Lexington METCO Programs

METCO Programs

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Elementary School Porgrams
Middle School Programs
High School Programs

Elementary

Extended Learning Program

This program is designed to enhance the education of our Boston students and to further meet their individual learning needs. The goal is to provide targeted specific instruction in the areas of mathematics and language arts. Students from all six elementary schools come together on 21 Thursday afternoons throughout the school year to work on mathematics and language arts skills. The program is taught by Mathematics Specialists, currently working in the elementary schools, as well as various reading teachers and specialists. Selected students work in small groups (six students to one teacher and one assistant) for approximately two hours per session.

Lunch Group Programs

During lunch groups our Elementary METCO staff engages our students in a variety of activities designed to give them the necessary skills to be successful students in the Lexington Public Schools. They work on issues that may affect their academic performance or social interactions. Additionally, they may engage in activities that help them plan their future. Students have the opportunity to invite friends to these sessions.

Efficacy

The goal of this program is to promote the understanding that intelligence is developmental and “Smart is not something you are. Smart is something you get.” We seek to instill in our students feelings of competence, purpose and identity so they will recognize their capabilities and strive to reach their full potential. We also want them to see themselves as learners, and enable them to turn data into feedback to develop strategies to overcome academic and emotional challenges.

Family Friends

The METCO Family Friends Program is another supportive aspect of the METCO partnership wherein Lexington families volunteer to become "partners" with Boston families. When a child enters one of our schools via the METCO Program, she/he is paired with a volunteer Lexington family (preferably a family with a child in the same classroom or grade level as the Boston child). The Family Friends Program provides opportunities for Lexington and Boston children and their parents to broaden relationships through the sharing of family, cultural and social experiences in their respective communities. At the elementary level, Family Friend students participate in METCO Friends Visiting Days which are scheduled in advance on specified Thursday afternoons. Overnight visitations may occur (individually arranged, if desired) both in Lexington and in Boston. Open and regular communication between families in Lexington and Boston is encouraged throughout the year to help nurture the mutual development of relationships.

Middle Schools

Mentor Program

The mentoring initiative is designed to support the academic achievement of students from Boston. The Mentor Program provides ways for children to develop their academic strengths, organizational skills, and encourage positive study habits. Teachers and staff mentor students. The mentor will serve as an on-site coach, helping the student recognize academic strengths, set goals to improve their achievement, and celebrate successes. The mentor also works in partnership with parents and the child's teaches to support academic success. Mentors meet with students at times that are convenient to both of them. Social activities and outings are planned throughout the year. Some of the activities are golfing, potluck suppers, bowling, jewelry making, and games. Activities and outings may vary between the schools.

STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

The STEM Program is an opportunity for METCO middle school students to learn about and prepare for the possibility of careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This program serves students from population groups historically underrepresented in STEM careers fields. The Saturday program meets once a month four times a year at local colleges. STEM Academy offers a curriculum featuring engineering courses, academic enrichment in math and science, life mastery courses, and hands-on projects. Interested students must apply for entrance. The recruitment and screening process includes interviews with both students and parents or guardian.

METCO Tutoring

METCO tutoring is an in-school academic support program. Students can be referred by teachers, parents or themselves for help in their major subjects. Students may use METCO tutoring time to receive support with test preparation, organization, and study skills. The tutor teaches strategies for remembering, reading comprehension, practicing skills (ie. math and vocabulary), and planning for long-term projects. The tutor maintains a close liaison with classroom teachers to reinforce the grade level curriculum.

After school study skills group at Clarke

The weekly group meets after school on Tuesdays 3-4:15, beginning December 1. Students start out by working on MCAS prep, study skills and organization. The remainder of time is spent as a guided study on homework and projects. Students from Lexington High School and Clarke teachers work with METCO students.

Homework Club at Diamond

Homework Club meets after school on Tuesdays 3-4:30 throughout the year academic, supervised by Diamond METCO staff. Homework Club is an opportunity for METCO students to seek out extra help from teachers, and work on homework assignments and projects with support if needed. Students are required to set a goal/s for each homework session. The importance of good study skills, time management, and discussions around college and career planning are also included as part of Homework Club activities.

Lexington High School

Freshmen Academic Club (FAC)

Provides students the opportunity to exercise effective student skills and learning strategies in a structured setting. Those students' skills include homework completion, organization, to include: study skills, time management, prioritizing assignments, and learning strategies. Meets Wednesday mornings, X Block 7:45 am - 8:25 am

METCO After School Club (MASC)

Provides students the opportunity to either complete assignments with a teacher or their peers OR meet with teachers to discuss class content issues they might be experiencing or struggling with in one of their major subject classes. MASC meets Tuesday after school 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm.

Scholars

The METCO Scholars Program is a new recognition program that identifies Boston residents in 11th and 12th grade at LHS who are exceptional in their achievement and their potential for leadership. It drives these students to stretch and reach for even higher goals and set even higher standards for themselves. Finally, it rewards them through access to supports and knowledge resources and, most of all, personal relationships that will help them be successful now and in the future. It does this through field trips, seminars, weekly and monthly meetings, and mentoring relationships with strong, successful adults and with other students. The LHS METCO Scholars Program honors academic commitment and fosters a culture of high scholastic achievement by METCO students at Lexington High School.

METCO Scholars selection criteria

Crew - LHS

METCO CREW is the METCO high school tutoring program, which was created to foster group cohesion and peer support in academic efforts. The students involved in METCO CREW meet with the METCO high school tutor a minimum of once per week, and also meet as a team. The students are encouraged to communicate with teachers and each other about their academic successes and struggles. It was created in September of 2009 and is off to a great start

METCO Program

Lexington Public Schools