Avondale Elementary School - Canton, OH

Avondale Elementary School is a part of the Plain Local School District, which serves Plain Township and the northern part of Canton, Ohio. As one of six elementary schools in the system, Avondale has approximately 280 students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade, 42% of whom participate in the free and reduced lunch program.

At Avondale, success for all the students is achieved by setting high expectations, working collaboratively, developing good rapport with students, and empowering teachers to reach each child. Its dedicated teaching staff strives to design lessons that are differentiated, rigorous, and engaging.

Avondale has achieved a high level of success because it is delivering high quality core instruction centered on a framework that is developmentally appropriate, research-based, and instructionally sound. The Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and Professional Development structure that is a regular part of its schedule keeps the teachers focused on student growth and gives them time to learn about and discuss curriculum issues.

Avondale uses the i-Ready diagnostic program to screen students at the beginning of the year and three other times during the school year to monitor student progress. This permits the teachers to provide research-based intervention/enrichment and to monitor student progress on a regular basis. Its intervention/enrichment program consists of two thirty-five minute periods. One is called "Eagle" and the other "Plus More." During these two periods students receive specific skill intervention, skill review, or enrichment in both reading and math. This allows students to move forward without missing new grade level content.