We know that the key to successfully educating our children is to motivate them to do well in school. At Klondike Lane, we strive to provide a caring, safe, and academically challenging environment for our students. In order for all students to become proficient learners, Klondike Lane’s staff is committed to continuous school improvement efforts as specified in our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Our mission at Klondike Elementary is:

• For all students to demonstrate growth through research-informed practices and the development of 21st-century skills. 

• For staff and students to monitor learning to ensure that students reach their maximum potential in all academic areas. 

• To take pride in developing a culturally responsive school that is resourceful to the school and community.

Our vision at Klondike Elementary is that:

• All students to be on or above grade level in all academic areas.

• All students are independent learners who possess the 21st-century skills to be competitive in a global society. 

• The school is fully committed to serving our families and instilling pride in the school and community.

Mathematics

Klondike Lane uses Illustrative Math (IM) in addition to teacher selected resources to support the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with an emphasis on developing twenty-first century skills. We focus on state standards as the foundation for what is taught and choose the best resource to teach the standard(s). Teachers provide rigor, depth of understanding through interactive lessons, research-based instructional approaches, best practices, multi-lingual learner support, and differentiated instructional resources to ensure access for all students. We encourage students to use multiple representations when solving problems, including manipulatives, pictures, and symbols to clarify concepts. Students work individually, with small groups, and with the whole class. Ongoing assessment provides teachers with the math focus and a series of questions to be considered when observing students' growth over time.

Science 

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) provide an important opportunity to improve not only science education but also student achievement. The NGSS is internationally benchmarked, rigorous, research-based, and aligned with expectations for college and career readiness. Just as the English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Kentucky Core Academic Standards (KCAS) emphasize instructional shifts, the NGSS does as well. One shift is reflected in the structure of the standards. The NGSS structure integrates rigorous content and application in order to reflect how science is practiced in the real world. Given the importance of science and engineering in the twenty-first century, the NGSS includes student performance expectations that focus on students’ ability to apply a practice to show understanding of a concept as opposed to memorization of facts without context. The NGSS also explicitly connects to ELA and Mathematics KCAS to assist teachers with integration.

Social Studies 

In kindergarten, students learn about citizenship in relation to home, school, and the local community. First-grade students learn about families from the past, families from around the world, good citizenship, and map and globe skills. The emphasis in second grade is on community life, rules and laws, and how individuals and groups make important decisions that affect their communities. Students also learn about geography and change over time. In third grade, students examine the geography and history of Louisville and Jefferson County and learn about local government and the economy. Rural, urban, and suburban communities are also examined. In fourth grade, students participate in a geography-based study of regions of the United States with special emphasis placed on the five themes of geography. The fourth-grade program also includes the study of the history, geography, government, and economic systems of Kentucky and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Fifth-grade students develop understanding of the United States’ chronological history as well as our nation’s geography, economy, government, culture, and social systems. Attention is given to the many diverse individuals and groups who have shaped United States history.

Academic Competition

Klondike Lane is proud to participate in the JCPS Academic Cup competition each year. Academic competition helps provide the motivation for students to do well both in the classroom and in independent learning. Our fourth- and fifth-grade students can try out for our Quick Recall Team, Problem Solving Team, or Individual Written Assessment Competition. This program emphasizes the use of teamwork; higher-level thinking skills; creative and critical problem-solving skills; gaining factual knowledge; and independent learning.

Special Areas

All students attend weekly classes in the areas of physical education, world language (French), and art. In addition, students will also gain exposure to support from the library-media specialist and participate in music. Special-area teachers work collaboratively with regular classroom teachers to plan special projects that go along with the curriculum

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)

Klondike Lane strives to improve student academic and behavior outcomes by ensuring all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible. The PBIS model provides an operational framework for achieving these outcomes. More importantly, PBIS is not a curriculum, intervention, or practice, but is a decision-making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students. 

Comprehensive Literacy Program

At Klondike Lane, we use EL Education and a variety of research-based strategies to ensure that all students become successful readers and writers. The JCPS Five-Block Literacy program connects reading, writing, language, community reading and conversation, and self-selected reading to the core content. Additionally, the reading workshop model is used to engage all students in daily literacy assessment and instruction at every grade level. We provide struggling readers with small-group instruction and support in phonics, letter and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Frequent assessments and analysis of student work enable teachers to provide individualized instruction that meets students’ needs.

Multilingual Learners (ML)

ELD teachers work collaboratively with classroom teachers to help students with limited English proficiency. All ELD teachers use specially designed methods that help multilinguals develop English language and literacy skills while they study required subject matter for their grade levels.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Our active PTA is an integral part of our school community. We have many PTA volunteers who help with family events, fundraisers, and special activities. We encourage all caregivers to join our PTA and become involved as volunteers.