Principal'S Message

Dear Aurora Parents and Community Members,

The 2011-2012 school year began August 8th with an enrollment of 320 students. The school is on a steady growth. We are very fortunate to be able to serve the community we serve and that they continue to support the mission of Aurora Charter School.

There are so many positive additions to the school. Over the past years we have developed tremendously in our use of technology in the classrooms and have provided each of the buildings with a full computer lab. There is a smartboard in every classroom to assist teachers and students in teaching and learning.There are numerous academic programs students are able to access to enhance their academic progress. All students in PreK-8th grade have access to computers.The programs used by the students are designed to help them in math, reading, writing and research, in English and in Spanish.

Our teachers do a wonderful job of taking on leadership roles. There are teachers who are school board members, Instructional Coaches and all are on one of several school building committees. Aurora's teachers receive ongoing training to provide them with the latest educational research information. Training requires workshops, conferences and specific trainings provided for our teachers. All the training our teachers receive enhances their teaching ability and skills. Ultimately it is our students who benefit greatly by having well trained teachers.

Collaboration among all teachers is another crucial ingredient to staff development and student success. Teachers meet weekly with their grade team members to discuss strategies and ideas to help students. They also meet with their cluster group once per month. The clusters are made up of several grades. Teachers discuss the expectations and progress of each grade level. This kind of collaboration allows teachers to better prepare students for the next grade level.

Aurora Charter School has two "highly qualified" English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. One works specifically with the elementary school grades 3 and 4 and the other works specifially with the 5-8 grade students. Our ESL teachers co-teach language arts with the classroom teacher. The individual student's English language skills are assessed. This allows the teachers to know how to group the students according to English language levels and modify their lessons. Our ESL teachers also work with individual students who may be new to the country or at a beginner level of English language acquistion. All students benefit from the help of our ESL teachers.

In the face of so many cuts in education we still believe that the arts and physical education are very important to a childs educational and physical development. Aurora maintains our arts and physical education programs. These teachers are busy working with all grades K-8 in fulfilling this committment. 

Our Middle School teachers developed an after school program for our 5-8 grade students. It is an extended school day program that allows students to explore math, science, literacy, world affairs and health apart from the normal classroom activities. Students are allowed to be innovative and creative in their learning with a hands on approach.

Our Elementary After School Program provides a safe place for students to be when their parents are not able to be home when the school day ends. Our dedicated teaching assistant staff works with our students on their homework and provide fun activities while they wait for their parents.

Parents are also welcome to participate in our bi-weekly computer class for parents. This allows our parents to learn how to  use the programs students use on a daily basis in school so they can help them at home. It is also an open lab for parents so they are able to take advantage of developing their computer skills. Parents are also able to participate in an open forum meeting with the Director. I am always interested in hearing what suggestions or concerns parents have or to just have the opportunity to talk in general with parents. It is another way for parents to meet one another and become involved in the school.

Our School Board is comprised of Teachers, Parents and Community Experts. These elected individuals are all volunteers who meet to discuss and decide policies for the school and oversee the financial well being of the school. I appreciate the dedication of these individuals for taking time out of their personal lives to attend trainings and meetings to become certified to be able  to do the wonderful work they do on behalf of the school. 

Eighty-percent of the staff at Aurora Charter School are bilingual or native Spanish speakers. There are no language barriers for students or parents. We are a small community school, with no more than 18 students per classroom, we have high academic and social expectations of our students and a strong committment from our parents. We are committed to provide our students the very best education possible in a warm, nurturing and welcoming environment. We are here to serve our students and we thank our parents for their support.

Principal's Message

Parents + Students

CALENDARIO ESCOLAR 2011_2012

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2011_2012