04/28/08

FAQ’s

Why come to Newfound School?

Because of our deep commitment to the learning success of your child, our educational expertise with special education, and our personal attention to each child and family. If  your child will benefit from  a teacher that is knowledgeable with teaching and instruction, the scope and sequence of curricula, and a classroom that differentiates and individualizes instruction, Newfound may be a good choice for your child.  Our staff is directly supervised by educational experts to assist students who may have attention difficulties, a lack of focus, or have behaviors that may interfere with learning.

What are some activities a student might do during a typical day at Newfound School?

Students in our early elementary program spend a lot of time learning school appropriate behaviors. Knowing where to place belongings, knowing where to go in the classroom asking for help, making wants and needs known, cooperative play, and getting along with others are incorporated into the learning program. They also experience fine and gross motor activities, reading, math, and handwriting. Science and social studies are integral parts of their day as well.

Students in elementary and middle school work on academic areas to include: language arts, reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts. Reading and math activities are individualized based on individual achievement testing while science and social studies are taught according to grade appropriate goals and objectives. Grade appropriate science and social studies are taught.

Many students suffer from knowledge deficits because they have not had meaningful instruction and a challenging curriculum. If students are not exposed to a quality curriculum taught by a knowledgeable teacher who knows how to meet a child’s learning needs there are probably gaps or deficits in the child’s education due to a teaching problem. At Newfound research based instruction is provided by experienced professional teachers.

Students in high school work with one of three tracts or programs: a college preparatory program, a basic high school diploma, program or a vocational, life skills, functional academic program. Students have both group lessons and individual instruction.

All students at Newfound School work on social skills, character development, self advocacy, communication, and good citizenship skills.

 

 How long has Newfound been in existence?

Newfound School began in 2001.

Is Newfound a Montessori School?

No, quite the opposite.  Newfound is very teacher directed and emphasizes teacher directed activities.  Direct instruction, an educational “best practice” developed by Robert Slavin at Johns Hopkins University, is one of many teaching strategies that are used. Students who are on the autism spectrum or having many other learning challenges need a structured as opposed to an unstructured day.

Why are classes no larger than five students?

We are proud of our class size and do this for the benefit of our students. This is to provide a maximum amount of individual attention to each learner. Research shows that reduced class size increases instructional performance.

What about “mainstreaming” opportunities? 

There are a variety of learners at Newfound School. Also, it is important to remember that it is the teacher that sets the tone of instruction and appropriate modeling for students. There is no “magic” in being a large classroom with a teacher that either cannot meet your child’s needs or prefers not to have your child in their class. Unfortunately, as students progress through school, many have to deal with negative peer pressure or ridicule because of their disability in a “mainstream” setting. Michael Pressley in his book Reading Instruction that Works,  notes the following  about mainstreaming: “By the middle elementary grades mainstreaming means placement into a competitive classroom environment in which failure relative to others is virtually assured for the child with a learning difference“(p. 382),

How long will my child need to attend Newfound School?

It depends a lot on your child’s needs and individual preference. Newfound offers a quality PreK-12 program.  Each year a review of placement and goals is thoroughly discussed.

What students on the autism spectrum should apply to Newfound School?

Newfound is for students who are ready to move beyond  discreet trials and are ready for the next step into a small structured classroom. If a child needs constant 1:1 attention,  they are not ready to apply to Newfound.  Students need to be able to benefit from a classroom that will include academics, social skills, communication, fine and gross motor skills.

Does Newfound provide Speech or OT?

We do not provide Speech or Occupational Therapy at Newfound so that the school day focuses entirely on academics, communication, and social skills. Our day is very structured and therapies often require students to be "pulled out" of class causing them to lose valuable instructional time. We do support collaboration with therapists and believe in a team approach however, therapy needs to be provided if needed, outside of Newfound.

What are your admissions criteria?

Each student is individually considered for Newfound.  The main criteria for admission is will this student be successful at Newfound and can Newfound and  the child’s parents work together to create a successful academic program.

What about extra curricular activities at Newfound? 

Newfound has a dynamic student council that has donated money to the Salvation Army, over a thousand cans of food to the needy, written letters to our wounded soldiers, visited a nursing home and has purchased play ground equipment to our school.  Newfound does not have homework so that students can participate in outside activities. We believe in having a well balanced child and encourage participation in sports, scouts, church, or whatever activities are important to a child and the family. This is a great way to practice the social and communication skills that have been learned at Newfound.  Parents can be confident that their child is learning everything that they need to during a school day.

Newfound has had special activities such as: Pizza Day, holiday parties  (for elementary age students) guest speakers, musicals,  an art show,  a science fair, other after school Social Activities, and other events.

Because Newfound has an open classroom arrangement does noise or distractions interfere with instruction? 

No, students are taught routines and boundries within the classroom.  This design does not interfere with their instruction. The open nature of the class helps staff members to assist and collaborate with each other.

What do I do next if I am interested in Newfound School?

1. Schedule an interview, to include both parents, with an Executive Director of Newfound School.

2. If recommended to apply, submit a completed application with a $300.00 nonrefundable application fee.

3. Parents with an elementary aged student may participate in a 30 minute visit to the classroom but only after a formal application and application fee have been submitted.

4. Schedule your child’s visit to Newfound.

5. Following a review of records, a decision about acceptance is made and parents are notified.

What will I need to bring to the initial interview?

A copy of a current I.E.P., cognitive and achievement testing, medical reports, related services evaluations.

What questions will be discussed during the initial interview?

Why are you interested in Newfound School?  What are you looking for in a school?  What are your child’s needs?  Who has made recommendations regarding your child’s challenges?  What do you anticipate for your child’s future?  How involved are you in your child’s education? What can you do as parents to support Newfound School?

I am looking at a variety of schools and would it be possible to visit your school?

Newfound prefers parents who are already familiar with our school based on referrals from therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, and parents of the school. We do not have a full time Admissions Director.  We prefer only serious inquiries and suggest that you narrow down your preferences before coming to an interview at Newfound.

Who should I first contact about arranging an appointment for an interview?

Contact Dr. Marsha Guernsey for students in PreK-5

and Dr. Bill Robb for students in grades 6-12. 

Feel free to call (214) 390-1749 or e-mail us at newfoundinc@aol.com.