Pershing Elementary highlights MAP gains, dual‑language growth and classroom initiatives at district board meeting

Diana Akabazzi, principal of Pershing Elementary School in Berwyn South School District 100, and assistant principal Joel Duquette showcased student growth data, new curriculum adoption and schoolwide supports during the board’s school‑spotlight segment.

Nut graf: Pershing’s leaders described measurable growth on MAP screening data from fall to winter, continued work on a new reading curriculum (Amplify), a dual‑language program at every grade level, and multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS) and PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) initiatives intended to reduce referrals and increase student engagement.

Key points presented

- Assessment results: Duquette said MAP screening data showed fall‑to‑winter growth at each grade level tested and that most student scores are in the “low‑average” norming cell but trending upward. School leaders said classroom goal‑setting and teacher collaboration (PLCs) supported gains. - Curriculum and instruction: Principal Akabazzi described adopting the Amplify reading curriculum and a district math curriculum. She said the school is focusing on numbers and algebraic thinking in math and informational text in reading. - Dual language and assessments: The school runs a dual‑language model at every grade. Leaders said younger grades show gains in Spanish and English early literacy and that dual‑language students take additional assessments. - MTSS, behavior and PBIS: Akabazzi and Duquette described an intervention planning team that monitors behavior referrals and attendance biweekly and provides tier‑2 and tier‑3 supports. Duquette said teacher referrals for behavior dropped from 25 last year to 5 so far this year, which school staff presented as evidence of progress. - Student leadership and engagement: Pershing highlighted “principal for the day” and gold‑paw recognitions, clubs (sports, yearbook, chorus), family events such as Friendsgiving, and a science fair. Three students — Camila Favela (first grade), Ezra Pineda (fourth grade), and Maya Sotto (fifth grade) — addressed the board about school activities. - Staff recognition: The school recognized two first‑year dual‑language teachers, Carla Maya and Myra Lopez, for classroom leadership.

Voices from the community

Teresa Ruiz, PTO president for Pershing School, praised principal‑led family engagement and said many events depend on the PTO’s volunteer work and fundraising. She thanked staff for building community and noted the principal’s warm daily greetings to students.

Ending: The spotlight concluded with board members thanking Pershing staff and families and the superintendent noting the school holds an important place in the community. The presentation did not include a board action vote and was informational.