During the recent Douglas County School District 4 meeting, Eastwood Elementary School Principal Jay Hughes highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering kindness and enhancing student engagement through various initiatives. This month, Eastwood is focusing on kindness, with plans to celebrate students who exemplify this trait during upcoming assemblies.

Principal Hughes expressed gratitude to staff and community partners, particularly Umpqua Valley Farm to School, for their contributions to the school’s outdoor learning environment, which includes a fish hatchery and a school garden. These resources not only enrich the students' educational experience but also promote environmental stewardship among the young learners.

Attendance was a significant topic of discussion, with Hughes noting a proactive approach to improving student participation. The school is implementing strategies such as posting attendance figures on a reader board and setting individual and class incentives to encourage better attendance. Hughes mentioned that they are also conducting empathy interviews with students who have shown weak attendance to identify and address potential barriers.

In terms of academic performance, Hughes shared encouraging data from the Oregon State Assessment System (OSAS) for grades 3 to 5. The school is seeing positive trends in English language arts and math, with a notable increase in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. For instance, the percentage of students passing ELA assessments rose from 48% to 54% over the past year. Hughes emphasized the school’s commitment to closing achievement gaps and improving overall student performance.

The meeting underscored Eastwood Elementary's dedication to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment, with a focus on kindness, attendance improvement, and academic success. As the school year progresses, these initiatives aim to enhance the educational experience for all students, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration among staff, students, and families.