Westside Elementary outlines goals to raise achievement, reduce referrals
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Summary
Westside Elementary told the Coffee County Board of Education it aims to boost academic mastery by 3% in tested areas and cut office discipline referrals by 3% through literacy interventions, small‑group instruction and the Capturing Kids' Hearts program; enrollment is 647 students.
Speaker 6, a Westside Elementary representative, told the Coffee County Board of Education at its Jan. 29, 2026, work session that the school’s theme for the year is “1 team, 1 dream” and outlined a set of concrete improvement goals.
“Our purpose is to stand together as a committed team, transforming challenges into opportunities,” Speaker 6 said, describing an impact statement produced following participation in the Georgia Leadership Institute of School Improvement. The presentation said Westside’s current enrollment is 647 students across 36 homerooms and multiple self‑contained classes.
The school presented three school‑improvement goals: increase the percentage of students advancing achievement levels on Georgia Milestones assessments (ELA and math, and fifth‑grade science) by 3% and reduce office discipline referrals by 3% through implementation of Capturing Kids' Hearts. Speaker 6 described classroom strategies the school is using to meet those targets, including small‑group, differentiated instruction for early grades, literacy software (Lexia), partner reading, and more interactive math instruction.
Speaker 6 also highlighted school‑climate work tied to the Excel model (engage, explore, communicate, empower, launch) and described classroom practices such as morning meetings, student‑led “good things,” and a support‑chair strategy to help students present in front of peers. The presentation included examples of student work and extracurricular recognition — spelling bee placements, DARE contest winners and a schoolwide signature award for third graders.
On community partnerships, Speaker 6 noted a new “Workforce Wednesday” program in which local businesses visit fifth‑grade classes, and described veteran‑engagement activities and other volunteer support. The presenter said Westside has applied to be a national showcase school for Capturing Kids' Hearts and emphasized staff recognition through a weekly “dream team” spotlight.
The board did not take a public vote on the presentation; the session served as an informational briefing and opportunity for board members to ask questions about instructional practices and school‑climate initiatives. The board's next public meeting will include consent and action items related to budget and facilities.