Essential Scott Magnet Information

Lea sobre nuestro modelo en español

 

What is Scott Dual Language Magnet’s Program? 

Scott Dual Language Magnet implements the Gómez and Gómez Dual Language Enrichment Model. The program is intended to provide rigorous dual language instruction at the elementary level. The philosophy of this model is to provide instruction in two languages (English and Spanish) at a “gifted and talented” level of rigor to all students through language immersion, therefore putting students on the path to academic biliteracy. 

 


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Essentials Elements of our Dual Language Model: 

  • The Gómez and Gómez Model places a strong emphasis on collaboration between students. Throughout the day, students work in “bilingual pairs” to provide “parallel effort” towards their learning goals. In this way, students negotiate language, learning not only from the teacher, but also from each other. 
  • To ensure students not only learn the subject area content at high levels but also language, the Gómez and Gómez model has specific guidelines for highly effective instructional practices, lesson planning, and scheduling a student’s day. 

 

How is the Model Structured? 

  • The dual language program integrates native English speaking students with native Spanish speaking students for academic instruction, which is presented in both languages. Social and academic learning occurs in an environment that values the language and culture of all students and sets high standards to ultimately achieve academic success in Spanish and English.
  • Classrooms are composed of approximately 50 percent native English speakers and 50 percent native Spanish speakers. Spaces in the program may be limited in order to ensure the effectiveness of the model.
  • A commitment to enriched education for all requires fidelity of implementation that includes challenging, interactive and authentic instruction for all participating students. To support short and long term academic success of all students, the goal is to achieve grade-level bilingualism & biliteracy by the end of 5th grade.
  • The language used for instruction is also broken down by a 50/50 ratio. Starting in 2nd grade, 50 percent of classroom instruction is provided in English, and 50 percent of classroom instruction is provided in Spanish. In grades Pre-School to 1st grade, students are instructed only in their Native Language during language arts instruction. Each teacher speaks only in the designated language and communicates using a range of engaging strategies to promote student understanding and language development.  Children at this age are adept at acquiring language in meaningful contexts. All students are taught to read, write, listen, and speak in two languages. 

 

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            Essential Scott Magnet Information

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Who can Apply?

As a magnet school, PK- 5th grade students from all over-Topeka are eligible to apply regardless of home address. Students are admitted to Scott through an application process only. We serve students from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Preschool: Our program is only for students who are 4 years or older by September 1st.

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Assessments

PK–1st Grade Screening: Students applying for Pre-K through 1st grade who are believed to be Spanish-dominant must complete a dominant language screener. This assessment helps determine the language in which they will begin learning to read and write.

2nd–5th Grade Assessment: All applicants for grades 2 through 5 must take and pass a Spanish proficiency assessment. This evaluates their reading skills and their ability to understand and communicate in Spanish to ensure they are prepared for success in our dual-language program.

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Online Registration

In addition to applying to Scott, families must register their child through the district online registration platform (ParentVue). This is a separate process. 

When registering, families will not be able to select Scott DL as an option.  If an application is accepted, the child will be placed internally to Scott DL by the district demographics department.

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Immersion Model

In our dual-language immersion model, students are taught in the language of instruction for each subject: science and social studies in Spanish, math in English, and language arts based on grade level. From Pre-K to 1st grade, language arts is taught in the student’s dominant language; from 2nd to 5th grade, students receive BOTH English and Spanish language arts instruction. Our school does not explicitly teach the second language as a subject—instead, students acquire the language through immersion, communicating with classmates, and classroom activities.

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 Busing/ Transportation

Kindergarten through 5th-grade students who live within TPS501 boundaries and more than 1.75 miles from Scott DL (401 SE Market St, Topeka, KS) qualify for district-provided transportation. To ensure bus service begins on the first day of school, families must register online by in-person enrollment day (mid July). Please note: Preschool students are not eligible for busing.

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 Program Hours

Our preschool and kindergarten programs are full-day

Kindergarten–5th Grade: 8:20 AM – 3:40 PM 

Preschool: 8:20 AM – 3:30 PM (includes one hour of rest time)

Late Start Fridays: Starting the second week, school begins at 9:10 on Fridays (and ends at 3:40)

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Acceptance Notification

Student acceptance is based on available space and multiple eligibility factors.

According to the timeline below, families will receive an email at the address provided in the application with notification of acceptance or denial and next steps.

Tentative Timeline for notification: 

  • Preschool - June/July
  • Kindergartner - April
  • 1st-5th Grade - July

If denied acceptance, families need to re-apply for the following school year; original application dates will be honored.

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Additional Information 

Meals: Free breakfast and lunch are provided for all students. 

School Supplies: A supply list will be posted on our website before school starts. 

Before/After Care: The Salvation Army and Boys and Girls Club are options available to parents at this time. There are no in-school programs at this time. 

 

 

Scott Dual Language Magnet Parental Commitment Form

 1.  I understand my child will receive Language Arts -Kindergarten to first grade- in their native language; in grades 2nd-5th grade, Language Arts instruction will be in English and Spanish. Guided Reading instruction for all students will be in their native language. My child will receive Math instruction from Kindergarten to fifth grade in  English only. My child will receive Science and Social studies instruction from Kindergarten to fifth grade in Spanish only. 

2.  I agree to value the integrity of both languages, and I will assist my child in learning both languages to the best of my ability. 

3.  I commit to participation in the program for at least six years or through fifth grade.

4.  I realize my child will be in a classroom that has a balanced number of English-dominant children and Spanish-dominant children based on enrollment interest. 

5.  I understand that regular and punctual student attendance is required to retain placement in the Dual Language Program. 

6.  I understand my child will continue to learn and develop academically, socially, and culturally in his/her  first language through the duration of the program while developing bilingual (understanding and speaking) and biliterate (reading and writing) competencies in Spanish and English in all subjects.

7.  I understand that if I move out of the district, I will be required to provide transportation for my child. 

8.  I understand that learning a second language is a gradual process, and it is not unusual for children to experience some fatigue and/or tears and frustration during the first months of the program. Knowing this, I will be patient and supportive of my child during this transition time. 

9.  I realize the children in the Dual Language Program could remain together from kindergarten through fifth grade. 

10.  I will commit to attend the Dual Language Program parent meetings, participate in Dual Language Program events, and support the program and classroom teachers. 

11.  I understand that my child will have an opportunity to apply to the middle school dual language program and be accepted provided qualifiers are met, which will be communicated to me in advance. 

12.  If my child is not making adequate progress in the program, I agree to work with the school to determine next steps.

13. I understand that if my child qualifies for English learner services, those needs will be met through Scott School's Dual Language Program.


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