Reading Assessment

Madison School uses the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to identify the students' current reading level. The DRA is an individually administered assessment that is given to students two or three times a year. In addition, it is used to document student growth, to identify strategies used and to guide instruction.

Additionally, early literacy assessments are administered up to three times a year. These assessments include, letter identification, phoneme/sound production, Hearing Sounds in Words, basic sight word recognition and reading/writing attitude surveys.

Guided Reading (Read with)

The teacher works with a small group of students who are reading at approximately the same level. The students have individual copies of the book and independently read orally or silently as the teacher observes, coaches and evaluates the students' performance. The teacher encourages students to think critically about the book and to demonstrate reading strategies independently.

While guided reading groups are meeting with the teacher, the other students are engaged in literacy work stations/centers. Literacy work stations/centers are implemented to practice and apply different reading and writing skills.

Independent Reading (Read by)

On a daily basis, children read on their own or with partners from a wide variety of materials. This includes reading charts, poems, songs, the word wall, class stories, informational books, big books, etc. Through independent practice, students become fluent and confident readers.

Read Aloud (Read to)

The teacher chooses a variety of books that may be written above the students’ current reading level. Reading to children stimulates their desire to become readers and models fluency and expression. It also allows them to build background knowledge through listening comprehension.

Shared Reading (Read with)

The teacher uses text with words large enough for all students to see. This may include big books, poems, songs and charts. The shared reading text is chosen to teach specific reading strategies and skills. Through discussion, the children are engaged in learning and using reading/problem solving skills within a book, not in isolation.

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Reading Curriculum

Writing Curriculum

Literacy Websites

Math Websites

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Lunch Menus
A link to the monthly school menus in PDF format.

Curriculum
A link to pages explaining Madison school's curriculum.
And links to web sites to assist your child in Literacy and Mathematics.

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Lunch Menus
Monthly menus in PDF format.

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  Welcome to TOPS Pre-K!

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   TOPS Pre-K  

 "Where learning and fun go hand in hand"

Schedule

TOPS Preschool classes meet Monday through Friday, with the exception of Madison School holidays. Parents can indicate a preference for morning or afternoon preschool and we will do our best to accomodate you.

Class times are as follows:

• Morning--8:40 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
• Afternoon--12:30 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Each classroom has a daily schedule which includes play time, whole group time, snack, and outside time as weather permits. 

Fees

TOPS is a recipient of the state of Illinois Preschool for all Grant. There are no fees for parents.

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 TOPS Pre-K 

"Where learning and fun go hand in hand"

TOPS Pre-K is a receipient of the Illinois Preschool for All grant, which focuses on high-quality educational programs for children who are determined to be "at-risk" due to a wide variety of factors. A few examples of these factors are: low to moderate income families, families where English is not the primary language spoken at home, and single parent/blended families. Students must be "at-risk" and at least 3 years old to enroll in the Preschool for All program.

Please note that we have limited space and not every student who qualifies will be able to secure a spot in the program. Children who are the most "at-risk" will be placed first and 4 year olds also get priority over three year olds. 

Registration--February 4, 2013 through April 5, 2013

Registration for the 2013-2014 school year will be open until April 5, 2013. After that time, all families will be applying for the waiting list. Please call (847-982-6318) or e-mail ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) Mrs. Grodzin to make an appointment for a tour and to receive an eligibility packet. Only those students who are eligible for the program and receive spots will complete the registration process at the end of April. Click below for more details about our registration process:

 Preschool Registration 2013-2014

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