Programming FAQ

• Combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math with real-world applications in agriculture and horticulture.
• Encourages creativity through projects that connect classroom lessons to life skills.

• Students engage in cooking, baking, and planting, fostering a deeper understanding of where food comes from.
• Encourages collaboration and teamwork through interactive activities.

• Teaches essential skills like farm-to-table practices, preparing students for future culinary and agricultural pursuits.
• Emphasizes the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

• Students participate in research and marketing as they sell our homegrown popcorn, gourmet seasonings, sensory bags, apple butter, and more.
• Develops business acumen and confidence in public speaking and presentation skills.

Our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) program is designed to provide targeted interventions for students based on their individual needs.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Students are identified for support through districtwide benchmark assessments, ensuring that interventions are tailored to their specific learning needs.

• Our program features a highly qualified teacher dedicated to delivering effective interventions, helping students succeed academically.

• Interventions are designed to support each student’s growth, providing additional resources and strategies to enhance their learning experience.

• We work closely with families to monitor progress and adjust support as needed, fostering a partnership that prioritizes student success.
• We are committed to helping every student thrive through collaboration and data-collection.

PE Schedule:

• Students in grades K-5 enjoy physical education every day

• Middle school students receive PE instruction four days a week

• Junior high students participate in nine weeks of health instruction, covering important topics to support overall well-being.

• Our program emphasizes the importance of leading active lives and practicing good sportsmanship, helping students develop teamwork and resilience.

• All physical education classes are taught by a highly qualified teacher, ensuring an engaging learning environment.

Our Instructional Coach plays a key part in enhancing the educational experience at our school.

Here’s how our coach supports both our staff and students:

Professional Development:

• Our Instructional Coach provides targeted professional development for staff, helping educators refine their teaching practices and stay current with best practices in education.

Data Analysis:

• The coach analyzes schoolwide data at both state and local levels to identify trends and inform instructional strategies, ensuring that our teaching methods are effective and data-driven.

Mentorship:

• The coach mentors both new and veteran certified staff, fostering collaboration and sharing valuable insights to enhance their professional growth.

By supporting our teachers, our Instructional Coach ultimately benefits our students, creating a more dynamic and effective learning environment.

Here’s what makes our program special and beneficial to the excellent education we provide:

Play-Based Learning:

• Our curriculum emphasizes learning through play, allowing children to explore, create, and develop essential social skills in a fun and engaging environment.

Kindergarten Readiness:

• We focus on preparing your child for kindergarten, nurturing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking to ensure a smooth transition to elementary school.

Holistic Development:

• Our program supports emotional, social, and physical development, fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

We believe that a strong start in preschool sets the stage for future academic success.

Our school provides a research-based, comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program, which is designed to support the emotional well-being of all our students from PreK through 8th grade.

Here’s what you need to know:

Weekly Instruction:

• Our SEL program is taught weekly by dedicated teachers and staff, focusing on essential skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication.

• We use a consistent language schoolwide to foster understanding and connection among students, ensuring that everyone is on the same page in their social-emotional development.

Supportive Resources:

• Our school social worker is available to assist students with individual issues as well as to address broader topics that may impact groups or classes, providing a safe space for discussion and support.

We believe that nurturing social-emotional skills is vital for academic success and overall well-being.

Waltham's Tribe Time is offered twice a week for students in grades K-8.

Here’s what makes Tribe Time special:

Building Connections:

• Tribe Time fosters meaningful connections among students and staff, creating a strong sense of community within our school.

Positive Start to the Day:

• Each session features high-interest activities that engage students and set a positive tone for the day ahead, promoting enthusiasm and collaboration.

We believe that Tribe Time is a wonderful opportunity for our students to bond, build relationships, and enhance their overall school experience.

Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program is a schoolwide system designed to promote positive behavior among all students.

Here’s how PBIS benefits our school community:

Promoting Positive Behavior:

• PBIS focuses on reinforcing positive behavior, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive.

Consistent Expectations:

• We teach clear expectations using consistent language throughout the school, ensuring that all students understand what is expected of them.

Data-Driven Lessons:

• Our lessons and interventions are tailored based on schoolwide behavioral data, allowing us to address specific needs and promote a positive school culture.

Together, we can support our students in developing the skills they need to succeed both academically and socially.

Waltham offers a diverse range of sports and extracurricular activities. These programs provide students with opportunities to engage in teamwork, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.

