About Our School

We know that the key to successfully educating our children is to motivate them to do well in school. At Klondike, we strive to provide a caring, safe, and academically challenging environment for our students. In order for all students to become proficient learners, Klondike’s staff is committed to continuous school improvement efforts as specified in our school’s Comprehensive Improvement Plan.

CARE for Kids

CARE stands for Creating A Respectful Environment. On all grade levels, the program helps students develop social responsibility and positive relationships with both adults and classmates. CARE for Kids embeds social and emotional learning strategies that can be incorporated throughout the day in all academic classes. Components of CARE include daily morning classroom meetings that set the tone for respectful learning and establish a climate of trust; end-of-the-day meetings in which students share something they have learned or enjoyed that day; regular class meetings that encourage students and teachers to reflect, solve problems, and make group decisions; school-wide activities to build a sense of community; and developmental discipline that focuses on proactive intervention strategies and moving students toward self-control and responsibility.

Comprehensive Literacy Program

At Klondike, we use a variety of research-based strategies to ensure all children become successful readers and writers. The JCPS Five Block Literacy program connects reading, writing, language, community reading and conversation, and self-selected reading to the core content. Additionally, the Reading Workshop model is used to engage all students in daily literacy assessment and instruction at every grade level. Language Labs provide struggling readers with small group instruction and support in phonics, letter and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Frequent assessments and analysis of student work enable teachers to provide individualized instruction that meets students’ needs.

Mathematics

Our teachers use the Math Investigations II program to teach mathematics. Math Investigations II uses hands-on games to teach students concepts and problem-solving strategies. We encourage students to use multiple representations when solving problems, including manipulatives, pictures, and symbols to clarify concepts. Students work individually, with small groups, and with the whole class. Ongoing assessment provides teachers with the math focus and a series of questions to be considered when observing students' growth over time.

Science

All teachers use FOSS (Full Option Science System) science kits to engage students in learning life science, physical science, and earth science. The best way for students to learn important scientific concepts and develop the ability to think critically is to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries and investigations. The research-based FOSS program was created to engage students in these processes as they explore the natural world.

Social Studies

In kindergarten, students learn about citizenship in relation to home, school, and the local community. First grade students learn about families from the past, families from around the world, good citizenship, and map and globe skills. The emphasis in second grade is on community life, rules and laws, and how individuals and groups make important decisions that affect their communities. Students also learn about geography and change over time. In third grade, students examine the geography and history of Louisville and Jefferson County and learn about local government and the economy. Rural, urban, and suburban communities are also examined. In fourth grade, students participate in a geography-based study of regions of the United States with special emphasis placed on the five themes of geography. The fourth grade program also includes the study of the history, geography, government, and economic systems of Kentucky, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Fifth grade students develop understanding of the United States’ chronological history as well as our nation’s geography, economy, government, culture, and social systems. Attention is given to the many diverse individuals and groups who have shaped United States history.

Academic Competition

Klondike is proud to participate in JCPS Mayor’s Cup competition each year. Academic competition helps provide the motivation for students to do well both in the classroom and in independent learning. Our fourth and fifth-grade students can try out for our quick recall team, problem solving team, or individual written assessment competition. This program emphasizes the use of teamwork; higher-level thinking skills; creative and critical problem-solving skills; gaining factual knowledge; and independent learning.

Special Areas

All students attend weekly classes in Character Education, Computer Lab, Library, Physical Education and Art. Special area teachers work collaboratively with regular classroom teachers to plan special projects that go along with the curriculum.

Klondike Kids Clubs

We offer a variety of clubs to help students develop their unique talents, skills, and interests. Clubs include the Healthy Kids Club, Going Green Club, Book Club, Student Technology Leadership Program, and Art Club. Clubs meet throughout the year on a rotating basis, and students may participate in more than one club.

Minority Scholars Program

Our Minority Scholars Program focuses on empowering young people to believe in themselves and excel in school and in life. Students create a variety of projects, conduct real-world research, and learn about college and career opportunities that are relevant to their interests.

Honors Enrichment Program

The Honors Enrichment Program provides students with opportunities to use higher level thinking skills through reading and math activities. Students receive individualized instruction and additional opportunities for in-depth study beyond what is taught in their regular classrooms.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL teachers work collaboratively with classroom teachers to help students with limited English proficiency. All ESL teachers use specially designed methods that help English Language Learners develop English language and literacy skills while they study required subject matter for their grade levels.

Pre-Kindergarten

The Pre-Kindergarten program provides hands-on learning opportunities for three and four-year-old students to develop readiness skills before entering kindergarten.

PTA

Our active PTA is an integral part of our school community. We have many PTA volunteers who help with family events, fundraisers, and special activities. We encourage all parents to join our PTA and become involved as volunteers.