~Star School Points of Pride~
The entire staff is a positive, motivated group that works collaboratively to benefit all children. Teachers, paraprofessionals, volunteers, as well as the principal and the secretary are incredibly committed to making connections with students and doing what is best for student learning. Before then, Star School was earned the Golden Apple Award. Scores can be compa
red on mischooldata.org. All teachers are involved in the School Improvement Process and participate in the District Improvement Plan. They work to improve student learning by creating goals and action plans that promote student growth. Teachers embraced the opportunity to accomplish goals and talk about best teaching practices during staff meetings and school improvement meetings. All teachers have been trained in Capturing Kids Hearts, a program that fosters building meaningful relationships with students in order to create a positive learning environment. Interventions are provided for all students who need extra help and enrichment activities keep accelerated students engaged and learning. Teachers collaborate across grade levels in order to provide the best instruction for individual students. The Star School PTO is very involved in everyday activities at Star School. They provide opportunities for students such as Birthday Club, Popcorn Day, a weekly Walking Club, Winter Carnival, Fall Fundraiser, Art Reach, March is Reading Month, Pajama Night, Pizza Hut, and much more. The PTO also provides educational opportunities for all students by funding new technology, field trips, classroom libraries, classroom equipment and materials. Teachers have identified essential Common Core Standards at teach grade level to ensure and confirm the coverage of curriculum. We are an MTSS school where students can receive three levels of academic support in the areas of Reading, Math and behavior. Intervention systems are provided for all who need extra support and progress is closely monitored. Teachers know the importance of using student data to inform instruction and create lessons. Star School teachers team with grade level partners, using their best strengths to provide the best instruction possible for students. They plan together weekly and sometime daily and teach with both grade level teachers in the room, making it possible for whole group instruction and individualized help simultaneously. Fourth and Fifth grade students LOOP with their teacher for two years, keeping procedures, routines, interventions, and instruction, and student learning consistent. Students and teachers develop deep relationships and deep understanding of learning needs within these classrooms. It is very evident that teachers consciously use higher level thinking questions to order to produce students who can evaluate, synthesize, analyze, and problem solve. Teachers use technology throughout their lessons, providing engaging experiences for students. Star School has a makerspace and a state of the art tech lab that provide students the opportunity to program robots, drones and many other STEM devices. Common planning time is used to develop lessons, share teaching strategies, and to discuss student performance. Professional learning communities are comprised of grade level and cross grade level teachers. Very successful student teachers are produced from our building. Teachers are very willing to work with new teachers and ask to have student teachers each year. Many worthwhile field trips were successfully planned to provide more opportunities for students. The PTO and HEEF (Hastings Educational Enrichment Foundation) provide funds to support these nontraditional classroom settings. Through the Y Menor program, Star School has many mentors who visit weekly to work closely with at risk students. These mentors are often dedicated community members or high school honors students. The Foster Grandparent Program provides grandparents to work with at risk students in the lower elementary classrooms at Star School. These women dedicate 3-4 days each week and provide needed interventions and individualized attention to students. The Reading Improvement Program offers after school tutoring for at risk students, providing instruction from dedicated community members who work with students on homework and prescribed lessons. Students are recognized each trimester at the Honor’s Assemblies, awarding extraordinary projects, citizenship, and good behavior. Over 95% of Star School parents attend Parent/Teacher Conferences. Other Points of Pride
A positive, friendly and orderly building atmosphere
Art Reach
Assemblies such as Honors Assemblies, March Read-a-thon, Star School Talent Show, Barry County Humane Society, local veterans, local dental hygienists, Consumers Energy, the NED Show, and police.
100th Day of School Celebration in Kindergarten
Battle of the Books
Birthday Club
Business Partner ~ Bliss Clearing Niagara Technical Services
PTO fall fundraiser
Family Cook Out
Family Thanksgiving Dinner
Field Day
Field trips to the Kalamazoo Symphony, Pennock Hospital; State Capitol and Museum, swimming trips to the Community Education Recreation Center, The R***e, Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek Wildcats game, fifth grade middle school tour, Ag Awareness Day, fishing at Fish Hatchery Park, The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Gilmore Car Museum, Hastings Courts and Law building, etc. Fifth Grade Camp
Fifth Grade Safety Patrol
Fifth grade Spelling Bee
Good attendance for special Star School evening programs
Holiday Food Drive
Honors Assemblies
Jo Stebbins Art Gallery
Law Day
March is Reading Month activities such as Pajama Night and the Read-a-thon. Popcorn day each month
Spring Musical program
Student Council organizes school-wide activities such as pencil sales and school clean-up efforts. Young Teachers in Training Mentoring Program
Walking Club
WatchD.O.G.s ~ Many Star School Dads participate in the WatchD.O.G. program, where they volunteer for security reasons during the school day. These dads patrol the school grounds, help out in classrooms, monitor the playground and are positive and influential role models for students.
