Crestwood Elementary presents post-construction learning report; highlights academic gains, AI pilots and sustainability award

Crestwood Elementary staff told the Lindbergh Schools Board of Education on Tuesday that school construction completed under the district's Prop R program, paired with targeted instructional changes, has improved daily operations and supported academic and social-emotional gains.

The presentation, delivered by Crestwood staff members Kit Norton and Jillian Holmes, summarized student recognitions, instructional priorities and new programs. Norton and Holmes highlighted classroom environment improvements after construction and said staff-focused professional learning tied to the district's Model of Instruction (MOI) is driving more consistent teaching practices.

The district-funded renovation added classroom space, a new gym and storm shelter, an intervention hub, an improved car line and a refreshed cafeteria, presenters said. Norton told the board that new carpeting has softened classroom sound and improved student comfort. "We are safer. We have more purposeful and inspiring instructional spaces," the presenters said.

Why it matters: The presentation connected capital investments to instructional goals. Board members and staff described the work as part of a multiyear effort to turn one-time construction into sustained classroom improvement through professional learning and targeted teaching frameworks.

Crestwood staff described several instructional initiatives. They said teachers are using the MOI framework and that teacher cohorts will use Robert J. Marzano's The New Art and Science of Teaching as a central resource. The school reported using exit slips and flexible grouping in third-grade math; teachers moved students grouped by need from 41% mastery on rounding before intervention to 87% mastery after tiered flexible grouping.

The presentation also described early pilots using artificial intelligence as an instructional tool. Library media specialist Beth Majdra demonstrated classroom activities where students interact with a fictional character, and district staff described a pilot using a school AI platform (Gemini) to analyze class math data and recommend board games that reinforce needed skills.

Student supports and recognition were a major part of the report. Crestwood honored students David Tomber Young and Paige Rideout for classroom growth and resilience, and recognized Michelle Peterson as Support Staff Person of the Year and LaMisha Johnson as Teacher of the Year. Presenters quoted Paige Rideout saying, "I love my Crestwood school, and I don't ever want to go to another school because all my friends are at Crestwood."

Crestwood also received the Green Schools Quest (GSQ) Community Impact Award in partnership with Truman Middle School for a student-driven pollinator restoration campaign. Presenters said the school plans to pilot a student-led composting program to convert cafeteria food scraps into compost as a hands-on learning opportunity.

The presenters cited survey and assessment data: a fall staff climate result showing 92% to 100% of staff agreeing on the importance of collaboration; spring NWEA reading results showing just over 80% of students at or above the district target; spring NWEA math at 74.4% (below an 80% goal); and a social-emotional learning screener that identified 84% to 88% of students as low risk last year. Staff said the district is transitioning to Panorama for SEL screening and to I-Ready for math and reading diagnostics.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the rollout of professional learning and next steps for persistent math growth. Crestwood staff said cohorts and instructional coaching will continue and that the school expects gradual improvement as teams complete the MOI-aligned professional learning cycle.

The Board did not take formal action on the Crestwood report; the presentation was submitted for informational review.