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Washington Elementary highlights ATLAS gains, new outdoor learning spaces; instructional coach honored
Summary
Washington Elementary staff reported higher-than-average ATLAS scores, described new inclusive programs and outdoor learning partnerships, and the board recognized Tina Moritz with an Above and Beyond award and advisor Andrew Young for national yearbook honors.
The Fayetteville Public Schools Board of Education heard an academic update from Washington Elementary on improvements in student assessment results, inclusive programming and new outdoor learning spaces, and recognized staff achievements.
Brooke Buckley, assistant principal at Washington Elementary, told the board that the school's spring ATLAS (Arkansas Teaching, Learning and Assessment System) results showed Washington exceeding state and district averages in overall proficiency. Buckley said third-grade total proficient rates were 55 percent at Washington versus 38 percent statewide and 49 percent districtwide. She noted the system’s new scoring bands and cautioned that “level 2 and above is now on grade level; level 3 and above is considered proficient.”
The presentation highlighted curricular and extracurricular supports the school has adopted. Buckley and other Washington staff described project-based field trips, a “Washington Wild Patch” outdoor learning area developed with the University of Arkansas, and expanded inclusive practices to reduce pull-out instruction for students who receive speech services. Miranda Seawood was cited as a building instructional coach who supports data-driven small-group instruction and a dedicated 30-minute block of targeted instruction.
The board and staff also described student-facing programs housed at Washington, including a 20-year after‑school enrichment program called Creative Cats, and new offerings added through a partnership with the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, such as a journalism team, debate team and a Black Girl Tribe. Art teacher Miss Daley created a glow room as a sensory-friendly alternative to a traditional haunted house at the school’s fall festival.
Before the academic update, the board presented its monthly Above and Beyond award to Tina Moritz, described in a colleague’s nomination as “an instructional coach at Leverett Elementary School” who “consistently goes the extra mile.” The board also recognized Andrew Young, Woodland Junior High yearbook advisor, for national awards and named him a distinguished yearbook advisor by the Journalism Education Association.
Board members praised Washington’s staff and partnerships for fostering inclusive spaces and supporting student growth. Buckley and presenters said the school will continue monitoring assessment results and expanding outdoor and inclusive programming.
