Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

In a packed meeting room at the Duncan YMCA this month, mothers from the Spring Shadows Moms Club (SSMC) learned about the similarities and differences of private and public schools in the area from a panel of school leaders.

While some in the audience already have school-aged children, a large contingency have little ones not yet in school, and came to hear about education options so they can plan accordingly.

Two Spring Branch ISD schools were represented on the panel: Terrace Elementary and Spring Shadows Elementary. Three school leaders from three private schools also shared information about their programming.

Representing Terrace Elementary, Principal April Blanco told the mothers about the school’s tailored approach to educating their students.

“It is my honor to develop Every Child, while holding them accountable for excellence,” said Blanco.

She shared information about the Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop literacy instruction methodology. Terrace teachers receive ongoing training from Teachers College consultants five times per year.

Similarly, math instruction at Terrace involves teachers providing mini-lessons, then allowing the students to practice what was learned at work stations in the classroom.

The SSMC group heard about how Terrace students and staff meet in “family” circles every morning to nurture social and emotional growth, and about the project-based learning practices the school uses to give students experiences with solving real-world problems. The action-based learning and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) labs were also highlighted.

Two leaders from Spring Shadows Elementary were also on the panel: Dean of Students Jakerian Colvin, and Communities in Schools Student Support Manager Yezenia Zapata-Briones. The students at this school also benefit from Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop methodologies.

“We are constantly tracking the progress of every student,” said Colvin. “Whatever our students need, our principal finds a way to get it for them.”

Colvin also emphasized the school’s many community partners who collaborate with the staff to bring enrichment opportunities to the students. Hooves of Hope is an equine program that takes place at Magic Moments Stables in the district. Kids attend twice a week, and receive instruction on grooming, riding and related scholastic bookwork.

Spring Shadows also partners with the Duncan YMCA to provide swimming lessons for groups of students each spring. A robotics group provides hands-on experiences for the kids.

During the question and answer portion of the evening, several questions  were asked about the scope of Special Education services, 504 accommodations, Pre-K options, choice programming (including two-way dual language), and how the transfer process works in SBISD.

All questions were clearly answered by the District’s representatives on the panel, as well as by mothers in the room whose kids attend SBISD schools.

“I can’t say enough about Spring Branch ISD,” said a mother whose daughter receives dyslexia services in the district. “She is doing wonderfully!”

The mom’s group came away well-informed about education options available to young people in the Spring Shadows area.

SBISD’s attention to Every Child, an intentional focus on literacy, community support, enrichment opportunities, and employees dedicated to nurturing the whole child, are sure to attract young scholars to attend their neighborhood schools.

By Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications

Becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com