By Dewey Schara

Neveln Elementary Principal

Throughout the summer and at the beginning of each school year, the staff at Neveln Elementary follows the same learning process as our students. We look at the data in all areas of learning and we adjust our programming to improve our performance. This year we have made adjustments in several areas.

In reading instruction we are implementing a new word work program called Words Their Way. Words Their Way is authored by noted researchers Donald Bear, Macia Invernizzi, Francine Johnson, Shane Templeton, and Lori Helman. Words Their Way is designed to teach students phonics, spelling, and vocabulary through engaging, hands-on activities called word work. This powerful approach to word study teaches students to look closely at words to discover letters, vowel patterns, syllable structure, and “spelling-meaning” connections in the English language.

In math instruction we have added a math intervention position. The funding for the position came from a grant from the state. Tracy Garry is our new interventionist and she is working with small groups of students during the math block in each class. Students who fall behind or didn’t get the lesson the first time will work with Mrs. Garry during class.

Every other week after school, the teachers meet in grade level learning groups called, PLC’s (Professional Learning Communities). During this time we read about and study different learning and teaching strategies. We are focusing on a protocol called SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol). SIOP is a model for lesson planning and implementation of curriculum in a manner that makes the information accessible to more students.

In the area of student’s social and emotional development we are recognizing students who show good character at monthly assemblies. The teachers select a student from their classroom who has consistently demonstrated the Pillar of Character for that month. For September and October we focused on Responsibility. Please check our web site to see pictures of our Students of Good Character and other Neveln activities. Our web site can be found on the district web site. We have also scheduled a presentation from The Scary Guy. Scary Guy is a world famous speaker and educator whose mission is to eliminate hate, violence and prejudice worldwide. We will be using his curriculum as part of our character development program.

Finally, we are very proud to continue our wide array of after school programming. Our Target and NASA (Neveln After School Academy) run four days a week. Some of the actives are: chess club, small group reading, and a cooking class.

Neveln is a busy place where students work, play and learn. You can get involved too as a classroom guest reader, so if you are interested call our office, 460-1600.