Our entire staff is a positive, motivated group that works collaboratively to benefit all children. Teachers are incredibly committed to doing what is best for student learning.
· Three strong teacher leaders stepped forward to guide our building through the school improvement process and attended the Data Four Student Success training through the Calhoun Intermediate School District.
· Reading and Math intervention programs have been provided all year in the At Risk room and in individual classrooms, by paraprofessional and teachers alike.
· Three tier groups were embraced and offered to needed students for most grade levels. Teachers are working together to provide time for these needed intervention groups.
· Many more parent volunteers were involved this year than ever before.
· An increase of small group learning and individualized instruction took place for struggling and accelerated students.
· Jr. Great Books and the Continental Math League programs were provided for accelerated learners.
· Teachers have dissected the GLCE's to ensure and confirm the coverage of curriculum in the classroom.
· We have recognized the importance of using student data to inform instruction, and have began using the data to create lessons.
· Teachers are team teaching with both grade level teachers in the room, using their best strengths together to teach and reach children.
· The use of higher level thinking questions was very evident in classrooms.
· Common planning time was used to develop lessons, talk about teaching strategies, and to talk about student performance. Professional learning communities are on the verge of development.
· Very successful student teachers were produced from our building this year. Our teachers are very willing to work with new teachers and ask to have student teachers each year.
· There is an extensive amount of district involvement from our staff alone. Our staff members have superb attendance at the district department meetings and PD days. Leaders are prevalent in all grade levels of our building.
· We have a high level of involvement at the CISD level, leading the district in curricular areas.
· We embraced the opportunity to accomplish goals and talk about best teaching practices during our staff meetings and school improvement meetings.
· There is a high interest and use of Data Director in our building.
· There is a huge desire in educators to evaluate and change teaching strategies and classroom management techniques to provide the best learning for students.
· Lucy Calkins was used in all classrooms to develop stronger writing instruction.
· Our MEAP scores continued to be above the State average and led the district in several areas.
· Students were allowed to publish and share their writing by creating books and using the writing lab.
· Many worthwhile field trips were successfully planned to provide more opportunities for students.
· A large amount of extra-curricular opportunities were offered to our students because teachers are insistent on producing well-rounded students.
· The Big Brothers/Big Sisters program at Star School worked closely with 12 at risk students.
· The Foster Grandparent Program provided three grandparents to work with at risk students from all classrooms at Star School.
· We had 97-99 percent participation in our Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Other Points of Pride
· A positive, friendly and orderly building atmosphere
· Art Reach
· Accelerated learning opportunities through Young Authors, Young Artists, Young Scientists, Jr. Great Books, and the Continental Math League.
· Assemblies such as Kids Choir, Citizenship Assemblies, March Read-a-thon, various community members share their careers, Star School Talent Show, Barry County Humane Society, Mayor Bob May, local veterans, local dental hygienists, and police.
· Battle of the Books
· Birthday Club
· Citizenship and Awards Assemblies
· D.A.R.E.
· Fall Festival
· Field Day
· Field trips to the Kalamazoo Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet performance, Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum, Pennock Hospital; State Capitol and Museum, Swimming trips to the Community Education Recreation Center, Patterson Ice Rink, Vermontville Revue, Binder Park Zoo, Lansing Lugnut game, fifth grade middle school tour, Meijer Gardens' Christmas Around the World, Ag Awareness Day, local dairy farms.
· Fifth Grade Safety Patrol
· Fifth grade Spelling Bee
· Good attendance for special Star School evening programs
· Holiday Food Drive provided for four local families
· JIFF program for Fifth grade
· Jr. Achievement programs taught in grades Young Fives through Fifth
· Kindergarten Popcorn Parade Musical
· Law Day
· March is Reading Month activities such as Pajama Night and the Read-a-thon.
· Musical program
· Outdoor Education Camp for fifth grade students
· Star School PTO providing many opportunities for students
· Popcorn day each month
· Student Council organizes school-wide activities such as pencil sales and school clean-up efforts.
· Walk With The Stars - PTO fall fundraiser
· Walking Club
· Winter Carnival
· Young Authors, Artists, and Scientists