State of the School

Post date: Feb 3, 2014 2:03:30 PM

State of the School: Burnsville Elementary School 2014

Academics:

Every Day Math- The school began this last year about mid-year. We are in the first full year of implementation. In collaboration with the University of Oregon we have obtained permission to utilize the DIBELS assessments in Math as a free tool for teachers to assist in benchmark data to further determine individual student needs.

Instructional Coach- This is our second year of hosting an Instructional Coach. She is meeting with teachers on student data interpretation, modeling lessons, instruction of small intensive groups, and locating instructional materials/lessons.

Flexible Instructional Groups in Reading/Math/Science- The school began this last year after the leadership team determined a need based on the data. We are in the first full year of implementation.

School Improvement Plan with goals addressing Math and Reading with ESL/ELL emphasis.

We have 4 teachers pursing training outside the school day in the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching Reading. Because we have staff that is passionate about children and reading they are pursuing this to help themselves be better teachers and our students become better learners.

Our school has teachers participating in Reading Foundations and Math Foundations training to become masters of their craft. This will better prepare our teachers to instruct our students.

Implementation of Home Base requirements is going smoothly with the assistance of our Home Base Specialists. Staff have undertaken all the requirements that NCDPI has implemented with this big initiative.

NCEES (North Carolina Educator Evaluation System) is currently being implemented with training for administrators and teachers. This new process began this school year.

New NCDPI requirements for Read to Achieve are being implemented by third grade teachers with steps taken to ensure all procedures are followed through county-wide grade level meetings. (A parent meeting is planned for 2/6 at 6:00 in the cafeteria to provide further information to third grade parents.) Reading 3D is continuing to be implemented with assessments using DIBELS and TRC.

Facilities:

Newly installed swipe readers with SMART cards and front entrance buzz-in system for school entry.

Updated/renovated student restrooms

Resurfaced front parking area, bus parking area and school drive

Some grounds work and new signs donated

Unused green house has been removed

Unused storage items are being removed/recycled

Other:

Communities In School Partnership with Higgins Methodist Church – This partnership is supplying snack foods, books, gifts/donations, staff meals, Reading Buddies, clothes, etc.

Tel-A-Medicine – This is the first year of having access to this service. Several of our students have taken advantage of this.

Recycling- Our Student Council is beginning efforts to push for more recycling at BES. They have appointed a “Green Team” made up of students to assist with this effort.

Grants- BES has presently received 6 grants for the 2013-2014 school year. We have/are seeking future fundings.

Technology- Purchase of Chrome Books to facilitate instruction and state mandated testing. Media, Technology Assistant and 3-5 personnel have had some training with more training to follow.

We proudly continue the Girls on the Run program and have added a boys program with the vision and assistance of BES/YCS staff and community volunteers/assistance. Boys on Track in Burnsville began this year with about 30 boys participating so far. Community sponsors have graciously assisted with this process.