| Dear Friends,
Downtown Elementary's Core
Knowledge (CK) and Technology Magnet Program provides K-5 students with
an innovative approach to learning through the Core Knowledge Curriculum.
CK is an enriched curriculum within a carefully constructed framework of
themes and ideas that all children should know. It begins by building foundations
of knowledge in the early grades exposing children to a core of interesting
knowledge that provides a basis for later learnings and a common ground
for communication in a diverse society. CK is the common ground for uncommon
knowledge.
The new Basic Skills for
the 21st Century requires students to have the ability to access, analyze
and communicate information effectively. Downtown utilizes technology to
facilitate teaching and learning. All students have access to the Product
Development Center with computers, scanners and Internet. Teachers and
students utilize the classroom computers on a daily basis to enrich reading,
writing, arithmetic and other basic skills through online research, e-mail
communication and virtual field trips. Students develop or acquire new
and interesting insights and understandings, find patterns and relationships,
and synthesize, create, and innovate.
Partners in Education
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Kiwanis Club of Columbus
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First Union Bank
Honors/Awards
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Riverfest Art Contest winner
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Media Festival-state winners
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Yearbook Award
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MCSD Teacher of the Year-Top Ten (4 yrs)
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Sallie Mae First Year Teacher Award Winner
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Milken National Educator Award Winner
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Georgia Education Award Winner
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Disney Channel's American Teacher Award
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Muscogee Excellence Foundation Grant Recipient
Student Incentive Programs
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Citizenship Award
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Outstanding Scholar
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Honor Roll
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Principal's List
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Principal's Breakfast
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Challenger Chip Celebrations
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Star Challengers
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Core Knowledge Extravaganza
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Perfect Attendance Awards
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Mission
The mission of the Downtown Elementary
Magnet Academy (DEMA) is to:
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Provide a daring core curriculum
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Create opportunities for discovering the
world through technology
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Provide experiences that produce dynamic
self-motivated learners
School Programs
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Reading Recovery
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Full-time Music and Art Education
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Family Literacy Coordinator
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Reading Specialist at each grade level
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Special Education-Self Contained and itinerant
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Pre-Kindergarten
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Technology
Special Programs
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Core Knowledge Curriculum
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Product Development Center
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E-Pals with newspaper staff
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Creating Original Opera - Metropolitan
Opera
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Buddies for Breakfast with City Officials
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Key Pals
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Student Safety Patrol
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Student Council
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Show Choir
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Artists-in-Residence Program
After School Programs
An innovative, enriching Parks and
Recreation Program includes technology connected activities in the school's
Product Development Center, guest speakers, field trips, arts and crafts,
homework assistance, karate and dance lessons.
Parent/Community Involvement
The staff of Downtown
Elementary Magnet Academy believes the best education for students is assured
when the school and community work together. Downtown's business partners,
First Union and Kiwanians of Greater Columbus, have been major suppoorters
of faculty and students at the district's first Core Knowledge and Technology
Magnet Program. First Union provides books for the Media Center, as well
as readers to classes on a weekly basis. The bank supports the school through
other means such as the Junior Achievement Program, Savings Bonds for exemplary
students, and recognition of excellence in teaching. This year the bank
plans to assist students in establishing savings accounts, college funds,
and teaching math skills using real money. Kiwanians are partnered with
classrooms providing support to teachers and students on a weekly basis.
The PTA plays an active roll by sponsoring fundraisers that support programs
such as artists in residence, school uniform fund, field trips, and appreciation
awards.
Other educational and local
organizations are a part of the instructional program as well. Several
local downtown businesses have partnered with the school through an innovative
E-Pal program. Parents, the school's most valuable resource, form advisory
counsels and perform an active role in the everyday activities as well
as the evaluation and refinement of the magnet program. |
