Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Thornell Road Elementary reports enrollment growth, new breakfast program and ongoing construction
Summary
Thornell Road Elementary principal reported enrollment growth to about 517 students, expansion of special-education sections, a new breakfast program serving roughly 200 students daily, and an on-site construction project expected to deliver new spaces after winter break.
Thornell Road Elementary Principal Mike Foote (presenting on behalf of Thornell Road) told the board the building is experiencing enrollment growth and program expansion this school year. Foote said the school's enrollment rose from 493 last year to about 517 this year, staff numbers have increased to over 100, and the building now has about 28 classroom sections covering general and special-education programs.
To meet student needs, the school added a third self-contained special-education program this summer. Foote also reported a newly launched breakfast program that has grown quickly: "we went from 0 to about 200 breakfasts daily," and lunch participation has also risen (the principal referenced daily lunch averages that increased into the hundreds).
Thornell Road is currently the first elementary in the district to undergo building construction tied to the district capital project. Foote said renovations provide new spaces including locker-room-like areas, expanded OT/PT space, three small-group instructional spaces for mental-health services, offices and bathroom renovations. He told the board the new spaces are expected to come online after winter break and that the building-level staff and families have been flexible during construction.
Foote highlighted positive early academic indicators and the school's community-building efforts: buddy-class pairings, lunch "get-to-know-you" groups for new families, a weekly Thornell Roadway recognition program and strong PTSA engagement that expanded clubs and community events.
Ending: Principal Foote invited board members to visit Thornell Road and expressed appreciation for district support during the start-of-year growth and construction.
