Whole Child Education

Ashton Elementary School, located in Cumberland, R.I., is a diverse family of learners in which a partnership of school, family, and community collaborate to develop a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment. The school was the winner of the Rhode Island ASCD Whole Child Award for its rich educational experience of engaged, meaningful learning opportunities for K–5 students, parents, and teachers. The school challenges students with a strong foundation in literacy and math across the curriculum. Benchmarking systems are used regularly to monitor student achievement and provide differentiated instruction to support learning for all. Students that need support are referred to a Target Team where additional check in-check out, social skills training, in-school counseling and wrap-around services for the family are offered. The school uses the Child Enrichment Program, which offers after-school activities for students to engage their interests and talents including karate, drama, art, yoga, global celebrations, basketball, scrapbooking, mad science, chorus, cartooning, and cooking club. The supportive community at Ashton Elementary provides a great example of what happens when students are put on the right track.
 

Washington Drive Primary School, located in the New York Harborfield Central School District, fosters self-reliance and positive attitudes toward school and learning in students. The early education program, specifically for 5- to 8-year-olds, provides a wide variety of developmentally appropriate opportunities in which children create, explore, discover, and learn. Throughout the program, children acquire thinking and problem-solving skills, which staff members use to nurture the student's individual personalities and specific learning characteristics. Ongoing staff development is an essential component of the program.
 

PS 110's connections to the community parallel the academic connections that shape its students. The small elementary school in Queens, N.Y., strives to maintain small classes and connect students to the outside world through partnerships and strong parent involvement. The diverse school community has a strong Polish contingent and rising Latino and Arabic populations. About 80 of the school's 400 students are recent immigrants, and most families live within walking distance of the school.
 

Lima Primary is committed to advocating for the total well-being of their students. A schoolwide philosophy of students being at the forefront of decisions, collaboration, continuous reflection, and interest in lifelong learning guides the School Improvement Team at the school. A wellness focus for all members of the school family; an active, year-long garden; student learning experiences; and an inquiry-based, balanced literacy program are just a few ways faculty, parents, and kids work together to fulfill the school’s philosophy. School Leader's core values guide others in the community by embedding whole-child tenets in the daily programs provided to students.
 

Port Jervis's school improvement efforts over the past few years have completely changed the school into a thriving learning environment that focuses on more than just student academic achievement. One of the first recipients of the NYSASCD Whole Child for the 21st Century Award, the school has initiated programs that fully prepare students for work, college, and citizenship by keeping them healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. The culture motivates students and engages them in learning through programs such as the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Students, community outreach activities, health fairs, and proactive assemblies.
 

Carusi students tell visitors they feel even more cared about at Carusi than they did at their elementary schools. Science teacher Angela Warrington notes, “We at Carusi are so committed to our students’ success. We all believe we can make a difference.” The hallways and classrooms are covered with student artwork, posters, and documents that publicize the school motto: Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve. The motto, however, is much more than words on a wall or poster. It embodies a school that infuses character and academics into every class, every interaction, every day. Character education informs every decision at the school, including curriculum design, student–teacher relationships, and approaches to discipline.
 

East Syracuse Minoa’s Pine Grove Middle School earned the 2011 National School Library Program of the Year award from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The Pine Grove library program was given this honor for its ability to transform and meet the needs of the community. The library plays a vital role in providing students with learning experiences that embrace real world connections, interdisciplinary work and community partnerships. Efforts at the school have integrated the library program into curriculum, literacy, technology, and all areas of educating the whole child.
 

Woerther staff members work hard to create an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all. Principal Jane Levy notes, “We are in a time of strong professional growth. Individual teachers are taking responsibility for students, and they have a whole team behind them.” After creating a data self-evaluation wall in one hallway so that they could share what they were doing and hear from all stakeholders—even the youngest students—staff members learned that they should communicate even more about goings-on at the school. Woerther has made a determined effort to reduce material rewards. All school employees, including support staff, cafeteria monitors, recess monitors, and bus drivers, are involved in planning and implementing the character initiative. Every report of bullying or peer cruelty is taken seriously. A special effort is made to include and reach out to the parents of Voluntary Transfer students from inner-city St. Louis.
 

Uthoff Valley staff creates a welcoming, supportive, and celebratory atmosphere to help all students achieve their personal goals and feel good about their accomplishments. Uthoff Valley builds empathy and pro-social skills in students through class meetings, service opportunities, and buddy activities. All students are celebrated through quarterly “Rock On” assemblies, positive referrals, and lunch with the principal. Principal Connie Browning’s first day at UV was on a Rock On Assembly day. “It was the most incredible experience I have ever had. Every student felt great about supporting friends and about meeting their goals.” Uthoff Valley has high rates of parent involvement and volunteerism; a large group of parent volunteers assists with early-release-day activities so that teachers can engage in staff development.
 

Comprehensive character education has been a part of St. Louis Charter School’s mission since its inception 11 years ago: “To provide children with an individualized education rich in academics and character.” All classrooms emphasize core values. According to school board member Lynn Yearwood, the values are so embedded in the school that “[t]hey are even woven into board meetings.” St. Louis Charter staff work hard to create community among their students—who come from different parts of the city and from different backgrounds—and to celebrate their differences. Student work and art are everywhere, even on attractively painted ceiling tiles. Staff members monitor data closely and plan program changes in response. The school also uses its data to help individual students improve. St. Louis Charter does an outstanding job of providing professional development opportunities for the entire staff to help them meet the needs of their students.