Description+of+Learning+Community

=**SAG Elementary School Overview **=
 * ==**School and Community Context for Learning **==
 * The city of Auburn is no ordinary community. The city is alive with activity, constantly evolving with its ever-growing population. Citizens take pride in the quality of life that Auburn offers: excellent public schools, outstanding health care, varied recreational activities, and diversity of business and industry. The small town warmth is enriched with people drawn from all over the world by Auburn University, over ninety industries, a world class golf complex, and a growing retiree population. Auburn’s present population is approximately 43,000, but because of its outstanding array of educational opportunities, Auburn enjoys a unique sophistication not often found in small southern cities. Drawing over 23,000 students from 50 states and 60 foreign countries, Auburn University lends an added dimension to the community’s cultural life.
 * The Parent Teacher Association has obtained 100% membership for over 20 years. Classroom websites, Facebook pages and quarterly meetings help the community and parents stay informed. The PTA provides support to the school through funding, volunteer work, and teacher support.
 * Several organizations provide resources for the school. Partnerships with Auburn University through lab students and pre-service teacher education students provide additional small group instruction for students. The Junior League of Auburn volunteers through reading and mentoring programs with students. In addition, many students are involved with the Boys and Girls Club which partners with the school to provide tutoring and homework services.
 * ==**School Profile**==
 * SAG Elementary is a vibrant and active learning community of over 400 students in first-fifth grades. Teachers, specialists, resource teachers, and administrative staff provide a strong support network for growing in academic, creative, and social areas. The studen tpopultation is composed of seven languages and a variety of cultures.


 * ==**Teachers**==
 * SAG Elementary has 37 highly qualified teachers, 60% of whom hold advanced degrees.
 * The staff includes 22 homeroom teachers and specialists in the areas of PE, music, art, computer, reading, science, media, and math.
 * Many teachers have been recognized for teaching excellence through Teacher of the Year, Alabama State Teacher of the Year,Milken Educator Award, and various grants.
 * Teachers participate in weekly professional development through technology showcases, book studies, and collegial coaching.


 * ==**Students**==
 * The students population is made up of 68% Caucasian, 24% African American, 6% Asian, and 2% Hispanic. Approximately 30% are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. The average daily attendance is 98%. Special programs are offered in the area of special education, English Language Learning, and Title 1 reading and math. Approximately 12% of the school population receive special education services including speech, with 2% receiving ELL instruction. The Venture program provides 20% of the student body with enrichment instruction.


 * ==Curriculum ==
 * The school curriculum is derived from the Alabama Course of Study. All courses of study can be found at [].


 * ==Media Center Schedule ==
 * The SAG Elementary School media center follows a combination fixed/flexible schedule. 1st and 2nd graders enjoy fixed weekly media classes, 3rd and 4th graders enjoy fixed biweekly media classes, and 5th graders enjoy flexible use of the media center. All students are allowed to come to the media center before or after school or anytime a teacher provides a pass during class time. Teachers are allowed to reserve the media center's facilities for research or other classroom use.


 * ==School Mission and Goals==
 * School Mission
 * The SAG Elementary School faculty aspires to provide a professional learning community where all students are given every opportunity to be productive 21st century citizens through academic, physical, and social development.
 * Vision
 * The school district, in partnership with families and community, will create a safe, nurturing, learning environment where a challenging curriculum, high academic standards, and respect for diversity will maximize each student’s intellectual, artistic, technological, and physical potential to become a productive member of our global society.
 * Goals
 * High academic achievement
 * Safe, nurturing, and orderly environment
 * A strong, positive relationship with stakeholders


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">School Improvement Plan
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Student Performance
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Technology
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Character Development
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Safe, nurturing, orderly environment
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Strong, positive relationships with stakeholders


 * ==Student Achievement==
 * SAG students consistently exceed state and national averages on standardized test scores. This success is seen across the grade levels with 99% of first graders benchmarking on the DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency and 90% of fifth graders scoring above proficient on the Alabama Writing Assessment. SAG exceeded requirements for meeting 17 of 17 AYP goals. SAG is a 2008 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. In 2009, the Alabama State Department awarded the school with an $11,000 grant for showing data that proved the achievement gap for free and reduced students was closed.