To: Asha Riley, Superintendent
From: David Starkey, CES Principal
Date: December 19, 2024
RE: Columbia Elementary Board Report
School Improvement Focus:
With the recent improvement of reading scores over the last few years, Columbia Elementary is now adding intensive math support within our daily routines and instruction. On December 16th, Columbia Elementary is partnering with Curriculum Associates/Ready Math to dive deeper into additional supports that Ready Math can provide for both our students and teachers. Additionally, the December 16th training will be centered around instructional rounds within the building to support instructional delivery at CES. The instructional rounds will consist of one teacher per grade teaching a lesson while the others within the grade level observe. After the observation, the grade level teachers, Mrs. Kleinschmidt, Marc Simmons, and Mr. Starkey, will debrief and discuss the delivery process, creating ways to improve it. Joining the group will also be our resource room teacher and LAP teacher with the intent to create additional math opportunities for our struggling students.
Columbia Recognition- Success Story:
Over the last three weeks, Columbia Elementary School has received roughly 10 new students ranging from grades K-4. Many of these new students are experiencing extreme challenges outside of the school setting. These challenges include family situations, homelessness, financial troubles, etc.
Having said that, the Columbia Elementary Staff have once again risen above and beyond for our kids. We have staff working alongside our Family Resource Centers, putting in extra time before and after school to support these students, and are working hard to build "wrap around" services for each one of these students.
Like many, I have worked for other districts prior to my time here in Woodland. Having said that, I can honestly say, I have never worked with a staff like we have at Columbia Elementary. Our staff is constantly going above and beyond for the betterment of our students and will do anything they can to support them. The amount of resources, blood, sweat, and tears our staff pours into our kids is nothing short of impressive. I can confidently say this does not happen at every school across America… but it does at Columbia Elementary.
As a principal, as a parent, and as a Woodland community member, I am so thankful for such a great school that is constantly putting kids first.
Upcoming Events at Columbia Elementary:
12/16 - Math Trainer (Marc Simmons: Curriculum Associates/Ready Math)
12/18 - 91porn Concert at 5:30-7:00
12/20- Principal’s Reading Challenge School Wide Pajama Day for reading over 260,00 pages
12/20- Monthly PBIS School Assembly
1/13-1/24 - Mid-Year Benchmark Testing