Meadows Elementary School exemplifies the accomplishment of meaningful goals through teamwork. The synergy of talented and dedicated staff members, bright, involved, and supportive parents, and energetic and valued children, for whom the importance of school is a focus, keeps Meadows united, resilient, and upward bound! Meadows’s academic program is standards-based and student-centered. In math, we use the Cognitively Guided Instruction approach to teaching mathematics to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and encourage growth as defined in the Standards for Mathematical Practice. In English Language Arts, we are fully implementing CCSS-aligned curriculum and instruction.

In each classroom, one sees evidence of student-centered reading and writing instruction within a Balanced Literacy Framework. Meadows teachers, committed to implementing Writing and Reading Workshop, are increasing their knowledge and skills in conducting one-on-one and small-group student conferences, which drive differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Our continued use of an MTSS (Multi-tiered System of Supports) approach provides for strong classroom teaching combined with defined levels of intervention at every grade level. We use four critical questions to guide our approach to learning:

1. What do we want all students to know and be able to do?
2. How will we know if they learn it?
3. How will we respond when some students do not learn?
4. How will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient?

We regularly use the MTSS model in terms of identification of students who require intervention using analyzed data from Fountas and Pinnell, Benchmark Assessment System; resources used to support students (books at students’ instructional levels); ongoing assessments used to monitor progress and communicate with parents; and when, where, and by whom students receive intervention services. This RtI approach is an integral part of the Meadows plan to improve student achievement in reading and math. Also, because our learning is so personalized, we meet all students where they are and challenge them, particularly if they have already grasped the content we are teaching. Meadows teachers are trained in MindUP™, a neuroscience-based program in which students learn to self-regulate behavior and mindfully engage in focused concentration required for academic success. MindUP™ lessons align with all state standards, including Common Core, and support improved academic performance while enhancing perspective-taking, empathy, and kindness and fostering complex problem-solving skills. Our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) system encourages students to SKORR by being Safe, Kind, On task, Responsible, and Respectful. Students can earn SKORR cards passed out by staff and spend them on ice cream in the student store or the weekly raffle. We warmly welcome our families and work to ensure that all students feel included and enjoy a sense of belonging. Welcome to Meadows!

Sincerely, 
Principal Michelle Krzmarzick