1. What programs or curriculum will we be teaching? 

2. What teaching practices will we see in our classrooms? 

3. How will technology be used to facilitate student learning? 

4. What will the atmosphere or climate of the school be like? 

5. How will professional development for teachers be organized? 

6. What behaviors will our leaders model? 

7. How will parents be involved in the school? 

8. What will student assessment look like? 

9. What will our extracurricular program include? 

10. What will the nature of our community partnerships be? 

11. How will we make decisions about the organization of time, personnel, and courses? 

12. What will the decision-making process(es) be for determining policies and procedures in our school?

 

1. What programs or curriculum will we be teaching?

Huntsville Elementary is a pre-K through 5th grade school that teaches from the N.C. Standard Course of Study. Our instructional program empowers students academically, socially, and emotionally. A variety of techniques and strategies are employed to reach all learners. Additional enrichment is offered through opportunities for involvement in extracurricular activities. An inclusive program exists where teachers and support staff work together to meet the unique needs of individual students.

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2. What teaching practices will we see in our classrooms?

Teaching practices will be research-based and will respect learning styles. Through incorporating a balance of personal, analytical, practical, and creative approaches, new learning is linked to prior knowledge. Our practices are based on the needs of individual learners as determined through various assessments.

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3. How will technology be used to facilitate student learning?

Technology accessible through a school-wide networked computer system at Huntsville Elementary will be a primary tool for student learning and for communication between parents and staff. Through the use of Android tablets, iPad minis, and shared Chromebooks in grades K and 1st and through the use of individually borrowed Chromebooks in grades 2nd through 5th, students will have regular opportunities for hands on learning. The staff will be knowledgeable in the use of readily available and up-to-date multi-media equipment/programs to aid in instruction.

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4. What will the atmosphere or climate of the school be like?

Huntsville Elementary School will be an inviting and challenging place for learning. Our school will foster a safe, child-centered, and cooperative environment where everyone can feel welcomed, valued, and respected.

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5. How will professional development for teachers be organized?

At Huntsville Elementary School, professional development and learning will be an active and ongoing process. Our staff development is aligned with yearly goals that motivate and energize the entire staff to provide a positive and effective instructional environment for the students. Staff members participate in staff development programs and university partnerships to provide innovative, research-based instruction. Our media specialist also provides additional opportunities for all staff members to earn continuing education credits via a variety of technology related workshops. A professional development center located in the media center offers teachers access to current videos, professional books, magazines, professional journals, and other resources.

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6. What behaviors will our leaders model?

At Huntsville Elementary School, our leaders will strive to be good listeners who are open to suggestions. They will work to be effective in solving problems and will encourage shared decision-making.

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Effective leaders will motivate the staff through regular communication, as they foster a team environment and maintain a commitment to research-based practices that meet the needs of all students.

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Through teamwork, positive feedback, and fairness, our leaders strive for all staff to feel valued and respected.

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7. How will parents be involved in the school?

At Huntsville Elementary School, it is our desire to build strong home-school partnerships in order to support each child's overall development and academic achievement.

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Parents will be active participants in our school environment--as volunteers, as members of our P.T.O. and as they serve on various committees. Parents will be an essential link in the learning process as they communicate frequently with teachers regarding academic expectations. Their contributions in a variety of ways will be valued and encouraged.

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8. What will student assessment look like?

A variety of methods will be used to assess academic achievement. These include, but will not be limited to, standardized testing, student portfolios and individual and/or group projects. Assessment measures will reflect the N.C. Standard Course of Study objectives as they are taught in each classroom. Assessment will inform instruction so that student performance shall be the basis for planning future learning experiences.

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9. What will our extracurricular program include?

Our extracurricular programs will promote growth for students in various areas of the school community that include, but will not be limited to technology, the arts, physical, social, and multi-cultural activities and clubs.

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10. What will the nature of our community partnerships be?

Huntsville Elementary works closely with area businesses and organizations to utilize people and resources to help our students become productive citizens, so that they will be able to give back to their community. In turn, Huntsville Elementary will provide resources and activities to enhance the community.

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11. How will we make decisions about the organization of time, personnel, and courses?

Administrators will work cooperatively with staff members in the decision-making needs of scheduling, hiring, and determining the most effective use of personnel in covering the N.C. Standard Course of Study. Decisions will be student-centered to provide the most effective and efficient use of time and instructional resources for all staff and students.

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12. What will the decision-making process(es) be for determining policies and procedures in our school?

Administration and an annually elected group of school personnel and parent representatives will serve on a School Improvement Team and/or Leadership Team. The group will meet twice a month to address issues and concerns shared by fellow staff and parents. Together, they will determine effective policies and procedures that will reflect the best interest of students and staff. These policies and procedures will be reviewed and updated as needed. Minutes of each meeting will be distributed within two days.