Imagine a school where students are greeted by name and ushered to the cafeteria to enjoy breakfast. At 7:40 teachers pick up the students and take them to print rich rooms. While walking through the halls of the school, the students are smiling because they see pictures of their friends posted with positive statements. With great anticipation, students begin to gaze ahead to see their picture and what has been said about them. Once arriving to their room, the students read the caption beside their name. The students feel as if they belong. After walking into class, students see the objectives posted in a language they can understand. Manipulatives are visible and readily accessible and students can sense they are in for a treat. They are anticipating lessons that are meaningful and relevant to their lives.

 

Imagine a school where students are learning at different rates and their teachers are mobile, interacting with them, demonstrating care and respect, checking for understanding and meeting individual student’s needs. Teachers are constantly modeling and asking high quality questions. The students share their ideas with each other using accountable talk to develop deeper understandings. Light bulbs are constantly flashing, demonstrating the knowledge and excitement in each class. Educators prescribe high dosages of quality education; as a result, academic gaps are rapidly closing. Students and staff constantly refill prescriptions to sustain high student achievement.

 

Imagine a school where every student exhibits curiosity about science labs and recognizes the connection of strategies in their core and special classes. Teachers, support staff and administrators are working collectively to create an environment where possibilities are endless. High and demanding academic expectations are set for every student.

 

Imagine a school where parents frequently visit to support their child’s education and to serve as volunteers. We become a collaborative partner that help parents create supportive learning environments for their kids as they ask “What can I do to help push the cause of endless possibilities?” The teacher briefly highlights the greatest need for the class and gives the parent a parent involvement pamphlet.

 

Lamont Smith

Principal