Barnwell Primary School is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate. We do this by empowering children to achieve their fullest potential through challenging and diverse educational opportunities in a safe, student-centered environment that prepares them to be lifelong learners and active, productive members of our community.
Utilizing the data from our school’s state testing results, running records, classroom assessments and quarterly benchmark data, we are able to effectively examine our instructional strategies, assessments, and programs. In analyzing this data, it enables us to provide individual instruction in the classroom and differentiate instruction for each student.
The Response to Intervention (RTI) program continues to meet the needs of students who need additional support who are not performing on grade-level. The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Reading Assessment System, analysis of benchmark testing data, and iStation reports are used to monitor and assess students’ growth. The additional use of Raz-Kids, a computer-based program, this school year has provided an additional reading comprehension analysis tool.
After each benchmark testing session, the administrative team, teachers and reading coach conduct grade level data meetings. During this collaboration, individual student data such as benchmark scores, classroom common assessment scores, behavior, and attendance are analyzed. The team develops and/or adjusts student intervention plans to meet the needs of the student academically, socially and behaviorally. Any student that is in need of intensive reading intervention participates in the Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) group. This program provides daily intensive small-group instruction within the classroom using systematically designed lessons. LLI is offered in addition to regular classroom reading instruction. An additional program that is provided to our students is through Save the Children (STC). This grant allows us to provide additional reading support for 100 students during the school day. Students are pulled out to work with the STC educator and receive support through small-group and direct instruction. The D.I.G. After School program, held at our school, offers students the opportunity to receive additional academic support. This program provides activities that will enrich the student academically, focusing on STEM activities.
Mrs. Missy Barker, special services teacher, was selected as Barnwell Primary School’s Teacher of the Year. Our teachers have been awarded numerous grants this school year to purchase items for student use. All teachers have participated in professional development courses, college courses and/or individual research projects to increase their educational knowledge base.
Programs such as Pennies for Patients, American Red Cross Blood Drive, recycling programs, and canned food drives allowed our students to serve their community. Schoolwide events such as the Fall Carnival, Family STEAM night, Meet & Greet, Stuff the Bus, McTeacher Nights, and school chorus programs provided opportunities for our staff, student families, community members and stakeholders to come together and support our students. The Barnwell Rotary Club provided dictionaries for all third graders, and The Original Six Foundation provided funds to purchase Raz-Kids for all our students.
At Barnwell Primary School, we strive to provide all students with a high-quality education in a positive learning environment that embraces academics, the arts, and physical development to enrich the whole child.
Donna Selvey, Principal
Stephanie Mead, School Improvement Council Chair