This month I had the pleasure of visiting the Ellis Elementary School, located right next to the Museum of African American History in Roxbury.
One of the first things I noticed were large PERFECT ATTENDANCE banners on many classroom doors, one way to focus on positive achievement of a school-wide goal. There is a large “thermometer” in the front hallway where students can see their progress, and small gifts are given to those who achieve perfect attendance each month.
Serving 300+ students, including a LAB cluster for children with severe emotional/behavioral problems, the Ellis felt like a place where learning is valued and supported. Students were engaged in a variety of activities: practicing with instruments for a school performance, doing exercises in gym class, reinforcing math concepts in the computer lab, and writing letters, stories or responses to their reading. I was happy to see that MCAS pressure has not stopped kindergarteners from having time to freely explore blocks and sand as well as to practice writing letters and numbers during the school day!
Several teachers commented on strong grade-level teams and staff relationships in general. Colleen Kavanagh, a first year teacher, said she feels comfortable going to her colleagues with any question. Second grade teacher Kathy Brown told me about monthly assemblies organized by teachers, when different classes present work they”ve done related to positive character traits.
Although both the principal and school secretary were out sick for an extended period of time, the atmosphere remained calm and focused on learning. I can only hope that teachers in the many schools in BPS who are going through the trauma of consolidation or closing will find ways to support one another as well as their students during this difficult time.
Amika Kemmler-Ernst is a recently retired BPS New Teacher Developer with extensive experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and graphic artist. Her “We”re Learning Here” series features images of everyday learning in our public schools, along with the words of the students pictured. Please invite her to visit your school this year!