Cherokee, Irving elementary leaders report test‑score gains, attendance efforts and community partnerships

Principals and site leaders for Cherokee Elementary and Irving Elementary presented annual effectiveness reports to the Muskogee Board of Education, highlighting gains in reading and math, attendance initiatives, and a range of community partnerships and extracurricular programs.

Cherokee Elementary

At Cherokee, the presenter reported current enrollment of 327 students, 24 certified staff and 16 support staff, noting staff turnover that included 13 new hires during the year. The presenter said the school moved a share of students into the “advanced” category on state assessments after historically lower results: proficiency rose from about 9 percent to double digits in recent years. Cherokee also reported increased performance in math and a decline in science scores, which staff attributed to a need to re‑emphasize inquiry‑based instruction.

Cherokee listed three primary goals: increase students scoring in the top tiers on the STAR reading assessment, improve attendance and strengthen school culture. The school said it finished last year with 93 percent attendance and aims to raise that to 95 percent. Interventions cited included a 90‑minute literacy block, a full‑time reading specialist who sees 52 students daily, structured data team meetings, reading buddies supported by community partners (including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Boulevard Christian Community Church and local volunteers), and incentives funded by community donations. The presenter said Cherokee sends 246 meals home every Friday and that the site has secured 15 grants and seven awards to support students and programs.

Irving Elementary

Irving reported current enrollment of 393 students (down from 438 at the start of the year), with 29 certified staff and 16 support staff. The Irving presenter described demographic diversity and outreach to bilingual families, noting that a change in how English Learner (EL) students are categorized on state accountability reports had required closer review. Irving reported a midyear gain of 87 points in ELA compared with February 2022 baseline figures and a 76‑point gain on STAR MAP scores; the school expects strong end‑of‑year outcomes.

Irving described partnerships with local churches and community groups that support weekly food backpacks and parent engagement. The presenter said the school hosts hands‑on science visits through the Discovery Lab, operates after‑school programs and extracurriculars including robotics, archery and an air‑rifle program (for fourth and fifth graders) that requires a donated hunter‑safety course. Irving’s goals include raising weekly attendance toward 95 percent and reducing discipline referrals by emphasizing student ownership and mentoring programs.

Why it matters: Both schools emphasized community partnerships and targeted interventions as drivers of academic growth and attendance gains. District leaders acknowledged the support of community organizations and district staff in expanding programs and addressing coding and reporting on state accountability measures.

Board response: Board members thanked school staff and community partners; presenters invited board members and the public to upcoming school events.