America’s Choice is a Standards-based reform model that utilizes the workshop method of teaching. We use the workshop model in Math, Reading and Writing instruction. The workshop begins with a mini-lesson on a grade-level standard. The workshop continues with work time for students to apply the standard and time for the teacher to work with small groups and conference with individual students. The workshop ends with time for students to summarize what was learned in the mini-lesson and applied during work time.
This model helps teachers and students understand the expectations for work and performance for each grade. The model also gives teachers and students the tools to reach and surpass those expectations. America’s Choice provides a predictable classroom management structure that helps use class time in a productive manner and promotes community.
An Aligned Instructional System
We participate in the
Accelerated Reader program, which was designed to encourage students to
read at the appropriate reading level. Books that are too easy do not
encourage growth; books that are too difficult cause frustration. The
most productive level is in between: books that are both pleasurable and
challenging. We have several hundred Accelerated Reader tests, ranging
from Level 1 to Level 5.
(Click on the book picture to learn more about the author.)
| August: |
 First Day Jitters by Julie Danneburg A funny story about someone who is nervous about the first day of school. Throughout the book you assume it is a student, but at the end you realize it is someone else! It is a great conversation starter that helps students realize that at times we all get a little nervous about new settings and circumstances. |
January: |
 Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. The author uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. |
| September: |
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February: |
This book follows the life of Bessie Coleman. She was the determined African American woman who went all the way to France in order to earn her pilot’s license in 1921. She went on to become the first Black aviator in the United States. |
| October: |
 Big Al by Andrew Clements Big Al just wants to make friends, but because Big Al is large and scary looking, the little fish are afraid to get to know him. He tries everything he can think of to make friends, but something always goes wrong. Then one frightening day, when fishing net captures the other fish, Big Al gets the chance to prove what a wonderful friend he can be! |
March: |
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| November: |
 Whoever You Are by Mem Fox Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike. The theme, "We're different and We're the same" is shared throughout this book. |
April: |
Diary of a Worm
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| December: |
 A Rainbow of Friends: A Book to Celebrate Diversity by P.K. Hallinan This heartwarming book explains that each person is unique and adds immensely to the lives of others. It's a child-friendly story written in verse about how all friends are special and valuable regardless of differences or difficulties. |
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August:
Respect *Showing regard for the worth of someone or something. |
January:
Resilience The capacity to successfully manage high levels of change. |
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September:
Integrity *Steadfast adherence to a strict code of moral, ethical or artistic values; to consistently be truthful, sincere, and fair. Keeping one's word. |
February: Tolerance *Consideration for the individual differences, views and beliefs of other people. |
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October:
Responsibility *Taking care of one's self and others; to carry out a duty or task carefully and thoroughly. |
March:
Commitment *The obligation or pledge to carry out some action or to support some policy or person. |
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November:
Citizenship *Respectful devotion or allegiance to one's country and/or school. |
April/May:
Accomplishment *Pride and appreciation for attaining one's goals. |
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December:
Compassion *Showing concern or sympathy for others. |
Soy Unica is a program for Hispanic girls. They meet twice a week during the school year to learn to dance and appreciate the music of their native countries. They also learn about their heritage, how to establish and reach goals, improve communication skills, self esteem, and much more.
The academy’s mission is to develop leadership skills, physical and social wellness, and academic excellence. BLA teaches leadership skills through small-group interactions, peer coaching, experiential learning, and structured activities. Modeled by leaders, third, fourth and fifth grade students develop conflict resolution skills, self-esteem, and collaborative decision-making abilities. Birney students engage in leadership activities in school, as well as in the community. Click here to view the vision and pictures from BLA.