During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around educational initiatives and updates from Creekside Elementary School, presented by Principal Will Franzel. The meeting highlighted the school's commitment to enhancing student learning and addressing challenges in academic performance.
Creekside Elementary, which serves 536 students from preschool through sixth grade, reported full staffing across all grades, including specialized programs for bilingual and special education students. Principal Franzel emphasized the school's focus on improving English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics scores, noting that while the school met its ELA goals for sixth graders, it fell short in math. The administration plans to continue professional learning team (PLT) sessions to foster collaboration among teachers and improve instructional quality.
A key initiative discussed was the English Language Development (ELD) Academy, aimed at supporting the 33% of students classified as English learners. The academy, which runs for 14 weeks, focuses on enhancing students' reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. The school aims to reclassify at least 40 students this year, building on the success of reclassifying 32 students last year.
The presentation also addressed the school's culture and climate, highlighting improvements in attendance and socio-emotional learning. Creekside has transitioned from operational to instructional focus, aiming to strengthen relationships among teachers, students, and families. The school has made notable progress in attendance, moving from the lowest to among the top in the district.
Additionally, Creekside introduced an innovation lab designed to provide hands-on learning experiences in science and technology. This space allows students to engage in experiments and creative projects, fostering a more interactive learning environment.
The meeting concluded with a celebration of recent achievements, including the school's recognition for positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and the success of community events like the fall festival. Principal Franzel expressed optimism about the school's direction and the collaborative efforts of staff, students, and families in achieving educational goals.