Breaking Through Barriers

Alabama has a total of 139 public school systems. Of those, two are charter schools, 67 are county systems and the other 70 are city school systems.

We have gems among all of them – Russellville City Schools is one of those.

Like many systems in Alabama, Russellville City began its new school year the first full week in August. After getting my two sons off for their respective first days of school in Autauga County, I took a ride up to Russellville City later that week.

Why?

Because Russellville City Schools is doing an amazing job in breaking down barriers for their students and community and they are achieving great things in doing so.

You see, unlike most school systems, 55% of their total school population (currently 2,507) is Hispanic/Latino, which means that MANY of their students come to the front doors of school not speaking one word of English and not familiar with our American way of doing things.

I wanted to see first-hand what Russellville City Schools Superintendent Mr. Heath Grimes and his amazing group of administrators and teachers were doing to help break down and break through the language and culture barriers as they help guide ALL of the school system’s students toward success.

Mr. Heath Grimes

Superintendent

“My goal alongside providing our students with an excellent education, is to make others aware of the unique challenges a district like ours faces. We hope that we are able to provide a model, but also make others aware of the need for much greater resources and support as well as the need for a much greater understanding.”

Every year the Alabama Legislature appropriates dollars in the annual Education Trust Fund Appropriations bill (ETF Budget) for English Language Learners, most commonly referred to as ELL.

Great you say, but hold on…

As with several line items in the ETF Budget, dollars are appropriated one-year in arrears, meaning that (for example) if Mr. Grimes - or any other local school superintendent - had a total of 600 ELL students LAST school year, but has 800 ELL students THIS school year, Russellville City is only going to be getting money based on the 600 students from last year, leaving 200 ELL students unaccounted for in dollars for this school year.

Moreover, while I know our school systems are thankful for the ELL line item, it is one of those ETF Budget line items that has NEVER been adequate enough to help compensate for the resources and supplies needed for Alabama’s ELL students. This is especially and uniquely true for Russellville City due to their very high numbers of ELL students. 

That means Russellville City has to use more local dollars to help off-set the lack in funding.

However, as is true for all of our schools, they don’t let a lack of dollars stop them for doing the very best they can (and then some) especially when it comes to providing much needed resources for ELL students.

Which brings me to West Elementary School…

When I pulled up with Mr. Grimes, I immediately noticed their motto on the outside of the school – “The Tradition Begins Here”.

Front of the school

Russellville City Schools are steeped in tradition. It is important to the community, it is important to the educators and it is important to their students, many of whom I came to find out are now the business leaders and owners, educators and others in their hometown, and have remained or returned to continue the tradition of educational excellence.

What I love about that motto being on the outside of the elementary school is that it is all encompassing – it says that your child is stepping through the doors that begin the tradition of Russellville City Schools. That is something that ALL students (no matter what) can take pride in.

West Elementary School houses kindergarten through 2^nd grade (and also has Pre-K on site too). With a little over 600 total students (not counting Pre-K), over half of their total student population is Hispanic/Latino. The kindergarten alone is 53% Hispanic/Latino.

Being a kindergartener is hard enough for many of our youngsters across-the-board, but add on the challenge of a language barrier (most come to West Elementary not speaking one word of English) and you can understand the angst for many of these sweet children (and families). 

West Elementary spends a lot of time reaching out to the community to make sure that families are informed and welcomed when it comes to their children's education.

First things, first. 

A home language survey is done on every student. Below, you can see one in English and one in Spanish. From information received on these surveys, an incoming kindergarten student is then screened using a proficiency placement test (WIDA-ACESS Placement test a.k.a. W-APT) which is specifically used for English Language Learners. Once placement and what services a student needs to receive are determined, an Individualized English Language Plan (IELP) is designed to help students who are speakers of other languages attain academic success.

English

Spanish

Ms. Deanna Hollimon, Me and Mr. Heath Grimes

I met up with West Elementary School Principal Ms. Deanna Hollimon to tour the school with her and Mr. Grimes. As I spoke with the teachers and interacted with the students, I could  see and sense that any initial angst a new student may have felt the very first day had already given way to happy calm. The childrens’ smiles alone told me that. 

