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District 20 spotlights Antelope Trails instructional coaches and Village Middle 'Helping Hands' student program
Summary
At the board meeting Antelope Trails Elementary highlighted instructional coaches and the school's Inquiry Lab; Village Middle presented student-run Helping Hands, a program that places middle-school volunteers at Legacy Peak Elementary for classroom and recess support.
Antelope Trails Elementary School presented the board with examples of how instructional coaches and building leadership roles support student learning and staff development.
Principal Laura Cressup introduced the school and its programs, noting Antelope Trails is an International Baccalaureate school with a multi-tiered system of support, an STEAM-equipped inquiry lab, and a robust library collection. Instructional coaches described work with teachers on standards‑aligned instruction, multisensory approaches, and transdisciplinary projects. Staff said they had tracked improved DIBELS and district math results beginning in 2020 after instructional coaching roles were established and credited grants and targeted professional development with contributing to gains.
Village Middle School showcased "Helping Hands," an elective that gives middle school students an early introduction to education and child care. Teacher Caitlin Miller said participants volunteer at Legacy Peak Elementary in classrooms, the cafeteria and at recess and can earn Red Cross babysitting, first aid and CPR certifications. Several middle‑school students and elementary teachers provided testimonials describing improved classroom routines and student engagement where Helping Hands volunteers assist.
Board members thanked the schools for the presentations and invited the student representatives and staff to remain for photos after the superintendent's update.
