School Programs MAUES offers several programs to address the unique needs of students. The Guam Education Board adopted the Common Core State Standards, which will be a major curricular focus henceforth.
Success for All (SFA) Success For All is a reading program that provides all students with learning experiences that enable them to attain reading proficiency at or above grade level by third grade and to maintain that success throughout their elementary grades. A parent information booklet about SFA is available in the office upon request.
Chamorro Language and Culture The Chamorro Language and Culture Program is mandated by law. The language and culture of Guam is taught in Kindergarten through 5th for 20-30 minutes daily.
English as a Second Language (ESL) The ESL program provides supplementary instruction to those student who are non-native or limited English speakers. Eligible students may receive sheltered instructions or consultative services.
Special Education The Special Education Program provides services for students who are identified with special needs. A resource room is available for students whos Individual Education Plan (IEP) calls for such placement. Special education teachers may also provide consultative services to students receiving instruction in the general education classrooms. Some students may also be eligible for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, leisure education, or other services.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Students identified as gifted in 2nd through 5th grade, attend GATE classes for three hours a week. Identification is based on an achievement test score (nationally normed), a rating by the child's teacher, and two intelligence tests.
Grading and Report Cards Report cards are issued quarterly. At the end of the first and third quarters, report cards are issued at the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. At the end of the second and fourth quarters, they are sent home with the students. Progress reports will also be sent at the middle of each quarter. The grading policy for the various levels is as follows:
Kindergarten M = Most of the time S = Sometimes/Developing Skills I = Improving/Needs more time and help / = Not Evaluated
Grades 1-5 A = 90-100 Excellent B = 80-89 Above Average C = 70-79 Average D = 60-69 Below Average F = Below 60 Unsatisfactory
Character Development E = Excellent Progress S = Satisfactory N = Needs to Improve
Awards Criteria Our mission is to promote academic excellence. We strongly believe in praising and honoring students who meet or exceed our standards. The ulitimate goal is that every child who attends MAUES will be a high academic achiever. We want to recognize students who do excellent or above average work. We also want to provide incentives for students to work hard and meet high standards. Below are the criteria for some recognition programs:
Principal's Award - The child maintains an "A" (between 90-100) grade for all four quarters. - The child must maintain an "E" on character development, on all four quarters. - The child must be reading on grade level by the end of 4th quarter.
"A" Honor Roll - The child must maintain an "A" average, 90-100 for the final grade (an average of all four quarters). - The child must have maintained an "S" or an "E" in character development. - The child must be reading on grade on grade level by the end of the 4th quarter.
"B" Honor Roll - The child must maintain an "B" average, 80-89 for the final grade (an average of all four quarters). - The child must have maintained an "S" or an "E" in character development. - The child must be reading on grade on grade level by the end of the 4th quarter.
Perfect Attendance The longer a student is in school and engaged in high quality instruction, the likelier he or she will learn. To receive recognition for perfect attendance, the student must be present for all 180 days (for the entire school day) having no record of tardiness.
Citizenship Award This award is fiven to students who demonstrated outstanding conduct and citizenship for upholding excellent character throughout the school year.
Fieldtrips A field trip is a trip of educational value to the students that is closely related to course content and is regarded as an extension of the class work. It stimulates interest in a new unit, supplements the lesson, enriches an ongoing unit, or reviews learning experiences. A field trip offers an opportunity not available through the use of books, films, and other visual aides in the classroom. A parent or guardian must sign a Field Trip Parent Permission Form ("Field Trip Form") and grant permission for the child to attend a field trip. This form will indicate the objectives, dates, location, and other requirements of the field trip. Students may NOT participate in the field trip without this form. A written note or verbal authorization from the parent will NOT be accepted. Parents and guardians are advised to submit the Field Trip Parent Permission Form well in advance of the scheduled field trip. Parents or guardians may accompany their child on the field trip; however, this arrangement must be approved by the principal. All safety precautions will be taken during the field trip. Student must obey all school and safety rules at all times. Failure to do so may jeopardize participation in future field trips. In addition, uniforms must be worn on field trips. Failure to wear the uniform during a field trip activity will result in non-participation. Since many field trips are scheduled during lunchtime, parents may be asked to provide a sack lunch.
Standardized Testing Students are administered standardized tests to gauge their achievement against student nationwide and islandwide. The District Wide Assessment is administered to Grades 1-5. In the near future, a standards-based assessment will be administered to selected grade levels.
Homework The purpose of homework is to reinforce what the child has been taught. Carefully selected homework may help students develop positive attitudes toward school, build good study habits, and encourage creative and critical thinking. To these ends, parents are called upon to take an active role in their child's homework. Some parental responsibilities regarding homework include: - checking homework daily - conferring with teachers if homework is unclear - showing interest in what the student is learning - taking homework assignments seriously - assisting their child to manage time well - providing an atmosphere conducive to learning - removing distractions (i.e., loud noise, clutter, etc.) - providing necessary supplies - reviewing assignments for neatness, accuracy, and completion
Textbooks Teachers may issue textbooks to students. These must be kept in good condition and returned at the end of the school year. Parents will be responsible for for lost or damaged textbooks. Certain school documents may be withheld until textbook obligations have been cleared.