Adams Elementary School

Adams School is strikingly different architecturally than other schools in the district. The long bridge leading up to the school entrance can be seen as the symbolic representation of the bridge that connects the Adams family of staff, students and parents. This is reflected in the mission statement that was recently developed, and is evident on a daily basis at the school.To help realize the goals described in the mission statement, the traditional roles of staff, and the structure of the school day has changed over the last few years. Teachers work within Professional Learning Communities to examine data related to student achievement and research most effective instructional strategies to use with students. Title I resource teachers collaborate with teacher teams, in order to coordinate services for students, providing assistance in the regular classroom, as well as, during intense tutoring at recesses.Teacher isolation in classrooms is seen as a barrier to student learning, so we have set a goal to have more than one adult in every classroom at key periods during the day. Community volunteers, students from surrounding universities, student teachers, and parents are trained to act as tutors in every classroom. We even have volunteers in the library several days a week to assist the librarian. These volunteers handle routine tasks, allowing our librarian time to read stories aloud, interact closely with students as they conduct research, and help them choose books to match their reading levels.

Research indicates that students achieve better when parents are actively involved, so attention to increasing parent involvement is a major focus at Adams School. Parents are frequently seen volunteering in classrooms, or working with the Title I resource teacher to provide recess tutoring for students. Teachers communicate with parents regularly through newsletters, phone calls, e-mails and conferences so parents can participate in meaningful ways at home. Some teachers make home visits and deliver a special homework kit developed by staff, which provides families with important learning tools, including books, pencils, crayons, and rulers. To further bridge the connection of home and family, parents are invited to eat lunch with their children at school once a month, and monthly family nights are planned at the school to bring families and school staff together for various activities. Student learning is the guiding principle which directs all activities. In order for this to occur, procedures and practices are in place to ensure that the campus is safe and orderly. Behavior standards for students have been established and are upheld by every adult at Adams School. In the classroom, students are expected to be on task, attentive, and actively engaged in their own learning. Social and emotional needs of students are addressed by conferencing with the principal, the school psychologist, a counselor, or other staff members who act as special friends.