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Simmons Elementary principal outlines reading, restorative-discipline and community programs
Summary
Principal Kim Ahman told the Aberdeen School District 06-1 board on Jan. 13 that Simmons Elementary is focusing on reading stamina, targeted skill instruction, restorative discipline and community partnerships, and described several school events and supports.
Principal Kim Ahman presented Simmons Elementary’s annual update to the Aberdeen School District 06-1 Board of Education on Jan. 13, describing classroom initiatives, student supports and community partnerships.
Ahman said the school set a monthly “reading stamina” minute goal for each classroom and is seeing progress after a slow December. “We are working on reading stamina,” she told the board, explaining the practice asks students to sit quietly and read for increasing amounts of time to build focus and comprehension.
Nut graf: The presentation laid out how day-to-day classroom practices and extracurricular activities connect to district goals for math and reading, safe learning environments and equitable technology access.
Ahman described Win Time, a twice-weekly period staffed by certified teachers aimed at targeted skill acquisition rather than finishing homework. She said classroom teachers coordinate with Win Time instructors to tailor work to students’ current academic levels. The school also operates a maker space and maintains one-to-one iPad access for upper elementary grades (grades 3–5), she said.
On school climate and student supports, Ahman said Simmons continues restorative discipline practices and runs a “comfort closet” supplying sundry and food items for students, which National Honor Society and other donors help stock. She said items are distributed discreetly and that use increased in January.
The school’s student council operates a school store twice a month, taking responsibility for ordering and money handling. Ahman described longstanding family- and community-focused events including a veterans breakfast, an annual “Turkey Bingo” night before Thanksgiving, and the 10th annual Read for the Record program, in which about 21 local businesses sponsor classrooms, buy books for students and send representatives to read.
Ahman said Simmons will try a new “One Book, One School” program using Alvin Ho; guest readers will record chapters for families to access on social media and every child will receive a copy of the book.
Ending: The board heard the report without further action. Principal Ahman took questions from board members and concluded with an invitation to follow Simmons’ community events.
