Each of our schools’ leadership teams analyzed the factors that impact their students’ ability to engage deeply and achieve academic success. They shared stories of their students and families, some of whom are facing serious challenges associated with physical wellness, social-emotional stability, unique learning needs, family security, mental health, violence, and food/housing uncertainties. They discussed the obstacles that their students face daily when preparing to come to school on time, ready to learn.

Below is the school’s story as seen through the eyes of school leaders. They discuss the culture of their school and the community.

Teachers and staff members at RWES work well together and share similar sets of values and beliefs. Teachers and staff know one another on a personal level, and these relationships promote strong interactions and connectedness. This rapport creates a team mentality and an environment where we can count on others for support. We live and breathe the FISH! Philosophy and have tangible evidence to support our claims. Ninety-eight percent of the staff reported feeling connected and like they belong at RWES. We agree on norms including: “Being There, Choosing a Positive Attitude, Making Their Day, and Play”. Our commitment to the PBIS framework results in a pattern of behaviors conducive to meeting the social and emotional needs of our students. We are a family at RWES who continue to evolve and change for the better. 

The leadership team in each AACPS school reviewed all of the factors that may influence their students’ engagement and achievement in school; these challenges include academic data elements, community history, and socio-economic aspects of each community. The school’s leadership team identified the following elements as impactful for their students.

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