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Buford Elementary showcases writing ‘recipe’ to build student voice
Summary
Buford Elementary Principal Maricela de la Torre presented the school’s multi-step writing program — thinking maps, mini-lessons, teacher modeling and a calibration protocol — arguing that the approach builds writing skill and student leadership across grades.
Maricela de la Torre, principal of Buford Elementary School, told the Lennox School District board that the school’s "recipe for writing success" pairs structured instructional tools with a student wellness center to help pupils become confident writers.
De la Torre described a classroom sequence that begins with thinking maps to organize ideas, adds short, targeted mini-lessons to teach specific craft skills, uses teacher modeling to make thinking visible, and follows with student collaboration and reflection. "When we provide the structure... we give students the safety they need to let their creativity run wild," she said.
She also outlined a six-step lesson process and a calibration protocol used by teacher leaders to align scoring across classrooms and identify targeted mini-lessons. De la Torre said analytic instruments guide instruction and that teachers integrate narrative, informational and response-to-text genres across content areas.
Fabiola Martinez, a school counselor, described the student wellness center as a place where writing becomes a tool for emotional regulation and self-advocacy. Kindergarten writing samples were shared during the presentation and met with audience applause.
Board members praised the presentation and asked whether students publish their own books or have end-of-year showcases. De la Torre said student authorship occurs within classrooms now and the school hopes to expand publishing and family presentations in the future. She also said staff are preparing to support incoming students, including those with special education needs, during the district’s consolidation process.
The presentation concluded with a promise to share additional videos and materials with the board. The board moved on to regular business after brief discussion.
