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Eastside Elementary highlights reading instruction, social‑emotional routines in school update
Summary
Eastside Elementary School staff told the Coffee County Board of Education the school started the year strongly and is emphasizing reading instruction, morning meetings and social‑emotional learning for roughly 600 students.
Miss Catherine Woodard, representing Eastside Elementary School, told the Coffee County Board of Education on Nov. 21 that the school opened the year with strong staff collaboration and a focus on reading instruction and social‑emotional learning.
Woodard said Eastside has about 85 staff and just under 600 students, with about 10% identified for special education services and roughly 9% in English learner programs. "Our focus this year is Eastside, our happy place, and we say that every single day with our students," she said.
The principal-level presenter said the school uses student-led morning announcements followed immediately by a 10–15 minute morning meeting for all grades pre‑K through 5 to build a "culture of respect and trust." Woodard described morning meetings as a daily routine in which "every kid's name is spoken" in a positive way and teachers use brief prompts to focus the day.
On literacy, Woodard outlined a multi-part reading block: grade-level shared reading, interactive read‑alouds often above grade level, and differentiated small groups. For kindergarten through second grade the school is using Heggerty for phonemic awareness and systematic phonics routines; older grades have multiple 45‑minute reading blocks. The school also is using Lexia programs for individualized practice and has provided staff professional learning on the science of reading, including Scarborough's reading rope.
Woodard said three teachers have received dyslexia endorsements and that the school intends "by the end of this school year, 100% of our certified staff" who are eligible to hold a reading certification to complete the training.
She also described mathematics instruction structured around four elements: spiral review, number talks, fact fluency, and differentiated small‑group instruction. The school conducts 90‑minute "math walks" and uses data analysis and a multi‑tiered system of supports for interventions.
Woodard listed family engagement strategies including paper and digital newsletters, ParentSquare, Facebook and a digital sign. She described a range of events — from breakfasts and lunches with families to evening activities — intended to reach working parents.
The presentation closed with examples of student leadership activities and volunteer involvement. "We are thankful that we're back in the swing of things," Woodard said, summarizing the school’s aim to continue the year with strong classroom practices and family partnerships.
The board did not take action on programmatic items during the presentation; Woodard's remarks were presented as an informational update.
