Founded in 2002, Thomas Edison Charter Schools have been Cache Valley’s schools of choice for many years. High expectations for students, staff and parents are a trademark of our program. The schools, which are publicly funded so there’s no tuition, are patterned after the highly successful Benjamin Franklin Elementary Schools in Mesa, Arizona. What sets Thomas Edison schools apart? PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT We encourage parents to get involved and help: whether in the classroom or organizing activities or providing school leadership. Parental involvement is a key to the success of Thomas Edison Charter Schools. POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT Teachers classroom management is built on the
proven, positive methods of internationally recognized behavior expert Dr. Glenn Latham. ADVANCED CURRICULUM The schools use the time-tested Spalding Method. It's a phonics-based language arts program that teaches reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary. The program works great for all students because its teaching techniques are geared toward all learners: visual, auditory, and hands-on. It's also effective for students of all abilities. The Saxon Math program is taught a year ahead. (First-graders are doing second-grade math.) We believe children can achieve when the bar is set high. And they do. Saxon's advantage is that along with newly learned skills and concepts, daily lessons include
reviews. Not just from week to week, but from year to year. This helps students retain what they've learned. All teachers use Spalding and Saxon, giving consistency and continuity to our curriculum -- a curriculum that exceeds state requirements. THE ARTS At Thomas Edison we believe in helping children reach their full potential creatively as well. We are pleased to offer an exemplary curriculum in both visual art and music education. Both our campuses have their own orchestra, band and choir. In addition, students regularly memorize and recite poetry. |
The mission of Thomas Edison Charter Schools is to provide all students the fundamental knowledge, tools, and discipline to become successful, reputable citizens in our country and to become high achievers in our ever evolving, demanding, and complex society. The mission is carried out through a stimulating academic
curriculum, focused on elemental skills development, in a structured classroom environment, with strong parental involvement |
Instill in students an educational foundation consisting of the following: 1. The ability to read and spell through the use of a total phonetic program.
2. The ability to compute and apply in problem solving situations the essence of arithmetic, geometry, and pre-algebra.
3. The ability to express thoughts in precise, grammatically correct sentences and phrases.
4. The ability to read and comprehend the classical writings of a wide range of authors.
5. The ability to experience a sense of patriotism through a study of U.S. and World history and geography.
6. The ability to understand basic concepts in earthly, biological, chemical, and physical science.
7. The ability to appreciate expressions in the fine and visual arts.
8. The ability to recognize the importance of overall good health and physical development and know how to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
The mission and goals are accomplished through the combined efforts of the governing board, school employees, parents and the students themselves. Orderliness, respect, responsibility, hard work and accountability define the character of Thomas Edison Charter Schools.
HISTORY OF THOMAS EDISON CHARTER SCHOOLS
The Thomas Edison Charter Schools in North Logan and Nibley Utah were originally inspired by and patterned after the highly successful Benjamin Franklin Elementary schools in Mesa Arizona. The first Ben Franklin Elementary School opened its doors in Mesa Arizona 1978 as part of the Mesa Public School District as a ‘school of choice’.
The original Thomas Edison Charter School opened its doors in August, 2002, and began operations at its permanent 9,100 square foot North Logan facility on September 3rd, 2002. Since then, the North Logan school has expanded twice and its facility has grown to its present size of 33,500 square feet.
In September 2005, Thomas Edison Charter School – South (TECS-S) opened the doors of its 33,000 square foot facility in Nibley, Utah. In 2007, the TECS-S facility expanded to 46,000 square feet with plans to grow to 50,000 square feet later.
The combination of both campuses is authorized to enroll up to a total of 1,350 students, serving grades K-9.
Selection of the Name
The original founding parents met in March of 2001 to decide the name of the Cache Valley charter school. After considering many appropriate names they settled on Thomas Edison. They chose “Thomas Edison”, since he is one of the most famous Americans in world history, and since he will be a tremendous example for children who attend the school due to his perseverance and unstoppable spirit that led to his many successes.
[A more detailed history may be found here.]
ABOUT THOMAS EDISON He is probably the most influential man of the modern age. Indeed, some argue that Thomas Edison’s inventions have shaped modern society more than any others. From electricity and light in our homes, to recorded music and movies, much of the technology we use everyday originated with Edison. Edison epitomized the American Dream of rags to riches. His ingenuity and hard work took him from humble beginnings to fame and affluence. In all, he earned 1,093 U.S. Patents -- a number still unmatched by anyone. His greatest achievement was bringing us into the age of electricity. Not only did he invent the electric light bulb, but he also developed the power systems to deliver electricity to homes and businesses. His phonograph was the first machine to record and play back sound. And although the telephone wasn’t his invention, Edison made numerous, practical improvements to it. His patents also included the mimeograph, motion-picture cameras and projectors, batteries, X-rays, and methods for making cement. The world’s first industrial research lab was his and became a model for modern industrial innovation. He had many successes. He also had failures. Pianos, phonograph cabinets, and houses built out of cement never caught on. His attempts at iron ore extraction didn’t work out. Yet, he persisted in inventing. “I have not failed,” he said, “I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." That indomitable spirit and love for inventing kept him working into his 80s. At 83, he earned his last patent. And at the time of his death, at 84, he was trying to create a less-expensive rubber made from the goldenrod plant. A few days after his death, Americans paid tribute by simultaneously turning off their lights for one minute in honor of “one of the greatest benefactors of humanity.” 
|
