North Stewart Elementary School
Deborah L. Grasty, Principal
North Stewart Elementary School
2201 Hwy 79
Big Rock, TN 37023
Recipe for Success:
There are many factors that determine the success of a school. Personnel, organization, curriculum, instruction, assessment, discipline and data collection are only a few of the many things that shape a school.
The first year I became an administrator, a dear friend told me, "Surround yourself with good people and they will make you look good on a daily basis". I have worked hard to do just that. I have high expectations for myself as well as the students, teachers, staff and parents of North Stewart Elementary. Decisions for the school are data driven and always based on the needs of the students.
Organization of the school day is one of the most important factors in managing a school. If care is not taken, a teacher or a student can be set up for failure before the day begins. As Principal, it is my job to establish uninterrupted blocks of time for class instruction. Teachers are required to teach at least one and one half hours of math and language arts and forty-five minutes each of reading in the content areas of science and social studies. Writing is emphasized across all subject areas. Each grade has a designated activity period during the school day. All enrichment activities such as library, art, guidance, and computer lab are scheduled during the same block of time on different days of the week to provide structure and stability in the students' daily schedule.
School Wide Positive Behavior Support is embedded in every aspect of our school program. North Stewart Elementary has teamed with the LRE for Life Project for several years. LRE for Life is an acronym for Least Restrictive Environment for Living, Inclusion, Friendship, and Employment. It denotes that the ultimate task of schools is to prepare its students to live as valued, contributing, democratic citizens with meaningful relationships and satisfying careers. The project has provided our school with data driven professional development and technical assistance that have paved the way for developing our discipline plan and establishing a positive school climate. Our school is a place where students and teachers want to be. By creating such a nurturing and caring environment, children feel safe and our teachers work hard to meet not only the academic needs of the students but their basic needs as well. Food, shelter, clothing and medical needs cannot be ignored. By working with government agencies as well as private organizations, North Stewart Elementary School makes sure every child has what they need in order to be successful.
North Stewart Elementary collects and uses many sources of data to make informed decisions about school practices and policies. We devote a tremendous amount of time and effort to disaggregating test data. Our teachers use this data to make changes in their teaching strategies to increase test scores, but more importantly, they identify personal areas of strengths and share these with their colleagues.
Extensive collaboration is important among the administration, both general and special educators and parents. This communication is imperative for improving comprehensive literacy instruction for all students within inclusive classrooms. By implementing data based instruction that allows the teacher to individualize general education, struggling learners that would normally be "left behind" develop a sense of belonging and a desire to learn. We continually celebrate their accomplishments throughout the year. Research shows that if you want to maintain a behavior or result, you must celebrate the accomplishments. These celebrations encourage higher student achievement.
A successful school is the result of a team effort. North Stewart Elementary will celebrate our accomplishments and continue to work hard to ensure success for all.