Violet Avenue interim principal spotlights peer reading program, attendance and literacy work

Mr. Wheaton, interim principal at Violet Avenue Elementary School, gave the board a detailed building update on Feb. 13 that covered student programs, family engagement, building goals, assessment data and a concentrated focus on attendance and literacy.

The update described the school’s peer reading program in which fifth‑grade students read with first graders on a six‑day cycle. Students who appeared at the meeting said the program includes shared reading, exchanged holiday cards and planned spring author celebrations. “Our reading buddies are always excited to see us, and we are excited to see them too,” a fifth‑grade student told the board during the presentation.

Programming and engagement Mr. Wheaton outlined a calendar of family and school events (STEM night, Nutty Scientist assemblies, author visits, Arbor Day activities and PTA events) and said staff are building monthly assemblies and evening activities to improve attendance and community engagement. He praised volunteers and retirees who help in the school and noted new purchases to expand leveled classroom libraries for AIS (Academic Intervention Services).

Attendance and discipline data Wheaton presented building data showing a 92 percent overall attendance rate and chronic absenteeism bands that the school is focusing on. He said roughly 26–27 percent of students were in the chronic‑absenteeism band for fall and that the team will target students missing 30, 40 or more days for direct outreach; he emphasized that chronic absences substantially affect learning gains. The principal and board members discussed that some absences are medical and should be treated differently; nurse and community comment later in the meeting underscored concerns about messaging that might unintentionally prompt parents to send ill children to school.

Literacy and assessment work Wheaton described the school’s use of a new reading program tied to the science of reading, referenced UFLI training and said literacy coaches and guest authors have supported K–5 literacy work. He reviewed state ELA and math band data for grades 3–5 (six‑year views presented) and noted that while math bands showed positive shifts, ELA proficiency remained a primary focus. Deputy Superintendent Jessica Turner told the board the district convened a literacy innovation committee that will review curriculum vendors and recommend two resources; staff will return with cost projections and a multi‑year fiscal plan before making budget decisions.

Discipline and in‑school supports Wheaton said the school is minimizing out‑of‑school suspensions and using in‑school supports where possible to limit lost instructional time; suspension data through Jan. 30 were included in the slides. He also described PBIS work and plans for monthly character assemblies.

Public comment and staff follow‑up During public participation, the district nurse, Alma Sanford, supported the attendance initiative but cautioned that some parents are now sending sick children to school out of concern about absenteeism. The board asked staff to clarify communications so families understand which absences are appropriate and to reiterate public‑health guidance.

Ending: Mr. Wheaton said the school will continue data monitoring, parent outreach and programming designed to increase attendance and literacy gains; the board asked for invitations to evening events so members can see programs in action.