FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   
   

What is the mission of the Widener Partnership Charter School?

The mission of the WPCS is to develop urban elementary (K-5) students with the behaviors, task commitment and creativity to succeed in the current educational environment. Through holistic cultivation of children’s resources, the WPCS will enable students to become self-motivated, competent, and lifelong learners.  The school will aim to educate its students to become citizens of character who can contribute to the vitality and well-being of the region.

By providing a multicultural, student-centered environment in which all students are held to high academic and behavioral standards and by engaging parents and caregivers as partners in the education of their children, the WPCS will provide the context for students to work in collaborative relationships both within and outside the school to provide service to the greater community.

What distinguishes the WPCS from other schools?

WPCS’s holistic approach to education of K-5 children includes:

• Enriched Curriculum
  Music, art, drama, foreign language, technology, and writing will be fundamental components of the curriculum to support development of skills in reading, math, and emotional competence through active learning
• Use of Widener University Facilities
  Science Teaching Center, library, art gallery, athletic facilities, etc.
• Low student to teacher ratio of 17:1
• Individualized instruction provided in each classroom by Widener Education students and faculty
• Interdisciplinary Resource Teams (IRT’s)
  Teams of graduate students in Education, Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Physical Therapy, and Nursing will work with every child and his/her family on an ongoing basis to promote social, emotional and academic development of the child;
• IRT’s will work with families to coordinate approaches to maximizing each student’s development – academically, socially, emotionally, and physically;
• IRT’s will work with parents and caregivers, based on self-identified needs, to find ways to assist them with building skills and self-confidence for guiding their children’s academic progress;
• Parent Caregiver Council
  Organized forum for parent/caregiver involvement in the operation of the school.

What Widener University resources will be used in support of the school?

• Education faculty members and students will work regularly in the school to support and enhance the instruction of classroom teachers.
• Graduate students from Education, Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Physical Therapy, and Nursing will work as Interdisciplinary Resource Teams (IRT’s) in the school.  The IRT’s will provide comprehensive assessments of every child in the school, including their academic, social, emotional, and physical development, and will provide assistance in individualizing the educational program so as to maximize each child’s opportunity to succeed.  The IRT’s will also work with the families of children to promote a wellness approach to development.
• Widener’s Social Work Consultation Service (SWCS) will coordinate efforts to make the school a community resource center focused on assisting the parents and caregivers of students in the school with issues and needs that impact student academic success. 
• Widener’s Center for Education will work with the school principal and teachers to develop and deliver professional development programming for all of the teachers in the school.
• Widener’s Wolfgram Library, the Science Teaching Center, the Art Gallery, and athletic facilities will be available to supplement the school’s educational program.
• Widener faculty and staff will assist with the design and implementation of the instructional technology component of the educational program.
• Widener faculty will serve as “artists in residence” in the school to enrich instruction in music, art, and drama.
• Widener students and faculty from a variety of disciplines will work in the school on academic service learning projects designed specifically to address identified needs in the school.  

What are the steps in the admissions process?

All parents and caregivers wanting to enroll children in the WPCS must complete a two-step admissions process.  The first step in the process is the completion of an application form that can be obtained by calling 610 872-1358.

Can I get help with completing the application form?

Assistance in completing the form is available and can be arranged by calling 610 872-1358.

What school calendar will be followed?

The school calendar will follow closely the calendar for the Chester-Upland School District.

What are the school’s hours of operation?

The typical school day will run from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 

What will be the total maximum enrollment of the school?

A maximum enrollment of 300 students is expected during the fifth year of operation.

What grades will be offered at the school?

Grades kindergarten through 5th grade, starting with kindergarten and 1st grade in September 2006 and adding a new kindergarten cohort in each Chester YWCA.

What is the school calendar?

The school calendar will follow the calendar for the Chester-Upland School District.  The total number of instructional days will exceed the minimum number of school days mandated by the State of Pennslyvania.

Where is the Widener Partnership School?

The site for the school is in the newly renovated Widener Technology Park.

How will parents be involved in the operation of the school?

A Parent and Caregiver Council will be established.  Membership will be open to all parents and caregivers of students enrolled in the school, and the principal of the school and representatives of the teachers will also serve on the council.

What is the role of the Parent and Caregiver Council?

The PCC will provide an organized forum for parents and caregivers to offer input and feedback to the school’s administration regarding all aspects of the school’s operation.  The PCC will hold bi-monthly open meetings for its membership during the academic year.

What support services will be provided to families with children in the school?

Widener’s Social Work Consultation Service (SWCS) will develop programs designed to help parents and caregivers be effective in assisting their children with their academic progress.  The SWCS will also assist parents and caregivers with any other family issues that could impact their children’s academic program.

How can a family find out more about the WPCS?

Call (610) 872-1358 for more information.    

Dr. Annette C. Anderson
Principal/CEO
tel: 610-872-1358
widenercharterschool@widener.edu