Academic Success Supported By All To Maintain a Positive Learning Environment

 Hillcrest Elementary School has a vision that guides their work with all their students. This vision was developed based on research and through months of discussion that went to the heart of what Hillcrest is all about. “Academic Success Supported by All to Maintain a Positive Learning Environment” was the statement they developed that best represents the goal of Hillcrest.

The statement “supported by all” is not limited to just the school staff. Parent nights are presented throughout the school year to help parents understand  the work their children are doing in class so they can support them. Other parents volunteer to help out in classrooms. Community members volunteer to work with students in math. Business partners provide food and snacks for students during ISAT testing time to ensure they start the test well-fed and knowing they have people who believe in them.

The belief at Hillcrest is that given sufficient time and support every student in the school can meet grade-level expectations. This is not an easy task.  Teachers work to refine and add to their teaching strategies and techniques to better meet the needs of their students.

This growth is supported by the professional learning culture at Hillcrest. Teachers spend time sharing ideas and strategies in grade level teams. They also meet and discuss books that they are reading to build their professional capacity. Through sharing and observing this group continues to work toward improving student achievement.

 

Hillcrest Elementary School

 Vision Statement

2008/2009

Established by Staff – spring 2007

 

Academic Success Supported By All to Maintain a Positive Learning Environment.

 

Ø       Academic success

·          Teaching to state standards

·          Curriculum Roadmap/Curriculum mapping

·          Data Analysis to inform instruction – Focus on Critical Subgroups for AYP/Students below proficient/All Students

·          Professional Learning Community Culture

·          SIP - School Improvement Planning – Professional Development

·          Making Meaning – Balanced Literacy – Literacy Block

·          Safety Nets – Math and Literacy

·          Intervention Plans

·          RTI Model – Response To Intervention

Ø       Measurable Tools

·          MAP – Measures for Academic Progress/K-2 Assessments (ISEL, Observation Survey (K-1)

·          DRA/EDL Assessments (Pre and Post)

·          ACCESS/ISAT

·          Ongoing Formative and Summative

Ø       All – (Students, Parents, Business Partnerships, Community)

·          Students……..Student facilitated conferences

                        Student facilitated open house

                        Student centered Literacy and Math nights

                        Student ownership/involvement in their learning environment.

Ø       Parents……..Active participant in student’s learning by supporting their                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

           academic needs.

           Participation in extra curricular activities.

Ø       JP Morgan Chase

·          Classroom volunteers

·          Monetary support

·          Junior Achievement

·          Educationally based assemblies

·          BUG/Honor Roll

·          PAWS – Continue to refine and develop – Research PBIS Model

Ø       PTO – Parent Teachers Organization

·          Fundraisers

·          Educationally Based Assemblies

·          Classroom volunteers

·          Monetary Support

·          PAWS – Continue to refine and develop – Research PBIS Model

Ø       North Country Knolls Property Association

·          Book Room Support

·          Enrichment classes for high level math students

Ø       Club 10

·          Homework Help

·          After school safe environment

·          Responsibility

Ø       4-H Volunteer

·          Monthly nutrition program

Ø       Respect

·          PAWS PROGRAM – Continue to refine and develop – Research PBIS Model

·          Making Meaning (respectful environment)