IN Keystone Oaks Winter 2017 | Page 30

KEYSTONE OAKS SCHOOL DISTRICT Building a Foundation of Excellence Keystone Oaks 2017-2018 Calendar Updated Keystone Oaks’ 2017-2018 school year calendar has been updated to include early dismissals on the following days: n n n n Wednesday, November 22, 2017 Friday, December 22, 2017 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Friday, May 25, 2018 Students will be dismissed at the following times: n Middle School / High School - 10:45 a.m. n Dormont Elementary School - 11:15 a.m. n Aiken Elementary School - 11:25 a.m. n Myrtle Elementary School - 11:40 a.m. For up-to-date calendar information, please visit the District’s website, www.kosd.org. Parents/guardians also have the option to synchronize the District calendar with their Outlook or Google calendars. Instructions are available at the following website - http://www.kosd.org/ protected/iCalInfo.aspx. Keystone Oaks was selected to participate in a three year grant program with the National Math and Science Initiative that will begin with the 2017- 2018 school year. The program is being coordinated by high school math teacher Kevin Gallagher. NMSI’s initiative is to significantly improve student opportunities and advance STEM teaching and learning by increasing the number of students taking and earning qualifying scores on AP math, science, computer science, and English exams. NMSI provides support and training for students and teachers beginning in elementary school, with a minimal yearly financial contribution from the district. On average, schools participating in NMSI see first year qualifying AP scores increase by 67%. Students who take an AP course are more attractive candidates for college admissions, and students who take AP courses “are more prepared to handle the rigor of college coursework and are more likely to persist,” according to NMSI. NMSI offers summer institutes for AP teachers, with follow-up through fall and spring workshops and mentors. NMSI also provides $34,000 over the three years to purchase supplies and equipment for AP coursework. Teachers in grades 3-11 will also participate in a summer program called Laying the Foundation, to explore college and career standards. NMSI supports students by reimbursing 50% of AP exam costs, awarding them $100 for every score on an exam above a 3, and offering Saturday study sessions throughout the school year. Participation in Math & Science Initiative Strives to Increase Participation in Advanced Places Classes, Scores on AP Exams 28 Keystone Oaks