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Title 1

What is Title 1?

Title 1 is supplemental federal funding for low achieving children, especially in high poverty schools. This program provides extra academic support and learning opportunities for children farthest from meeting challenging state standards. Title 1 helps by supplementing and improving the regular education programs offered at Title 1 schools. The goal is to help students meet the State standards.

How does a school become a Title 1 school?

The number of students that qualify for free and/or reduced lunch is used to determine the district-wide poverty and school poverty levels. Title 1 can serve schools at or above the districtwide poverty average.


The Title 1 School Wide Program at Pine Tree has the potential to serve almost 350 students in reading and/or math.  All students are selected based on extensive data collection at the beginning of the school year, as well as continually throughout, to ensure that students who need intervention are able to receive it. 

All students will receive core instruction from certified staff utilizing Wit and Wisdom, Geodes, and Fundations for Reading and Bridges Mathematics.  The Title 1 staff will assist identified students both in the classroom and in small groups.  This intervention time produces smaller group ratios, as well as more extensive targeted instruction.  Progress monitoring will be utilized to document progress or to identify a need for re-teaching specific skills.

The annual Parent Meeting will be held annually.  This event will allow parents to learn about Title 1, how students are identified, what additional services and supports are provided, and more information on family nights.  Parents will also sign the Parent, Teacher, Student Compact.

Our Vision

Nationally recognized district of choice that embraces all students and prepares them to grow and thrive for their future. 

We Believe

  • All students can learn and achieve to high standards throughout their lives. 
  • All students can become expert learners
  • Social-emotional well-being is essential for academic learning.  
  • Learners and their educators are highly diverse and require flexible supports
  • Collaboration among educators across disciplines and roles is essential. 
  • All students need and deserve a safe physical and emotional learning environment
  • Relationships are the foundation for growth and success. 

Title 1 Parent Involvement District Policy

Pine Tree Elementary Parent Involvement Policy

1.Pine Tree Elementary School will hold an annual parent meeting early in the school year at a convenient time to explain:

  • Title 1 participation and requirements
  • Parents’ rights to be involved
  • The forms of assessment used to measure academic success and progress

2. Pine Tree Elementary will distribute the following documents for review and input:

  • Parent Involvement Policy will be given early in the school year.
  • Home School Compacts will be collected via Microsoft Form early in the school year.
  • Parent Notices will be given as they apply to Title 1.

3. Pine Tree Elementary will provide information to all parents in a language and format easily understood in the following ways:

  • Registration packets
  • Teacher notes, phone calls, emails
  • School newsletters
  • District and school websites
  • Parent Square messages
  • Interpreter services as needed
  • Report cards via Power School

4. Pine Tree Elementary will foster positive and productive family partnerships through:

  • Providing opportunities for decision-making input related to the education of their children
  • Host schoolwide events including Title 1 meetings, Family Nights, and an Open House
  • Fostering and encouraging good school attendance

5. Parents/Guardians will in turn foster positive and productive partnerships with school staff through:

  • Supporting their students’ learning by: Ensuring good attendance, monitoring homework completion, supervising television watching and electronic game playing, encouraging positive use of extra-curricular time, and encouraging reading at home.
  • Volunteering at school
  • Participating in school activities
  • Communicating with school staff
  • Being positive advocates for their children

6. Pine Tree Elementary will provide materials and training for parents/guardians on how they can assist, encourage and improve their child’s academic achievement through:

  • Newsletters
  • Resources for instructional strategies to practice at home, and
  • Digital resources

7. Pine Tree Elementary will communicate with the district any parent concerns with the Title 1 program. The Title 1 Department will receive any comments and will respond to any suggestion or concern as timely and practically possible.

Cedar families will communicate any suggestions or concerns to the Title 1 staff directly, and the Title 1 department will respond as timely and practically as possible. The Title 1 department will also communicate parent feedback with the district. 

Learning Resources

Meet Mrs. Van Duzer

sarah van duzer

Sarah Van Duzer
Title 1 Teacher
(317) 544-6500

I am thrilled to be the Title 1 Teacher here at Pine Tree Elementary. My mission is to determine each student's individual needs, decide on the best plan of instruction, and foster a love of learning in the process. This is my 13th year teaching. I have taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade. This is my second year as Title 1 Teacher. I enjoy continued learning and professional development so I can best meet the needs of my students in the most current and innovative ways.

My husband, Zach, is also a teacher, and we enjoy our summer breaks with our two boys. My oldest, Eli, is six, and his brother, Aaron, is three. Eli loves to read and build with Legos. Aaron is athletic, funny, and a friend to all. We love going to museums, parks, zoos, and exploring new places!

I graduated in 2010 from Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. I also have my Reading Specialist certification, and I'm trained in Orton-Gillingham. I love working with students in grades K-4 and seeing their growth and progress over the school year. I enjoy finding creative ways to meet their needs, so if you need guidance on how to help your child at home or if you would like credible resources to use, please reach out. I am always happy to help.

Right to Know Letter

First page of the PDF file: PineTree2022Title1RightToKnowLetter

Complaint Procedure Policy

Avon Community School Corporation recognizes that parents have the right to request a formal complaint. For the purpose of this policy, a complain or concern shall be any such that arises out of actions, procedures and policies in regard to Title 1 programming.

Parents who have a complaint or concern shall address it first with the building principal. If it is not resolved, the next step is to address the LEA Title 1 Director, Carrie Alday. If unable to resolve the concern, Mrs. Alday may seek the guidance from the Indiana Department of Education. If still not satisfied, the parent may take the complain to the Assistant Superintendent. The Superintendent would be the next to handle any situation if it is still unresolved.