hot Lunch Program
Kinder 2 - Grade 5

Our Hot Lunch program serves students in Kinder 2 – Grade 5. Students receive and eat their Hot Lunch in the cafeteria at their assigned seat. The Ximena Montes Company, an outside vendor, provides Hot Lunch. Orders are done monthly, their phone number is 339-8138. Students who do not wish to purchase a Hot Lunch may bring a sack lunch and eat in the cafeteria. All students in PK and K1 need to bring a sack lunch. Students will eat in their classroom.