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Adler Elementary showcases new community-school model, Volkswagen eLab and social-emotional programming
Summary
Principal Crystal Dean and Adler staff presented a detailed update on the school's new building, student supports, social-emotional learning (SEL) programming and awards including selection to receive a Volkswagen eLab.
Adler Elementary presented a wide-ranging update to the Southfield Board of Education on Feb. 11 describing its new building, instructional strategy, social-emotional learning and community partnerships. Principal Crystal Dean and Adler staff said the school has become a community school and will receive one of the state's first Volkswagen eLabs.
"We are a K–5 elementary school, home of the Eagles," Principal Dean told the board, reviewing photos of the building's new secure vestibule, hydration stations, flexible seating and an "Eagle's Nest" media center she said supports students' emotional needs. Dean said the school is emphasizing small-group instruction, literacy interventions and district curriculum pilots with increased staff support.
Crystal Towns, Adler's academic engagement and social-emotional learning officer, described daily SEL routines and in-school tools that teachers use to teach breathing techniques, check-ins and targeted small-group skill work. "We start first by welcoming the students in to do a check-in," Towns said, explaining the school's emphasis on social skills as a foundation for learning.
Teachers and leaders described curriculum growth tracked with I-Ready assessments; third-grade reading growth was cited as 92% meeting typical midyear growth on the district slide set. Second-grade teacher Tracy Jennings highlighted gains in phonics and vocabulary after piloting specific curriculum and cited classroom practices such as daily I-Ready practice and small-group tutoring.
Dean also announced that Adler had been named a community school and will receive a Volkswagen eLab (fabrication lab). Superintendent Jennifer Green and Adler staff said the Volkswagen eLab will be installed at Adler and additional labs will be placed at other district sites. The district also discussed other Adler priorities mentioned in the presentation including a planetarium curriculum and a possible therapy dog.
Principal Dean said Adler is open for enrollment and encouraged families to visit. The board and superintendent praised Adler's presentation and its community partnerships, and district staff noted Adler had been included in grant awards that advance summer and community programming.
