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Ernest C. Meyer Elementary highlights academic gains, wellness initiatives and state recognition
Summary
School leaders, teachers and students from Ernest C. Meyer Elementary presented classroom programs, instructional data and wellness initiatives; the school reported improved attendance and was recognized by America's Healthiest Schools.
Ernest C. Meyer Elementary School presented curriculum highlights, student work and wellness initiatives to the Kingston City School District Board of Education.
Principal Erin Nelson introduced teachers and fourth-grade students, who described classroom practices and learning experiences. Teachers said Meyer uses Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) and i-Ready for instruction, linking reading, writing and listening with knowledge-building units. Fourth-grade teacher Lauren Puig said CKLA provides "rich, knowledge, bridal curriculum that integrates reading, writing, listening, and speaking," and staff described cross-curricular collaboration with music, art and physical education.
Nelson reviewed early diagnostic data and supports: the presentation described that roughly 65 percent of students were at or above grade level in math at the start of the year and about 74 percent at or above grade level in reading (presentation phrasing: "The yellow and green zones represent 65 percent of our students who performed at or above grade level in math at the start of this school year. 74 percent of our students performed at or above grade level in reading at the start of 2025-26."). Students performing in lower tiers receive targeted supports; many of those students have IEPs or 504 plans. Nelson said restorative practices and "think sheets" support behavior and reflection: the school completed 28 think sheets last year compared with 15 to date this year.
Nelson and staff also highlighted wellness initiatives. Shannon Ashcroft, speech-language pathologist and administrative intern, said Meyer is the first school in New York State to receive the All Star School Award through America's Healthiest Schools in all nine categories the program tracks. The school coordinates fresh-food donations with the Hudson Valley Farm Hub and Milestone Mill, delivers tobacco-prevention and social-thinking lessons, launched a walking club and established a neurodiversity library with resources for students and teachers. Staff described an inclusive-playground committee that adapted a new playground to increase accessibility.
Student government and student voice were emphasized: all fourth graders participate in student government, with this year 21 of 50 fourth graders running for officer positions. Teachers said student government supports peer-to-peer projects and community service.
Why it matters: The presentation provided benchmarks on early-year academic performance, behavior supports and wellness programming that the district can use to set priorities and monitor progress. The All Star School recognition is notable for the district’s elementary programming and health initiatives.
What board members said: Trustees praised student presenters and staff. One trustee asked about staff-wellness implementation, and Nelson described using an EdCamp professional-development model to give teachers choice in PD sessions.
Ending: The board welcomed the Meyer delegation and thanked students and staff; trustees noted the presentation’s data will inform district oversight of teaching and learning.
