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Unique Physical Characteristics:
Carlson School is laid out in a pod system with open classrooms joined by common meeting areas. This enables the teachers to engage their students in many cross grade activities and whole-pod activities. Pod meetings address academic goals, social skills and current events. |
School Age Center After School Care:
Provided at Carlson by the YMCA School Age Center (SAC) program. The mission of all SAC programs is to provide care for school age children in a nurturing environment which is supportive to the parent and enriching for the child. Activities include active and quiet group games, craft opportunities, value studies and much more. The Carlson SAC program is offered from dismissal time until 5:30 p.m. Registration forms for the SAC program will be available at school registration and orientation. |
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Accelerated Reader:
This is a computerized reading program that students find naturally motivating. It is designed around a system of individualized goals. The program is successful because of students’ love of computers, appreciation of the fairness and accuracy of the reading point system, and positive response to immediate reinforcement. Straightforward tests and frequent opportunities remove the fear of failure. Continued use of the program improves fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and test taking skills. Students read books of their own choice within guidelines designed for them. Carlson School has well over 3,000 AR Test titles to choose from at a variety of reading levels. Students work towards point levels and receive a Principal's Accelerated Reader lanyard after earning their first 25 points. Lanyard Pins are rewarded for reaching set point levels. Students are celebrated every Friday for reaching new goal levels. |
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Partner Reading:
This is a cross-grade activity that pairs primary and intermediate students as partners engaged in reading. Materials used are taken directly from the classroom curriculum. |
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Universal Playground:
Dedicated on May 31, 2002, this universally designed playground allows children of all abilities to play together. It includes slides, climbing and jumping opportunities and bridges. This playground is accessible to all students with ramps, handles, large turnaround areas, and in the future, rubber matting. We at Carlson School want to ensure that all of our students, including those who do not walk well or are in wheelchairs can use the playground and are able to play with their friends. |
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Boys and Girls Intramural Basketball Grade 5:
The 5th grade boys team competes in an intermural basketball program within our school during January and February. The fifth grde girls compte in an intermural baskeball program in February and March. There is one practice and one game per week. The program is run by our P.E. teacher, Mr. Lassandro. All basketball players must maintain good grades and display good behavior in order to participate in weekly practices and games. |
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Cougar TV:
Classrooms are equipped with closed circuit televisions that currently broadcast a ten minute newscast each week. Programs inform students and staff of important school events, current world events, and occasionally guest speakers are used. Sudent reporters conduct interviews and read scripts. A field camerea is used to film special events and DVD players run news footage. Students do authentic writing and reporting as they broadcast news to the school. |
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Computer Lab:
Our Computer Lab is brand new as of April 2006. Students are learning typing skills, creating Power Point projects related academically to Science, Social Studies and Math, and work at academic skills at a wide variety of web sites that support learning. |
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K-Kids:
Alpine Kiwanis sponsors Carlson K-Kids. Students in third, fourth and fifth grade meet weekly and work on school and community based projects such as Red Ribbon Week, Recycling, School Campus Clean up, and Cards for Veterans. |
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Spirit Squad:
Fifth grade girls learn basic cheerleading skiils, POM routines, and team building skills. Spirit Squad practices once a week after school and attends games to support the fifth grade basketball team. |
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Field Trips:
A variety of field trips are offered, including trips to Midway Village, The Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Aldeen Outdoor Education Center, Severson Dells, Rockfor Art Museum, and various theater productions. |
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Carlson Choir:
This group participates as a part of the intermediate musical program, and concentrates on vocal technique and learning to play Orff instruments. |
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