Students were all smiles talking to the Principal

Ms. Leslie DeLeon 
Rivera

West Elementary is also fortunate to have an EL Aide on staff  to help with translation for students and families as well as the school. 

Ms. Rivera shared with me that coming to West everyday does not feel like coming to work at all because she loves the school and the students so much.

Breaking through the barriers…

I asked Ms. Hollimon, "How does a child who does not speak our language maneuver around the school?"

Common, matching animal signs and stickers let children identify correctly where they belong. You don’t need to immediately know the language to know that if you are a goldfish and you see the goldfish, you are where you are supposed to be. Same with duck, mouse, etc.

And, there's no need to guess which is which, Girls or Boys – Chicas or Chicos! 😊

Here are Language Intervention teachers, Ms. Linda Holcomb and Ms. LeJoy Winston preparing those IELPs for this year’s students. Note the volume of paperwork…and their smiles despite the volume. After briefly talking with them, it was amazing to learn about all of the things that are done/being provided at West Elementary for ELL students to achieve. With most, if not all ELL resources, primarily being infused with local dollars.

   
What also impressed me beyond belief was when I walked into Reading Coach Ms. Donna Bolton’s room. Look at the progression of proficiency in Reading and Math for Kindergarteners last school year – Fall, Winter, Spring. 

These scores represent this school year’s 1^st graders of course - How AWESOME?!!

Awesome for sure! 

Just look how proud first grader Maria was to show me her writing work!

Maria - 1st Grader

I absolutely loved walking around the school and getting into the classrooms. 

From the “This is How to Write” lesson in Ms. Amy Hamilton’s 1^st grade class (with the added bonus of a classroom volunteer helping the students along that day) to the flexible seating while you work in Ms. Chasity Parker’s 2^nd grade class…there was no shortage of learning going on.

I also got to witness this wonderful interaction below between two young boys in Ms. Kelly Pouncey’s 2^nd grade class. One English speaking, the other not…the communication was clear – “Let me SHOW you.” ❤❤

As the school day was winding down, Ms. Hollimon wanted me to meet this precious little girl named Dorle. 

First, Dorle hugged Ms. Hollim0n and then without skipping a beat she went on to tell me how much she loved 2^nd grade, had a great first week of school, and about her older brothers who were in the band at the high school.  As she was talking to me in her Russellville Tigers t-shirt, with this bubbly and exuberant personality, I was thinking how she would be my number one pick as a perfect Russellville City Schools mascot. So, you can imagine that I was a little shocked when Ms. Hollimon told me that when Dorle first came to West Elementary just two years ago, she was shy and introverted, did not speak any English at all, and was struggling academically. Now, she was excelling in school, happy all the time and a friend to everyone – talk about breaking barriers!

Dorle and Me

Speaking of the end of the day…every child, whether they be a bus rider or a car rider has a teacher “buddy” to ensure they are not alone and they get on the right bus or into the right car with the right person. 

It was more than obvious that no matter where you look at West Elementary, everyone on staff makes it a priority to ensure the students feel loved and cared for in a super welcoming learning environment. There’s no doubt they will do whatever it takes to help each child succeed.

Ms. Deanna Hollimon

Principal

“At West Elementary, we strive to provide the best instruction and resources for our students.  We embrace the diversity represented among our students and make efforts daily to meet their needs academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.  We work as a team while involving our parents and our community.  The success of our students depends on our ability to stay at the forefront of best practices in education, and our teachers are dedicated to doing just that each and everyday.” 

What really resonated with me is that language was not really a barrier at all, it was just the beginning of the best that is yet to come for these students – each and every one of them.

As my visit came to an end, I realized that Russellville City's next generation of tradition, excellence and success had been smiling back at me all day long. 

May The "Flex" Be With You

Flexibility - it's  a “buzz” word you tend to hear quite a bit within education circles. From flexibility in determining local school calendars to flexibility with curriculum to flexibility with everything in between.

Perhaps the most important flexibility for teachers and students is found right in our very own classrooms.

For the most part (and if not, it should be) - gone are the days of every classroom having students sitting in perfectly aligned rows facing the front-of-the-room chalkboard and teacher’s desk.

THANKFULLY, not only are our students themselves more diverse than our public education days of long ago, but so are our classroom environments.

From kindergarten to high school, the evolution of the classroom has brought with it flexibility in its setting and learning environment. 

