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Holmes Elementary presents school-improvement priorities: culture, tiered instruction and family engagement
Summary
Holmes Elementary leaders presented their School Comprehensive Education Plan to the Kenmore-Tonawanda Board of Education on Jan. 14, describing three core priorities: fostering a positive school culture, ensuring high expectations through data-driven Tier 1 instruction, and strengthening school–family engagement.
Holmes Elementary leaders presented their School Comprehensive Education Plan to the Kenmore-Tonawanda Board of Education on Jan. 14, describing three core priorities: fostering a positive school culture, ensuring high expectations through data-driven Tier 1 instruction, and strengthening school–family engagement.
"The commitments are based on need, on data, and on best practices," Holmes leader Heather McCarthy said. She told the board the school uses classroom community circles, Panorama social-emotional surveys and the MindUP curriculum to support students’ social-emotional needs, and that staff are focusing on perseverance and growth mindset through a faculty book study.
For academic priorities, McCarthy said Holmes has adopted the EM² math curriculum across elementary grades and the UFLY phonics program for kindergarten through second grade. She described a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) that meets weekly to plan interventions for students who need additional academic, social or behavioral support.
McCarthy highlighted partnerships and extracurricular supports. Holmes works with Buffalo State student observers and BOCES high-school student helpers, partners with the Sheridan Parkside Life Center, and participated in the Town of Tonawanda Police Shop with a Cop program. The school also received support from the Ralph Wilson Junior Legacy Fund for a multi-school sports program and noted its farm-to-school snack program.
Board members praised the Holmes community’s outreach and holiday support program, which staff said reached dozens of families this year; one trustee said volunteers organized gifts for 79 families and 107 children. Superintendent Samato and trustees said they expect staff to return with further details as the school continues to monitor outcomes and refine supports.
The presentation was delivered as part of the meeting’s recognition segment and did not require formal board action.
