MTSS & PBIS Conferences: We are continually working to improve and expand our support systems for students. These systems include expectations for all students, incentive programs at the whole school and classroom levels, as well as organized recess options. Additionally, some students receive additional support in classrooms, during special class time, or on the playground.
There are many layers to these systems and Woodland Primary staff work hard to stay informed about current research and effective practices. February 21 and 22 I attended a valuable conference with my school social worker. This advanced level program addressed designing and implementing effective Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We were able to make adjustments to our plans for systems at WPS currently and as we reconfigure. Hearing from colleagues in other districts affirmed much of what we are doing and added new information to our knowledge base. The next week a large team of WPS staff joined WIS at the regional PBIS conference to learn new strategies and increase knowledge. Both of these opportunities gave more foundation to the systems in place at WPS and assisted in planning for effective transitions next year.
1st Grade Family Explorience Evening: First grade families attended Explorience! Night on the evening of March 13th. This open house included a gymnasium full of interactive science and social studies activities families could enjoy together. This was fun and engaging, allowing the children to teach others about the standards they have been mastering in Explorience! on Mondays. Parents shared many stories about the desire their children have to be at school on Monday because of this very popular and effective program. Students are learning many important concepts and integrate writing and reading as they reflect each week on their experiences. We will definitely host this event again!
Narrative Writing: WPS students are deeply engaged in learning about narrative writing. They have had a strong focus on opinion writing, which will continue, but the storytelling skills of our young learners are inspiring! The integration of imagination and writing ability is resulting in some self-authored books that are truly remarkable. Children are able to share their writing with the growing number of senior citizens coming each week to read with students. It is magical to witness these relationships!