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Las Brisas Academy presents student‑growth strategies and signature programs to board
Summary
Las Brisas Academy principal Sarah Schafer and instructional coach Miss Graceffa highlighted teacher‑leadership, a fine‑arts signature and a dual‑language K–5 program, alongside data practices (Illuminate, DreamBox) and targeted interventions that the school says contributed to measurable proficiency gains in multiple grades.
At the Dec. 12 Liberty Elementary District meeting, Las Brisas Academy staff presented school programs and the data systems they use to track and accelerate student growth.
Principal Sarah Schafer described culture and teacher‑leadership initiatives (for example, staff spirit days and a Grandparents’ Breakfast) and introduced student recognitions. Schafer said the school emphasizes both academic and cultural strategies to retain teachers and engage families.
Instructional coach Miss Graceffa explained the school’s two signature programs — a fine‑arts stream and a K–5 dual‑language immersion program in which some math instruction is taught in Spanish — and walked the board through how teachers use assessment data (Illuminate, DreamBox) and grade‑band planning to identify students who need interventions. Schafer cited an example of third‑grade classroom growth, noting a roughly 28% increase in proficiency in one cited comparison and described the school’s use of small‑group intervention trackers and coaching cycles to sustain gains.
Assistant staff (Miss Malley) reviewed the school’s work on chronic absenteeism, noting the school has been tracking attendance weekly and reporting a roughly 5% chronic‑absenteeism rate used in parent messaging and monthly newsletters. The presenters highlighted upcoming events (a winter showcase, a band performance and a spring musical) and invited board members to attend.
Board members commended the presentation and asked clarifying questions about cohort comparisons and how the school disaggregates data; Schafer and Graceffa responded with details about teacher‑to‑teacher cohorts and coaching supports.
