WILLOW CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Whitney Anderson Molly Milster

WILLOW CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Whitney Anderson Molly Milster Lauren Moore Kelli Witt Brittany Sloan

HOME OF THE TURTLES!

Motto: It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop! Mission Statement: Willow Creek Elementary provides a hands-on developmental curriculum that promotes deep and intuitive learning. Students achieve academic excellence by becoming critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. Our constructivist approach is based on the understanding that children construct their own knowledge of the world through active and collaborative exploration of their learning environment. Each day in our classrooms, children's natural curiosity provides them the motivation to learn and grow as individuals.

PHILOSOPHY We believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is our desire as a school to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that we believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people. When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur. Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals. Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, and environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. We believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment.

School Calendar Grades: K-5 th Start: Aug 18 th Finish: May 12 th Student Day 8: 00 - 2: 55 Administrative Staff Principal: Amy Brown abrown@willowcreek. org Assistant Principal: Spencer Burke sburke@willowcreek. org

TEACHER AND ANCILLARY STAFF QUALIFICATIONS Teachers must have… A desire to instill our school’s philosophy and values within their teaching by creating a constructivist and hands-on learning environment so all students can take ownership in their education. The ability to educate their students in mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Accordingly, students wanting to become elementary school teachers should take courses in how to teach these subjects. These students also need to take courses in human development, child psychology, curriculum design and literacy instruction, all of which will prepare them to teach classes to younger students. State Licensure: All teachers are required to possess a license in Elementary Education. Any specializations in other areas such as Special Needs, Reading, ELL, music, or other concentrations are highly recommended although not required. Field Work: All prospective teachers must participate in professional fieldwork, often included in education degree programs, in which they are assigned to help or teach a class under the supervision of a licensed teacher. This practice helps students gain real world experience as student teachers, monitoring classes and meeting with parents.

CURRICULUM Math Workshop Language Workshop Science Social Studies Art Music P. E. /Health Technology Clubs/Groups FFA Ecology Club Science Club

COMMUNITY AND FAMILY INVOLVEMENT Ways for the community and families to be involved. . . Participating in the schools recycling program Helping care for the schools greenhouse and roof garden Career Day (guardians or community members can come in to discuss their careers) Monthly Teacher nights (Guardians of students can come in with concerns or ideas they would like to discuss) Each teacher will have a classroom website where the students guardians can view what is going on in the classroom. There is a message board where guardians are able to communicate with the teacher if unable to attend the monthly meetings. Parents and community members can check the school website for any upcoming events, announcements, etc. www. willowcreeekelementary. org

STUDENTS Open enrollment and scholarships Demographics: • African American students • Hispanic students • White students • Asian students • Other • English Language Learners (ELL) • Special education students • Low-income students

SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT Roof garden Greenhouse Creek Woods Windmill powered Solar panels Recycling area Circular building (like a turtle)

SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

CLASSROOM ARRANGEMENT