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SMASH principal showcases multi-age schoolhouse, students read 'I Belong' poems
Summary
SMASH principal Jessica highlighted the school's multi-age model, writing-focused instruction, and supports for multilingual learners; students presented poems from the 'I Belong' project emphasizing belonging and peer collaboration.
SMASH site principal Jessica told the board the school emphasizes "connection, belonging, and the belief that every child's growth is everyone's responsibility," and described multi-age community groups, peer feedback practices, and a writing-focused approach for grades TK–8.
Student presenters read selections from the 'I Belong' Poetry Project; one student, Charlotte, told the board, "I am special... Even if I have things other people don't, I still belong." The principal said focus groups with multilingual learners are guiding curricular action and that teachers are using writing-review days and communication frames to help students improve authoring and reflective skills.
Board members asked about chronic absenteeism and whether anxiety had been identified as a factor. The principal replied that anxiety had been identified among chronically absent students and that the school is coordinating with counselors and outside therapeutic-service providers to support students' return to consistent attendance.