Here’s what we offer:

Basketball
Volleyball
Cheerleading
Baseball
Softball
Golf
Scholastic Bowl
Bowling
Track

Participation in these activities not only promotes physical fitness but also encourages discipline, sportsmanship, and a sense of community. We believe these experiences are essential for our students’ growth and development.

We are proud to highlight our school’s outstanding music program, designed to inspire and nurture our students' musical talents from an early age.

Here’s what we offer:

K-5 Winter Programs:

• Our younger students participate in engaging winter programs, showcasing their musical skills and spreading joy through performance.

K-8 Music Classes:

• Music is taught 1-2 times per week, providing consistent opportunities for all students to explore their musical interests.

Grades 4-8 Band:

• Students in grades 4-8 can join the band, receive individual instrument lessons, and participate in both fall and spring concerts.

Unique Experiences:

• Our program includes a recorder program and exposure to unique instruments like the ukulele and fun drum circles.

Band Competitions:

• Students have the chance to showcase their talents at band competitions, fostering teamwork and dedication.

Expert Instruction:

• Our highly qualified music educator and band director is dedicated to providing exceptional guidance and mentorship, ensuring that every student thrives in their musical journey.

We believe that our music program plays a vital role in developing creativity, collaboration, and confidence in our students.

We are excited to highlight the valuable role of our PTCC, a supportive group of parent volunteers dedicated to enhancing our school community.

Here’s how the PTCC contributes to our students’ educational experiences:

Involvement and Support:

• The PTCC brings together parents, teachers, and community members to collaborate on initiatives that benefit our students.

Fundraising Efforts:

• Our dedicated volunteers organize fundraisers to support field trips and enrich educational experiences, ensuring that all students have access to valuable learning opportunities.

Exciting Events:

• Join us for fun community events such as Trivia Night, classroom parties, Field Day, and our annual Spring Dinner, all designed to foster school spirit and engagement.

Waltham's newly formed School Booster Club is dedicated to supporting our students' activities and athletic programs.

Here’s how the Booster Club makes a difference:

Supporting Student Activities:

• The Booster Club plays a vital role in enhancing the experience of our students by providing funding for various extracurricular activities and athletic programs.

Funding Equipment and Supplies:

• Contributions from the Booster Club help purchase essential equipment and supplies, ensuring our teams and programs are well-equipped for success.

Supporting Tournaments and Games:

• The club also provides financial support for tournaments and games, allowing our athletes to compete and showcase their skills.

We encourage all parents and community members to get involved with the Booster Club and help us create an enriching environment for our students.

Our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience includes a variety of offerings designed to enrich our students’ learning. One of the highlights is our 8th Grade Algebra program.

Here’s what makes it special:

• High School Credit: Eligible 8th graders can earn high school credit for Algebra, setting a strong foundation for their future academic success.
• Courses through Local High Schools: We partner with both LaSalle-Peru High School and St. Bede Academy to provide these courses, ensuring our students have access to quality instruction.
• Convenient Busing: To make this opportunity accessible, we offer busing from LPHS, so students can easily attend their classes without transportation concerns.

We are proud to offer these enriching experiences that help our students excel and prepare for their next steps.

Our strong collaborations with local organizations not only enhance our students' learning experiences but also foster a supportive environment for everyone.

Here are some of the key partnerships we value:

• Utica Police Department: Collaborating on safety programs and community engagement initiatives.
• Utica Fire Department: Providing fire safety education and resources for our students.
• LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office: Supplying us with access to two school resource officers and working together on schoolwide events to promote safety and awareness.
• Local Emergency Response Drills: Our school hosts drills to familiarize police, fire, and sheriff departments with our building, enhancing preparedness and safety.
• Illinois Valley Community College: Offering educational resources and pathways for our students' future.
• LaSalle County ROE #35: Partnering for truancy support and educational resources.
• Truancy Officer: Ensuring that all students are present and engaged in their learning.
• Illinois Youth Survey: Collecting data to understand and support our students' needs.
• Johnson Oil: Supporting our school through community initiatives.
• Feed His Children: Addressing food insecurity and ensuring that all families have access to meals.
• Utica Knights of Columbus: Organizing events like the Winter Coat Drive to help those in need.
• St. Mary's Church and Waltham Presbyterian Church: Providing Christmas Gift Programs to support families during the holiday season.

These partnerships play a vital role in enriching our school environment and providing essential support to our students and families.