PRIORITY #3
Engaging families and community while capturing kids hearts and captivating their minds.
Implement positive school climates to capture kids’ hearts and captivate their minds.
| Strategic Priority Three | |
|---|---|
| Why is this important? | Research verifies the need to create a safe and positive environment that is focused on establishing strong relationships between adults and students. Our minority majority and high poverty student population justifies this being a priority. The academic performance gaps that exist stem in part from students’ lack of understanding about and belief in the power of education to transform their opportunities for success both in school and after their schooling is completed. This priority is about affecting that belief through student and family understandings. San Luis Valley counties, including Rio Grande County, are frequently cited in national statistics for having high unemployment rates. Families without earned income often suffer from increased levels of alcoholism, drug abuse, and domestic violence – with corresponding effects upon children. Over 76% of the students enrolled in our schools qualify for free or reduced meals based on federal guidelines. Students with these demographics are in need of these interventions. |
| Action steps related to the priority | Priority 3 – Detailed Action Plan |
| Evidence of Implementation | See action steps, responsibilities, resource allocation, etc. for Strategic Priority 3: Marsh, Bill Metz, and Middle School master schedules has allocated 15-30 minutes of required social emotional learning (SEL) time daily. PBIS matrixes, clear expectations, reward systems, etc. (PBIS, CKH, RJ) Culture/Climate non-negotiables: Meet and greet, Good things, Social Contract, 4 Questions, Launch 2025/2026 – All previously trained staff will participate in a Capturing Kids Hearts Refresher. All instructional staff hired from 2023/2024 to present will participate in the full training in the fall. 2025/2026 – Align PBIS expectations K-1! The PBIS teams in each building will meet monthly to address building needs. 2025/2026 – Redefine what Restorative Practices is and looks like at different levels. Align restorative justice expectations pre-K through 12th grade. 2025/2026 – Development of cell phone policy with all stakeholders. Family, School, Community Partnership **Pirate PTO hosts two large community events each year; Back to School Bash and Family Sweetheart Dance. Strengthened School Safety – Contract with Security Company Addition of Early Learning Center to the district – includes infant room, two toddler rooms, and 3 year old room. Implemented CTE Early Childhood program in collaboration with the high school. |
| Evidence of Impact | (all data documents include attendance and behavior in addition to academics) 25-26 Elementary School Data 25-26 Secondary Data 25-26 DELTA Data SCAP Survey Results |