As I have visited and talked with Alabama educators over the past few years, it’s been wonderful to get into schools across the state and learn how flexibility has positively impacted student learning, especially within the classroom set-up itself.

Have you ever heard of a Hokki or a Vidget? 

No, those are not Pokémon characters – LOL!

Just take a look below at Ms. Emily Berry’s 2nd grade classroom at Nelson Elementary School in Scottsboro, Alabama and read what she has to say about her flexible classroom including Hokkis and Vidgets…

Emily Berry, NBCT

"I've always allowed students to sit on the floor or where ever they chose, but about 4 years ago, I began to write grants to buy actual seating that would allow for more movement, which I believe is best for children. First, I got a class set of yoga balls. Then I bought Hokki stools. Since then, I have gotten Vidget chairs, couches, chairs, rugs, and classroom tables. I keep a few chairs on hand for students that need that stability and/or choose that seat. Additionally, I have beanbags, large pillows, camping chairs, and square and circular cushions for floor seating. I usually start off the year by having students choose a seat for about a week, then gradually release the choice of my final goal of having them self-select seating daily. I believe flexible seating makes the learning environment more fun and exciting. If students are excited to be at school (which is a goal of mine) and comfortable in their environment, they are more likely to learn and perform."

Susan Shoupe

And, once again...keeping it close to home, Ms. Susan Shoupe, my son's 1st grade teacher at Prattville Elementary school, just got finished with her flexible classroom set up for the 2018-2019 school year, incorporating the "Leader In Me" theme into it as well. I know that her new students will absolutely love learning in their flexible room just like my sweet son did when he had her last year. 

"Some think I am crazy to do flexible seating, but I just love watching my babies feeling relaxed, focused and happy while they learn."

I think we’d all agree that middle school years are sometimes the most difficult. Students are faced with more choices and they are transitioning from being young “children” to “tweens”. This growth and new-found independence brings with it its own set of diverse challenges, especially in a school setting. Heck, it makes me just dizzy at the thought of a teacher trying to wrangle a room full of 11 to 13-year-olds and have them remain focused on learning. 

But, as we all know - no matter the grade - our teachers are truly amazing! 

Speaking of which...any "tween" would definitely look forward to coming to school in a flexible learning environment like Ms. Jaqueline Ladewig Richardson’s middle school classroom at Foley Middle School in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Jacqueline Ladewig Richardson

Soon-to-be NBCT 😊

For the upcoming 2018-2019 school year Jacqueline has made the move on up to Curriculum Director at another middle school in Spanish Fort, Alabama. However, she was kind enough to share her thoughts as well as her 8th grade math classroom at Foley…

"Flexible seating is all about giving students options. Education has come a long way in acknowledging the diversity of our students and the ways they learn. Flexible seating is a way to give students choice in the learning environment and find success on their own terms. My favorite thing about flexible seating is that my students feel confident to take learning risks because they are in a safe, comfortable environment." 

I actually may have liked math if I could've been in Jacqueline's class - WOW! 

Take a look...

Today’s public school students are learning in such a multitude of different ways, and I really love how our secondary schools have embraced being innovative.  Giving our students variety and choice in their classrooms - especially with non-traditional seating - makes the learning environment unique and different...

JUST. LIKE. OUR. STUDENTS! 😊😎😍

One of my favorite high school classrooms is Ms. Marla Hines’ 11th/12th grade science classroom at Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia, Alabama. 

Just look at these AWESOME white board tables, and O.M.G. who wouldn’t enjoy having a “living room” in their class as they do their work?!

Marla Hines, NBCT

Here, Marla shares her insight and experience with non-traditional seating...

"Non-traditional seating allows the students to see the moment they cross the threshold that this class isn't "normal."  High school students are accustomed to a classroom that is designed for lecture or teacher-centered instruction. If the physical classroom setup isn't designed for that, it helps the students to expect something different. Sitting at tables instead of desks allows students to work together as small groups as well as a whole class. That is something they were equipped for in elementary school but tends to get lost in secondary education. Flexible seating allows the teacher to customize not on the physical space, but the learning experiences for each student. Sitting in group settings that are flexible, reminds me to make every day and every learning opportunity intentional in its design.  The students love coming to a room that allows them make choices, like standing height tables.  Students sit A LOT during the day. When they get to my room, they can choose to sit or stand at their table without having to sacrifice time away from the activity."

