Haines Elementary School - Haines, AK

At the upper reaches of the Lynn Canal in Southeast Alaska a community of learners daily enters through a doorway above which is engraved, "I gu.aa yax k’wan." (Be strong. Have courage. Be honorable.) Because we in the Haines Borough Elementary School understand that what we believe, what we want, and what we know determine what we do, we focus on analyzing practices leading to the success of every child. Our students are premier examples of 21st Century Learners - students who think Critically to Collaborate, Connect and Communicate. Our teachers embed the essential skills into daily lessons that focus on the 4 Cs of the 21st Century Learner. The high student achievement levels being attained by students in our Haines Elementary School that includes grades K-8, provide the evidence that we are reaching the goals of our mission. Our students benefit from a variety of Best Practices that are evolving through Response to Intervention, as well as Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports protocols. We provide extended time; we deliver lessons that encourage 100% engagement; we offer differentiated scheduling to provide instruction at students’ instructional levels across grade levels. Our School Advisory Council is comprised of parents whose common purpose is to "foster a successful educational experience achieved through a strong partnership between a student’s home and school environments." Stressing the importance of team teaching through a healthy school and home connection is how we promote family engagement and strengthen our learning community. I gu.aa yax k’wan. Strength. Courage. Honor.