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Ferndale principal outlines new 'Fish Tanks' ELA program and pushes attendance goal at Lower Elementary
Summary
Principal Diana Keith told the school board the Lower Elementary is emphasizing five pillars (self-reflection, transparency, attendance, collaboration, data), introduced a new Fish Tanks ELA curriculum and reported a 95% attendance goal (January at 89%). Students delivered classroom book talks to illustrate engagement.
Diana Keith, principal of Ferndale Lower Elementary, told the Ferndale Schools Board of Education on Feb. 24 that the building is centering work this year on five pillars — self-reflection, transparency, attendance, collaboration and data — and that those priorities shaped curriculum and family engagement plans.
"Our one word this year is flourish," Keith said, describing reflection routines for staff and a monthly meeting with a literacy coach. Keith said the building aims for 95% daily attendance; she reported January attendance at about 89% and December at 92%, and described outreach measures the school is using, including letters, phone calls, bus tickets and gas support to families.
Keith highlighted a new English language arts program, called Fish Tanks, which she described as text- and student-centered units that integrate social studies and science. She said the curriculum emphasizes rich classroom discussion and diverse texts so "students see themselves in stories and characters while also learning about other cultures, experiences and perspectives." Keith also described a return to grade-level "focus groups" and a "walk and read" approach to groupings that will let teachers cluster students by skill for targeted instruction.
Three students came forward during the presentation to give short book talks, demonstrating classroom practices Keith described: vocabulary growth, turn-and-talk discussion and text-centered comprehension work. The principal said staff are using data systems (iReady, SEL measures and other assessments) in a multi-tiered support approach to identify students' needs and guide interventions.
Superintendent remarks later in the meeting noted the district will use a state-of-the-district tour to show community members how bond dollars would be applied to older buildings. The board heard the Lower Elementary presentation before approving routine business and several action items.
