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Willard administrators highlight family engagement, mentoring and attendance programs
Summary
Willard Grade School administrators told the board about family-focused events (literacy festival, "Pancakes with Principals", PIE Day), a buddy system, a Kids Count mentoring program (about 24 mentors now, ~40 expected next year) and student supports including a "Gymbreary" program that pairs gym and library activities.
Warren City — Willard Grade School administrators presented to the Warren City School Board on Feb. 24 about efforts to boost family engagement and student supports, saying small, regular events and mentoring have driven stronger attendance and participation.
"My name is Carly Polder. I am the campus leader here at Willard and also the assistant curriculum director," said Carly Polder, who introduced the administrative team and described goals the school has pursued over the past four years: attendance, instruction and family connection.
Polder and colleagues described monthly family events including a literacy festival, an upcoming PIE Day that links literacy, math and art, and a new "Pancakes with Principals" series designed to create informal, 45-minute conversations with families. Polder credited liaisons Shana Shardi and Jelani Franklin for improved attendance and said the school was the monthly district winner for attendance.
The presentation outlined several student-focused programs. "Gymbreary's is, once a month ... they start with a read-aloud ... and then there's the physical activity piece that connects with the read-aloud," a Willard presenter said, explaining how the library and gym staff combine lessons to reinforce phonics and movement. Administrators also highlighted a buddy system in grades 3–5, a ‘‘learning lab’’ for targeted reading support in grades 6–8, and a Kids Count mentoring program now serving roughly two dozen mentors with plans to grow.
Retirements were announced: seventh- and eighth-grade teacher Mr. Bazzi and morning custodian Peggy Lucas will retire at the end of the school year and April 1, respectively. Board members and attendees offered praise for the work at Willard and for the school's partnerships with community organizations.
Provenance: Willard presentation begins when the superintendent invites the school team ("I'd like to welcome the Willie Keith Grade School, administration" SEG 602) and continues through the team’s closing remarks ("We just wanted to say thank you..." SEG 1161).