I hope you’ve enjoyed this very brief glimpse into a small piece of school flexibility. Of course, it doesn’t just end with seating. I know you'll agree that just like no two students are alike, neither are their learning environments. 

Photo credit: AL.com

Recently, AL.com did a story highlighting some of the AMAZING and creative classrooms we have right here in our own backyard. 

THANKS to all of our teachers for your dedication and commitment to the success of our students...the classroom is just the beginning!

Leader In Me

I'm starting close to home. 

Both of my sons attend public school in Alabama. I call them my "book-ends" because there's close to an eight year age difference. 

Having said that, my oldest will be a high school sophomore this year and my youngest is entering the second grade. 

It's the latter that brings me to this post.

Many of you have probably heard about the much acclaimed self-help book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by author Stephen Covey. 

Every chapter in the book discusses  one of the habits. In short, those are: 
1. Be Proactive
2. Begin with the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw

If you've talked to anyone who has read the book (or read it yourself) and put its recommendations into practice, you will find that it's been a game changer in a multitude of environments.

Being that I have school-aged children and another first day of school is fast approaching, I have been periodically checking our school websites for  updates.

While checking last week, it caught my eye that my son's primary school (1st and 2nd grade) announced that it is now going to be a "Leader in Me" school.  

Exactly what is a Leader in Me school? 

I wanted to find out too, so I clicked on The Leader in Me website to find out more.

I found out that it is a "whole-school transformation model and process developed in partnership with educators that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century."  

It uses content from Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and makes it the key component in The Leader in Me transformation process for students and schools. 

I immediately thought...Game.Changer!

What I really loved is that The Leader in Me takes the 7 Habits and makes them "kid friendly". 

Take a look:

I have heard from some who are familiar with The Leader in Me for schools and the reviews were all really positive which reinforces my excitement about this for our primary school students. 

I have also heard from a few of the teachers at my son's school and they are sharing in the excitement as well. One teacher had this to say: 

"I am SO excited for PPS to be a Leader In Me school! In 19 years of teaching, I’ve seen so many trends come and go that it takes something pretty special to impress me and make me buy into it. I bought into this philosophy after 1 thirty-minute meeting about it. Everyone on the planet should know and live by the 7 habits. I feel like this will change our entire school culture, which is already great, and hopefully carry over into our students’ homes and families. It’s going to take time to instill this in our students (and ourselves) but if we do it correctly, it will be life-changing." 

Let me also add that our school has wasted no time in cosmetically updating the hallways as part of the transformation process.

On a recent trip to the school, my youngest and I got to have an up close and personal look... 

My little model was happy to point out the new update to this wall

Each one of the 7 Habits is shown on an individual mirror

A teacher recently pointed this out to me regarding the mirrors...💕

"Just like the mirrors, leaders, and children come in different shapes and size so hopefully everyone will and can be able to see themselves in at least one mirror."

My Future Leader 

As you see below, on another hallway was this mural of mirrors. "Mirror, mirror on the wall...see the LEADER in us all!" 

Looks like my son is already seeing himself as a leader. 😍

And, I just love the bulletin board on this hallway too!

Children are never too young to see and learn about what they can also accomplish and be one day. The familiarity of seeing their teachers’ faces with this message is a super positive reinforcement for the students.

To emphasize additional variation, I would also love to see a display with pictures of others in the community that says, for example - "(I am a)...welder, dentist, mechanic, electrician, nurse, HVAC repairman, lawyer, construction manager, doctor, veterinarian, etc. (and you can be one too)." It would incorporate occupations needing college degrees as well as skilled trade jobs which are also vitally important in our workforce. 

We have leaders everywhere, we all just need to stop and take notice - many are standing right there in front of us every single day. Putting it out there for our children early on is such a super idea to build upon and seeing our schools embrace this fact is just great. 

I don't know about you, but it's hard not to look forward to a new school year with such positivity being shared from the get-go. That makes me thrilled not only as a public school advocate, but moreover as a Mom.

Are you a Leader in Me school? 

If so, drop me a comment. I'd love to hear your experience, thoughts/reviews.