The Adams 12 Board of Education meeting held on October 1, 2025, focused on key strategies for enhancing educational practices at Rocky Mountain Elementary School. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of consistency in supporting rigorous and relevant learning. The school is prioritizing weekly planning sessions for literacy and math, particularly as they welcome 13 new certified staff members, many of whom are new to teaching.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the introduction of lesson study practices, where teachers record their lessons to share with colleagues for feedback. This method aims to foster professional development through peer collaboration rather than formal training sessions. By the end of the school year, teachers will have the opportunity to participate in two lesson studies, enhancing their instructional techniques.

The board also addressed the need for increased student feedback to correct misconceptions during lessons. A school-wide professional growth goal has been established, focusing on academic monitoring and feedback. The use of sprint cycles was highlighted as a method for tracking progress and providing immediate feedback to teachers, with data shared weekly to keep staff informed.

Another major topic was fostering a sense of academic and social belonging among students. The school aims to improve attendance, which has been below 90% for several years. To address this, new student leadership opportunities have been introduced, including student council and classroom buddy systems that pair older and younger students for collaborative activities.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the challenges faced by students, particularly those affected by the pandemic. Board members expressed appreciation for the efforts of the staff in creating a supportive learning environment. Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment to enhancing instructional quality and student engagement at Rocky Mountain Elementary School.