The new school year at Beech Elementary School has kicked off with excitement and a strong focus on community, student well-being, and engagement, marking a promising start to the 2024-2025 academic year. From innovative student support programs to increased parental engagement and a dedicated staff, Beech Elementary is creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for its students, staff, and families. An example of this can be found in the lobby, a display creating a friendly competition among grade levels to encourage attendance.
A Sanctuary for Students: Kerry Crow’s Counseling Room
Kerry Crow, Beech’s dedicated school counselor, has transformed her counseling room into a serene and supportive space for students who need a break during the day. With her room resembling a peaceful oasis, complete with a swing, sensory toys, beautiful art, and a sensory station offering three different paths for self-regulation, Kerry’s space has quickly become a haven. “My biggest goal is to make space for students who were dysregulated,” she shared. This commitment to helping students manage their emotions and find calm reflects her deep dedication to student well-being.
In her sixth year at Beech, where she spent three years as a Kindergarten teacher before stepping into her role as counselor, Kerry continues to provide invaluable support. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here in education,” she says, demonstrating her passion for fostering a caring environment where every student can thrive.
Welcoming New Staff and Students from Wilson Elementary
Following the closure of Wilson Elementary School, Beech Street Elementary has welcomed a number of Wilson’s staff and students. The transition has been thoughtfully planned to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for everyone. Efforts to build a cohesive staff community began last year, with Beech inviting Wilson staff to their holiday events, fostering a spirit of unity. For students, the adjustment to new routines and procedures has been an essential focus, with Beech’s supportive environment helping them to adapt and settle in.
Principal Kelly Newman, a former Beech teacher herself, has been instrumental in guiding this process. Her deep connection with Beech’s families and her commitment to students, families, and staff alike make her an inspiring leader during this time of change.
Successful Parent Engagement Night on Growth Mindset
Engaging families in student success is a priority at Beech, and the recent Parent Engagement Night, focused on Growth Mindset, was a resounding success. Over 120 people attended, including 65 students accompanied by parents. The event featured center activities, “growth mindset ninjas,” and interactive workshops to help parents understand and reinforce the growth mindset language used at Beech to foster positive behavior. The high turnout highlights the school community’s enthusiasm for collaborative student growth.
Looking ahead, the next family engagement event will be a paint night in December, where families can participate in a guided painting session led by Beech’s talented art teacher. These events build bonds within the community, creating memorable experiences for students and families alike.
Empowering Fourth Graders through the Student Council
This year marks the second year of Beech’s Student Council, now exclusively for fourth-grade students. A total of 19 students were elected after a rigorous application process involving campaign speeches and written statements about their contributions. The council meets during lunch to plan activities, help with family engagement events, and support new students, fostering a sense of leadership and school pride. Last year, the Student Council’s major project was a “Caring Closet” initiative, and this year, they are set to determine a new large-scale project that aligns with Beech’s values.
Kerry Crow emphasized the importance of giving students a sense of ownership in their school community: “Kids having buy-in at school is important.” In addition to project planning, the council also helps teach practical skills, such as inventory management and cash handling, through activities like selling ice cream at the end of the year.
Balancing Changes with Community Spirit
Beech Elementary has made it a priority to balance the increase in students and staff from Wilson Elementary with the school’s own needs. While Beech has gained new students, they’ve also seen changes in grade levels, now with five to six teachers per grade to support this balance. The school’s administration team, led by Principal Newman, is committed to making this a welcoming transition for all involved, reinforcing Beech’s values of support, compassion, and resilience.
As the 2024-2025 school year continues, Beech Elementary remains a beacon of community-centered education, with a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure a positive experience for all students and families. With innovative support systems, a welcoming approach to change, and a focus on student and family engagement, Beech Elementary is off to a fantastic start, ready to build a memorable and impactful year ahead.