Garland Qualls Elementary showcases writing center, dual‑language work and awards

WINCHESTER, Va. — Garland Qualls Elementary presented a program showcase to the Winchester School Board on Tuesday highlighting its writing center, bilingual programming, attendance initiatives and a recent award recognizing its counseling program.

Principal presenters credited staff for developing interactive early-literacy resources and a student-run writing center that offers supplies during recess and plans writing showcases for the school. Student presenters — Madeline, Penelope, Oliver and Henrik — described their experience attending Project Write and helping start the school’s writing center; the students read examples of the collaborative stories they wrote during the presentation.

The school highlighted dual-language classroom activities, a summer literacy conference partnership with Shenandoah University and a recent recognition: Garland Qualls was one of three elementary schools in Virginia to receive the RAMP award, an ASCA Model Program distinction that spotlights comprehensive school counseling services, staff said.

Attendance and community events were also part of the presentation: Garland Qualls won week 2 of a division-wide elementary attendance challenge, the school credited parent nights and community fundraising events (including a restaurant spirit night) and reported targeted summer-school supports and improved local engagement.

Why it matters: The showcase offered board members a window into classroom practice, family engagement and early-literacy initiatives; student involvement in the writing center was presented as both an instructional and community-building strategy.

What the board heard: Board members praised the student presentations and thanked staff for bringing students to the meeting. Staff said they will continue the school’s emphasis on aligned, rigorous instruction, attendance strategies and multilingual supports.