Smaller Learning communities at the park

Smaller learning communities - slc

• Smaller Learning Communities are personalized, interdisciplinary approach to learning. Any 9th grade student can select to be a part of a Smaller Learning Community (SLC) to assist them in making a successful transition from middle school to high school.

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• SLC teaching teams (English and Social Studies - in a two - hour block - if possible) support students academically and foster connectedness with peers in smaller environments within the students’ home buildings while offering rich and rigorous learning experiences that connect and are relevant.

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Smaller learning communities

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• The student’s SLC team (World Literature and World History) is assigned approximately 60 students in a two-hour block of time. Students are mixed among their other classes rather than scheduled with the same group of students each hour.

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• Teachers may plan integrated lessons and projects, confer regularly regarding student progress, and take part in assemblies and field trips.

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• Project based learning and cross-curricular instruction between World History and World Literature is a primary focus.

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World Literature - English 9 slc at the park

• Literature
• Myths and Folktales
• The Odyssey (Homer)
• Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare)
• Composition
• Narrative
• Literary Analysis
• Argumentative
• Grammar Skills
• Research Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Choice reading

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World History 9 slc at

the park

• Geography
• Weekly map quizzes
• Understand Global Patterns
• Examine Place & Space
• Evaluate Human interaction
• Units of Study
• Expanding Human Interaction
• First Global Age
• Global Revolutions & Imperialism
• Global Crises
• Contemporary Global Issues
• Critical Thinking skills
• Inquiry-based learning
• Civic Engagement

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Smaller learning communities at the Park

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ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS at the park:

• Successful students record important reminders in their planners for every class, every day, without fail.
• Families who regularly check parent and student MiStar are aware of the student’s progress and can follow up with the classroom teacher when needed.
• P-CEP is much larger than middle school and it may be more of a challenge to make friends. Joining a co-curricular or a sport is a great way to meet people who share your interests.
• Students are given more freedom at P-CEP than middle school because they are expected to be ready for more responsibility. Getting to class on time, staying organized, taking responsibility for your actions, and working hard show that you are mature and able to handle the increased freedom of high school.

• Research supports that having a good 9th grade year is an excellent predictor that the student will complete high school successfully and graduate. Unlike middle school, a certain number of credits must be earned in order to pass to the next grade. Students who do not meet the standards for the classes they take will have to attend summer school or stay in high school longer than four years in order to graduate.

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• P-CEP teachers report that one of the major reasons students do poorly in high school is that they do not do their homework. High school students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per night on homework.

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ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS:

Pcep reflects the world and its diversity!

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PCEP

• Every student and adult at the Park is expected to demonstrate respect for those not like themselves. Learning to thrive in a diverse environment is outstanding preparation for success in college, work, and life.

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Smaller learning communities at the Park Student voices -

Ethan N.

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I know that many of my friends are ones that

were in both my English and Social Studies classes freshman

year. Also, it makes the transition from middle to high

school much easier for students.

Caden s.

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A video is worth a thousand words -

SLC graduate -

NICK D.

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Let’s talk about relationships - it’s key

Madelyn G.

Some of my classes had students in other grades, such as Spanish and Honors Geometry, and it felt harder to talk to people. In my freshman classes with some of the same people, I felt more comfortable asking classmates for help and talking to them.

It was also comforting to see the same faces in more than one class a day. Two years later, I am still friends with the people I met in my freshman English and Social Studies classes. I strongly support this program of grouping 9th grade students together in these classes because it helps them adjust to a high school setting and make friends.

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Smaller Learning Community Graduate!

Kelcie R.

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1000 +

Whoa! Over 1000 + have enrolled in the SLC program over the last 10+ years!

Smaller Learning Community Graduate - matt O.

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Smaller learning community graduates

Blake P and Leslie Z

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SMALLER

COMMUNITIES AT THE PARK

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• 2/18/25 Academy Window Application Opens
• 2/25/25 Academy Application Window Closes
• 2/28/25 Notification of Academy Lottery at Noon

Slc - connections

MOLLY L.

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I met one of the girls who I consider my best friend, a strong bond that I feel directly resulted from being in the Smaller Learning Communities program at the Park. It's easy to feel small and insignificant at P-CEP, but opportunities like this can make a big the difference.

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P-cep Activities!

Activities and Athletics Extravaganza!

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Don’t forget to attend the PCEP ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS EXTRAVAGANZA! Wednesday, March 19 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Learn about the 60+ clubs at The Park and meet coaches from the sports teams at each school.

Watch for updates in August for - Link Crew Orientation. This event is a great way to start freshman year!

Extra-curricular opportunities at the park

• Debate
• Classic Film
• P-CEP Perspective
• Park Players Theater Company

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• Writer’s Block
• Spoken Word
• Good Books Club

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• Sci-Fi Fantasy Club
• WSDP Radio
• Video Production
• Mythology Club
• Educators Rising
• Engineering Club
• Fashion Club
• Food Club
• Gay Straight Alliance
• Improv club
• Indian American Student Association
• Jump Rope Club
• And so much more on the website….

• Writer’s Block
• Spoken Word
• Good Books Club
• Asian Pacific American club
• Aviation Club
• Campus Christians
• Chess Club
• Cricket Club
• Diversity Club
• Mock Trial Team
• Model UN

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• Ping-pong club
• American Red Cross club
• P-CEP Perspective
• Park Players Theater Company
• Anime club
• Art Club
• Muslim Student Association

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Make a difference in learning for your child today -

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Smaller

Learning

Communities

THANKS!

Any questions?

You can contact Lauren Cummings - Smaller Learning Communities Coordinator at the Park:

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LAUREN.CUMMINGS@PCCSK12.COM

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