Nooksack Valley elementary leaders report literacy, language and systems gains to board

Kevin Devere, representing Everson Elementary School, told the Nooksack Valley School Board on Feb. 19 that years of consistent instructional focus and adult learning have driven steady growth across student groups. He highlighted a district emphasis on expressive language development and said those practices helped a student the staff identified as Juan make notable progress.

Sarah Condreay of Sumas Elementary School described the school’s work on collective efficacy and early literacy. She said the school’s professional learning communities (PLCs) and a schoolwide intervention schedule helped a student the staff identified as Noah show roughly two years of academic growth in about 1.5 years.

Katie Brown of Nooksack Elementary School summarized the school’s work on systems and routines that let staff identify and solve problems and structure morning enrichment groups that give students choice and additional learning opportunities. Brown said students who participate in those choice activities report higher engagement in the district’s student experience work.

The presentations, delivered during a board meeting at district offices, framed changes in teacher practice, PLC-based decision-making and targeted interventions as the mechanisms producing gains. Board members praised the elementary team for connecting adult learning to clear changes in classroom practice and schoolwide supports.

Superintendent Matt Galley and board members said the schools’ presentations will inform ongoing budget and planning conversations, including an April work session on priorities.