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.

As you enter the doors to GBPE, you can sense the eagerness and care our staff puts into school every day.  Teachers and staff are waiting with a smile and a kind word, greeting students by name and engaging in conversations to build relationships and trust.  As a school family, we take the necessary steps to help our students achieve academically and to address their social/emotional needs. The staff and students worked hard at sharing space and remaining flexible, while we eagerly awaited our program addition. Parents enjoy volunteering and participating in school sponsored events before, during and after school.  This helps create a culture of care, where families learn from each other and increase their trust in the school. Further ensuring our students and their families feel welcome, we’ve instituted and hosted a variety of Hispanic nights (Leamus Juntos, Noche Informativa, Multicultural Night) to increase participation with our growing Hispanic population (the majority of our 21% EL students). With 60% of our families at or near the poverty level, we also tailor our Title I events to our families’ specific needs, including providing transportation, altering times, and hosting events in the community in addition to the school setting.  

Adding STEM, Kindness, and Drama Clubs helps foster leadership and learning qualities not always seen in the classroom. These along with other student-centered programs, such as our 4th and 5th grade Breakfast Buddies mentors, allow students various outlets to share their passions. Instruction centers on real-world learning and providing  technology platforms as an additional means to demonstrate learning. 

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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