Mayo Demonstration School of Science and Technology

Mayo Speak

A glossary of useful terms for communicating with Mayo students, parents, teachers, and staff.

A.C. Nibbler – The fictitious rabbit who lives in the school air conditioning vents. He sends a letter to the student body every week reporting on students who have been using their LIFESKILLS. The letter is read at Celebrations of Learning on Friday.

Armstrongs – Named after Neil and Louie Armstrong, these are the fourth and fifth grade students at Mayo.

Brain Break – The time right after lunch where Einsteins rest their body and brain.

Brain Gyms – Exercises, based on brain research, which get the brain going!

Celebrations of Learning - Our Friday morning assembly where the Mayo Community celebrates what they have been learning during the week.

Centers - Areas located in the Home Base where students complete educational tasks specific to math, science, art, language, writing or cognitive skills.

Cubby - Found in the Einstein area and used for holding nap mats, backpacks, and jackets.

Einsteins - Named after Albert Einstein, these are the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students at Mayo.

Extended Day – The time of day between the end of the instructional day and when students leave the building. Students staying for extended day participate in a variety of classes/fitness activities. Classes change each nine weeks.

Family - A multi-age group of students, numbering 12 to 14, which meets three times a week. Family time follows a school wide curriculum that incorporates our LIFESKILLS and Community Guidelines.

Field Study – A hands on experience which gives students the opportunity to take learning into a real world setting.

Goodalls - Named after Jane Goodall, these are the first, second, and third grade students at Mayo.

Group Time - The time of day when all students from one Home Base come together.

Home and Back - A handy envelope used to receive important information about activities at Mayo and used to return important documents, lunch payments, etc. Students receive their home and back each Thursday at the end of the school day. Home and backs should be returned on Friday and put into the labeled blue tubs in the cafeteria.

Healthy Lifestyles – A time of day when students go to exercise and learn about taking care of their bodies.

Home Base - Children are assigned to a homebase group within their instructional area. They begin their day with this group for attendance and morning meeting. Homebase groups may change during the school year.

Instructional Areas - The name for the place where Einsteins, Goodalls, and Armstrongs meet to learn.

I.T.I. – This stands for Integrated Thematic Instruction. The method Mayo teachers use to draw connections among different subjects by tying them together with a common concept such as Change and Diversity.

Journaling – A daily time each student spends writing diary-like entries. Journaling helps teach students how to put their thoughts into writing and provides a way for teachers to get to know each student.

Lead Teacher - Each instructional area has one lead teacher who guides curriculum writing, provides peer coaching, and facilitates extended day activities.

Library/Technology Time - The part of a child's day where he or she spends time in the school library using computers and checking out books.

Para Teacher/Teacher Assistants - These teachers work with the instructional area team to support students' learning. They facilitate center learning time, small groups, family time, and extended day classes.

Rendezvous - Our Monday morning assembly led by a family group. The Mayo community kicks off the week, sees a presentation related to the family curriculum, and celebrates birthdays during this time.

Reports of Student Progress - This is your child's report card. It comes home at the end of each quarter for Armstrong and Goodall students and the semester for Einstein students. The report gives parents information on the students' progress in academic areas.

Rotations – Students may choose among several educational activities and work to complete each activity within the given time period.

Spirit Day – The first Friday of each month is designated as Spirit Day. Students may wear Mayo t-shirts or team sport shirts. However, students must maintain the uniform policy by wearing pants, shorts, or skirts.

S.O.S.– Stands for “Serve Our School”. This initiative promotes students involvement with jobs that help the Mayo community. Some S.O.S. jobs include recycling, plants, and outdoor classroom.

Student-led conferences - Twice a year students have the opportunity to bring their parent and show off what they have been learning in their instructional area. These usually occur in October and March.

Tribes – A small group of students who work cooperatively on projects in their instructional area.